We have all seen “dashboard camera” videos on Youtube and on TV. Previously only police cars had them installed, but as dashboard camera prices have dropped, ordinary people have started installing them in their vehicles.
What is a dashboard camera?
A dash cam is a video camera mounted in a vehicle. Most dash cams record both audio and video continuously. These cameras are sometimes called Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) or In Car Cameras. The vast majority of dash cams are actually mounted on the windshield not on the dash. Most of the cameras are forward facing but some dual lens cameras (front and back) are gaining popularity as well.
There are 2 features that differentiate a dash cam from a traditional video camera:
1. Auto start and auto stop. A dash camera must have the ability to start recording when it receives power and stop recording when power is removed. This is typically done via the cars cigarette lighter power adapter but it could be hard wired.
2. Continuous looping / cycle function. A dash camera must have the ability to delete the oldest file and continue recording when the memory card fills up.If the camera you are considering does not have these 2 functions, it is not a dash camera.
There are so many dash cams on the market right now, it is often difficult to choose the best camera. Here is what you should look for:
This typically is the number 1 criteria for selecting a dash cam. When purchasing a dash cam, it is important to get one that shoots in high definition (720p or 1080p). You can get a decent HD camera for $60. If you spend less and get a non-HD camera, you will likely be disappointed with the quality. Some vendors are not truthful regarding video quality or are selling fakes.
When it comes to dash cams, having a discreet camera is key. This means a very small size, ideally that can be mounted behind the rear view mirror. Another factor is color. Black is the least noticeable color for a dash cam and often blends in with the rear view mirror. We are not sure why manufacturers produce dash cams in any color other than black!
The smallest dash cams usually don’t have screens but this typically is not a major issue for most people.
Another important factor to consider is reliability. If many users are having serious problems with a dash cam (sensor burning, blurry picture, recording hangs), you should look elsewhere. Look for cameras that can withstand high temperatures, especially if you will be using the dash cam in parking mode. Unfortunately reliability information is difficult to gather. We have attempted to provide reliability information based on real user feedback. We regularly update this information as we capture more owner feedback.
Many dash cams advertise what processor the camera is based on. The processor is the CPU of the camera. While the processor is important, the quality of the CMOS sensor and lens are key as well. This is why different dash cams with the same processor can have dramatically different video quality.
