Dash Cams Buyer’s Guide: What to Look For
Several reasons could drive the purchase of a dash cam, and as a result of that, each cause needs a certain feature to qualify the purchase.
If the dash cam is being used for a specific purpose, then the model or brand being bought must possess the feature of that purpose otherwise its purchase will be of no use.
These modifications account for the difference in price as well as the quality of the features.As a result of this, there are important specifications to consider before buying a dash cam.
The key features are:
- Recording Features
- Image Quality
- Single Or Dual Channel?
- G-sensor
- Motion Detection
- Lock File Button
- Auto ON/OFF
- Others like GPS,Wi-Fi, NFC
Recording Features
There are three options for storage when it comes to a dash cam: direct recording, loop recording, and detachable SD card. In the case of removable storage, the user has the option of reviewing the footage and keeping or deleting it to clear up storage space.
Loop recording, on the other hand, explains away any worries about not being able to capture events due to lack of storage space because the camera is set to record new footage over any unmarked.
The loop recording ensures that manual resetting is not needed by simply marking a particular timeframe to save its recording and the loop feature skips over it when recording. Other models come with recording features utilizing impact and motion detection features.
These features sense movement or any form of impact on the vehicle thereby triggering the record feature of the camera. This is then noted in the history of the camera for later perusal by the owner. In the event where evidence is needed, this can come in handy and in the case of loop recording, simply marking it keeps it from getting deleted.
Image Quality
There are different cameras out there with different resolutions and capture quality. Having a dash cam with an HD capture translates to having a more detailed image. It brings about sharper and clearer quality in the images recorded by the camera.
A lot of models have high-definition capture, but it always pays to check if they are the good resolution (720p, 1080p or above).
Some cameras are susceptible to lighting issues and offer different image qualities at day time and night time as a result; different models have features that are useful in working better at these different instances.
Single Or Dual Channel?
Another decision that needs to be made involves you prefer a forward facing camera that directs footage from only the windshield (single) or would you prefer a camera that covers both the front and the rear of the car (dual).
Having the rear camera facing the back mimics the type found in taxi cabs as a part of the interior, or it can be placed on the rear window to record footage of the car.
In the case of trucks and other automobiles that lack rear windows, a simple solution would be to acquire a weatherproof rear camera that can be placed outside the vehicle and not harmed by the forces of the weather.
It is important to note that the choice of getting a single channel camera or a dual channel camera is often affected by what the budget allows for. The dual channel dash cams happen to be more expensive than the single channel due to the type of feature they offer.
Although there are some cheap dual dash cams that can be found at the same price of a single, it is best to avoid those as you never know the type of quality you can get.
High-quality dual cam comes within the price range of $200-$500. To get an idea of what the single and dual channel cams offer, the above listed ten best dual cams of 2020 should give you an idea.
G-sensor
The g-sensor is the abbreviated name for the gravity sensor feature of the dash cam. It is a very useful feature as it is triggered by any collision or impact caused by a sudden braking movement.
If an event like that where to happen, the dash cam takes note of it by marking it in the footage for keeping, so it does not get overwritten during loop recording.
Motion Detection
Most times, the motion detection sensors are confused for gravity sensors.
Although their functions are somewhat similar, they still differ in the sense that the motion detectors are used during parking mode to detect events that occur within the proximity of the vehicle.
Lock File Button
The lock file button sometimes referred to as emergency or panic button is a button available on the camera for the express purpose of marking video footage for safe keeping preventing deletion during looping.
This means that video files can be saved by simply activating the feature of the button with a simple touch. This does away with the need to scroll through a menu for the feature.
Although the modern-day dash cams have the gravity sensor for situations like collisions and jolt to save the footage, the lock file button does not need a scenario like that before it can be activated thereby the video can be saved any time.
Auto ON/OFF
Most if not all dash cams have this feature. It is a good feature to look out for when purchasing a dash cam as it does not require manual starting by the user. All that is needed to power it on or off is to turn on the vehicle and it automatically boots.
For people who tend to forget things, this is a handy feature. It also helps in situations where evidence is needed on accidents, and you do not have to panic about realizing that the camera was not turned on.
Others
Apart from good image quality and recording features, there are other important features that a dash cam should have such as GPS, NFC, and built-in Wi-Fi.
Having the GPS not only makes it easy to locate different spots but it can also tag other things like speed, location and route and saving it in the video history. In situations where you need to trace back routes or recall where you were on a certain day, you can easily keep track of going through the video history.
Shortcuts and favorite routes can also be saved on memory by simply programming them into the cam. Events can also be combines into feed for playback at one’s convenience.
The others such as Wi-Fi and NFC rely heavily on the size of your budget. Having either one of the two ensures connectivity to various traffic highlights on the routes being traveled as well helping to gain information on the nearest gas station or garage.
Having these features cannot be considered a necessity but the make the process of driving convenient. Regardless of what is being looked for in a dash cam, there is a wide range of options available in the modern day market to suit the need of any individual.
