As the streets get busier and other drivers on the road become more irrational, you need to make sure to be safe while you’re driving.
A dash cam is one of the most helpful tools that can offer safety and act as proof of your innocence in the case of an unfortunate accident.
A dash cam can protect you during accidents, record road trips, and provide peace of mind while your vehicle is parked. But not all dash cams are the same.
Knowing what features matter most can help you choose the right one for your needs. This guide walks you through the top dash cam features and helps you with what to look for in a dash cam when you’re planning to purchase one.
1080P Commercial Grade Driver Dash Camera (Expandable)
What to Look for in a Dash Cam?
Video resolution
High video resolution is one of the most important dash cam features. Look for at least 1080p full HD resolution.
This ensures clear recordings where license plates and road signs are readable. A clear video makes all the difference during an insurance claim or police report. Blurry or pixelated footage may not be usable as evidence.
If your budget allows, go for a dash cam that records in 1440p or 4K. These higher resolutions offer better detail, especially when zooming in on footage. This is a one-time investment and lasts for very long under normal usage.
Low light and night vision
A good dash cam should perform well even in low-light conditions. Look for one with night vision capabilities. Dash cams with larger sensors, wide apertures (like f/1.8), and infrared LEDs perform better at night.
Some cameras use advanced technologies like HDR or WDR. These help balance lighting when it’s too dark or too bright, making sure footage is visible at all times of the day.
Field of view
The field of view tells you how wide the camera can see. A wider view means the camera can capture more area ahead of and on the sides of your car. A field of view between 140 and 160 degrees is ideal. It covers several lanes without distorting the image too much.
Avoid cameras with extremely wide angles, like 180 degrees. While they show more of the scene, the video may appear stretched or warped at the edges.
Storage and loop recording
Dash cams typically use microSD cards to store captured videos. Loop recording lets the camera keep recording even when the storage is full. It does this by overwriting the oldest files.
Choose a dash cam that supports at least a 64GB or 128GB memory card. If you want to record in 4K or use multiple cameras, a 256GB card may be better. Make sure the memory card is high speed, rated U3 (or V30). Slow cards can cause skipped footage or camera errors.
G-sensor and emergency locking
A G-sensor detects sudden movement, such as a crash or hard braking. When this happens, the camera locks the video file so it doesn’t get erased. In cases of accidents, this is critical for keeping the footage safe. This is the footage that can be used as legal evidence.
Check if the dash cam lets you adjust the G-sensor’s sensitivity. You don’t want it to trigger every time you hit a pothole, but it should activate during a real impact.
Parking mode
Some dash cams offer parking mode, which records while your car is turned off. This is useful for identifying hit-and-run damage, vandalism, or theft.
There are different types of parking mode behaviour of dash cams. While some record only when motion is detected, others record when an impact is sensed. The best models offer buffered parking mode. This records several seconds before and after an event, giving a complete view of what happened.
To use parking mode, you may need to hardwire the camera to your car’s fuse box or use an external battery pack.
GPS tracking
Dash cams with GPS record your speed and location. This data appears on the video or in a software playback tool. It can be useful to prove your speed during an incident or show exactly where something happened.
Some models have built-in GPS. Others use an external GPS module that plugs into the camera. Either works fine, but built-in GPS in the dash cam features means fewer wires.
Rear and interior cameras
While a front-facing camera is a must for any dash cam, adding a rear camera gives you full coverage. It records what’s happening behind your car as well, which is helpful in rear-end collisions or parking lot incidents.
Interior cameras are useful for rideshare drivers or taxis for safety and more. These often have infrared night vision to capture activity inside the car even in total darkness.
These dual and triple camera systems may cost more than basic dash cams, but they offer complete protection from every angle.
Design and size
The best dash cams are small and discreet. Look for one that can mount behind the rearview mirror so it doesn’t block your view. Some models use adhesive mounts while others use suction cups. Adhesive mounts are more stable but harder to move.
Make sure the dash cam looks simple from the outside. A flashy or large model could attract thieves. Build quality also matters. Choose a model that can handle heat and cold, especially if you live in extreme climates.
App and wireless features
Modern dash cams often come with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This lets you connect the cam to your phone and view or download footage without having to remove the SD card. Some apps also let you adjust settings, check live video, or update firmware.
Make sure the app is easy to use and works with your device. A poor app experience can make even a great camera frustrating.
Cloud storage and emergency alerts
Premium dash cams offer cloud features. This means your footage is uploaded to the cloud automatically when the dash cam detects an event. In this case, even if someone steals or breaks your camera, the video is saved online and can be retrieved as needed.
Some models also have emergency alert systems. These can send your GPS location and a video clip to a family member or emergency contact.
Note: Cloud features often require a subscription, so check the costs before you buy. This is typically seen as a subscription and is an optional dash cam feature.
Voice control and safety features
Some dash cams come with voice control. This allows you to start recording, take a snapshot, or protect a clip using simple voice commands. It keeps your hands on the wheel and reduces distractions.
Other safety features include driver alerts, lane departure warnings, and forward collision warnings. While not always accurate, these extras can help during long drives or city traffic.
Legal considerations
Dash cams are legal throughout the U.S., but rules may vary from one state to another. Ensure to check them before installing a dash cam.
For example, in some areas, recording audio without consent is illegal. Mounting a camera on the windshield may also be restricted.
Make sure your camera is mounted in a legal location and that you understand how to use it within the law. Dash cam footage is often allowed as evidence, but only if collected properly.
Final Thoughts
A dash cam can make a big difference during unexpected events on the road. The best dash cam for you depends on your needs, driving habits, and budget. Look for the necessary features before making an informed decision.
When buying one, focus on video clarity, night vision, storage options, and safety features. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a road trip traveler, or a rideshare driver, choosing the right dash cam means you’re always protected.
Tadibrothers is a reliable car accessories store that offers everything that you’ll ever need for your vehicle-be it a car, truck, semi-truck, jeep, or any other. Shop for high-quality dash cams at the best prices today and drive with confidence.
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