Dashcam: essential for cars
Dash cam: essential for car is an onboard camera installed in the vehicle to record road and driver. Its main purpose is to increase road safety by minimizing accidents. The primary role of a dash cam is to serve as the silent witness in traffic collisions; it must have been designed correctly to capture every aspect that occurs on road even more so if you take place these scenarios while out and about. Dashcam nowadays are serving as witnesses to the accident and helping in solving a case.
As I mentioned in the previous post about dash cams, a video camera that installs on the inside of your car. It records non stop whats happening outside / inside the car.
Importenace of dashcam
You may not realize it, but dash cams are important. Even though the price tag on dash cams may seem a little high, they really so mauch money in return- not only saving drivers from car crashes but also leaks too. You can never put a price on peace of mind that your silent witness is constantly watching over and keeping an eye out for you in the parking lot while you are away.
“I’m a good driver, I never have accidents.”
This is the most common excuse for not getting a dash cam. Even if you have a perfect driving record, not everyone drives well and accidents happen. The dash cam was never meant to be an accident prevention device, but rather a recording device so that in the event of an accident, you have an unbiased record of what happened.
Insurance companies and law enforcement are more than willing to receive dash cam footage as it gives a clear picture of what happened. Protect yourself from unnecessary trouble and nonsense – getting a dash cam is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your vehicle.
You don’t even have to be seriously injured or have your vehicle seriously damaged for the finger-pointing game to begin. It’s always better to have a dash cam and be on the safe side than to have no video evidence at all.
“I don’t drive enough to need a dash cam. I already have a car alarm.”
Just because your vehicle is off the road doesn’t mean it’s safe. Many types of accidents happen when you’re not near your vehicle – scratches, dents, hit-and-runs, vandalism, and theft. It can be very frustrating to find your vehicle scratched or seriously damaged, knowing that it was perfectly intact when you left.
Yes, the basic idea behind a car alarm system is to deter thieves and carjackers, but we all know they don’t prevent violent car break-ins. The car alarm going off all night in the neighborhood has become so common that we’ve blocked it out entirely.
Don’t be left wondering, take advantage of dash cam parking monitoring features. Dash cams don’t have to stop recording just because you turn off the engine. These dash cams are designed to give you the peace of mind you need anytime, anywhere – you can access all the data remotely from the privacy of your home using your smartphone, tablet or computer.
“I know enough to never fall victim to insurance fraud.”
We’ve all seen the numerous videos of drivers purposely causing traffic accidents or pedestrians trying to get hit by oncoming traffic to extort money from the supposed victim and insurance companies. They may be funny to watch, but they’re no laughing matter if they’ve happened to you. Scammers have many ways to trick you in one way or another.
Think you’re immune just because you don’t live in countries plagued by scams? Auto insurance fraud happens right here too! In North America, auto insurance fraud is estimated to cost taxpayers more than $1.6 billion a year . And did you know that Miami, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, and Philadelphia are among the top cities where staged accident scams occur ?
Don’t let scammers take advantage of you for something you didn’t even do.
Possible Insurance Fraud Caught on Camera.
Types of Dash Cams
Dash cams come in various types, ranging from budget-friendly models to advanced options packed with features. Here are some common types:
- Basic Dash Cams: These offer continuous recording with memory card storage and basic playback capabilities.
- Wi-Fi Dash Cams: These cameras integrate with your smartphone or tablet, allowing easy access to recordings through a wireless connection.
- GPS Dash Cams: Equipped with GPS, these cameras record your vehicle’s speed and location during incidents, adding another layer of protection.
Key Features to Consider
When choosing a dash cam, consider the following settings:
- Trip Images: Default settings capture a still image at the start and end of each trip, with options for periodic uploads.
- Camera Identification: Advanced models use facial recognition to link vehicle activity with specific drivers.
- Recording Options: Features like extended recording time and parking mode allow for continuous surveillance even when your vehicle is stationary.
- Audio Recording: Depending on local regulations, you can enable audio alongside video capture for comprehensive evidence.
What to Consider When Purchasing a Best Dash Cam
Dash cameras come in all shapes and sizes and at price points from sub-$50 to well over $500. Deciding why you want a dash cam, what features you need, and how much you want to spend will determine which dash cam you should buy.
Before you decide to pony up for a pricey dash cam—or, conversely, a less expensive model without all the bells and whistles—there are a ton of important factors to consider.
Storage
Here’s the Dirty Little Secret about dash cams: Many are worthless right out of the box. After all, what good is a dash cam if you can’t provide its footage to investigators later (or upload it to YouTube or CrashDashes)? Dash cams are generally too small to feature internal storage, so they require some sort of external memory, such as a micro SD card, to save footage.
Problem is, most don’t come with said memory card included; you need to buy it separately or upgrade to a bundle that includes one. Always check to see if the model you’re considering requires and comes with a memory card, and purchase one if necessary so you can use the dash cam right away.
Pro tip: Since most card-based dash cams typically overwrite older footage when storage capacity is reached, we recommend purchasing a high-capacity memory card anyway to safeguard against accidental deletion.
On the flip side, many modern dash cams utilize cloud storage, which uploads data to a server for remote storage. Cloud-based dashboard cameras generally require an additional subscription cost and connection to a smartphone or Wi-Fi signal at varying intervals, but eliminate the need for memory cards and allow access to footage at any time, as long as your subscription is active.
Resolution and Quality
A dash camera’s quality significantly affects the ability to retrieve detailed information later. Image quality hinges on sensor size, dynamic range, lens material and design, and image processing. If you’d like to read a more detailed breakdown of how these elements impact image quality and what you should look for to get the best image possible, we break it down with an in-depth analysis below.
Features
Newer dash cams often come loaded with additional features like GPS, emergency service alerts, and radar detectors. More features usually come with a higher price tag; bundling optional features such as interior cabin cameras can be a more practical approach to “all the bells and whistles.”
However, the modern gadgets that many of us own and use, such as phones and radar detectors, already offer some of these features. There are also some really good built-in systems, such as those from Tesla or Rivian, which might render dash cams obsolete in just a few years. Decide what you need from a dash cam before you buy one.
Safety Features
If you drive an older car, consider a dash cam loaded with integrated safety features, such as those often found standard in new vehicles. For instance, Garmin dash cams offer lane-departure warnings, while some Nextbase models can automatically call for help in case of an accident.
Applicable fleets:
This device is suitable for various fleets, including logistics transportation fleets (e.g. cargo trucks, delivery vehicles), passenger transportation fleets (e.g. long-distance buses, shuttles), public transportation vehicles (e.g. buses, taxis), construction vehicles (e.g. heavy trucks, excavators, bulldozers) and rental vehicles (e.g. rental cars, vans, trucks). It helps to monitor vehicle location and driving conditions in real time, improving safety, optimizing management and ensuring efficient operations.
Best GPS Dash Cam with Speed Recording in 2024
1. YUWEI (China)
– Model: V8N Dash Cam
– Additional features: Supports GPS and BDS positioning, 4G/5G, WiFi communication, night vision, ADAS and DMS systems, with IP68 rating.
– Advantages: It offers the lowest price among similar dash cams and benefits from Chinese manufacturing.
– Cons: Certified only by US FCC, EU CE, E-mark, and UKCA standards.
hnweb_CHINA YUWEI Dash Cam
2. Lytx (US)
– Model: DriveCam
– Extra feature: Real-time event upload over 4G/5G.
– Pros: Comprehensive fleet management platform with AI-powered incident detection.
– Cons: Higher cost, primarily designed for large fleets.
Lytx Dash Cam
3. Garmin (US)
– Model: Dash Cam 67W
– Extra feature: Voice control for hands-free operation.
– Pros: Wide-angle lens, compact design, and built-in GPS.
– Cons: Limited ADAS features compared to the competition.
Garmin Dash Cam
4. Thinkware (South Korea)
– Model: F800 Pro
– Extra feature: Cloud storage for video backup.
– Pros: High-quality video, reliable ADAS alerts, and built-in WiFi.
– Cons: No built-in 4G, so requires an external hotspot for remote access.
Thinkware Dash Cam
5. BlackVue (South Korea)
– Model: DR900X-2CH
– Extra feature: Cloud event notification.
– Pros: 4K recording, cloud connectivity, and strong ADAS/DMS integration.
– Cons: It’s expensive and requires a stable internet connection.
BlackVue Dash Cam
6. Samsara (United States)
– Model: CM32 Dual-Sided AI Dash Cam
– Extra feature: Real-Time AI-Based Driver Coaching.
– Pros: Dual cameras, real-time alerts, and integration with fleet management software.
– Cons: Requires a subscription for cloud services.
Samsara Dash Cam
7. AxelGuard (India)
– Model: S2 AI Dashcam
– Extra feature: Driver identification using facial recognition.
– Pros: Advanced DSM features and versatile I/O options.
– Cons: Limited warranty on certain components.
AxelGuard Dash Cam
8. Nextbase (UK)
– Model: 622GW
– Extra feature: Emergency SOS with location tracking.
– Pros: High-resolution video, Alexa integration, and image stabilization.
– Cons: Expensive and lacks extensive DMS capabilities.
Nextbase Dash Cam
9. Mio (Taiwan)
– Model: MiVue 798 Pro
– Bonus feature: Built-in speed camera alerts with database updates.
– Pros: WiFi connectivity and excellent video clarity.
– Cons: Interface may be less intuitive for some users.
mio dash cam
10. Zubie (United States)
– Model: Dash Cam Pro with GPS tracker
– Bonus feature: Built-in OBD-II for vehicle diagnostics.
– Pros: Easy installation, GPS tracking with vehicle status monitoring and real-time alerts.
– Cons: Subscription required for full functionality.
Setting up a dash cam for the first time
It is advisable to place the piece of equipment relatively high and away from your line of sight. If a dashcam can be installed somewhere on the car, it would be the best idea to put it near the rearview mirror at the center of the windshield. In doing so, do ensure that the forwards view is not blocked but the camera and its buttons are visible and within easy reach.
You can also check for laws in some states before applying anything on the windshield or decals. Also, skipping the car wash is not a good idea. Attempts to make video footage with a low camera would be of no help as the unsightly glass will always be able to obscure the image.
Never allow any excess cables hanging. The dashcam is powered by a long cord that is usually employed to plug into a car’s 12 Volt socket. A decent place to hide the cord is beneath the molding that is between the windshield and the liner along the passenger side. From that area, run the wire down the side of the windshield and the A-pillar. After that, the wire will go to the side of the dash and the dash’s bottom level.
It’s not particularly difficult or impossible to secure the cord but it may take some time. Many cams include small zip ties that stick to the glass and keep the cord in place as well as a wedge that can help the user tuck the cord behind the trim or molding. This video demonstrated how to do it clean and nice.
Have a power plan. If your charger doesn’t have an additional built-in USB-A port, and you want to be able to charge a phone or other device while the in use, you have a few options.
If the camera’s power cord unplugs from its adapter, you could plug it into a multiport USB car charger, which leaves a port open for other devices. If not, you could use a 12-volt splitter; in our testing, we had success with these three-outlet splitters. You can use your car’s USB ports, but they need to be fairly high-powered.
for instance, requires at least 2 amps. Modern cars often have at least one 2.4-amp port, which will work. If you try this and have issues with the camera shutting off, it might be because it’s not getting enough power from the USB port. In that case, you’ll need to use a 12v adapter.
Consider direct wiring. Most dash-cam companies also sell hardwire kits that can connect directly to a vehicle’s fuse box. With most cars, this is the only way to get power to the camera when the car is off, so you can use the dash cam’s parking mode.
If you’re comfortable doing basic automotive wiring and using a circuit tester, you can easily hardwire the dash cam to the fuse box yourself. But any car-stereo shop (and some big-box retailers like Best Buy) can do it for you. If you go this route, consider getting some kind of battery trickle charger, since the camera can wear down your battery if you don’t drive the car every day. Some models will have a low-voltage cutoff so they don’t drain your battery completely.
conclusion
The best dash cam integrates high-definition recording with dual front and rear cameras for real-time monitoring inside and outside the vehicle. It includes safety algorithms that detect dangerous driving and issue alerts, reporting incidents to a management platform. Supports location and route uploads, providing video review and improving management efficiency.
Benefits of Using a Dash Cam
Capturing Scenic Drives: Dash cams can also be used to record beautiful landscapes during road trips, preserving memories of your travels.
Accident Evidence: One of the primary benefits of a dash cam is that it provides clear video evidence in the event of an accident. This can be crucial for insurance claims and legal disputes.
Deterrence Against Fraud: Knowing a dash cam is recording can deter fraudulent claims, such as staged accidents. This can save you from potential financial loss and legal hassle.
Protection Against Vandalism: Many dash cams have a parking mode that records while your vehicle is parked. This can help catch vandals or thieves in the act.
Monitoring Teen Drivers: Parents can use dash cams to monitor their teen drivers’ behavior on the road, ensuring they are practicing safe driving habits.
Conclusion
Investing in a dash cam can provide peace of mind while driving. With the right features, you can protect yourself from accidents, fraud, and even capture the beauty of your journeys. Whether you’re a daily commuter or an adventurous road tripper, a dash cam is a smart addition to your vehicle.