9 Things to Consider Before Buying a Dash Cam

Price Range What You Can Expect  $30-$60 Features may vary depending on the model but expect the basics. A built-in display, p recording resolution, parking monitoring, automatic loop recording, and auto-saving footage when impacts are detected. Higher-cost models may also feature night or low-light vision, voice control, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Should also include a mounting arm.  $60-$100 Support for SD cards, wider angled lenses, up to p resolution, better protection against extreme temperatures, and possibly cloud storage options depending on the model. Best as a lower-cost, general-purpose dash cam. $100-$300 Can offer up to 4K Ultra and built-in GPS functions, along with extra recording modes like time-lapse or slow motion. Can support larger SD card storage sizes, automatic Wi-Fi video uploads, and remove video feed viewing. Higher priced models may also be able to cover multiple angles (front, inside, rear), provide alerts if the vehicle starts to veer off-road, or even offer infrared night vision. Primarily for those who want even higher video resolution and storage capacity. $300+ The most bells-and-whistles, though not strictly necessary for the average driver. 4K recording, image stabilization, possible de-fogging features, driver assistance, and alerts for upcoming speed traps or red light cameras.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website VISSONIC.

The first two tiers, between $30 and $100, are the best suited for someone who wants the added security of a dash cam but doesn't want to start with anything too complicated or expensive.

Image Quality

Dash cams can come with a range of bells and whistles, but perhaps the most important thing to consider is the overall quality of the actual camera. Higher-quality cameras produce a better picture&#;which can be very helpful if you need to see different details after an accident or other incidents.

Here are the specs to keep in mind regarding camera image quality:

• Resolution
• Field-of-View
• Frame Rates
• Night Vision

Resolution

The first metric you'll likely notice when buying a camera of any kind is its resolution.

The camera's resolution is expressed by the number of vertical pixels in an image. If a camera is p, then there are 1,080 pixels vertically. A p camera has 1,440 pixels vertically. And a p camera has 2,160 pixels vertically.

Generally speaking, more pixels is always better. We recommend buying a camera with at least a p resolution, but if you can afford a higher resolution (i.e., 4K), that's the way to go.

Field of View

A camera's field of view is how wide the camera can see, which can vary greatly. Cameras with a wide field of view allow the user to see much more at any moment. Of course, there are trade-offs to that. When a camera's field of view is too broad, this can affect image quality because the pixels are spread out a little more.

Unfortunately, manufacturers of dash cams aren't the best at providing details about field-of-view. On top of that, there isn't a standard measurement. Some manufacturers, for example, offer a horizontal measurement, while others inflate their numbers by providing a diagonal measurement.

We recommend seeing if you can find screenshots of footage from the camera before buying one, paying particular attention to details on the side and how detailed the image is. If you think the camera would be able to capture everything you want, then it'll probably do just fine.

Frame Rates

Because dash cams take video, frame rates are a consideration. Generally, most dash cams offer a frame rate of 30 frames per second (fps). That's a standard frame rate and one that will be perfectly fine for the vast majority of users.

Some dash cams, however, step things up to 60fps. The result of this is a much smoother video capture. That's perfect for sports capture, but we don't think it's a necessary feature for dash cams. On top of that, footage captured at 60fps takes up twice the storage space, meaning you'll only get half as much footage before your storage runs out, and you have to either replace old footage or buy new storage cards.

If the dash cam you want offers 60fps capture anyway, it might be a nice bonus for some, especially if you can toggle it on and off. Still, we don't recommend spending extra for this feature, considering it won't make much of a difference in most situations and may do more damage considering the amount of storage it takes up.

Night Vision

One last feature to consider is night vision, also known as low light vision, which could be very helpful for some drivers&#;especially those who drive a lot at night. After all, your camera could essentially be useless if it&#;s overly dark and there isn&#;t sufficient light for the camera to pick up. This means that night vision could be the difference between being able to prove innocence in an accident or not.

Night vision ensures that even in dark situations, your footage has enough detail to make out what&#;s going on. Footage may not look as colorful as it would during the day, but that hardly matters when you only need to see the license plate of the person who hit you.

Battery

Most dash cams run on your car's power, so they'll be on when you turn your car on, and they'll turn off when your car gets turned off. Some dash cams, however, have a built-in battery, meaning that you don't necessarily have to keep your vehicle on to use the dash cam.

For most, this is an unnecessary feature. However, some might want a dash cam that they can use to record after they've parked their car in a public lot.

Unfortunately, the vast majority of dash cams have short battery life. An alternative is to use a sports camera like a GoPro as a dash cam. GoPros have batteries designed to last a lot longer. However, you'll be limited to manually recording, and they don't have features like a G-Sensor.

Storage and Footage Protection

Video footage can take up a lot of storage, so choose a dash cam with enough storage.

For starters, some dash cams will have a little storage built into them, meaning that you won't have to worry about managing external storage if you don't want to. Dash cam storage usually starts at around 4GB, though you may want more than that if you're storing more than a few days of footage.

However, most dash cams will offer an SD card slot, where you can insert a MicroSD card for storing your footage. Some dash cams will come with a MicroSD card, though others may not, and you'll have to buy one separately. When doing so, you'll want to check the amount of storage that your dash cam supports. We recommend getting a MicroSD card with at least 64GB of storage to ensure you can record enough footage.

Sometimes, you don&#;t realize you need recorded footage until after the fact. Since some dash cams record over old footage on a loop, it may be gone when you need it. Thankfully, however, many dash cams protect against writing over the footage.

The G-Sensor is the most common protection against writing over the footage, a sensor that can detect a sudden change in motion and tell the dash cam to save footage of that incident. For many dash cams, that type of footage is locked and won&#;t be overwritten, which is helpful if you need to access the footage later.

Of course, don&#;t rely entirely on the G-Sensor. If you&#;re in a terrible accident that damages the memory card inside the dash cam, you may be out of luck, but doing such damage to the memory card would be a rare occurrence.

Suction or Adhesive Mounting?

When you get your dash cam, you&#;ll need to mount it to your car somehow, and there are a few ways to do that. Dash cams can go on the dashboard or the windshield, depending on the model. That&#;s helpful for those who might not want to clutter up their dash or already have a mount on it.

Generally speaking, dash cams mount to the dash or windshield through a suction mount, and those suction mounts are pretty strong. Some use an adhesive that sticks to the dash or windshield. These can be a little trickier to deal with because they&#;re harder to unstick and move, and they can sometimes leave a little adhesive when you decide to unstick the mount. Still, there is an advantage to using an adhesive mount, and an adhesive mount generally doesn&#;t require as much space. So if you have limited space to mount your dash cam, it may be the better option.

Wireless Connectivity

We live in an era of smart devices, so it makes sense to have dash cams that can connect to the internet or your through something like Bluetooth.

There are many advantages to wireless connectivity on your dash cam. For starters, if your camera can connect to your through Bluetooth, you may be able to do things like manage footage, edit the settings for your dash cam, and more. Then, you don&#;t have to mess around with a tiny built-in screen on your camera or dig around poorly designed menus.

Internet connectivity can add a host of other features to your dash cam. For example, you could upload footage captured by your dash cam directly to the cloud and stream it to a or computer.

Some dash cams also communicate with your through Wi-Fi, yielding similar results to Bluetooth connectivity. You can download and view footage from your when connected through Wi-Fi.

But what do we recommend? Bluetooth connectivity will be more than enough for most people who want added features and connectivity options. If you don&#;t mind dealing with settings on the actual dash cam itself and are good at managing file storage, you may not need any extra connectivity.

GPS

Just like Bluetooth connectivity, GPS can add some extra features and functionality to your dash cam, even though it&#;s probably not a feature you necessarily need.

With GPS connectivity, you&#;ll be able to log the speed and location of your car along with the footage, and that extra data could help figure out a dispute.

Of course, GPS connectivity isn&#;t only helpful for your dash cam &#; it&#;s also beneficial if you&#;re buying a dash cam for a company or work vehicle that others might drive. With built-in GPS, you&#;ll be able to track the car and monitor driver habits, which helps deal with employees internally, and if they get into an accident of some kind.

While GPS isn&#;t necessarily that important for most users, it might be helpful for others. If you like the idea of being able to track your car or log location and speed data, then look for a dash cam with GPS.

Built-In Display

While some dash cams connect to your to access the camera's settings, others have a built-in display. Through this display, you'll be able to review footage, adjust controls, and more.

Built-In Display.

Generally speaking, larger displays will make it easier to see details in footage and scroll through menus, but don't expect to get a smartphone-quality display on your dash cam. These displays typically fall between two and three inches, so if you want one with a larger display, look for something around the three-inch mark. They're usually bright enough LCDs to see during the day, which is helpful for those who might need to change a setting.

Bonus Features

Some dash cams come with other features that may not be as essential as image quality or GPS functionality but are still useful. In some instances, they may even be a requirement for what you hope to get out of your dash camera.

Audio Recording

While video is the most important thing to capture, some might also want to capture audio. It can help record conversations during traffic stops, audio around the car, etc. Generally speaking, an audio recording doesn&#;t add too much extra to the cost of a dash cam, which is good news.

Driver Monitoring

Not all dash cams have one camera; some have two. While most people probably only need to record what&#;s happening outside the car, some people &#; like Uber and Lyft drivers, for example &#; may want to record what&#;s happening inside the car too. To that end, some dash cams have one camera sensor pointing out the windshield and one pointing into the car.

This type has a few disadvantages, though it could be worth it for some. For starters, double the footage means double the storage space. If you get a dash cam with driver monitoring, we recommend getting an SD card with more storage than you think you&#;ll need.

Want more information on auto tracking camera system? Feel free to contact us.

The other disadvantage to driver monitoring is cost. Adding an extra camera sensor to the device adds to the overall cost of the dash cam, especially if you&#;re going for relatively high-quality camera sensors in the first place.

Auto-Start

A dash cam that automatically starts recording when you&#;re in motion can be helpful.

With auto-start, when you turn on your car and the camera powers on, it&#;ll automatically start recording. Then, when the vehicle turns off, the camera will turn itself off.

For those who are good at remembering to start and stop recording, this is simply a matter of convenience. But for those who might easily forget to wake up their camera, it could be a matter of capturing an accident or not.

Loop Recording

Loop recording ensures that the dash cam will continue capturing footage even when your storage card runs out of space. How does it do this? Essentially by recording over old footage. Once the storage card fills up, new footage overwrites older footage. Thus you'll either want to get ahold of footage from an accident as soon as possible or buy a big memory card that can hold lots of footage before it starts deleting.

It's a handy feature and means you don't have to worry about managing your dash cam's storage, which could get annoying.

Dash Cam Variations

There are three primary categories of dash cam you can get for your car: Basic, Advanced, and Dual-Camera.

• Basic dash cams do the job of capturing video of the road ahead of your vehicle and are both the most affordable option and easiest type of dash cam to set up. They tend to be more limited in overall scope with a simple loop-recording setup and usually don't have as much storage capacity as more advanced options.
• Advanced dash cams cost more than basic models, but they also offer more. These dash cams include more options over basic models&#;such as GPS functionality, the ability to record audio, accelerometers to detect sudden stops or impacts, and speed sensors. They're capable of providing more protection (or at least better data for future purposes) than their less expensive brethren. Some even offer uninterruptible power supplies that will keep recording even after the car is turned off or the power goes out for some other reason.
• Dual-camera dash cams (also called Interior/Exterior dash cams) generally build on the features of advanced cams but with the added benefit of using two cameras instead of one. The benefit to this is you'll have a camera covering the road, and another covering the vehicle's interior. Having an additional camera angle can be useful in an accident, but it can also help with theft. Additionally, some dual-camera dash cams offer driver monitoring, which can assess the state of the driver and issue warnings if they appear to be dozing off or otherwise having trouble.

Who Should Buy a Dash Cam?

A dash cam can be useful to just about anyone driving a vehicle if the right situation arises, though it's not strictly a requirement for everyone. Still, if you drive a car or truck and think a dash cam could come in handy (or even if you just think it would be cool), and you can afford it, there's no harm in getting one.

Though dash cams could be particularly helpful if you plan to work as a rideshare driver, or if you otherwise have concerns about your safety while on the road. Likewise, a dash cam won't act as a deterrent to the theft or damage of a parked vehicle, but the footage could be useful after the fact.

What Should I Do After I Buy a Dash Cam?

The first thing to do after buying a dash cam is to install it. Figure out a good location for it inside your car, and make sure it isn't in a spot that will obstruct your vision while driving. After that, familiarize yourself with its options and functions, figure out what settings you want to try to start out with, and then adjust as needed after trying it out for a bit.

While you may be excited to test out your new dash cam, remember it's primarily intended to be used for your own safety and security. Chances are you'll mostly just have mundane travel footage to review after a few days or weeks, but it's a good idea to get used to the process of accessing and reviewing your recordings.

More Tips

Simply put, there's more to keep in mind when buying a new dash cam than you probably thought initially, but hopefully, now that you understand all the different options, buying one will be a little easier.

If you're more confused than ever, we have a few pointers. For those simply looking for a decent dash cam to capture what's happening around them, we recommend a p dash cam with Wi-Fi connectivity, auto-start, and loop recording. You probably won't need features like driver monitoring unless you're also worried about what's going on inside your car. But no matter what you're looking for from a dash cam, you shouldn't have difficulty finding one that works for you and your needs.

FAQ

• How can I hide a dash cam wire?

  One of the best ways to hide your dash cam wire without modifying anything is to tuck it into the crevice between the windshield and the dashboard.

• How can I tell if a car's dash cam is on?

  Car dash cams come with an LED light that will light up during recording. The LED color may be different depending on the dash cam model but is typically either red or green.

• Do car insurance companies offer discounts when I install a dash cam?

  Currently, no major automotive insurance companies in the US offer discounts for dash cams. However, footage from a dash cam can help to prove you weren't at fault during an accident, which will help keep your rates from going up.

The best dash cam for safety, security or just recording curiosities that happen on the road will depend on a few key features. It's hard to choose since there are so many dash cams on the market, most from brands you don't know. Here are my tips on how to choose the right one in a sea of generally good ones. 

First, think about your budget: You can spend tens to hundreds of dollars on a dash cam, but start with a rough idea of what your reason for having one is worth. If you want to record evidence of a crash you're involved in, that's easily worth hundreds of dollars; If you just want to capture the occasional YouTube moment, that might warrant spending less than $100.

Read more: Best Dash Cam Deals

Then realize that all dash cams have the same core purpose that makes them unique among digital cameras: They record live (not time lapse) video as you drive, running in a continuous loop, the "length" of which varies by the amount of storage in the cam. Every feature beyond that is optional and, often, superfluous.

Basic Dash Cam Tips

• Get a big SD card. The bigger the card, the longer that "loop" of recorded video you can mine for a clip you want to save. Memory cards are cheap, so buy the largest one your camera can handle. How much video a given card size will hold is determined by the specs of the camera as each will use different levels of video resolution and file compression: It's not possible to say that xx GB of storage will hold xx hours of video across all cams. Some dash cams come with a card, but it's usually a scrawny one so plan on buying your own. I'd avoid dash cams that only use internal memory and don't allow you to insert your own card, for capacity and convenience reasons.
  
• Look for stable 4K recording. 4K may seem like overkill in a little device, but it allows you to better zoom in on details in a video clip and read small text like license plate numbers. Clips from a lesser p HD cam might turn to mush when you do that. Bonus points for a cam that couples 4K recording with image stabilization.
• Decide which views you want. All dash cams record the "over the hood" forward view but if you're a rideshare driver you may also want a view of the people in the cabin with you (but see my notes on audio recording below). If you're more concerned about evidence when you're rear-ended you might want a cam that supports an additional rear window lens and records what's behind your car. Some cams, like the Vantrue N4, let you record all three.
• Know that dash cams cut both ways. If you get in an accident with another driver, a visible dash camera is a sign that you have evidence. The other person may mention it to their insurance company, and attorneys may demand a copy of what you've recorded. That could go badly if you were in the wrong, but don't get in the habit of destroying recorded evidence that is known or discoverable. This is an argument for using the smallest, least noticeable dash cam -- like the Garmin Mini2.
• Think about audio. When looking for the best dash cams, consider whether they have audio recording but, more importantly, make sure you can turn it off. Some states have two-party consent laws you'll violate if you use a cam to record the voices of casual carpoolers, Uber and Lyft customers, or friends and family in your car who aren't aware of the recording. And know that when an accident happens, spontaneous remarks like "Oh no, I didn't even see him" can damn you in litigation if there's video. I personally suggest turning off dash cam microphones, though users interested in recording interactions with law enforcement may disagree.
• Cams increasingly rely on phones. It's not a trend I like, but more dash cams rely on apps as the screens rather than having a built-in one. You know how clunky it can be to reconnect to anything that talks to your via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, so bear that in mind when deciding on a dash cam without its own screen. On the other hand, some of the new -reliant dash cams also use that connection to upload clips to the cloud through your , which is a nice feature... as long as you pay attention to how much of your data plan it's using.
• Scrutinize the mount. All dash cams come with a windshield mount, but they vary widely in adhesive type, size and occasionally, essential technology built into the mount like a GPS antenna. These factors determine if a cam is easy to move from car to car, if it's going to be big and ungainly, or whether it may block more of your view and potentially run afoul of your local laws on dash cam mounting.
• Don't get bamboozled by bells and whistles. The main reason for a dash cam is recording video. Many cams are trying to differentiate themselves in a crowded market with features like AI driver assistance alerts, cloud backup, voice commands and supercapacitor power sources. None of these are key to getting a great dash cam. On the other hand, new features like AI fog removal or a glare-reducing polarizer built into the lens, both found on cams I recommend, are useful innovations in the main job of recording solid video.
• Dress the cable. Every dash cam needs a power cable and nothing looks worse than having it messily hang down to your 12V outlet in the dash. That also screams out to passing thieves that you have something worth stealing in your car. Take the time to tuck the cable into crevices and gaps in your interior trim as it snakes its way down to the dash. Many cams come with a simple little plastic "butter knife" that aids in tucking the cable, if not, just use a real butter knife.

With the latest and greatest features, even the best dash cams are generally inexpensive given the important role they serve and they're perhaps the best gift you can give to anyone who drives. Here are four of my favorite dash cams, each representing a different approach. 

Amazon

Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2

A name-brand cam that won't clutter your windshield

Above all else, this Garmin mini dash cam gets the job done in HD and still makes room for voice activation and cloud storage through your . Garmin's dash cam doesn't record in 4K, which is moving toward table stakes for dash cams, and any operation beyond the basics has to be accomplished via an app. But the unobtrusive size, excellent HD video quality and trusted brand name make this mini dash cam a great choice for the driver who wants a simple, elegant drive recorder.

$130 at Garmin

Nexar

Nexar Beam

Compact but also smart, with driver alert algorithms

The Nexar Beam dash cam is also "just" an HD camera but integrates GPS location data into its recordings via a GPS receiver built into its windshield mount. It uses image processing algorithms to alert you to road hazards and can let others know if you're delayed getting to your destination via the dedicated Nexar app. Check whether your is supported before buying a Beam: A number of popular phones are not as of this writing, which reduces the number of advanced features the Beam can offer. This dash cam has a rear-facing camera that records crisp 135-degree-wide dash cam footage in p and includes a 32GB SD card.

Like the Garmin Mini 2, the Beam uses your connected for its full interface -- but also uses that pairing to do free unlimited clip backups. Next to the Garmin Mini 2, it's the least obtrusive option on the list, though it's still much larger than the Mini 2.

$140 at Amazon

Amazon

Vantrue N4

Record three views at once in HD resolution or higher

The Vantrue N4 is a three-channel powerhouse able to record out the windshield, inside and behind the car all at once in HD or greater resolution, or it can record two views at once in 4K and HD. Two of the views are captured by sensors built into the main front-facing unit, while the third is recorded by a remote rear camera that comes with a long cable to reach the back window on most vehicles.

Unlike many dash cams today, the N4 doesn't require a for settings or clip review: It has a compact but sharp rear screen and plenty of dedicated buttons for features and settings. This is a great camera if you don't want to have to fuss with a second device.

The N4 also has motion detection, not just impact detection, so it can wake up and record activity around the car when it's parked. It also uses a robust supercapacitor to power those functions when the car is off, as opposed to a conventional battery that may suffer in a car's punishing temperatures.

$300 at Amazon

Amazon

Nextbase 622GW

A sleek, premium option with almost as many smart features as a

The Nexbase 622GW is perhaps the best-looking dash cam on this list, with more image stabilization than its 422GW and 522GW predecessors. This 4K camera maximizes capture quality with a rotating polarizer on the front of the lens, image stabilization and built-in processing to reduce the occlusion of fog in recordings. 

Your choice of three rear camera modules is available to also record the cabin or rear window view. Two of those three rear cam options plug elegantly into the 622GW's main body, while the third is mounted remotely on a long cable for the best rear road view.

Alexa is built in for voice control of the device, and in the event of a detected major collision the 622GW can upload your blood type, allergies and other relevant medical history to an emergency call center if you opted in during setup. The 622GW also features support for What3words, an alternate GPS labeling platform that is slick but few people seem to use.

Control of the 622GW is via its rear screen or app. It's one of the larger cams out there, partly due to its prominent lens, but its quality of finish and performance would help make it a welcome addition on your windshield.

$500 at Amazon

Dash Cam FAQs

How do I install a dash cam?

The best dash cams are easy to install. In fact, installation is often as simple as finding a suitable location on your vehicle's windshield or dashboard, affixing the camera with the suction cup or adhesive mount that usually comes in the box and then connecting the camera to 12-volt power -- commonly known as the cigarette lighter socket on older vehicles. You'll want to take care when securing and routing the power cable, so it stays out of the way while driving. You may also need to insert a microSD card into the camera, if one is required and not preinstalled.

More complex multicamera systems may require you to install a second rear-facing camera. Sometimes this is as simple as attaching a second camera to the rear window and running a cable. Other kits may require you to attach the second camera to the license plate with a pair of screws and routing cable through the trunk and into the cabin. Other multicamera kits can get even more complex. If you feel out of your depth, contact a professional installer.

For dash cams that can monitor and record while your car is parked -- or if you're looking for a cleaner installation that doesn't block your 12-volt outlet -- you may want to consider hardwiring the device to your car's battery. You can usually find an appropriate fused connection in your vehicle's fuse box. If you're unfamiliar with car electronics installation, a professional installer should be able to help.

Are dash cams worth the money?

Yes and no. The happiest scenario is that you buy the best dash cam, drive for years without incident and never need to look at or even think about the footage. Technically, you bought a product you didn't need. 

However, a dash cam can be invaluable when the unpredictable happens. After a fender bender, being able to prove your innocence with video or GPS evidence can save you hundreds of dollars on repairs, insurance premiums and legal fees. A relatively inexpensive dash cam is certainly worth the money in that regard.

It's better to think of these devices the way we think of insurance or fire extinguishers -- it's better to have it and not need it, than vice versa.

Are dash cams illegal?

Like most devices or modifications you make to your car, the answer depends on the laws in your area at the time. We know of no states that outright ban putting a camera in your car. So, generally speaking, the answer is no, dash cams are not illegal. However, there are factors you should consider when choosing the best dash cam for your individual needs and plans.

For example, many states have restrictions banning mounting gadgets or obstructions on the windshield. In these regions, you may consider a dashboard-mount, a camera that replaces or fits over the rearview mirror or some other low-profile installation option. Other states limit where on the windshield you're allowed to mount gadgets. So, you might have to put your camera in a corner of the windshield rather than in the center to avoid a ticket in these states.

Some states' distracted driving laws prohibit dash cams with always-on screens, so consider one with the option to disable the display while driving or one with no display at all. Honestly, even if you're not afraid of law enforcement here, not having another screen glowing in your periphery while driving, especially at night, is a good idea.

Finally, you'll need to consider your state's privacy and surveillance laws. They typically don't apply to recording what's happening around your car while you're driving, but drivers for ride-hailing services who pick up passengers, owners who share their vehicles with other drivers or who install a camera that continues to record while they're away from the car should check their local laws to make sure they don't run afoul of the law. 

As we mentioned earlier, this is particularly important for cameras that record audio, which could rub up against two-party consent laws governing audio eavesdropping.

For more wireless endpointinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.