At some point in your driving experience, you may have had an incident on the road that you wish you had recorded. Whether it’s a car accident, a hit-and-run, or just an interesting road trip, a dashboard camera for cars can capture those moments for you. But with so many different types and brands of dash cams available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about dashboard cameras for cars.
What is a dashboard camera for cars?
A dashboard camera, also known as a dash cam, is a small camera that is mounted on the dashboard of a car. It’s designed to record what’s happening on the road ahead and sometimes behind the car. The camera continuously records while you’re driving, and the footage can be used as evidence in case of an accident or any other incident on the road. Some dash cams have a built-in screen that allows you to view the footage right on the device, while others require you to transfer the footage to a computer or mobile device to view it.
Types of dashboard cameras
There are two main types of dash cams: front-facing and dual-facing.
Front-facing dash cams: These cameras are designed to record what’s happening on the road ahead of you. They are the most popular type of dash cam and come in various shapes and sizes. They usually have a wide-angle lens to capture a wider view of the road.
Dual-facing dash cams: These cameras are designed to record both the front and back of your car. They’re especially useful if you want to record what’s happening behind you or if you’re a taxi or Uber driver.
Factors to consider when buying a dashboard camera
When buying a dashboard camera for your car, there are several factors to consider:
- Video quality: The video quality of a dash cam is perhaps the most important factor to consider. You want a camera that can capture clear and sharp footage in all lighting conditions. Look for a dash cam that can record at least 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second (fps).
- Viewing angle: The viewing angle of the camera determines how much of the road ahead it can capture. Look for a camera with a viewing angle of at least 120 degrees.
- Storage capacity: Most dash cams record to an SD card, so you’ll want to consider the storage capacity of the card. Look for a dash cam that can support at least a 32GB SD card.
- Night vision: If you drive at night, you’ll want a dash cam with good night vision. Look for a camera with infrared lights that can illuminate the road ahead.
- GPS: Some dash cams come with built-in GPS, which can be useful if you want to track your route and speed.
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to transfer footage from the camera to your smartphone or computer without having to remove the SD card.
- Brand reputation: Consider the reputation of the brand when buying a dash cam. Look for a brand that has a good reputation for reliability and customer service.
How to install a dashboard camera?
Installing a dash cam with live streaming is a simple process that can be done in a few minutes. Here’s how to do it:
- Find a suitable location on your dashboard to mount the camera. Make sure it doesn’t obstruct your view of the road.
- Clean the area where you’re going to mount the camera with a microfiber cloth.
- Peel off the adhesive backing from the mount and press it firmly onto the dashboard.
- Attach the camera to the mount and adjust the angle.
- Connect the power cable to the camera and plug it into the cigarette lighter socket.