![]() An intuitive interface is always nice to have, but utility over everything else is the preference here. A solid FOV, good picture quality at day and night with WDR, and a small form factor to take up as little space on the windshield as possible. What we personally like to see in a dash camera is pretty much just the basics. Additional features that are often included in dash cam specs are rear-facing cameras, GPS location, speed data, microphone recording, motion detection, and others that may or may not be relevant, depending on the user. Other factors to consider are the physical style and size of the unit, which is entirely preference based on the user’s application and wants. Many cameras have adjustments for exposure compensation, white balance, sharpness, and WDR (wide dynamic range) is popular for capturing details in shadows and adverse lighting conditions. The resolution and overall quality should be decent enough to make out license plates and street signs in all lighting conditions, however beyond that is at the user’s discretion. It should be noted though that often times manufacturers will inflate their calculations just to slap a higher resolution on the box, so when available try to obtain footage from the unit before purchasing it. Most dash cameras now are advertised at 1080p, and some are even 2K or 4K. Often times the events leading up to an accident are not directly in front of the vehicle involved.Īnother very important spec to note when choosing a dash cam is the image quality and adjustments available. This is important to note as the more coverage that a camera has the more protection it can offer. One of the most critical is the field of view (FOV), which will determine how much of the front end/fender areas of the vehicle are within the camera’s line of sight. There are a few different specs that should be taken into account when looking at dash cameras, however the importance of each is really dependent on the user. Some states have laws against objects hanging from the rear view mirror or attaching them to the windshield, so it is advised to check local regulations before purchasing. The benefit is often that this is the most discrete implementation for a dash cam, and when the screen is turned off operates just like a normal mirror. Another downside is if you have a mirror with directional displays, emergency assistance, or programmable buttons these are often covered up. The camera can be rotated around to get the correct FOV, however often times there is a skewed perspective since the camera is not on-center. The camera usually hangs on the back side and is not as large as some of the other camera styles. The mirror style has a screen embedded in the viewing surface of the rear-view mirror, which clips over the stock mirror. When attempting to make quick settings changes, it isn’t the most convenient since the angle dictates a hunched posture to see the screen.įinally, we have the “mirror” style. Since the small form factor is common, often times the navigation through the menu is more difficult as buttons tend to be smaller and fewer. For those looking to have the most low-key placement on the windshield, this is generally the best option. The downside of the adhesive mount is that they are more difficult to remove, and cannot be easily shifted around. This form is generally more compact than either the “hanging” or “mirror” style, (with some exceptions of small “hanging” styles) and is fixed upon the windshield with adhesive tape and sometimes a simple mount, which often can be removed to get better access to the controls. The ability to remove or redirect the unit easily makes for switching between vehicles easy, and the adjustments for viewing based on placement or camera angle are simple to update. This style is a windshield suction cup or adhesive-mounted model that is either a square, rectangle, cylinder (or some variation), which hangs down and can be rotated in different angles. ![]() The most common type is the the “hanging” style. Each has slightly different characteristics in use, but the physical appearance is large. There are 3 main physical styles of dash cams, which we refer to as the “hanging”, “wedge”, and “mirror” styles. ![]() ![]() We’ve taken a look at a handful of dash cameras before, and since there are thousands of them we decided to round up a few of the more popular models and create a guide for anyone wanting a more in-depth look at the models before they buy. Backup cameras, higher-quality audio, and media displays all started as aftermarket add-ons that have since found their way into the majority of new cars as at least options-if not standard features for some- today. Dash cameras aren’t new to the scene, but they are one aftermarket auto electronic that manufacturers haven’t successfully integrated into production yet.
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