Choosing a dashcam can be a daunting task with so many options on the market. A dashcam, also known as a dashboard camera, is a small, in-vehicle camera that records audio and video of your driving experience. It is mounted on the dashboard or the windshield of your vehicle and designed to capture footage of the road ahead, as well as the inside of your car. Dashcams can be a valuable tool for drivers, providing a record of events in case of an accident or other incident on the road. They can also be helpful when recording scenic drives or other memorable moments.
When shopping for a dash cam, there are a few key factors to consider.
Video quality
The most important factor to consider when selecting a dashcam is video quality. Look for a dashcam that records in high definition (HD) at a minimum of 720p, but 1080p is even better. This will ensure that you have clear, detailed footage of any incidents that may occur on the road. Higher resolutions allow you to see more details in the video, such as license plate numbers or street signs, which can provide significant evidence during a crash or other incident.
Recommendation:
4K HD Resolution: Vantrue X4S Dual: 4K+1080P@30fps, single 4K
2.5K HD Resolution: Vantrue E1: 2592×1944P@30fps; Vantrue E3: 1944P+1080P+1080P 30FPS
Field of view
The field of view is the area that the dashcam can capture on video. A wider field of view means that the dashcam will be able to capture more of the road and surrounding area. Look for a dashcam with a field of view of at least 120 degrees, but 160 or 180 degrees is even better.
Recommendation:
All-round & Adjustable View: Vantrue E3
Storage
Most dashcams have built-in memory, but it may not be enough to store hours of footage. Look for a dashcam with a microSD card slot so you can easily expand the storage capacity. Keep in mind that the size of the MicroSD card will determine how much footage you can store, so choose one with enough capacity for your needs.
Recommendation:
512GB Micro SD Card: Vantrue X4S Dual; Vantrue E1; Vantrue E3
Night vision
If you do a lot of driving at night, it's essential to select a dashcam with good night vision capabilities. Look for a dashcam with infrared (IR) night vision, which allows the camera to record clear footage even in low-light conditions.
Recommendation:
Super Night Vision: Vantrue E1; Vantrue E2; Vantrue E3
Multiple Cameras
Every dash cam will have a front-facing camera, but it only records what's happening in front of the car. For added protection, consider a system with a rear camera as well. This provides additional protection and peace of mind to capture everything that happens around you. If you have a new driver in the family, or if you drive for a ride-sharing service, it's a good idea to pick a dash cam with an interior or cabin view as well. This style of camera records what happens inside the car, which can show if a driver was distracted or if someone else in the vehicle caused a disruption that resulted in an incident.
Recommendation:
Vantrue E3: 3-Channel voice-controlled smart dashcam, giving you the best visual experience.
On-dash or Mirror Dashcam?
When it comes to choose a dash cam with multi channels, there's mirror one and on-dash one.
An on-dash rear camera is a camera that is mounted on the dash of the vehicle, usually on the rear window, that records footage from the rear of the vehicle. It's typically designed to record footage of the cars behind you and the road behind you.
A mirror rear camera, on the other hand, is a camera that is mounted on the rearview mirror of the vehicle. It's typically designed to record footage of the cars behind you and the road behind you, as well as the interior of the vehicle.
Recommendation:
Mirror Dash Cam: Vantrue M3: Vantrue M3 2K 3-Channel Mirror Dash Cam
APP Video Review
A system for reviewing the video and photo files recorded on the SD card can be viewed in the app in real-time without even downloading, and the video can be played back after clicking the file.
Recommendation:
5G WiFi Connected: Vantrue E1; Vantrue E2; Vantrue E3
GPS Tracking
While many of our electronics have GPS built-in, having this dash cam feature can be a literal lifesaver in the case of an accident. GPS records your location information, which is useful in identifying where an accident or other incident in a recording occurred.
Recommendation:
In-built GPS Module: Vantrue E1; Vantrue E2; Vantrue E3
Recording When the Car Is Not Moving
A more advanced feature is that some dash cams can be set up to help protect your vehicle even when you're not driving. Parking mode, or a similar feature, monitors your car for G sensor impacts, recording and saving video footage when a bump or collision is detected while you’re away from your vehicle.
Recommendation:
Smart Parking Mode: Vantrue E2; Vantrue E3
Temperature Protection
If you live in an area with extreme heat or cold, these harsh temperatures can damage a dash cam that's not built to handle them. Choose a dash cam that is specifically designed to handle extreme temperatures.
Additional features
There are many additional features that you may want to consider when selecting a dashcam, such as G-sensor technology, and lane departure warning systems. These can provide additional information and functionality, but they may also increase the cost of the dashcam.
In conclusion, selecting the right dashcam for your needs requires some research and consideration of factors such as video and audio quality, parking mode, APP review, super night vision, storage capacity, design, and ease of use. With so many options on the market, it's important to carefully evaluate your needs and compare different dashcams before making a decision. By following these tips, you can find a dashcam that will provide a valuable record of your driving experiences and help you stay safe on the road.