Recording road conditions is important both for truck drivers and for those who rarely leave the confines of their city. Driving a car requires constant concentration, which is nearly impossible during long trips. Therefore, in case of a controversial situation, a dashcam can become irrefutable evidence in any incident on the road. Additionally, embarrassing situations often arise and go viral on the internet thanks to dashcams, making the video authors very popular online.
Types of Car Dashcams
The range of this type of equipment allows everyone to choose a model that meets their desired specifications and financial capabilities. There are:
- multi-channel – allow video recording from multiple cameras at once;
- universal – standard removable models;
- built-in – non-removable recorders that attach to the mirror so that they are not visible;
- rearview mirror dashcam – significantly eases reverse driving.
In addition to appearance, dashcams differ in functionality and technical characteristics.
How to Choose a Dashcam
The following characteristics influence the choice:
- video resolution.
The best option today is considered Full HD, where small details are perfectly visible even from 15 meters away;
- processor. It determines the continuity of recording. In cheap models, there can be a loss of up to 10 seconds between video segments;
- lens. The most practical are dashcams with a wide-angle lens of 140-170° diagonally. If the value is lower, adjacent lanes will not fit in the frame; if higher, the “fish-eye” effect may occur;
- optics.
The lens may have glass or plastic lenses. Naturally, it’s better to prefer the former since glass lets light through better, doesn’t fade, and doesn’t crack in the sun, which is typical for plastic;
- sensor. They range from 1 to 12 MP. Generally, 2 MP is sufficient for quality video, while more pixels are necessary for photos. Also, the physical size of the sensor affects image quality.
The larger it is, the better the color reproduction and contrast even in low visibility conditions;
- screen. Some compact models are set up using a phone via Wi-Fi. Their convenience lies in their tiny size, so they can even be mounted behind the rearview mirror. However, not every driver will want to struggle with such setup. Models with a display are much simpler to use.
The main thing is the ability to reduce brightness or turn off the screen completely, so it doesn’t glare and distract at night;
memory card. For long video recording in Full HD quality, a memory card of at least 16 GB is needed. When purchasing, ensure its compatibility with the dashcam. This depends on the card class. The more expensive the recorder model, the higher the class; having a battery provides backup in case of electrical damage; the cable must be long enough to extend around the windshield; mounts can be on a suction cup, double-sided tape, or a clip.
Additionally, there are rotating and fixed mounts.
Among the necessary features, highlight auto-start recording, time and date markers, loop recording, and an impact sensor that automatically protects video from overwriting during impact. The main thing is that its sensitivity can be manually adjusted.