Introduction:
Dashcam is a technology that allows users to record the action or surrounding view using a small camera. Yes, dash cams are worth the hassle of taking care of the installation process and expense. A recent study from AAA-USA found that most drivers have experienced at least one accident within the past two years. Now, it’s more important than ever to equip our vehicles with modern technology to protect ourselves and our families. To make this happen, we must learn about dash cams before purchasing one for ourselves or our family members.
Key Points to Consider:
1. Do not be fooled by the name. Yes, dash cams are more convenient than traditional cameras such as digital compacts and digital stills cameras. But they don’t have to be complicated to work. You should always look for a camera that has a long battery life, easy-to-use interface, and quality video recording capability. One of the best dashboard cams also has one of the longest battery lives of all, at 240 hours on a full charge!
2. Screen size doesn’t matter. Yes, the size of a dashboard camera’s LCD screen can make a difference in the convenience of using it. However, most dash cams automatically adjust to the video resolution that your mobile app or computer will accept. In addition, you can also download smartphone video editing software to edit your driving footage or create high-quality time-lapse images.
3. A quality dash cam must be affordable and versatile. Yes, budget and style are very important factors when shopping for dash cams. So, you want to find one that offers both affordability and a wide variety of mounting options to suit your needs. And with the new Panasonic model of the G6 Dash Cam, you even have phone mounts built-in!
4. The best dash cams do more than just record video footage! A little extra effort on the dashboard cam is rewarded by features like motion detection and GPS event recording. Reviewers have been raving about this dash cam’s ability to automatically record when the vehicle is stopped or on a slope.
5. Motion detection is best when paired with GPS event recording. The best dash cams will also record GPS coordinates and vehicle speed at the time of each incident. That way, if you want to review the footage later, you can look back and see exactly where you were in the timeline of your driving activity at that moment!
6. Protect your dashboard camera. Some dashcam models can be mounted inside your vehicle’s windshield or dashboard (more on this later). And others can be mounted on your steering wheel or in the center of your sun visor. You should always check to see what type of mounting system the manufacturer recommends for its product, along with its warranty information.
7. A rearview camera and GPS are nice to have but not required. Even with the best dash cam, you may still want a backup like a rearview camera and/or GPS. However, those features are not required by law in most cities. In fact, dash cams often include a rearview camera display on their LCD touchscreen.
8. Most dash cams are between two and six inches long. The size of the device should be important, but it’s not always the most important thing. The main thing is to find a dash cam that you will actually use and enjoy using since you’re likely going to have it in your vehicle for a while.
9. The process of setting up your dashcam is not difficult if you follow some simple steps. First, read through your dashboard cam’s manual or review the online features of its website.
10. A 1GB memory card is common for most dash cams. You should always make sure you have enough storage space to record video footage before you buy the dashcam, especially if it is larger than 4GB of memory.
How to Install a Dashcam: Step-By-Step Guide
1. Gather the needed tools:
1. a Phillips-head screwdriver; 2. a wire cutter; 3. Suction cup mount (optional); 4. a flat-head screwdriver with a plastic handle for removing the dash cam’s casing.
2. Locate the best spot for your dashcam within your vehicle. Be sure to select an open space that is easy to access if you ever need to replace/upgrade the memory card, batteries, or dashboard camera itself in the future.
3. Locate your vehicle’s dashboard area if possible. If not, remove the dash cam’s case from the packaging and gently set it on a flat surface. Be sure to secure the suction cup mount with tape or place it in a place where it won’t fall out.
4. Download your mobile app and computer app for your dashboard camera. You can use different apps, but you will always need the built-in camera within your dashboard camera to be able to review footage.
5. Connect the camera to your computer and your smartphone. You should be able to do this easily using the USB cable that was included with the dashcam.
6. Attach the mount to your dashboard. If you are using optional mounts, you can choose between two common options: a magnetic mount or a suction cup mount. The magnetic mount is especially handy if you want to place and remove your dashboard camera in under thirty seconds! However, always make sure that metal objects aren’t in your way.
7. To begin recording, tap the record button on the dashboard camera for five seconds. Within a few seconds, you should see your dashboard camera’s LCD screen turn on.
8. As needed, back up your files using the computer app that came with your dashcam.
9. Enjoy your dashcam
Things to Consider Before Buying:
1. Cost:
You can find dash cams that range in price from $10 to over $200. However, you should always ask yourself if the extra cost of this device actually benefits you. Most dash cams offer very similar features at a fraction of the price.
2. Memory card size:
You’ll want to make sure to get a memory card that is large enough for your needs, especially if you plan on recording HD video footage. You should also consider getting a memory card that is rated for continuous recording.
3. Recording resolution:
You’ll want to make sure you get the recording resolution that is best for your parking location. Dashcams with higher recording resolutions result in clearer images and videos, but they will also take up more memory space on your memory card. In addition, if you plan on sharing footage online, you may want to check which resolution would work best for social media sites like Facebook.
4. Auto On/Off Feature:
Dashcams with an Auto On/Off feature are recommended for those who don’t want to keep pressing the dashboard camera’s power button all day. These models are designed to turn on when they sense motion and power off when they sense that you’re parked.
5. WiFi and GPS:
WiFi and GPS features on a dashboard camera can be extremely useful for those who want to share video footage with friends or law enforcement officials. However, these features will increase your dashboard camera’s price.
6. G-Sensor:
A G-Sensor is a feature found on some dashcams that automatically saves footage when it detects motion. This can save you both the hassle of remembering to manually save footage and the old footage that may be overwritten if you forget to manually save it.
7. Parking Mode:
A dashboard camera with a parking mode can be very handy for those who park their car frequently and in complicated locations. You can find parking mode dash cams in the $50 to $100+ price range.
8. DVR/Recorder:
A dashboard cam with high recording quality allows you to go back and view past recordings without needing to transfer them onto another device. This is ideal for those who travel regularly and want to be able to review footage from their parking location.
9. Built-in screen:
Some dashboard cameras come with a built-in screen that can help you view footage without needing to connect to another device. This feature is not recommended for those who want something small and simple. However, it may also be useful for those who need to be able to review footage immediately.
10. View angle:
You’ll want to make sure your dashcam has enough view angle so you can easily see all of the space around your vehicle while it’s parked. You should also be able to clearly see the back of your vehicle when it’s parked.
11. Scratch-resistant:
The dashboard camera casing should be scratch-resistant so it doesn’t break when you set it down on hard surfaces or accidentally press buttons. You don’t want this to happen, as you may need to view footage later!
12. Warranty:
You’ll want a warranty when you buy a dashcam in case something goes wrong with your device. Most dash cams will have a warranty of a year or more.
13. Ease of use:
You should be able to easily operate the dashboard camera without needing to read the manual constantly. Some dashboard cameras are easy to use, while others may not be ideal for those who aren’t tech-savvy.
Are Dash Cams Worth the Expense and Hassle of Installing? Detailed Discussion
If you are wondering if your dashcam is worth the cash and hassle of installing it, here’s some information about why you should choose a dashboard camera. You’ll want to think about two aspects when deciding whether or not you should get a dashboard camera: cost, and safety.
Cost:
You want to make sure that dash cams are an investment that will pay off for years to come. You also want to consider how much you will use your dashcam since not all dashcams are created equal.
Safety:
If you park on a street where parking is restricted, you will need to install a dashboard camera (with parking mode) in order to monitor your vehicle when it isn’t visible. Many dashcams provide clear footage that can be used for both legal and insurance purposes. You will also want to keep an eye out for other drivers who may not be paying attention or who may be distracted.
Therefore, in a basic sense, you want to choose a dashboard camera that is discreet, but that can still provide a clear view of the area around your vehicle.
5 Best Dashcam Models:
1) BlinkX camera:
The BlinkX is a simple dashcam that does not need a smartphone or computer to operate. It comes with all of the accessories you will need to set up and use on your dashboard. The camera can be set up in less than two minutes and is also very small and lightweight. The camera takes clear video, both in daytime and nighttime. This camera is ideal for drivers who do not want to rely on their smartphones for navigation or GPS updates.
2) Pure Dash Cam:
The Pure Dash Cam is a privacy dash cam that comes with motion sensor technology to automatically save footage when it detects motion. The camera uses solid video capture capabilities to ensure clarity. This dashcam has one of the widest view angles available and can be installed in 20 seconds or less. In addition, this camera can record continuously. The camera also has GPS tracking capabilities and can be plugged into your car’s cigarette lighter socket for long periods of time.
3) CTA Digital dash cam:
The CTA Digital is a dashcam that can be operated with a smartphone or a computer, yet it still allows for easy and simple installation. The camera comes with a variety of tools and accessories to help you set it up on your dashboard quickly and easily. This dashcam has both loop recording capability and G-sensor technology that will save footage when the vehicle is parked. It records clear video at night in multiple lighting conditions.
4) RevoCam dash cam:
The RevoCam is a dashcam that is equipped with a G-sensor and parking mode. This camera also has loop recording capabilities to ensure you get as many clips of your trip as possible. The RevoCam comes with everything you need to set it up and take it down from the day you purchase it, making installation and removal easy.
5) Highway Hawk:
The Highway Hawk is a dashboard camera that comes with a built-in screen for easy viewing of your footage. This camera also has a G-sensor and parking mode, which saves footage automatically when the car is parked, or will protect important video footage. In addition, this camera can be used as an effective GPS navigation tool when you’re driving and you need to see where you are going. The Highway Hawk is compact in size and installs easily onto your dashboard.
Conclusion:
As you can see, there are many benefits to having a dashcam. However, don’t take the decision lightly. It can be a major purchase that you don’t want to regret later. Dashcams can help if you get a traffic ticket or have your car towed due to parking regulations that are often confusing for drivers like yourself.
FAQs:
Q: What is the main purpose of a dashcam?
A: A dashcam is a small device that you can install on top of your car’s dashboard or windshield that records the date and time of events that occur while you are driving your vehicle. This could include car accidents, reckless drivers, road rage incidents, and more. You can upload a copy of this footage for police and insurance claims if you ever need to use it.
Q: How can I install my dashcam?
A: The easiest way to install a dashboard camera depends on what type of mounting system the manufacturer recommends. If you are using a suction cup mount, you may need to use some sort of tape or other adhesive to make it secure. Make sure you follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for correct installation.
Q: Should I use an SD card or a microSD card with my dashcam?
A: Which type of memory card you use will depend on your dashboard camera. Your dashboard camera may require you to use a specific kind of memory card. However, most dash cams are created to use SD cards that have at least 4GB of storage space.
Q: How do dash cams work?
A: A dashboard camera works by recording video footage as you drive down the highway or in your neighborhood. This footage can be played back on a computer (provided that the camera has an inbuilt card reader) or viewed by putting your memory card into another device. Most dash cams can record video footage in high definition, but they will require a high-end memory card to do so.
Q: What should I do if I am in an accident and want to request my insurance company?
A: If you have a dashcam installed in your vehicle, you can use this footage (in addition to eyewitness accounts) to request that your insurance company pay for any damages to your car or someone else’s. You should contact them as soon as possible so they can review the footage for evidence.