Introduction
Dash cams are increasingly popular devices for recording what goes on from a car window and showing the driver’s point of view. The market offers quite a variety of dash cams, with different sizes, features and prices. But one thing that is common among all dash cams is video quality. That’s why we’ve taken some time to dig into the subject so that you can make an educated choice before buying your next device.
The first thing you need to understand is the difference between front and rear dash cams and how it impacts video quality.
Front dash cams
Front cameras are mounted on the dashboard in a car or truck, facing the driver and providing an unobstructed view. Because of the proximity to the windshield and the fact that they are tilted downwards, they have a very high field of view. This makes them ideal for capturing everything happening on the streets while driving. Front cameras have a wider field of view (FOV).
Rear dash cams
Rear dash cams are mounted upside down on the rear-view mirror and face the windshield. They have a vast area of view but are not very good at capturing small details. Rear cameras can capture more details and have higher resolution.
Video Quality:
4K at 30 fps:
With 4K recording at 30 fps, a dash cam can capture four times more pixels than standard resolution video. One of the best things about this technology is that there’s enough data to create a high-quality backup for your video.
4K at 60 fps:
4K at 60 fps is a handy feature for drivers who drive in areas with fast traffic or who travel on highways most of the time. The higher resolution allows you to record license plates from far away, making it easier for you to identify people involved in accidents if the need arises.
2K at 60fps:
2K at 60 fps is great for all kinds of driving conditions. It will give you clear footage at any time of day or night, so you’ll never lose the details of an accident.
4k video at 30 fps or 2k video at 60 fps. Which one is better?
The decision between choosing 4k at 30 fps or 2k at 60 fps depends on your needs and preferences. If you want more action to be captured in a video without slowing the footage down, choose 4k. On the other hand, if you’re going to get more details and record license plates from a distance (during traffic stops), it’s better to choose 2K.
We’ve also noticed that most cameras with pre-installed GPS can only record 4k at 15 fps or lower, so if you are planning on using your dash cam for evidence in an accident, make sure it can record at least 720p HD resolution (at 60 fps).
Video Quality Testing Methods:
To understand how dash cam video quality is tested, you need to know the difference between 4k and 2k video testing. Different test methods show the average data rates at which your device can record video and store it.
Average data rates:
The number you choose to show is the average data rate of your device. That means that if you know how much memory it has, you can calculate its maximum video quality. However, this type of test isn’t 100% accurate, which is why most manufacturers only use it as a reference rather than relying on them completely.
Frame rate test ( fps test):
The number you choose to show is the average frame rate of your device. This will be a little bit difficult to understand, but it’s actually much easier to use than average data rates. The frame rate is how many images are captured per second, and the higher the number is, the better quality your video will be.
Best Video Quality for Capturing License Plates:
If you are looking for the best video quality to see license plates clearly, choose a 2K video. Although the higher resolution does not always mean better video quality, when it comes to dash cams, it does.
• Resolution: 2K
• Frame rate: 60 fps (frames per second)
• Average data rate: 100 Mbit/sec or more
Is 30 Fps Enough for a Dashcam?
4K video captures four times more detail than standard resolution dash cams. However, you have to remember that many compressions go on during recording at 4k. Although you’ll be getting the best quality for your money if you only record in 4k, it will take up a lot of memory space and be more challenging to edit. If you don’t need to do high-quality editing or don’t have the resources to handle the high data transfer speeds, we recommend choosing 2K at 60 fps.
However, we will tell you the top three 4k and 2k cameras so you can make a wise decision.
Top Three Best 4K Dash Cams:
• Blackvue DR550GW-2CH:
Blackvue DR550GW-2CH features a 4K Sony STARVIS CMOS sensor and a WDR (wide dynamic range) system that makes both the inside and the outside of your drive clearer. The dash cam’s built-in WiFi makes it easy to sync with your phone or tablet and stream footage over the internet in full HD. You can also set up motion detection alerts so you can receive an immediate notification when there’s movement nearby.
-• Blackvue DR750S-2CH:
Blackvue DR750S-2CH comes with a Full HD front camera that records at 60 fps and rear camera recording at 30 fps, all in super wide 170° angle. The front camera can be adjusted to record at a higher quality if you need to film something important ahead of you when driving. The dash cam also comes with a built-in GPS and speedometer, so you can record the route for later viewing.
-• Blackvue DR900S-2CH:
The newest model from Blackvue, providing the best video quality available on the market today. It offers great value for money as it comes with many features that will make your driving much safer. The dash cam records everything in 4K Ultra HD resolution, providing super explicit videos even at night and from far away.
Top Three Best 2k Dash Cams:
• Driftworks DS-1:
Driftworks DS-1 features a 2.7K Sony STARVIS CMOS sensor and a 2.7K WDR wide dynamic range system that makes both the inside and the outside of your drive clearer. The full HD front camera can be adjusted to record at a higher quality if you need to film something important ahead of you when driving. The dash cam also comes with a built-in GPS and speedometer, so you can record the route for later viewing.
• Aukey DRD-750:
Aukey DRD-750 comes with a 2.4K Sony STARVIS CMOS sensor and a WDR (wide dynamic range) system that makes both the inside and the outside of your drive clearer. The dash cam’s built-in GPS makes it easy to sync with your phone or tablet and stream footage over the internet in full HD.
• Vantrue N2 Pro:
Vantrue N2 Pro comes with a 2K Sony STARVIS CMOS sensor that captures super explicit videos even at night and from far away, making it one of the best dash cams on the market today. The dash cam records everything in 2K Ultra HD resolution, providing super explicit videos even at night and from far away.
Conclusion:
The best dash cam is a one-time investment that will pay off in the long run. Investing in one will provide you with an unparalleled sense of security on the road, and you can rest assured that your car, as well as your home, is being protected by very reliable technology. These products are pretty simple to use and have been tested to ensure they’ll work properly. They’re also user-friendly and highly reliable.
FAQ’s
Q: Which one is cheaper, 2k dash cam or 4k?
A: 2k dash cam is cheaper than 4k dash cam.
Q: How much memory does 2k or 4K camera have?
A: Maximum memory depends on the micro sd card how much you insert in your camera. Sometimes 1TB or less than that.
Q: Which one should we choose, 1080p or 1440p?
A: 1080p is perfect for customers who want a clean and clear video without any obstructions nearby. 1440p provides you with significantly better quality by capturing more detail and using 1/3 less space.
Q: Which camera offers a wider view?
A: 4k cameras have a more expansive view up to 170°. 2k has the same 180°.
Q: What is the difference between a 5-star and 4-star camera?
A: 5 stars means that experts have inspected the camera to make sure they are working properly. Each one is looked into in 360 degrees, from all angles of a check, so that it can be better than before. The others are looked at up to the point where they have been used in normal conditions by people who had no idea that they could be fixed or brought back to life. They are thrown away without being checked at all, so there is no improvement.