Dash cam has become an indispensable device for every car driver participating in traffic because of its convenience. We must recognize that it is a virtual device for car drivers and road users.
What makes this intelligent video recorder so important? And how do you choose the best car HD dash cam device? Below I will provide information about car action cameras and ways to select the best camera equipment for your needs.
Dash Camera, what’s it all about?
A dashcam (also known as a cruise surveillance camera) is a device that records images and sounds during vehicle rolling.
Information will be transmitted directly to the driver during traffic, broadcast remotely to those with access via wireless waves, and stored in the machine’s memory.
The dash cam also has the function of monitoring traffic at night, giving directions through the GPS, reading traffic signs, warning, and measuring the speed of road vehicles.
Structure and working principle
The structure consists of the following components:
- The protective cover on the outside is plastic or alloy, protecting the inner device of the camera eye to help the camera perform at its best.
- The camera eye consists of devices with specialized functions, such as lenses, microelectronic circuits, processor chips, peripheral communication ports, etc.
- The light sensor inside the camera helps the best image quality.
- Infrared light helps you see in dark, low-light environments.
- Screen for direct observation of the image obtained by the cruise monitoring device. Usually, the screen unit is located at the driver’s eye level, including the table or the car’s rearview mirror.
Working principle of Dash Cam:
Dashcams are mainly used to record video and images, along with LED and infrared lights to support night vision and enhance the light in the camera lens area, combined with car headlights and light on the road to produce better quality footage.
The Integrated Live View display on the dash cam allows you to review the recorded situation immediately, such as when there is a traffic collision, for timely handling.
What to consider when buying dash cams for cars
Dashcam for cars and motorbikes is an essential device for every trip. However, not everyone has specific knowledge about this type of product. Here are some travel camera buying experiences that readers can refer to.
- Choose a reputable dash cam brand.
- Review Dash cam’s image and video quality
- Care about memory card capacity
- Night recording
- Auto-start mode
- Parking Mode
- Overwrite feature
- The number of auxiliary cameras of the dash cam
- Dash cam compatibility with your device
- The price of the action camera
- Uses
- Camera chip
- Rotation
- Aperture
- Size
- Ability to work in low light conditions
- Functions
- See reviews and product reviews.
- Warranty period
- Find a place to buy and sell products.
1. Choose a reputable dash cam brand.
Another critical note when choosing a dash cam is the brand. Considering the brand will ensure you select a product with the proper recording technology at the right price.
Also, choosing reputable brands will help you feel secure about the warranty and customer service during use.
Not only the dash cam, but when buying any product, the brand is also one of the first factors customers care about.
A reputable brand will help customers feel confident about the quality and durability of the product. You can refer to dashcam brands that customers highly appreciate, such as Vietnam, Magicsee, and Xiaomi.
2. Review Dash cam’s image and video quality
Image quality is the key to providing a good customer experience. Due to the unique characteristics of dash cams for cars and motorbikes, it is to record memorable images during each trip or provide necessary documents.
When a dispute occurs during traffic, the excellent image quality and sharp, smooth video without lag are what any user wants to meet.
Many factors affect image quality, such as resolution, infrared rays, anti-backlight features, and lens quality.
3. Care about memory card capacity
Not all dash cams have good storage capacity. This is something to consider before purchasing a dash cam.
If you want to record and store more videos and images, you can select products that support inserting a memory card up to 128Gb.
4. Night recording
Whether the night vision feature is reasonable depends on the sensor your dashcam is manufactured with and whether it supports infrared rays or not.
If the above two criteria are met, even when recording at night, the image quality is still extremely sharp as during the day.
5. Auto-start mode
Auto-start feature, when powered, is a must-have feature of a good dash cam. If a dash cam requires you to start it up manually, chances are you’ll forget and be unable to record.
6. Parking Mode
Another journey camera buying experience you should refer to is buying a camera with parking mode. Not all dash cams are integrated with this feature, often found in high-end models.
This mode helps the camera to continue recording even when the car is off.
However, if you keep recording while parking, it will consume a lot of fuel; that’s why manufacturers had designed parking mode to save energy and still be the most effective.
When a particular external force impacts the car, G-SENSOR will be activated and recorded when the incident happens 5s and 15s later. This mode helps you not to miss anything that happens to your vehicle while parked.
7. Overwrite feature
This feature is essential, so you no longer need to worry about the camera’s memory. When the memory is complete, the images will be overwritten, replacing the previous old photos.
8. The number of auxiliary cameras of the dash cam
Dash cams, in addition to the front camera, some manufacturers also come with a reverse camera, allowing you to have a comprehensive view, support recording as well as move quickly and conveniently.
9. Dash cam compatibility with your device
Of course, you should choose a dash cam compatible with your device to view, install, and store videos and images most easily and conveniently.
10. The price of the action camera
Each type of action camera will have a different price. Choose the right product according to the brand, features, and price depending on the budget you want to pay for the dash cam.
The cost of dash cams is quite diverse depending on the brand and parts of the product.
- For example, in the primary dashcam segments, it only meets the necessary utilities such as audio recording, video recording, lane warning, still well supports wifi, Bluetooth connection, with compact design, prices will range from $30 to $300.
- As for the more advanced dashcam segments, it integrates many utilities such as voice control and video download to remote computers. It has a solid configuration, full HD resolution, anti-shake, and anti-shake. Waterproof, then the price will range from 300$ to 600$.
11. Uses
The vital thing when choosing to buy a product is to consider the purpose of using that product. This will ensure you select a product with the right features for your needs.
Currently, on the market, many types of action cameras meet consumers’ diverse needs. For example, dash cams used for cars combine features such as directions, GPS navigation, music playback, wifi playback, etc.
Many other convenient features are also integrated into the dash cam, such as detecting speed warning signs and reminding the driver to adjust the speed accordingly.
Or more advanced features such as lane departure warning thanks to the algorithm to compare multiple consecutive frames are also included.
Moreover, some dash cams also have night and backlit recording capabilities to ensure your journey is always recorded.
12. Camera chip
The camera chip (or image processing chip) is crucial. The camera chip will govern all factors related to the image quality obtained, such as smoothness, video format, number of frames per second, and the ability to support other technologies (such as WDR backlit recording. )…
When buying a dash cam for a car, the first important factor you need to consider is the camera chip.
Quality, branded car dash cams often provide all hardware parameters, especially the processor chip on the product packaging. Currently, car dash cams on the Vietnamese market often use chips such as Sony Starvis, Ambarella, Novatek, and Texas Instruments.
Chip Sony Starvis
clear, detailed, durable, stable images. Many reputable dashcam brands use this chip, such as Vietnam, HP …
Chip Ambarella
quality, stable operation, durable. In particular, the Ambarella A12 chip can produce 2K video quality. Lower than the Ambarella A12 chip, there are A2S and A5 chips.
Novatek chip
the most popular, this chip has three main lines: NT96650 (1080 quality), NT96632 (1080 or 720 quality), and NT96220 (720 grade).
Chip Texas Instruments
popular with Korean dash cams for 1080 quality.
Avoid buying car dash cams that do not provide information about the processor chip because most of these dash cams are often of poor quality.
13. Rotation
The angle of view is the second factor when buying a dash cam. Current action cameras usually have a rotation angle of 120 to 170 degrees.
The range of the captured image increases with an increasing gradient of view. Therefore, when buying action cameras, priority should be given to choosing cameras with a rotation angle of 150 to 170 degrees.
14. Aperture
Aperture is the diameter of the camera aperture. The larger the aperture, the more light comes in. Because car dash cams must shoot at high speed, the aperture must be significant to compensate for light.
The unit for measuring lens aperture is the f-stop. This is the ratio between the focal length and the aperture diameter. The smaller the f-stop, the larger the lens aperture.
Cheap car dash cams usually have F 4, 2. Good car dash cams usually have F 1.2, 1.8, 2.0, and 2.8. When buying a dash cam, you should look at the number F.
With dash cam models of the same price range; you should prioritize choosing the model with the smallest F number; the resulting image will be better, and the ability to shoot in low light is also good than.
15. Size
Car dash cams are usually installed near the center rearview mirror position. Whether more or less also affects the driver’s vision.
Therefore, to avoid causing eye problems when observing the windshield, buying a compact car dash cam is advisable.
It is best to choose a rearview mirror dash camera or a screenless action camera (displayed on the center screen).
16. Ability to work in low light conditions
It will be difficult for regular dash cams to record clear images if you encounter low-light conditions such as dark at night, running into a tunnel, etc.
To overcome this, dashcam manufacturers often install infrared lights or integrate the WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) feature to help the camera record bright images in low light conditions.
Therefore, when buying a dash cam for a car, priority should be given to choosing an infrared or WDR dash cam.
17. Functions
Priority should be given to the choice of dash cams with the following features:
Overwrite:
No matter how large the memory card capacity is, it will eventually be complete. Therefore, the dash cam should have an override feature.
Three basic recording modes:
Car dash cams should have at least three basic recording modes: standard recording, event recording (when there is a collision or accident), and recording when stopping & parking.
G-sensor (gravity sensor):
This is a high-end dash cam function. Accordingly, when the car is moving, if a collision, collision, or accident occurs, the camera will automatically activate and remember and save the collision video. These specially marked videos will not be overwritten.
Wireless connection:
To facilitate viewing and exporting videos, there should be the function of connecting the dashcam with phones or other devices such as tablets, laptops, etc.
In addition, if possible, you should also buy a dash cam with the following advanced features:
Safe driving assistance:
High-end dash cams often have additional features such as lane warning, speed warning, front obstacle warning, etc.
GPS positioning:
This function helps locate and save location information according to the vehicle’s journey.
Navigation:
Some dash cams now have built-in GPS and map navigation with convenient navigation features.
Integrated reversing camera:
Some types of dash cams with integrated reversing cameras have an additional eye on the rear camera. This camera not only helps to record the journey image from the back corner of the car but also acts as a reversing camera, supporting observation when reversing, parking, and turning.
18. See reviews and product reviews.
Reviews and product reviews on the internet also reference sources you should consider before buying a dash cam.
Because more specific, detailed, and practical information will be recorded by those who have experienced the product. Your ability to evaluate the product impartially and choose what is best for you will improve.
19. Warranty period
Each firm has a different warranty duration. Famous brands also provide customer care services with professional warranties.
You should carefully consider the warranty period when buying a dash cam to ensure the optimal experience of using your product.
20. Find a place to buy and sell products.
A reputable product seller is also essential to help you buy a safe dash cam suitable for your needs and spending budget.
Should I buy a cheap action camera?
There are many cheap action cameras on the market today. These are mainly floating goods, of unknown origin, with no clear product information.
According to experts, users should avoid choosing this type because the quality is not guaranteed. Cheap action cameras, “fake” cameras often have some problems such as:
Poor durability:
- Cheap components, soft shell with poor heat resistance, uncertain, the camera is easy to damage after a period of use. Some types are often bent and split due to frequent exposure to the hot sun through the windshield.
Poor battery / unstable input:
- Car dash cams often use power directly from the car. Some models have an additional internal battery that allows video recording without a power supply. With a “fake” camera, both the input power port and the battery are prone to problems that make the camera unstable.
Blurry, poor resolution images:
- This is the most common scenario. A good dash cam will usually have a resolution of HD or higher.
- However, cheap dashcams or goods of unknown origin have a lower resolution or the exact Full HD resolution, but the image is pale, blurry, and not sharp.
No anti-shake / poor anti-shake:
- If it is a “fake” product, the camera will often shake a lot, making the image easy to blur, blurry, unstable …
Unstable positioning signal reception:
- Most cheap action cameras often have problems receiving positioning signals.
Picky memory cards, access errors, software errors:
- The “fake” dashcam is very particular about memory cards; in many cases, there are errors in accessing images in the memory card, software errors …
Lack of advanced functions:
- Cheap cameras often lack many functions such as GPS positioning, speeding warning, parking recording mode, etc.
Note when using car dash cam.
When using dash cams to ensure stable and safe operation of the device, users should note the following;
What to Note when using the power source in the vehicle.
Most car dash cams have a built-in battery. However, this battery can only be used for a short time. Because the primary purpose of the battery is to support when users install, review images on the camera, and maintain the camera’s operation when the car is off. Therefore, dash cams often use power directly from the vehicle.
When using direct power on the vehicle, the first thing to consider is how much power the dash cam uses. If the dashcam uses energy that is not suitable for the vehicle’s power supply, an additional power adapter must be used.
To connect the power supply for the dash cam, you can plug it directly through the car cigarette lighter or connect the wire to the connector in the car.
If you plug it into the pipe, it’s straightforward. However, this connection method has many disadvantages; the source will not be 100% stable because it may be affected by many external influences, causing looseness and falling of the plug.
The second is that cars usually have only 1 or 2 socket outlets. If you plug in the dash cam, it will be pretty inconvenient to use other devices when you need to because there are not enough sockets. The solution to this situation is to purchase an additional car charger.
If the wire is connected directly to the power source inside the vehicle, stability is guaranteed without consuming a socket. However, this installation is quite complicated; it is best to ask the seller or a professional to install it to ensure safety.
An important note when the dash cam is in operation is not to unplug the power source, affecting the system of electrical connection wires.
Because this not only involves the process of the dashcam, but it can also affect the electrical system as a whole of the car.
Loop Recording mode setting
Dashcam for cars is set up to record and store all in the memory card. If your camera uses a 16GB memory card, the image will be continuously recorded until the memory card is full, then overwrite the old idea again.
Therefore, when you need to watch or export videos, you must export a file with a capacity of up to 16GB. This is both time-consuming and highly inconvenient.
All car dash cams now have a Loop Recording mode to overcome this. In this option, the lengthy movie will be divided into several shorter ones that last 3 minutes, 5 minutes, or 10 minutes each.
Choose this mode; when you need to find it again or export the video, it will be lighter, easier and faster.
Choose and use memory cards correctly
The dash cam’s video data must be stored on a memory card. When choosing to buy a dash cam memory card, you should pay attention to the ability to support the dash cam memory card capacity and the appropriate type of memory card.
Dash cam will be able to support maximum and minimum memory card capacity. For example, for a camera that supports a full memory card of 64GB and needs a memory card of at least 8GB for recording, you can buy an 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB memory card.
If you do not often run long distances, there is no need to buy a memory card that is too large, like 64GB. Instead, memory cards of 8GB or 16GB capacity are suitable.
Besides buying a card, it is also necessary to pay attention to the insertion/removal of the card.
Because improper installation can cause the memory card to be damaged and the camera to hang. Ensure the dashcam is turned off when removing/inserting the memory card.
The memory card may sustain short-term damage if it is removed while the camera is in operation, but more importantly, the card reader won’t be able to read the card afterward.
Another note is to reformat the memory card periodically. Most of today’s dash cams have the feature to overwrite old videos when the memory card is full.
However, this overriding sometimes fails. Therefore, manufacturers often recommend formatting the memory card every few months. You can format the memory card directly on the camera, so there’s no need to remove it.
Limit the use of car dash cams when the temperature is high
Car dash cams are usually installed behind the windshield, so they are affected by the heat. Each dashcam usually has its operating temperature range, most of which are below the threshold of 65 – 70 degrees Celsius; more advanced types can be below the threshold of 75 degrees Celsius.
But in practice, the camera should not be operated at a temperature near this threshold. Because if the temperature rises to about 60 – 70 degrees Celsius, the image processing chip inside the camera may burn, and the glue will melt. Therefore, when utilizing a car dash cam, you should know the temperature issue.
If the camera is exposed to the sun for too long, it feels hot to the touch, so turn off the camera immediately. Wait until the camera temperature returns to normal, then reboot.
In addition, if the camera has a collision sensor feature, when you often drive in the sun, you can choose an interval recording mode to prevent the camera from overheating.
With this feature, the camera will automatically turn on and record the progress when the car has a collision, even in the “sleeping” state.
When packing for a long time in the sun, turn off the camera before leaving the car. If possible, it should be equipped with a car cover, a windshield sunshade to protect the dash cam, and other details in the car interior to avoid the harmful effects of the hot sun.
Actively turn off some dashcam functions when not needed.
In addition to the primary function of the dashcam, which records images, there is also a function of recording audio. If using a personal vehicle, this function is usually not needed.
Turn on/off the dashcam screen while driving.
When driving, turn off the dash cam screen installed in the car. Many would consider this absurd. However, according to research, drivers are often easily distracted when a screen displays images from the dash cam.
You can turn on the display when you need to change lanes, turn right, left, reverse, and park in the parking lot. Because the wide angle of the dash cam will help the driver see better, avoiding blind spots.
Benefits of using a dash cam
- Observe traffic, ensure traffic safety
- Positioning, directions
- Read signs, help obey traffic laws.
- Remote cruise monitoring
- Anti-theft alarm ensures security.
- Extract images, and serve investigation.
1. Observe traffic, ensure traffic safety
The most basic function of the dash cam is to observe the surrounding happenings when the vehicle is in traffic.
This device ensures the driver can monitor the scene without hidden corners and blind spots, ensuring absolute safety when driving.
2. Positioning, directions
The action camera integrated with GPS also has the function of directions, positioning the map without connecting to 3G, 4G, or wireless wifi, helping to save all route parameters on the google map map, and display it.
Traffic coordinates show the number of kilometers running. From there, assist the driver in locating and choosing the right direction.
3. Read signs, help obey traffic laws.
This CCTV camera not only intelligently recognizes road signs but also reads and gives audible warnings to vehicle drivers, helping them quickly detect and obey traffic regulations.
4. Remote cruise monitoring
Dashcam helps you to observe the journey from afar through specialized software and applications installed on mobile phones and computers.
The dash cams also support the Android operating system, capable of connecting to wifi wireless networks, connecting to 3G, 4G networks. This is the basis for these devices to transmit images and audio directly to authorized devices.
5. Anti-theft alarm ensures security.
In addition to the above functions, dash cams have extremely accurate positioning capabilities with collision warnings, helping drivers monitor the vehicle’s location and limiting theft. , security.
6. Extract images, and serve investigation.
When a traffic accident occurs, cameras play a vital role; they can extract and provide images for better investigation.
I can suggest a few HD dash cams for cars to you.
Image | Name | Price Link |
 | Vantrue N4 front camera, 4K+1080P, three channel 4K dash cam-B083V6K8RH | On Amazon, you can see the price right here. |
 | Z-Edge wifi Dash Cam, 1920x1080P FHD | On Amazon, you can see the price right here. |
 | WOLFBOX G840S 12“ Mirror Dash Cam Backup Camera | On Amazon, you can see the price right here. |
Final thought
Dashcam for cars and motorbikes is an essential device for every trip. However, not everyone has specific knowledge about this type of product.
I think the quality of the product is the key factor from which you will make decisions in choosing the right car dash cam for you.
I recommend that you keep an eye on the factors above that I have talked about to make the most informed decisions.
Above is the knowledge and experience I have provided you in choosing a dash cam for your car. I think the above command will be essential if you plan to buy yourself a great dash cam.
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