Initially, dash cams were reserved for police vehicles but now they are commonly used by motorists, with some vehicles having built-in dashboard cameras. Dashboard camera models are now offering more features and functionalities besides recording high-quality video. With so many features to consider, buyers get confused about their selections. Nonetheless, there are a few special features for discerning between a good camera and an excellent one. Here are the top features to look at when purchasing a dashboard camera.
1. Number of Cameras
Traditional dashboard cameras for cars only have one camera that records everything in front of the vehicle. These models are inconvenient for side and interior viewing. High-end dash cam models now have two cameras, one facing the road and the other facing the cabin. These types of cameras are ideal for fleet management in trucking companies.
2. Video Quality and Resolution
To better view the details of your dash cam video footage, higher video resolution and quality are recommended. The best cameras have full HD 1080p resolution, with a few models offering 4K views. The camera should also be qualified to record even when driving in bad weather conditions such as fog, drizzles or mist.
3. Field of View (FOV)
A camera’s field of view determines the angles it covers from the windshield. State-of-the-art cameras like the Kent CamEye CarCam 2 have a FOV of 140 degrees which is perfect for all driving conditions. These wider angles allow wider views of the vehicles on the fender sides and near the edges. Wider fields of view in dashboard cameras for cars are also ideal for trucks and taller vehicles to record past the hood.
4. Battery Capacity
Although dashboard cameras are powered by the car, a higher battery capacity is compulsory. This is because you need the dash cam to record even after you turn off your car. Built-in batteries like the one in the Kent CamEye CarCam 2 have a 3000 mAh capacity that can keep the camera on for up to 8 hours. Keeping the camera on secures the car when parking because it can still send alerts upon noticing some activity around the vehicle.
5. GPS-Tracking
Modern dash cams have built-in GPS receivers for real-time tracking of the car. Enterprise GPS captures video footage while giving precise locations of vehicles, especially for managing a fleet. A dashboard camera with GPS tracking capabilities also records the date, time, location and speed which can help solve a dispute in court with video evidence.
6. Wi-Fi Connectivity
Wi-Fi connectivity maximizes the performance of a dash cam through a mobile app. This app allows you to access camera features remotely. In addition, you can view real-time video footage from your mobile device as you drive. These cameras eliminate the need for integrated screens that make cameras look hideous on the dashboards. In addition, the Kent CamEye CarCam 2 allows drivers to share real-time footage access with family and friends on their devices.
7. Night Vision Recording
A dashboard camera for cars that allows recording at night or in low light conditions is an advantage for car owners. In dark conditions, there is low visibility, and drivers are likely to cause accidents. With a night vision camera, you can record clear videos of events on the road, even on the darkest nights. These dashcams have infrared LEDs for crystal-clear footage of the cabin and the road.
Dash cams have numerous features that this list cannot cover entirely. However, prioritizing the features listed above guarantees that you will get a camera that is worth every coin. In addition, a dash cam company with service plans for cloud storage ensures that you maximize storage by keeping footage for more than 90 days.