Consumer Reports Dash Cams
Are you looking to increase the safety and security of your vehicle? You can do so by investing in a dash cam – they provide protection while you’re driving, allowing you to document your experience in case something were to happen. Whether it be an accident or act of vandalism, having a dash cam on board allows you to immediately access footage of any incidents that occur on the road. There are many different models out there, so how can buyers know which one is right for them? In this blog post, we will explore some of the best dash cams available on the market today and discuss their features – read on to find out more!
Top 10 Best Dash Cams
What is dash cams?
Dash cams, sometimes referred to as dash-mounted cameras or “in-vehicle” cameras, are cameras that record a vehicle’s surroundings while it is in motion. They capture an uninterrupted stream of video footage, usually in HD quality and with a wide angle lens, making them ideal for capturing events both inside and outside the vehicle. Dash cams are designed to be mounted onto the dashboard or windscreen of a vehicle to continuously record while the car is operated.
Factors to consider before buying dash cams:
Resolution: Dash cams come in a variety of resolutions, ranging from 1080p to 4K Ultra HD. The higher the resolution, the better the video quality and detail captured. Higher resolutions also make it easier to read license plates or detect other details in footage.
Mounting Options: Depending on where you plan to mount your dash cam, you should consider the mounting options that are available with each model. Many models have suction mounts and adhesive pads for attaching them to your windshield, while others may offer additional straps or clamps for secure installation in different locations inside your vehicle.
Night Vision: If you need to capture night time footage, look for a dash cam that includes infrared night vision. This feature allows the camera to capture clear images and videos even in low light conditions.
Storage Space: Most dash cams support SD cards for storing video footage, but you should make sure that the model you select has enough storage space for your needs. Some models come with built-in memory, while others require an SD card or other media device with enough capacity to store all of your recordings.
GPS Tracking: Many high-end dash cams come with GPS tracking capabilities, which can be useful for logging your route and reviewing where you have been driving at any point in time.
Battery Life: Look for a dash cam that offers long battery life so that it can continue recording while your car is parked. Some models come with built-in batteries, while others require an external power source such as a cigar lighter or USB port.
Price: You should also consider how much you are willing to spend on your dash cam purchase. Entry level models can be found for around $50, while more advanced options may cost several hundred dollars. Keep in mind that higher priced models often include additional features like GPS tracking and better resolution cameras.
Size: Dash cams come in a variety of sizes, so make sure to measure the available space inside your car before making a purchase. Larger cameras may be more visible, but they also take up more space when mounted.
Brand: It is important to buy from a reputable brand as this will ensure that you receive quality parts and reliable customer service in case anything goes wrong.
Design: Choose a model with an attractive design that blends in well with your vehicle’s interior and exterior style.
Style: There are several styles of dash cams on the market; some have bulky designs while others are sleeker and more compact. Consider which type would work best for your needs and preferences.
Warranty: Before committing to a model, check out the warranty options available and make sure that they are satisfactory.
Customer Service: Check to see what kind of customer service is offered with each model before making a purchase. Quality customer service can be invaluable if you experience any issues or have questions about your product.
Material: Dash cams are typically made from plastic, metal, or rubber materials so it is important to consider which material will withstand long-term wear and tear better. Plastic models tend to be lighter but may not last as long over time. Metal dash cams may be heavier but offer more durability and protection against impacts in case of an accident. Rubber models offer good power efficiency but may not be as resistant to water damage.
Benefits of dash cams:
- Prove innocence in the event of an accident: In the event of a car accident, a dash cam can provide crucial video evidence that might otherwise be unavailable. Dash cams record both audio and visual evidence to help prove who is at fault for any damages or injuries resulting from an incident.
- Monitor your vehicle’s surroundings: Dash cams can also be used as security cameras to monitor your vehicle’s surroundings when it is parked at night or left unattended. This can help deter vandalism and theft, as well as providing peace of mind to owners that their vehicles are being monitored even when they aren’t around.
- Improved driving skills: Using dash cams can also help improve driving skills by providing drivers with feedback on their performance. Dash cams can provide a driver with insight into exactly how they are driving, and what areas need improvement. This can be especially useful for novice drivers or those who want to brush up their skills.
- Monitor potential road hazards: Dash cams can also help monitor potential road hazards such as potholes, debris, and other obstacles that could potentially cause damage to your vehicle. By recording these events as they happen, you will have video evidence should any of these hazards cause problems for your car in the future.
- Improve customer service: Since dash cams record audio and visual evidence, businesses that use vehicles for business-related tasks such as delivery services may benefit from using dash cams to improve customer service. Dash cams can help resolve any disputes between customers and drivers, as well as provide an additional layer of accountability and professionalism to the driver’s performance.
- Insurance discounts: Many insurance companies now offer discounts for drivers who use dashboard cameras in their vehicles. This is because most insurers view the presence of a dash cam as helping reduce the risk of fraudulent claims or exaggerated damages from accidents or other incidents. As a result, installing dash cams may save you money on your monthly premiums.
- Help law enforcement with investigations: In some cases, police officers may ask for footage from a vehicle’s dash cam to help them investigate certain crimes or locate missing persons. Dash cams provide a valuable resource for law enforcement, and can help them solve cases faster than without video evidence.
Pros and Cons of dash cams:
Pros:
- Dash cams provide drivers with an accurate, objective record of events during accidents or other incidents on the road. This can be invaluable evidence for insurance companies and law enforcement officials in determining fault and holding individuals accountable for their actions.
- Dash cams help protect drivers from fraud by providing video footage in case of false claims or accusations from other drivers who may be trying to blame them for an accident they didn’t cause.
- They can also be used to monitor driving behavior, helping drivers become more aware of their own behaviors and improve their driving skills.
- Dash cams are also a great way to capture unexpected moments while you’re out on the road, such as scenic vistas or wildlife sightings.
Cons:
- Dash cams can be expensive, especially if you are looking for one with advanced features such as night vision or motion detection.
- It is also important to keep the camera charged and have enough memory space available on the device in order to capture necessary footage.
- The cameras can be a distraction while driving, as they require frequent monitoring of the footage being recorded in order to ensure that everything is working properly and that no important moments are missed due to low battery or lack of memory space.
Types of dash cams:
Dash cams come in a variety of types, each suited to different needs and uses. Dash cams can be broadly divided into two main categories: standard dash cams and network-connected dash cams.
Standard dash cams are the most common type of dash cam, and usually consist of a basic camera with a memory card for video storage. Standard dash cams are typically relatively inexpensive compared to other types and are often used as a basic security measure or as evidence in insurance claims. These types of cameras generally have limited features, such as loop recording or night vision recording capability.
Network-connected dash cams are the more advanced type of camera on the market, offering additional features like cloud storage and live streaming capabilities. They usually connect to Wi-Fi or LTE networks, allowing them to be monitored remotely via smartphone apps or web portals. Network-connected dash cams also often come with additional sensors such as GPS tracking and motion detection capability. This allows users to keep track of their vehicle’s location at all times when the camera is engaged. Additionally, some models allow for audio recordings and voice commands from remote locations via smartphone apps or web portals.
How to use dash cams?
Dash cams, or dashboard cameras, are devices that install on a vehicle’s dashboard and record video of the road ahead as well as audio inside the car. With dash cam footage becoming an increasingly popular source of evidence in court cases, insurance companies are using it to help settle disputes, and most importantly for drivers, providing an extra layer of safety when behind the wheel. To make sure you get the most out of your dash cam setup, here are a few steps on how to use them properly:
- Install your dash cam correctly. Make sure to read the installation instructions that came with your cam carefully and consult with a professional if you don’t feel comfortable installing it yourself. The mounting angle should be adjusted depending on where your vehicle is typically parked and also consider any obstructions such as sun visors or headrests that could block its view.
- Set up motion detection mode. Motion detection mode causes the camera to start recording when it detects movement or sound in front of it; this can be very helpful in case of an accident or altercation while you’re away from your car.
- Format memory cards regularly. Most dash cams have limited storage capacity so make sure to format memory cards after each use in order to clear space for more recordings later on down the line. This will also help ensure that there isn’t any corrupted data stored on the card which can cause issues with playback later on down the line.
- Adjust settings for different scenarios. Dash cams allow various settings to be adjusted including video resolution, exposure levels, frame rate and more – so be sure to adjust them depending on whether you’re driving during day or night time as well as different weather conditions like rain or foggy environments which require different adjustments compared to sunny days where everything looks brighter and clearer than usual
- Use parking mode if available on your device . Some dash cams come equipped with parking mode which keeps recording even when the engine is turned off; this is an ideal way to protect your car from vandalism and hit-and-runs while you’re not around
6 Monitor footage regularly for best results . Finally, don’t just leave your dash cam running without monitoring it every now and then – make sure you review footage regularly especially after long drives or after extreme weather conditions as these often provide important clues about what happened during certain incidents
Common mistakes when using dash cams:
- Not setting up the device properly: dash cams can be tricky to install, so it’s important that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Failure to do so can result in poor image quality or even a malfunctioning device.
- Skimping on hardware quality: while cost-effective solutions are available, opting for a lower quality model might mean missing out on valuable features, such as night vision and high-resolution footage. Make sure to invest in a reliable brand with good reviews when purchasing your dash cam.
- Ignoring maintenance: like all gadgets, dash cams require regular care and attention. This means regularly checking the SD card for errors and formatting them at least once every three months. It’s also important to make sure your device is regularly updated with the latest firmware.
- Not using all available features: most dash cams come with additional features such as GPS tracking, lane departure warning systems and collision alerts. Taking advantage of these can help you stay safe on the roads and even save you money in insurance premiums.
- Recording while driving: many states have laws prohibiting drivers from recording while operating a vehicle, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with local regulations before taking advantage of your device’s video capturing capabilities.
- Not being prepared for emergencies: if an accident does occur, having an up-to-date file stored away in a safe place will be invaluable when it comes to making a claim. Make sure you have an external drive or cloud storage set up so that your footage is easily accessible in case of an emergency.
- Not protecting the device: dash cams are vulnerable to extreme temperatures, rain and dust, so it’s important to make sure they are stored away safely when not in use. Consider investing in a carrying case or mounting system to keep your device secure while on the go.
FAQs
Can you leave the dash cam on all the time?
Yes, you can leave a dash cam on all the time. However, depending on the model of your dash cam, it may have a “parking mode” feature that will start recording if motion is detected around your car when it’s parked. This is a great way to protect yourself against any potential theft or vandalism while you’re away. Some dash cams also come with supercapacitors which allow them to record even if they lose power due to an accident or other event. It’s important to check the specific features and capabilities of your model before deciding whether or not to keep your dash cam running all the time. If you do decide to keep it running, make sure that you use an appropriately sized memory card to avoid any potential video looping or data writing errors. Additionally, make sure that your car battery is up to the task of powering a dash cam for long periods of time. If necessary, you may need to install a dedicated power source for your dash cam (such as those used for car alarms) in order to keep it running all the time.
Conclusion:
When choosing a dash cam, it is important to consider the features that are most important to you. Some people prioritize high quality video, while others care more about ease of use. No matter what your priorities are, there is a dash cam on the market that will suit your needs. In this blog post, we have reviewed some of the best dash cams on the market and highlighted their key features. We hope that this information will help you make an informed decision when purchasing a dash cam for your vehicle.
I’m Ella Andrews, owner of the website https://bestconsumerstips.com/
I give you valuable information about good products to help you choose the best product.