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Recent research from Which? has found that one in three dash cam owners caught up in accidents have been able to use their footage to support a claim.
There are other benefits too. Having a camera in your car might make you feel more alert and confident. In fact, Which? research found that one in five people thought it actually improved their driving.
With all that said, it seems like dash cams could be a solid investment. But how do you choose the best dash cam for your needs?
What is a dash cam?
A dash cam, short for dashboard camera, is a small camera mounted inside a vehicle to continuously record the road ahead and, in some cases, the interior or rear view. Its primary purpose is to capture video footage of driving incidents, accidents, or unusual events, providing valuable evidence for car insurance claims or legal matters.
How do dash cams work?
Dash cams typically start recording automatically when the vehicle’s ignition is turned on. They record video footage in short segments, usually between one to five minutes long, saving these clips to a memory card, such as a micro SD card.
When the storage is full, loop recording allows the dash cam to overwrite the oldest footage, ensuring continuous recording without manual intervention. Most dash cams include a built-in sensor called a G-sensor that detects sudden impacts or changes in motion; when triggered, it locks the relevant video clips to prevent them from being overwritten.
Some models also offer features like motion detection and parking mode, which can capture footage even when the car is parked and turned off, providing parking protection against hit-and-runs or vandalism.
Is it worth having a dash cam?
Yes, having a dash cam is generally considered a worthwhile investment for many drivers:
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Dash cam footage can provide vital evidence in the event of an accident, helping to establish fault and speeding up insurance claims.
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It also offers peace of mind by recording the road ahead and sometimes the interior of the vehicle, which can be useful for ride-share drivers or parents monitoring young drivers.
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Dash cams with parking mode can capture incidents when the vehicle is unattended, offering extra security.
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Beyond legal and insurance benefits, some drivers find that the presence of a dash cam encourages safer driving habits and greater awareness on the road.
With a wide range of models available, from basic to smart dash cams with advanced features like voice control and smartphone app connectivity, there is a dash cam suitable for almost all budgets and needs.
5 things to consider when buying a dash cam
Resolution
The first thing you should look out for when buying a dash cam is the video resolution. Most dash cams can shoot in full HD (1920×1080), but some offer 4K recording (3840×2160) as standard.
Higher resolutions mean that you might be able to pick up on essential details, such as licence plates, in the event of an accident. Splashing out on a more expensive 4K options might not be necessary, but anything below full HD carries the risk of blurry footage when zoomed in.
Night vision
Another thing to look for is night vision capabilities. An increasing number of dash cams offer the ability to pick up details in the dark. This could be particularly useful if you’ve parked on a street at night and want to make sure you’re able to see anything that happens to your car whilst you’re gone.
Field of view
It’s important to make sure that you’re picking up as many details of the road as possible. This means that your dash cam should have a sufficiently wide field of view.
Yet it’s not as simple as going for a dash cam with the widest field of view possible, as beyond a certain angle, footage can become distorted like a fish eye lens. Therefore, the best cameras have field of view that is between 125° and 165°, ensuring that enough of the road is captured without resulting in a distorted image.
Some dash cams even have a built-in second lens that allows you to capture what’s happening inside your vehicle as well.
Loop recording
Videos are full of data that can be hard to store in large quantities. The last thing you want to be doing is replacing a memory card every other day because you’ve run out of space. Therefore, it’s important to make sure that your dash cam has loop recording enabled.
This means that the latest data will begin to overwrite the earliest data once the memory is full. Instead of worrying about memory all the time, you can rest assured that your dash cam always ready to capture an incident.
Attachment method
Dash cams are only useful if they’re pointed in the right direction and haven’t fallen onto your dash. Even a small accident could result in very high G-forces that could easily dislodge a poorly mounted dash cam.
For the upmost security, its generally recommended to opt for adhesive mounts over suction cup mounts. Adhesive mounts are attached flat against the windscreen which means that it’s less affected by vibration and the movement of the car. Therefore, it’s more likely to stay put on an accident instead of falling off when you need it most.
Can a dash cam drain your car battery?
Dash cams typically draw power from your car’s electrical system, usually via the 12V cigarette lighter socket or a hardwired connection to the car’s fuse box. While most dash cams have low power consumption, leaving them on for extended periods, especially with parking mode activated, can potentially drain your car’s battery if the vehicle is not running.
Many modern dash cams come with built-in battery protection features that monitor the car battery’s voltage and will automatically shut off the dash cam to prevent a flat battery. However, if your dash cam lacks this feature, or if you have an older vehicle with a weaker battery, it’s a good idea to be cautious about leaving the dash cam powered when the engine is off.
If you want to use parking mode extensively, consider having your dash cam hardwired with a professional installation that includes battery protection, or use an external power source such as a dedicated battery pack designed for dash cams.
Is a front or rear dash cam more important?
Most drivers prioritize a front camera because it records the road ahead, where the majority of incidents occur. A front dash cam captures vital footage such as collisions, traffic violations, and unexpected hazards. However, a rear dash cam or rear view camera is also valuable as it records incidents from behind, such as rear-end collisions or hit-and-run accidents.
Some dash cam systems come with both front and rear cams, offering all round coverage for comprehensive protection. This setup is especially beneficial for professional drivers, ride-share drivers, or anyone wanting extra peace of mind. When choosing between front and rear cameras, consider your driving habits, vehicle type, and budget.
How to choose the best dash cam for you
Choosing the best dash cam for your car involves considering several key factors to ensure you get the right features and performance for your needs:
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Video quality: Look for dash cams that offer high-definition (HD) footage, ideally 1080p Full HD or higher. Higher resolution like 4K provides sharper images and better detail, which can be crucial for reading number plates or identifying people.
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Field of view: A wide viewing angle between 125° and 165° helps capture more of the road without distortion. Some dash cams include a built-in polarizing filter to reduce glare and improve video quality.
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Number of cameras: Decide if you want a single front camera or a dual setup with front and rear cams. Some models also offer an interior camera to monitor the cabin, useful for taxi or ride-share drivers.
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Parking mode: If you want protection while your car is parked, choose a dash cam with parking mode that records motion or impact events when the vehicle is off.
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Storage and loop recording: Ensure the dash cam supports loop recording and uses a reliable micro SD card. Higher capacity cards allow for more recorded footage before overwriting.
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Power options: Consider how the dash cam is powered. Hardwired dash cams offer continuous power and enable advanced parking features but require professional installation. Plug-and-play models powered via the USB port or cigarette lighter socket are easier to install.
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Additional features: Look for extras like GPS location data, Wi-Fi connectivity for easy file transfer, voice control, built-in screen, and smartphone app compatibility.
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Ease of installation and use: Some dash cams come with suction cup mounts, while others use adhesive mounts for better stability. Check user reviews for ease of setup and interface usability.
By weighing these factors against your budget and specific needs, you can select a dash cam that provides vital footage and peace of mind on the road.
Frequently asked questions
Is a GoPro better than a dash cam?
While GoPro cameras are renowned for their high-quality video and versatility, they are not specifically designed to function as dash cams. GoPros can be mounted in vehicles and set to record on a loop, but they lack many features that dedicated dash cams offer.
Are dash cams legal?
Dash cams are generally legal in many countries, including the UK, but there are important regulations to be aware of. The camera should not obstruct the driver’s view or cause distractions.
Privacy laws also apply, especially regarding audio recording and capturing footage of individuals without consent. Sharing dash cam footage publicly may require blurring faces or license plates to comply with data protection laws.
What is loop recording?
Loop recording is a key feature of dash cams that enables continuous video capture without running out of storage space. The dash cam records footage in short segments, typically between one to five minutes.
When the memory card is full, loop recording automatically overwrites the oldest footage with new video, ensuring that the camera is always ready to record the latest events. This feature removes the need for manual deletion of old files and guarantees that vital footage is not missed. Many dash cams also allow users to manually save or lock important clips to prevent them from being overwritten during loop recording.
How much is a dash cam?
Dash cam prices vary widely depending on features, video quality, and brand:
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Entry-level models with basic functionality and 1080p HD video can be found for as little as £50 to £100.
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Mid-range dash cams often include features like GPS, parking mode, and Wi-Fi connectivity, and typically range from £100 to £250.
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Premium dash cams offering 4K video, multiple cameras (front, rear, interior), advanced driver assistance, and smartphone app integration may cost upwards of £300 to £500 or more.
How do I install a dash cam?
Installing a dash cam usually involves mounting the camera on the windscreen using either an adhesive mount or suction cup. The camera should be positioned so it captures a clear view of the road without obstructing the driver’s vision. Power is typically supplied via the vehicle’s 12V cigarette lighter socket or USB port.
For a cleaner installation and to enable features like parking mode, many users opt for professional hardwiring, which connects the dash cam directly to the car’s fuse box or battery. This requires routing cables discreetly along the vehicle’s interior trim.
Do dash cams record audio?
Most dash cams have built-in microphones that can record audio inside the vehicle. Audio recording can provide additional context during incidents but may raise privacy concerns. Many dash cams allow users to disable audio recording if desired.
The quality of the audio varies between models, with higher-end dash cams often featuring noise reduction to minimise wind and engine sounds. It’s important to be aware of local laws regarding audio recording, as some jurisdictions require consent from all parties being recorded.
Do dash cams record when the car is switched off?
Some dash cams support parking mode, which allows them to continue recording when the vehicle is turned off. This feature can activate recording upon detecting motion or impacts near the vehicle, providing protection against hit-and-run incidents or vandalism.
To use parking mode effectively, dash cams often need to be hardwired to the car’s electrical system or connected to an external power source, ensuring they have continuous power without draining the car battery.
Battery protection features are commonly included to prevent battery drain by shutting off the dash cam if voltage drops too low.
Are there any wireless dash cameras?
While dash cams require a constant power supply, many modern models offer wireless connectivity features such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This allows users to connect their smartphones to the dash cam wirelessly for easy viewing, downloading, and sharing of footage without removing the memory card.
However, the cameras themselves still need to be physically powered via the car’s electrical system. Fully wireless dash cams that operate without any power cable are not currently available due to the need for continuous power.
Do dash cameras lower insurance costs?
Dash cams can help support car insurance claims by providing clear evidence of incidents, which may lead to quicker claim resolutions and potentially lower premiums. However, not all insurance companies offer discounts solely for having a dash cam installed.
Some insurers view dash cams as a helpful tool rather than a direct factor in pricing. It’s advisable to check with your insurance provider to see if they offer any incentives for dash cam owners.