The best dash cam for safety, security or just recording curiosities that happen on the road will depend on a few key features. It's hard to choose since there are so many dash cams on the market, most from brands you don't know.
First, think about your budget: You can spend tens to hundreds of dollars on a dash cam, but start with a rough idea of what your reason for having one is worth. If you want to record evidence of a crash you're involved in, that's easily worth hundreds of dollars; If you just want to capture the occasional YouTube moment, that might warrant spending less than $100.
Then realize that all dash cams have the same core purpose that makes them unique among digital cameras: They record live (not time lapse) video as you drive, running in a continuous loop, the "length" of which varies by the amount of storage in the cam. Every feature beyond that is optional and, often, superfluous.
Get a big SD card. The bigger the card, the longer that "loop" of recorded video you can mine for a clip you want to save. Memory cards are cheap, so buy the largest one your camera can handle. How much video a given card size will hold is determined by the specs of the camera as each will use different levels of video resolution and file compression: It's not possible to say that xx GB of storage will hold xx hours of video across all cams. Some dash cams come with a card, but it's usually a scrawny one so plan on buying your own. Avoid dash cams that only use internal memory and don't allow you to insert your own card, for capacity and convenience reasons.
Look for stable 4K recording. 4K may seem like overkill in a little device, but it allows you to better zoom in on details in a video clip and read small text like license plate numbers. Clips from a lesser 1080p HD cam might turn to mush when you do that. Bonus points for a cam that couples 4K recording with image stabilization.
Decide which views you want. All dash cams record the "over the hood" forward view but if you're a rideshare driver you may also want a view of the people in the cabin with you (but see the notes on audio recording below). If you're more concerned about evidence when you're rear-ended you might want a cam that supports an additional rear window lens and records what's behind your car. Some cams let you record all three.
Know that dash cams cut both ways. If you get in an accident with another driver, a visible dash camera is a sign that you have evidence. The other person may mention it to their insurance company, and attorneys may demand a copy of what you've recorded. That could go badly if you were in the wrong, but don't get in the habit of destroying recorded evidence that is known or discoverable. This is an argument for using the smallest, least noticeable dash cam.
Think about audio. When looking for the best dash cams, consider whether they have audio recording but, more importantly, make sure you can turn it off. Some states have two-party consent laws you'll violate if you use a cam to record the voices of casual carpoolers, Uber and Lyft customers, or friends and family in your car who aren't aware of the recording. And know that when an accident happens, spontaneous remarks like "Oh no, I didn't even see him" can hurt you in litigation if there's video. It is suggested to turn off dash cam microphones, though users interested in recording interactions with law enforcement may disagree.
More dash cams rely on apps as the screens rather than having a built-in one. You know how clunky it can be to reconnect to anything that talks to your phone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, so bear that in mind when deciding on a dash cam without its own screen. On the other hand, some of the new phone-reliant dash cams also use that connection to upload clips to the cloud through your phone, which is a nice feature... as long as you pay attention to how much of your data plan it's using.
Scrutinize the mount. All dash cams come with a windshield mount, but they vary widely in adhesive type, size and occasionally, essential technology built into the mount like a GPS antenna. These factors determine if a cam is easy to move from car to car, if it's going to be big and ungainly, or whether it may block more of your view and potentially run afoul of your local laws on dash cam mounting.
Don't get bamboozled by bells and whistles. The main reason for a dash cam is recording video. Many cams are trying to differentiate themselves in a crowded market with features like AI driver assistance alerts, cloud backup, voice commands and supercapacitor power sources. None of these are key to getting a great dash cam. On the other hand, new features like AI fog removal or a glare-reducing polarizer built into the lens are useful innovations in the main job of recording solid video.
Dress the cable. Every dash cam needs a power cable and nothing looks worse than having it messily hang down to your 12V outlet in the dash. That also screams out to passing thieves that you have something worth stealing in your car. Take the time to tuck the cable into crevices and gaps in your interior trim as it snakes its way down to the dash. Many cams come with a simple little plastic "butter knife" that aids in tucking the cable, if not, just use a real butter knife.
Dash Cam FAQs
How do I install a dash cam?
The best dash cams are easy to install. In fact, installation is often as simple as finding a suitable location on your vehicle's windshield or dashboard, affixing the camera with the suction cup or adhesive mount that usually comes in the box and then connecting the camera to 12-volt power, commonly known as the cigarette lighter socket on older vehicles. You'll want to take care when securing and routing the power cable, so it stays out of the way while driving. You may also need to insert a microSD card into the camera, if one is required and not preinstalled.
More complex multicamera systems may require you to install a second rear-facing camera. Sometimes this is as simple as attaching a second camera to the rear window and running a cable. Other kits may require you to attach the second camera to the license plate with a pair of screws and routing cable through the trunk and into the cabin. Other multicamera kits can get even more complex. If you feel out of your depth, contact a professional installer.
For dash cams that can monitor and record while your car is parked, or if you're looking for a cleaner installation that doesn't block your 12-volt outlet, you may want to consider hardwiring the device to your car's battery. You can usually find an appropriate fused connection in your vehicle's fuse box. If you're unfamiliar with car electronics installation, a professional installer should be able to help.
Are dash cams worth the money?
Yes and no. The happiest scenario is that you buy the best dash cam, drive for years without incident and never need to look at or even think about the footage. Technically, you bought a product you didn't need.
However, a dash cam can be invaluable when the unpredictable happens. After a fender bender, being able to prove your innocence with video or GPS evidence can save you hundreds of dollars on repairs, insurance premiums and legal fees. A relatively inexpensive dash cam is certainly worth the money in that regard.
It's better to think of these devices the way we think of insurance or fire extinguishers, it's better to have it and not need it, than vice versa.
Are dash cams illegal?
Like most devices or modifications you make to your car, the answer depends on the laws in your area at the time. There are no known states that outright ban putting a camera in your car. So, generally speaking, the answer is no, dash cams are not illegal. However, there are factors you should consider when choosing the best dash cam for your individual needs and plans.
For example, many states have restrictions banning mounting gadgets or obstructions on the windshield. In these regions, you may consider a dashboard-mount, a camera that replaces or fits over the rearview mirror or some other low-profile installation option. Other states limit where on the windshield you're allowed to mount gadgets. So, you might have to put your camera in a corner of the windshield rather than in the center to avoid a ticket in these states.
Some states' distracted driving laws prohibit dash cams with always-on screens, so consider one with the option to disable the display while driving or one with no display at all. Honestly, even if you're not afraid of law enforcement here, not having another screen glowing in your periphery while driving, especially at night, is a good idea.
Finally, you'll need to consider your state's privacy and surveillance laws. They typically don't apply to recording what's happening around your car while you're driving, but drivers for ride-hailing services who pick up passengers, owners who share their vehicles with other drivers or who install a camera that continues to record while they're away from the car should check their local laws to make sure they don't run afoul of the law.
As mentioned earlier, this is particularly important for cameras that record audio, which could rub up against two-party consent laws governing audio eavesdropping.
Credit: cnet.com
Learn more about dash cams during our next club
meeting, 2-15-23, at 9:00AM in the Orchid Club.
Computer Technology Club, Inc.
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