Guide to buying the best car camera; Continuous recording of events
Photo Credit Shutterstock You've probably heard about the growing interest in dashboard cameras, also known as dash cams, for a few years now. These devices are installed on the windshield of your car and record a view of the road and traffic while driving. If you've ever been in an accident, you'll probably understand why the desire to buy these devices is on the rise.
You can use a car camera to make sure you have complete video evidence of everything that happens on the road. You have it inside and outside your car. You may be wondering how to choose the best dash cam for your car? There are many different types of dash cams with different features and prices, so it's important to consider what you will be using the camera for and who will be using it. In this article, we look at the recommendations of Make Use Of and Life Wire.
The importance of the car camera
When you are driving, accidents may happen. While you try to avoid such an issue, sometimes it is impossible to do so. For this reason, it is recommended that you seriously invest in a car camera.
When recording your surroundings, in case of an accident or other unexpected event, if If someone wants to sue you, you can protect yourself. Also, for presenting documents and documents in your reports to the police and the insurance company, having a clear picture is very important and it will make it easier for you to verify the registered claims. It happens that you wish you had filmed it. For example, many people have managed to capture wildlife crossing the road or a meteorite falling by using these car cameras. Want to use your car camera? Depending on your needs and the type of driving you do, you may be interested in different models and features. Important features to consider include the number of cameras, storage capabilities, resolution, GPS, and park mode capabilities.
Of course, as Nexar points out, you also need to consider your budget. A wide range of these cameras are available in the market, focusing on different needs. Here's what to consider when choosing a dash cam for safe driving.
Field of View
One of the first things to consider is how wide the dash cam is. He sees wide. The ideal field of view is between 130 and 160 degrees. When recording, you should make sure that it covers the entire windshield from where you installed it.
Any less than this, you will definitely lose the desired view of your car's fenders. But on the other hand, widescreen can cause distortion and loss of quality near the edges of the video.
None No two car models are the same, so it's best to choose which one offers the best field of view for your car before buying a car camera. If you're driving a truck or other tall vehicle, you'll probably need to buy a camera with a wider field of view to cover all angles well, especially if you have a long hood.
Number of cameras
Most conventional dash cams come with only one sensor on the front, meaning they only record what's in front of you. Although this camera might be enough for basic recording, it won't cover the rear, sides, and interior of your car.
Some higher-end models have front and cabin cameras. This is a highly recommended option, especially for those who work with their own vehicles. People who offer their cars for rent or ride sharing can use it to protect themselves from unruly passengers. Truckers and other utility workers can also use this to monitor the interior and protect their belongings, especially when they're at work.
If you drive a lot, you may need Have a car camera set with two cameras or four cameras. With the former, you can ensure full coverage of the front and rear of your car, and if you choose the latter, you'll have a full 360-degree view to protect yourself.
Resolution and Quality
When recording video with a car camera, you want to make sure you get the details of the video. Therefore, you should have the best possible resolution for your camera. The minimum recommended quality is Full HD 1080p, but if you can afford 4K models, they are a much better option.
Beyond the number of pixels, you need to make sure that the camera produces high-quality video because when driving, You will face different conditions. When you're on the road, it won't always be bright and sunny outside, and there will be times when it rains and snows. The dash cam should also perform well at night and in low-light environments so that you don't lose details.
That's why it's best to look at sample videos recorded by these cameras before buying. If a particular model can capture details in different environments, buy the same model or a product from the same manufacturer. If you want to be sure, try asking people around you and check the video quality of their car camera output.
Sound Recording
Although some people may not consider sound recording as a necessary function in a dash cam, it can still be considered a great option. recording ambient sounds not only makes reviewing images more pleasant, but can also be great for capturing events that are not in the camera's view. Your car crashes, record. You can also use it to protect yourself by recording conversations, especially if a passenger in the car accuses you of doing something you didn't do or other people on the road try to argue with you.
Storage
Depending on how often you drive and what you use your camera for, you should consider how many gigabytes of storage you need.
When you're Capturing every moment that happens on the road, you need to have as much memory as possible for your camera. This is especially important if you are using a 4K dash cam. Most dashcams don't have built-in memory, and instead you'll need to buy a separate microSD card to store all your footage.
Some dashcams offer a 32GB or 64GB memory card with the original package, but in every You should make sure that you have a memory card from a reliable brand with high transfer speed. Because if the memory card fails just when you need it, the car camera will be practically useless. The high transfer speed also helps to properly record images, especially 4K images to the memory.
If you also want Upgrade your microSD card, consider larger capacity models like at least 256GB or 512GB. This way, you can keep more recorded videos.
But another important thing is that no matter how big the memory card capacity is, you need to make sure that your car camera supports it. . If you choose an older camera, it may not support SD cards with large storage space. So check the product specifications before paying. So make sure the camera you buy has the ability to automatically save the oldest data so you don't have to reformat it every time the memory fills up.
Internal display
In While some car cameras connect to your phone to display information, others have a built-in display that lets you browse videos and access settings.
Larger displays See details in video. And they make navigating the menus easier, but don't expect a high-quality screen like a smartphone. car camera screens are usually between 2 and 3 inches and are often bright enough to see in daylight.
GPS
Like voice recording, GPS also provides you with additional features. , even if you don't necessarily need this feature. By connecting GPS, you can record the speed and location of the car along with the video, and it will be very helpful when needed, especially in case of an accident.
Usually, most car cameras do not have built-in GPS, so if you are looking for a model with this capability You need more budget. Also, some models have the possibility of connecting a modular Bluetooth kit and there is no need to purchase this part from the beginning.
Installation and placement
Most car cameras are installed on the windshield with the help of a suction cup. . But if you're buying a mirror-mount model, check its mounts to make sure it stays securely in place even on bumpy roads, as it's important to keep the camera stable while driving anyway.
Also be sure Make sure that the placement of the camera does not obstruct any sensors or other functional features of the vehicle. It should not block the view of your car's adaptive cruise control sensors, nor should it be placed near the car's airbags, as it is very dangerous and can interfere with the normal operation of the vehicle.
Transfer files
You will definitely need to transfer videos to other devices, or maybe you want to transfer recorded videos from your device. clean. Therefore, the car camera must have a suitable communication path. For this reason, it is better to go for cameras that support Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection. With this, you transfer the desired movie to your phone wirelessly.
Some models even have the ability to instantly upload movies to the cloud. However, these are more expensive and unnecessary unless there is a significant safety threat to the car.
Longevity
When you buy a new car you expect it to last at least five years or more. For example, the average length of car ownership in the US is just over eight years. A car isn't like having a cell phone, which most people replace every two or three years.
So, if you're choosing a car camera, you need to buy something that will last as long as your car. If you have the budget, you can get the more premium models and be sure that they can accompany you on the road for years.
Budget
Definitely, budget is also a basic parameter in your purchase. Therefore, according to your budget and the things that have been said before, check different models to choose the most suitable one for you. .
Do you really need a side camera for your car?
Every driver should have a car camera to increase their protection factor. But you have to ask yourself if your car really needs such a product? Some cars, like the new Tesla cars, have built-in cameras. In such cases, you don't need to buy a separate camera. Just check your car's manual and see how you can activate and use a dash cam if you have one.
Summary
As the number of cars on the road increases, Having a suitable car camera has become much more important. This gadget not only protects you, but can also help other drivers who are in the camera's field of view. By recording different views of your driving on the road, you can ensure that you capture any accidents or incidents that you can share with others, including the police and insurance companies.
That's why you should consider having a good dash cam. that things like the field of view, image quality, storage space and the method of installing and transferring files will be important parameters for your choice. Whether you have a car camera or not, consider always driving safely!
Some of the car cameras on the market
Suntymai Dash Cam A400 model 70mai Dash Cam A400
The 70mai Dash Cam A400 camera from the subcategories of the Xiaomi brand can be considered a perfect option for your car. This camera, with the GC4653 image sensor, has the ability to capture Quad HD 1440x2560 resolution. In addition to the quality of colors, this sensor also records naturally.
The viewing angle or FOV of this camera is 145 degrees and it can cover at least three traffic lanes. The aperture of both front and rear cameras is F2.0 to receive enough light. This camera also uses night mode and WDR technology or "Wide Dynamic Range" (Wide Dynamic Range) together with 3D DNR automatically adjusts the light entering the lens. In this way, it records better images in low light or high contrast environments.
The built-in G-Sensor of the camera automatically detects sudden impacts and quickly records any suspicious event such as an accident. In this way, you can keep a close eye on the car whether you are driving or parking the car.
Built-in WiFi, along with a special application, helps you to watch live videos, take photos, and save files. Download the desired one to your phone. This camera also replaces the oldest recorded videos with new ones after the memory is full, and you won't have to worry about recording new images. V3
This camera is from the brand Viofo, which is recognized as a top offer on the PCWorld website. The A119 V3 model, which was released in late 2019, is one of the most high-quality models among the company's products. Using the Sony IMX335 image sensor, it has a more advanced lens and a wider aperture than the previous models.
The processor of this device is also improved compared to before and By using the H265 storage algorithm, video files take up to 30% less memory. By using the advanced parking mode, in addition to recording the image when the collision is detected, it also saves 15 seconds before the incident. It makes it clear and transparent during the day, and the night mode provides the possibility of recording images in low light.
To maintain the quality of images in low-light conditions, Wifu company has used a special filter called CPL, which It can be purchased separately and mounted on the A119 V3 camera to minimize image degradation in low light conditions. The ability to purchase a separate GPS module is also available for this product, which makes it possible to locate the recorded images. Different people exist easily.
Remax Blade FHD1080P car video camera
3D noise reduction, artificial intelligence and image processing with the US OV smart chip provide optimal performance in various light conditions and make the colors the most natural. It records shape.
The advanced compression of this device for storage has made the images take less space on the memory while maintaining the quality, and it is possible to record more moments.
This camera also has It has a 3-inch display and supports a memory card up to 32 GB. But you don't have to worry about filling up the memory because it is possible to replace new videos with the oldest saved files.
This camera has sensors sensitive to movement, G-Sensor and night vision, and its power is using electricity. The car is fueled internally or by using the car lighter. The internal microphone also records the ambient sound well so that you don't miss anything while driving.
The camera is placed on the car using a special stand that is installed on the windshield or dashboard.
Iptech X1 car video camera
According to the manufacturer, this camera captures images with high quality It records Full HD and uses the AVC H.264 format. With a viewing angle of 120 degrees, it may not be an ideal option especially for tall cars and SUVs, but continuous recording and temperature tolerance up to 65 degrees make it an acceptable option for filming in various conditions.
The X1 model also It has a 2.4-inch screen and uses a built-in microphone.
A14B Starvan car video camera
This camera is one of the cheapest models among car cameras. With a weight of 39 grams and having a suction base, it is well placed on the glass or dashboard to continuously film the front view of the car. However, it is not possible to have another connection, and to watch movies, you have to insert the memory card directly into the phone or other devices. All in all, if the price is the only consideration for you, it can be a practical choice for a while.