If youve ever been in a car accident, you may know how much of a headache it is to prove that you arent at fault, not to mention to identify the other individuals involved if they left the scene or damaged your car while it was parked. This can be mitigated substantially, though, by installing a decent dash cam, so if you are involved in an accident, you will have a full recording of your actions and everyone else involved. Here are some things to watch for when shopping for a dash camera.
What Features Do You Need?
The first thing to consider when buying a dashcam is the video clarity, which is usually a mix of resolution and frame rate. Resolution is the same as with a computer or TV – the bigger the number, the clearer the image. 720p is the absolute minimum you want and also the minimum usually available. 1080p, or full HD, is a much better option. The highest available, 4k, is usually overkill and severely cuts down on the recorded time you will be able to store.
Frame rate is the second feature that will affect the quality and usability of your camera. 30 frames per second will give you a more or less smooth video, showing everything that happens. Less than 30 fps will leave you with a video that looks more like a slideshow and can easily miss important moments, cutting down on the usability. A higher frame rate is better but will cut down on the recorded time and increase the cost of the camera.
Single- or Multi-Lens?
A single-lens camera is standard and records everything happening in front of your car. However, a car dash camera front and rear will also record someone who runs into you from behind, vastly increasing the cover your camera gives you. It may cost a little bit more, but a multi-lens system like those from http://www.vehicle-accessories.net/Driver-Recording-Systems will give you much more security than a single lens.
Other Features to Consider
G-force sensors ensure that the camera saves footage when you are involved in an accident. Other features that are worth considering are GPS tracking, which shows your location alongside the video footage, cameras that record impacts while the car is parked and paired apps.
