Having a dash cam mounted on the front and rear of your car is a lot like having an extra set of eyes for your vehicle. It captures events and details when you aren’t looking, and while that’s certainly convenient, some people don’t really think they’re worth the money.
What Is a Dash Cam?
A dashboard camera, or simply a dash cam, refers to a travel-sized camera that typically records the front and rear of a vehicle. It’s typically mounted on the dashboard, but you can also find it installed on the windshield, the back of the rearview mirror, or the rear window of a car.
How Do Dash Cams Work?
Most dash cams come with a secure digital (SD) memory card, where the dash cam stores all of its recordings. Depending on the model, the dash cam will typically overwrite and record over existing videos once the SD card is full.
You can find all types of aftermarket dash cams, such as battery-powered ones and those that come with power ports. Some vehicles also come with built-in dash cams, which are hardwired into the car’s power supply.
Pros of Owning a Dash Cam
Still unsure about buying your own dash cam? Here are some of the advantages of owning one to consider:
Video Evidence
With a dash cam, you can record any incidents that might happen to your vehicle. A front and rear dash cam can catch the license plates of hit-and-run drivers, making it easier for the cops to track them down.
Protection Against Fraud
Making a claim with your insurance company can be hard, but it can be a lot easier with the help of a dash cam. Footage from your front and rear dash camera serves as evidence that can help you speed up the claims process, while also protecting you against fraudulent claims from other drivers.
Added Security
Did you know some dash cams have a parking mode feature? It’s a convenient feature that activates your camera when it senses movement around your vehicle, helping you park without hitting anything.
Parental Monitoring
Some dash cams have global positioning system (GPS) tracking and other safety features that are great for inexperienced teenage drivers. Plus, installing a dash cam in your child’s vehicle can help you monitor their driving.
Cons of Owning a Dash Cam
To figure out whether a dash cam is worth it or not, you’ll have to think about the disadvantages too. Consider some of the cons of owning a dash cam:
Video Evidence Against You
While dash cams provide you with evidence against other people, they also provide others with evidence against you. Dash cams record everything until you turn them off, so they can capture accidents where you’re the one at fault.
Invasion of Privacy
Whether you own a front or rear dash cam, dash cams typically record in public spaces, which means there’s a big chance you might intrude on someone’s privacy.
Cost
Owning an aftermarket dash cam obviously costs money, and while you can certainly find dash cams within your price range, you’ll have to shell out around $200 if you want one with more features.
You can still find decent dash cams for less than $100, but you can expect the high-end ones to cost over $700.
Inadequate Storage Capacity
Dash cams that come with SD cards typically have inadequate storage capacity, which means you’ll either have to make a backup of your footage frequently or accept the fact that old footage will be lost to new videos at some point.
Attracts Thieves
You’d think a dash cam would scare off thieves, but apparently, some people just don’t know when to stay away. A dash cam mounted in plain sight can be tempting, especially if it’s an expensive one.
Features To Consider When Buying a Dash Cam
Now that you’re convinced that you should own a dash cam, it’s time to go over what you should look for when buying one. Here are some features to consider when choosing from your dash cam prospects:
Resolution
Try buying a dash cam with at least 1280 x 720 pixels. Any lower than that and you might have a hard time seeing the smaller details in your footage.
Angle of View
You don’t need an angle of view that’s too wide. A 150-degree field of view is likely the best choice, and going above that might cause your video to look weird and distorted.
Frame Rates
The number of image frames per second (fps) is important when it comes to videos. If you want smooth footage, 30 fps is a good enough baseline. Going below that can result in choppy quality.
Channels
Some dash cams offer multiple channels, which means you can have a better view of the things around your vehicle. For example, channel one displays your view from the windshield, while channel two switches to your cabin.
SD Card Compatibility
Dash cams aren’t compatible with all types of SD cards, so you’ll have to make sure you get one that matches your preference. If you want to use a 256-gigabyte (GB) SD card, then be careful not to get a dash cam that only works with a 128 GB SD card.
GPS
A dash cam with a GPS feature will make it easier to track the specific locations in your videos, which can come in handy if you travel a lot.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Some dash cams can store their videos in a cloud through the Wi-Fi, while some can also connect to your smart devices using Bluetooth. Buying a dash cam with both connection features can make accessing your footage a lot easier.
Other Added Features
High-end dash cams come with added features that aren’t necessary but certainly aren’t unwelcome. Sound recording, image stabilization, night vision, and a parking monitor system are great features to consider if you have the money to spare.
How To View Recorded Dash Cam Videos
Depending on the model of your car’s front and rear dash camera, there are different ways you can view your recorded footage. Here are some examples:
- Watch on your camera display
- Connect your smartphone to your dash cam using Bluetooth
- Remove the SD Card and insert it into your computer’s card reader
- Retrieve uploaded videos on your dash cam’s cloud
Be sure to choose whichever method is compatible with your dash cam. If you aren’t entirely sure which method to use, you can always consult your dash cam’s manual.
Where to Get a Dash Cam for Your Vehicle
At the end of the day, the pros of owning a dash cam far outweigh the cons. Getting a reliable camera is the biggest priority if you’re planning on buying one. Luckily, CarParts.com has high-quality dash cams on hand and ready to ship from a warehouse near you.
Place your order today, and we’ll have it delivered to your doorstep in as fast as two business days. Don’t worry about going over budget. We offer dash cams at unbeatable prices, so you don’t have to break the bank to get your hands on one.
Shopping online only takes a few minutes, thanks to our vehicle selector, search filters, and detailed product information. We also have a return policy in the unlikely event you’re not satisfied with your dash cam. Simply file a claim through our returns center, and we’ll issue you a full refund.
Get better security soon by ordering a high-quality dash cam at CarParts.com today!
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