The Best Dash Cameras
If we want to take safety and security on the road into our own hands, a dash camera is a great way to monitor and document our journeys. Having high-resolution footage to hand can be invaluable in the event of an accident or traffic dispute, giving you a clear and indiscriminate means to survey events as they unfolded on the road. Modern dashcams come packed with features that will make you wonder how you ever managed without them. And if that wasn't enough, you're sure to find joy in rewatching your favorite motoring memories in crisp high definition.
What to Look For
As we searched for the best dash cameras money can buy, we had a few questions in mind: What is the maximum capture resolution and FPS? Do these cameras capture a clear image through a range of lighting conditions? Is interfacing and footage retrieval easy and intuitive? We loved the R2-4K from Rove, which pairs optimal capture quality with a functional design that will have you up and running in no time. The wide dynamic range and ultra night-vision technologies work wonders to bring a crisp and balanced image day or night, whatever the weather. But if you’re looking for a solution for both the front and rear, we recommend the dual camera set from Chortau. Read on below to discover the rest of our top picks.
Rove R2-4K Dash Cam
Capture every moment on the road
Capture each journey in high resolution with this 4K ultra-HD camera from Rove. This camera comes packed with features to bring you clear and professional video straight out of the box. An F1.8 aperture, 6-Glass, and 150° wide-angle lens soak in light for a bright and vivid picture even in dim conditions. And thanks to a 3-axis impact G sensor, the camera can activate even in the event of an accident while your vehicle is unattended. Integrated wifi makes it easier than ever to transfer footage to your devices.
Pros:
- We were amazed at the clarity of nighttime captures afforded by the Sony Starvis sensor. We found that we could achieve clear footage even when driving on dark country roads lit only by headlamps.
- If you’re tired of fish-eye contours warping your footage, this option comes with an integrated proprietary distortion correction algorithm to process your captures in the box.
- The GPS works to log your speed during capture, which can serve as invaluable proof during a dispute.
Cons:
- The 4K capture on this dash camera is limited to 24fps.
Redtiger 4k Dual Dash Cam
Lifelike images straight to your phone
If trouble strikes on the road, there’s a chance that it might creep up behind us. This dual dash cam set will capture front and back in glorious HD, ensuring you document the action in the event of a rear-end collision. Wide-angle lenses in both cameras offer a 310° view between front and back, avoiding common blindspots. Plus, the advanced wide dynamic range works to adjust exposure for a balanced and consistent image when subjected to varied lighting conditions of the open road.
Pros:
- A 24-hour timelapse mode can provide an effective monitoring solution for parked vehicles.
- Compared with standard lithium batteries, this supercapacitor design can withstand extreme temperatures ranging from -4 to 149°F.
- Several USB adapters offer numerous options for data transfer beyond standard SD readers.
Cons:
- This front mount doesn’t swivel, so you can’t adjust the capture direction once the unit is installed.
Chortau Dual Dash Cam
Watch those fender benders
Sometimes we might want to keep our dashboard free of bulky gadgets for optimal visibility while driving. This compact camera from Chortau condenses many of the features of its larger cousins into a neat package that’s sure to keep you focused on the road. The front camera is suspended from an adjustable swivel mount, so you don’t have to commit to a single angle once installed. Despite its size, this 3-inch display is clear and intuitive to operate. It can even help you when parking in a tight spot, with an automatic rearview display that activates once the reverse gear is engaged.
Pros:
- If you’re looking to save on storage, this camera supports smaller capacity cards down to 32GB. With the integrated loop recording function, you can avoid the expense of high memory options and still capture recent footage.
- The waterproof rear camera comes equipped with four LED lights for clarity during night-time captures.
- We were blown away by the price value of this option. If you’re looking for a bargain, we found that this camera shoots footage that stands up to scrutiny against options more than twice its price.
Cons:
- The wired power installation might take a bit of time to arrange neatly, and it could be a tight fit for some dashboards.
Vantrue S1 4K Hidden Dash Cam
An eye in the shadows
When subtlety is a priority, look no further than this understated micro cam from Vantrue. With petite dimensions of just 2.31″ by 4.8″, this shrouded eye-in-the-sky will sit discreetly beside your rearview mirror, capturing the open road without calling for attention. A miniature design doesn’t mean you have to compromise on video quality, with a maximum resolution of 2160p at 24fps and 1080p at 60fps.
Pros:
- Live speed recording and GPS stamping on each capture mean you can keep track of all the details of your journeys.
- This dual pair has a wider field of view than many other options, with a combined coverage of 330° between front and rear.
- The front camera is easy to slide up and remove from its mount if you need to adjust settings or quickly transfer files via USB.
Cons:
- Ultra HD capture will eat through your memory quicker than some other options. For example, a 256GB SD card could be full after a day or two of driving.
iiwey 3-Channel Dash Cam
The more eyes the better
If two planes of view aren’t enough, feast your eyes on this 3-channel set from iiwey. The 1080p camera is equipped with a front and rear view, allowing you to also capture footage from inside the vehicle cabin. And thanks to the infrared LEDs, these cameras boast clear pictures day and night.
Pros:
- The automatic start function means these cameras activate at the turn of a key, so no more fidgeting with buttons at the outset of each journey.
- A limited capture resolution helps to maximize storage despite the three incoming streams. We found that a 256GB SD card could hold up to 17 hours of footage recorded at 1080p.
- The audio quality captured by internal microphones is surprisingly rich, offering an additional dimension to your footage.
Cons:
- With a maximum resolution of 1080p, this multi-camera setup compromises on quality in favor of quantity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What SD card should I buy for my dash camera?
Each camera will have its own specification for external memory, dependent on capture resolution and adapter ports. If you’re planning to record in 4K be sure to purchase a suitable high-bandwidth card; a class 10 U3 card will usually have you covered here. Be sure to check manufacturer specifications before purchasing external cards to ensure you choose a compatible option.
Can I use my dashcam to help me reverse?
If your vehicle isn’t already equipped with rearview video, a rear dashcam with a frontal monitor can be a lifesaver when trying to back into a tight spot. Be mindful that dashcams don’t come equipped with the proximity sensors commonly associated with reverse guidance technologies. That means you’ll have to trust your eyes since there won’t be any feedback beeps to warn you before an impact.
Are dashcams legal?
This depends on where you use them. For example, dashcams are generally legal in the United States, but certain states have restrictions and prohibitions regarding dashboards. We recommend looking up your local and state laws before you proceed.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.