Can a Dash Cam Record Sound Inside the Car?
3 Answers
Yes, a dash cam can record sound inside the car. After installing a dash cam, it can record both video images and sound throughout the entire driving process, providing evidence in case of traffic accidents. For those who enjoy road trips, it can also be used to document the journey through challenging terrains. While driving, it continuously records video, along with the time, speed, and location, functioning much like a black box. Additionally, a dash cam can serve as a parking monitor when not in use. It's important to note that the recorded video footage should not be edited, as tampering with the footage could render it useless in the event of an accident. This feature also helps prevent fraudulent claims, which are unfortunately common in today's society.
I've seen many dash cams, and most of them can actually record in-car audio, but it depends on whether the device has a microphone function. The cheap one I bought for my car two years ago didn't have this feature. Later, I replaced it with one that has audio recording and found it quite useful. It can record daily conversations with family or radio sounds while driving, and it can even serve as evidence in critical moments. However, privacy concerns should be noted—it's best to inform colleagues or friends in advance if you're recording, as secretly recording in some places is illegal. The setup isn't complicated either; you can usually find the toggle in the dash cam menu. I generally turn on recording for long trips and turn it off in the city to save power. Also, remember to check if your storage card has enough space, as audio files can take up quite a bit of room.
I've been using a dash cam for over five years, and whether it can record audio really depends on the specific model you buy. More than half of the dash cams on the market now come with microphones, but many have the recording function turned off by default, so you need to enable it manually. I usually keep the audio recording on during my commute, and it has come in handy when I accidentally captured the other party admitting fault in minor collisions. However, I should warn you that there's a big difference in audio quality—cheap, no-name brands often can't pick up voices clearly when the windows are down or music is playing. Also, prolonged audio recording can cause the device to overheat, especially in summer, which can affect its lifespan. I make it a habit to check the audio files weekly and delete the unnecessary ones promptly.
