Can a Dash Cam Record Sounds Inside the Car?

[AlejandroDella]

A dash cam can record sounds inside the car. A dash cam is an instrument that records images, sounds, and other related information during vehicle travel. After installation, it can record the entire driving process, including video images and sounds, which can serve as evidence in traffic accidents. Most dash cams on the market come with a recording function, which is a standard feature. However, since the interior of a car is a relatively private space, to ensure privacy, the recording function of the dash cam can be turned off in the settings interface. A dash cam includes devices such as a microprocessor, data storage, and data communication interfaces. If the data communication interface is enabled, the captured video images and recorded sounds inside the car can be transmitted in real-time to a terminal via a wireless network. Precautions for Using a Dash Cam: Regular data processing is necessary to prevent data loss and inconvenience. Additionally, for data already recorded by the dash cam, it is essential to copy and migrate it promptly to avoid difficulties in subsequent queries or the inability to verify data if it is lost.

[StJulia]

I'm a new car owner who just installed a dash cam, the Xiaomi model. This thing can actually record sounds inside the car! The manual calls this the 'audio sync' feature. Be extra careful when buying a car camera these days, as nearly 90% of new models come with built-in microphones. Mine has a pinhole-sized microphone hole hidden at the bottom of the main unit, and it automatically starts recording when powered via the USB next to the steering wheel. Even cheaper models powered by the cigarette lighter can record audio. But here's a heads-up about privacy—if you're giving a colleague a ride home and discussing salaries, don't forget to turn off the recording function. I recommend checking the dash cam's indicator light every time you start the car; a flashing red light means it's recording audio, and you can turn off sound recording by pressing a button on the side.

[StAllie]

From an electronics engineer's perspective, let me explain the principle. The core of a dashcam's audio recording function consists of a MEMS microphone and main control chip combination, similar to smartphone microphones. In earlier years, some budget models didn't include recording capability, but since 2020 most have standard dual-channel audio recording. Whether it records depends entirely on firmware settings - some require accessing the app to disable audio sampling. The key parameter is microphone sensitivity; mid-to-high-end models achieving -38dB can clearly capture turn signal clicks. If you don't want audio evidence, physical blocking is most reliable - just use some Blu-Tack to cover the microphone ports. However, during disputed overpass accidents, in-car conversations might become crucial evidence.

[EmeryDella]

As ride-hailing drivers, we know it all too well. When taking orders, I specifically bought a 70mai dash cam with recording function, now platforms mandate full-trip recording. Passengers' 'To Hongqiao Airport' when boarding or complaints about wrong turns are all clearly captured. But privacy disputes are common - last year Pudong Court ruled against a driver for unauthorized recording. Remember three things: Check Taobao product pages for 'recording' labels when buying equipment; New devices ask about microphone activation during setup; Safest method is renaming storage directories - deleting the AUDIO folder prevents system from creating recording files.