Is a Dash Cam Useful at Night?

[OBrynlee]

Dash cams are useful at night. Here are the relevant introductions: 1. Boosts Confidence: A dash cam can increase the driver's confidence and courage while driving. 2. Mini Camera: A dash cam can function as a mini camera. When going on a self-driving trip, the dash cam will record the beautiful scenery along the way. The driver can edit these videos to create travel logs or similar content, capturing wonderful moments, which is also a great use. 3. Evidence: The recorded videos or audio can serve as evidence. In case of a traffic accident or an incident in front of the vehicle, the situation can be recorded via video.

[DeVivienne]

A dash cam is absolutely useful at night! Although the footage may become blurry due to poor lighting, modern devices come with night vision capabilities. I've tested several mainstream dash cams and found that models equipped with WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) technology and an aperture of F1.8 or larger can clearly capture license plates under streetlights. For instance, when I was sideswiped by a lane-changing vehicle late at night, the infrared fill light from my dash cam provided crucial footage that helped avoid a dispute. I recommend choosing a model with HDR (High Dynamic Range), which ensures visibility of the vehicle ahead even during heavy rain at night. However, avoid models with screens as the blue light can distract the driver. It's also best to turn off the parking monitoring feature to prevent excessive battery drain.

[McJessica]

Honestly, dashcams are even more important at night than during the day. I drive for ride-hailing services until midnight every day, and statistics show that 70% of accidents occur at night. Nowadays, mid-to-high-end dashcams use the Sony IMX415 sensor paired with a 6-layer all-glass lens, which basically solves the issue of noise in low-light conditions. I once experienced a situation during heavy rain when a pedestrian suddenly crossed the road—it was the dashcam's starlight night vision that locked in the evidence. A reminder to everyone: a 160-degree wide-angle is sufficient; too wide a field of view can distort license plates. Choose a U3-grade memory card to avoid missing seconds of footage, and format it once a month to extend its lifespan.

[Wesley]

It must be useful, but it depends on the specific configuration. Ordinary budget cameras (around $100) are basically useless at night—I've disassembled and compared them: models with sensors smaller than 1/3-inch and plastic lenses fail completely on unlit roads. I recommend using models with at least a Sony 415 sensor, an aperture value (F) smaller than 1.6, and IR-CUT dual filters to function properly. In underground parking environments, recording at 30fps or higher is necessary to capture moving objects clearly. Also, be cautious if your windshield lacks an explosion-proof film—low-quality films can cause severe glare at night, completely blurring the image.