What style of dash cam is better?
4 Answers
It is better to buy a dash cam with a compact body and no built-in lithium battery. The specific reasons for this choice are as follows: Compact body: Ordinary rearview mirror dash cams or dash cams with large screens can affect the driver's field of vision during driving. Additionally, dash cams with large screens may distract the driver, which is not conducive to driving safety. In contrast, a compact dash cam not only does not obstruct the driver's view but also allows the driver to focus more on driving. No built-in lithium battery: Dash cams are mounted on the front windshield and are exposed to sunlight for long periods, especially during hot summers in southern regions. If the dash cam has a built-in lithium battery, prolonged exposure to high temperatures can easily damage the battery and may even pose certain safety hazards.
After years of driving myself, I believe the best dash cam should have high-definition with wide-angle, at least 1080p or higher resolution like 4K, to clearly capture license plates. The wide-angle should be 140 degrees or more to reduce blind spots. Night vision capability must be strong for clear visibility during nighttime or cloudy conditions. Loop recording that automatically overwrites old files prevents memory card from getting full, and built-in G-sensor locks video upon collision to preserve evidence. These features have been extremely helpful in handling daily accidents, like when I was rear-ended last time—I directly retrieved the HD footage to prove liability and avoid disputes. For storage, I recommend 64GB or larger capacity to minimize the hassle of frequent card replacements. In short, with the right performance, driving becomes more secure and worry-free.
I personally prefer compact and discreet designs; the key is that it doesn’t obstruct the view. I’ve tried large-screen models before, but they were too conspicuous and often caught the attention of the police. Now, I use ultra-slim models with suction cups or adhesive mounts that blend into the car’s background. Dual cameras (front and rear) are great, as they can simultaneously record accidents from both directions. A dark-colored housing or hidden screen design helps prevent theft and distractions when parked. Installation is simple—just a few minutes of DIY without professional tools. For maintenance, ensure the battery or capacitor supports recording during power outages, which is crucial for parking surveillance. This type of setup ensures a comfortable and worry-free driving experience.
As an average user, I believe a basically reliable and practical design is sufficient—features don't need to be overly complex. A clear front-facing camera with automatic loop recording is enough, and collision detection can help prevent parking accidents or fraud. Around 32GB of storage space is reasonable; no need for excessive capacity. A durable outer shell resistant to high temperatures and vibrations, unaffected by rainy weather, would be ideal. This simple and sturdy design saves money and hassle. After years of driving, I've never encountered major issues.
