Which Type of Dash Cam Should I Buy?
2 Answers
Here are some tips for purchasing a dash cam: 1. Price: Avoid buying cheap, counterfeit, or low-quality brands as they often have poor recording quality, short lifespans, and are prone to freezing. However, there's also no need to opt for overly expensive dash cams, as many are marketed with inflated prices and may not be practical. 2. Brand: With numerous dash cam brands available, choosing a well-known and reliable one is crucial. Established brands offer better quality and credibility, backed by positive reviews from many car owners. 3. Field of View (FOV): A wider FOV captures more of the scene, but excessive angles can lead to significant image distortion. Most dash cams on the market have some level of distortion, though the severity varies. Generally, a 140° FOV is sufficient for most needs. 4. Video Quality: The key factor in dash cam video quality is the resolution of the lens. Most current models feature 1080P or 12-megapixel cameras, which provide excellent recording quality—there's no need to chase excessively high resolutions.
I believe the selection of a dash cam should prioritize safety and clarity, as footage can provide strong evidence in case of an accident while driving. Having driven for over a decade, I recommend buying one with a front-facing camera and a resolution of at least 1080p, ensuring clear recording both day and night. Night vision is essential—many accidents happen at night, so models with infrared lighting are more reliable. In terms of brands, 70mai is quite practical, moderately priced, and easy to install. Get a large storage card, at least 64GB, for loop recording that overwrites old footage. Don’t forget to test the viewing angle—a 120-degree wide-angle lens generally covers the full front view, avoiding blind spots. Additionally, collision detection is crucial; it automatically locks the video during sudden braking to prevent overwriting. Personally, I’ve experienced minor scrapes where the footage directly helped with insurance claims, saving a lot of hassle.