Which Type of Dash Cam Should I Buy?

[KatherineLynn]

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.

[BryceLynn]

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.

[GarrettLee]

If you're on a tight budget, I'd recommend prioritizing cost-effective entry-level models. You can get a decent dash cam for a few hundred yuan, with brands like Xiaomi often offering discounts. A resolution of 720p or 1080p is sufficient for daily use—no need to splurge on expensive 4K models. Pay attention to battery life, as some cheaper models tend to drain quickly or overheat. When choosing, read plenty of reviews to avoid off-brand products with many issues. Make sure the app supports mobile connectivity for easy video downloads and sharing. During my college days, I bought a cheap model to save money, but it broke within six months. Later, I switched to a branded one that's still working fine with no major issues. Although it's slightly more expensive, the reliability and after-sales service are worth it—don't compromise safety just to save a few bucks.

[LillianaLynn]

As a tech enthusiast, I recently upgraded to a 4K resolution dash cam, and the image quality is super clear, allowing me to see details like license plates clearly. I recommend one with a wide-angle lens of 170 degrees or more for broader coverage and fewer blind spots. A GPS function is also essential to record speed and location, providing more comprehensive evidence in case of accidents. Strong night vision capability is a must, ensuring clear imaging even in low-light conditions. For storage, opt for large capacity with loop recording and collision detection to automatically save critical footage. The downside is that the large file sizes require high-performance memory cards, so choose a high-speed card to avoid lag.