The EchoMaster Guide to buying the perfect dashcam
A dashboard camera or dashcam is an onboard camera that records the view from your car’s windshield.
They’re especially handy to have if you find yourself in a road accident and need video evidence of the incident. And if you’re the parent of a teen driver, you can use the dash cam to review their driving skills. Because you know there’s an extra set of eyes in your vehicle serving as a witness to not just the road but your driving, you’re held accountable for your driving decisions.
Here’s what to look for in a dashcam and how to find the right one for your car:
1 | Video Quality
Video quality is key. You want to ensure the recorded footage is sharp enough to make out details such as license plate numbers, people’s faces, the car makes and models and anything else you need when possibly presenting evidence. The higher the resolution, the better. Don’t settle for anything lower than 720p. For crisp, clear, high-definition video recordings, go for 1080p full HD.
2 | Make Sure It Fits
Most people prefer their dash cams to be discreet. You also don’t want your dashcam to be so big that it obstructs your view. Older model dash cams that were small had limited features. Newer models are not only small and inconspicuous, but they’re also feature-packed.
3 | Camera Quality
Because you’ll want high-resolution recordings, you will also need storage capacity that is big enough to keep up with the amount of footage you’ll need to record. Aim for 32 or 64 GB of storage to be safe.
4 | Automatic ON/OFF
This is a handy feature to have if you’re the forgetful type and might be prone to forgetting to turn on your dashcam. With automatic on/off, your dashcam turns on with the car engine and automatically turns off when the engine shuts off.
5 | Recording Angle
By default, most dash cams have a recording angle of only 120 degrees. So if you want your recordings to cover more street area on both sides when you drive, find a dashcam with a broader recording angle.
6 | Night Vision
The majority of traffic collisions and accidents happen at night. While city lights and headlights provide some light, they won’t always be adequate to illuminate the scene of a road accident that might occur at night. Try to find a dash cam that offers super night vision.
7 | Thermal Protection
The right dashcam for your car also depends on where you live. If you live in a city where you experience extreme temperatures, you need a dashcam that has integrated thermal protection. And if you want your car protected even when it’s off and parked.
EchoMaster has a wide range of dash cams that have exactly what you’re looking for. From motion detection to built-in DVR to two-channel dash cams, choose the dashcam that is right for you.