Many dash cams sync with mobile apps that unlock other functions such as GPS, red-light alerts, and driver assist features and can send notifications to your phone. Many sync with in-cabin and rear-facing cameras. They can come in extremely handy when proving fault of an accident to the police or insurance companies.ĭash cams are designed to record high-quality video at any speed, day or night, no matter if your vehicle is parked or in motion. Dash cams can capture footage of incidents, accidents, or unexpected situations such as a reckless driver or traffic stop. One thing's for sure: If you don't have a dash cam, you won't capture anything.Ī dash cam lets you record the road as you drive. Or maybe you'll just save a bundle of money on repairs and insurance in the event of an accident or mishap. Who knows? Maybe you'll capture a close call on the road. It's a veritable dash-cam jungle out there, so we've gathered nine of our favorites, of various prices and features. Having a dash cam gives an added layer of security, knowing that there will be visual evidence of any interaction with other humans, whether they be friends or foe. Personal Safety: Being approached while you are in the safety of your car can be terrifying.There is an entire genre of footage out there on the internet of people capturing their mechanics mishandling their vehicles. Vehicle Monitoring: Dash cams also act as watchdogs for your vehicle.Capture Events: Beyond practical use, dash cams have been known to film some extraordinary events: near misses, unusual accidents, and even comets streaking through the sky.Objective footage speaks far louder than subjective experience. Accident Documentation: In case of an accident, dash-cam footage can play a pivotal role in determining liability and responsibility.If your career relies on safe driving habits, an accident on film can exonerate you from blame and maintain your job security. Job Security: If you have a career that includes spending countless hours on the road, dash-cam footage can prove invaluable in the form of evidence.

Buyer beware.Ī few reasons people consider dash cams as a worthwhile investment: Finally, while most require a memory card to preserve footage, most new cameras don't come with a memory card included-and not all are compatible with all micro SD cards.Battery life is iffy for most models, so if your plan is to keep a watchful eye on your car while it's parked overnight, you must have a 12-volt power outlet that stays live when the car is off.Image quality, particularly during rapid exposure to bright sunlight (such as when exiting a tunnel or coming out from under an overpass), can vary. Video quality and file sizes vary due to resolution, frame rate, embedded audio, and compression.You can grab a basic, lesser-known brand for around $50 several hundred dollars can get you a comprehensive package with all the bells and whistles. Naturally, price points vary significantly, depending on the features offered. Having a dash cam is akin to having an insurance policy: You hope you'll never need it, but you're grateful to have it when the unexpected happens. Show more Things to Consider When Shopping for a Dash Cam

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