What Is a Dashboard Camera?
A dashboard camera, installed in vehicles, records images inside and outside the vehicle. They are typically mounted on the front or rear window, or dashboard, and have gained popularity for continuous recording to monitor for incidents like theft or distracted driving.
Some models feature both front and rear cameras, or even three cameras (front, rear, interior), while others use a single wide-angle camera for 360° horizontal and 240° vertical recording. The recording mode varies by product.
Uses of Dashboard Cameras
Dashboard cameras provide audio and video evidence in the event of accidents or traffic disputes, useful for insurance and legal purposes. They often include a function to automatically record moments before and after an impact, detected by a built-in G sensor.
They are commonly installed in commercial vehicles like trucks, cabs, and buses, and increasingly in passenger vehicles as well.
Principle of Dashboard Cameras
Dashboard cameras vary in features, including:
- Camera Position: Front and rear cameras are common, with some models including an interior camera. Single wide-angle cameras are also used for omnidirectional recording.
- Recording Mode: Options include collision-triggered recording, continuous recording, and post-engine stop recording. Some have a parking mode that activates upon impact detection while parked.
- Power Supply: Power is typically supplied from a cigarette lighter socket or USB port, with some models featuring internal batteries or OBDII connector power for enhanced parking monitoring.
- External Memory: Many models use microSD cards, with larger capacities allowing longer recording times. Higher pixel recording requires more storage space.
- Installation Method: Cameras are usually mounted using double-sided tape or suction cups, sometimes with audio prompts for safe driving reminders.
How to Select a Dashboard Camera
When choosing a dashboard camera, consider factors like night image quality, angle of view, G sensor, parking recording function, three-way camera, backlight protection, and LED traffic signal compatibility.
- Night Image Quality: Cameras with infrared sensors or image sensors enhance nighttime image quality.
- The angle of View and G Sensor: Wide-angle cameras cover more area, while G sensors trigger recording upon impact.
- Parking Recording: Some cameras record while parked using built-in batteries.
- Additional Features: Consider cameras with interior views, backlight protection, and LED traffic signal compatibility for comprehensive coverage.
Types of Dashboard Cameras
Dashboard cameras come in integrated, separate, and mirror types, each varying in price and installation complexity.
- Integrated Type: Affordable, with camera and unit combined, easily mounted on glass surfaces.
- Separate Type: Offers high performance with separate camera and unit, requiring more complex installation.
- Mirror Type: Expensive, mounted on the room mirror, doubles as a digital inner mirror, and is often powered from a cigarette lighter socket.