Best Car Camera Reviews
These are not entertainment pieces. They are also not meant to make driving safe. Dash cams are devices meant to record everything that goes on when you are behind the wheel.
Dash cams are compact video recording devices that are normally installed on the dashboard or windshield to record what goes on inside and outside of the car. Most of the best dash camera reviewed in 2020 have the following features:
#1 They are always on recording
#2 They run on 12 V DC
#3 They automatically overwrite old data when new data is being recorded
What these three features mean is that the driver does not need to wipe out data manually in order to record new ones. The device automatically starts recording when you start driving and it can be hard wired to the car’s electrical system hope soon we will see them being charged in wireless mode.
How Dash Cams Work
A typical dash cam gets installed and wired directly to a car’s electrical system. This means that the moment the ignition is turned on the camera starts working. If you would like the dash cam to be a thorough security device even when your vehicle is parked for the day then it will be wired to an ever hot circuit. An internal or external second car battery will also do.
You will definitely need a removable storage media like an SD card so that when it is filled up, you can take it out. If you do not require the footage you can still leave the SD card intact because the camera will automatically overwrite old videos.
Are Dash Cams Legal
The answer to that question is yes and no. You will have to check the laws and regulations in your state or jurisdiction before getting one. You should also consider the privacy concerns of your passengers or other people who could be on record. You do not want to be breaking any privacy laws. So the main thing is to do your due diligence before installing the device.
Types Of Dash Cams
There are several types of dash cams in the market and they are classified according to their features.
Basic dash cams
These are the simple cams that do not have very many features. They are small in size, record video and audio of a standard nature. These are great for those who just want to plug and play.
Advanced dash cams
They have a dual channel system and other additional features like G sensors, GPS, motion sensors, WiFi, HD recording they may also be accompanied with backup cameras just to name a few.
Top 11 Dash Cams 2020
Here is our list of the top 11 dash cams of 2020 in terms of features, size, reliability and budget.
1. Rove R2-4K Dash Cam Built in WiFi GPS Car Dashboard Camera Recorder with UHD 2160P, 2.4″ LCD and 150° Wide Angle
The Rove Stealth 4K WiFi Car Dash Cam is a 4k ultra video resolution dash cam. This device offers you a 150 degree wide angle view and captures sharp and detailed images and we can put it as also one of best car safety tool. Offering you more than four times the pixels, you can be sure of capture plates and signs. The H.265 encoding technology does away with storage space worries because even though everything is recorded in 4K, this technology compresses the footage without messing the video quality.
The WiFi feature ensures that you can work wirelessly and connect the cam to your smartphone. The GPS feature ensures that you can record the position and even calculate the speed of the car. The image distortion correction algorithm will correct all the footage that is distorted.
The 24 hour parking monitor works with the internal battery. This camera turns on when an impact is picked by the G sensor. The camera then records the footage, locks and saves it. When you get back to the car, a vice alert will notify you of what happened while you were away
Pros
4K recording
Built in GPS and WiFi
Distortion correction
Wide lens view
H.265 encoding
Super night vision
Voice guidance
Cons
It is a power hog
2. Dual Dash Cam, VAVA Dual 1920x1080P FHD Front and Rear Dash Camera for Cars with Wi-Fi and Night Vision
The Dual Dash Cam, VAVA Dual 1920x1080P FHD simultaneously record footage from the front and back of your car. Everything is crystal clear thanks to the QHD [email protected] video resolution.
At night you will see the Sony sensor at work. It improves the Exmor R’s sensitivity to low light so that everything can be visible. Your whole world will open up before you with the WiFi capability and the VAVA dash app. Apart from configuration; you will be able to playback, live stream, download or even share the video on social media platforms.
This device offers you loop recording where all recorded videos are saved in 1 to 3 minute segments. You can use up to 128 GB class 10 cards. The design is compact and easy to install.
Pros
Dual 1080P Dash Cam
WiFi connectivity
Easy to install
Dual channel
Cons
Problems with night vision
3. Rexing V1P 2.4″ LCD FHD 1080p 170 Degree Wide Angle Dual Channel Wi-Fi Dashboard Camera Recorder Car Dash Cam with Rear Camera
The Rexing V1P 2.4″ LCD FHD is a dual channel recording dash cam that is also small and discreet in its design. This low profile design is what ensures that you can drive without any obstruction while it works. It records two different perspectives and offers you a full 1080p video @30fps.
The 170 degree wide angle lens ensures that you have a wide dynamic range while the 6 layer glass lens offers a clear view of your environment. You can adjust the exposure levels to get a balanced footage.
No need to worry about high temperatures because the supercapacitor in the dash cam can withstand extremely high temperatures hence the risk of overheating is prevented. The parking monitor ensures the camera is activated when vibration is detected. You can view save and share your footage wirelessly via WiFi.
Pros
Loop recording
G sensor
WiFi
170 degree ultra wide angle lens
Parking monitor
Supercapacitor
Cons
Complaints about the cam shutting down by itself
4. Z-Edge Dash Cam Front and Rear 4.0″ Touch Screen Dual Dash Cam with Night Mode, Wide Angle, and G-Sensor.
The Z-Edge Dash Cam Front and Rear 4.0″ Touch Screen Dual Dash Cam is a single hand touch screen cam. It has a 4 inch touchscreen that has classy icons but at the same time simple to operate. The screen is quite sensitive and without much effort, you get good response and navigation. The manufacturers were really considerate here when it comes to giving you an optimum user friendly interface.
There are 4 preset modes that you can work with. Choosing a preset automatically sets the four best features according to your environment. Everything is recorded in Full HD 1080p so you will never miss a thing. The front and the rear cam gets you a 155 degree view angle plus the 6 layer glass lens ensures that the images you get are more detailed. The PIP mode ensures that the playback is clear and easy.
No worries at night because with the Wide Dynamic Range, WDR technology all the dark and light spots are compensated for plus the exposure is balanced. So everything is clear in bright light and when it is dark.
The automatic safeguards record everything automatically when you hit the ignition and the recording stops when the car is switched off but even in parking mode, anything triggering vibration will be picked up and the camera will be activated to record.
Pros
Super clear night vision
One hand operation
Dual wide angle
Supports up to 128 GB
Loop recording
G sensor
Cons
No GPS logging
5. Anker Roav DashCam Duo, Dual FHD 1080p Dash Cam, Front and Interior Wide Angle Cameras, IR Night Vision, Dual Sony Sensors, Motion Detection
The Anker Roav DashCam Duo is an all round coverage device that offers you front and interior facing wide angled camera that work simultaneously. You can look forward to crisp footage all recorded in Full HD 1080p.
The dash cam can be mounted in the midsection of your windshield to ensure that you drive safely. 24 hour recording to ensure that you keep your eye on things around even when your car is on parking mode. You can track your journeys with the built in GPS automatically recording all the information of the trips you make.
The dual 323 Sony sensors with world class F 1.8 lenses will turn you into a nighthawk. You will have enhanced night vision with razor sharp clarity.
Pros
Interior wide angle cameras
Motion detection
IR night vision
Cons
No WiFi
No App
6. DDPAI 1600P HD Car Dash Camera with Super Night Vision Based on Omni Vision 05A10 sensor.
The DDPAI 1600P HD Dash Camera is your super night vision model. With Omni Vision 05A10 sensor plus 6 layers of glass in the lens, you are set to get super sharp footage. There is no need to buy a storage card because this model comes with one already built into it. A 32 GB storage that has a lifespan that is ten times longer, 50MB/s writing and faster reading.
The F 1.8 aperture captures 20% more light than the F2 so this device with WDR gets rid of all the excessive bright spots so as to color correct your footage. The G sensor has a built in 6 axis that easily detects collision and shakes and automatically get the camera to start recording. This video is saved and locked from overwriting.
The smart parking mode does not only record footage when vibration is sensed but also works with DDPAI IPS technology to ensure that the car battery is protected from low voltage.
Pros
Built in WiFi
DDPAI IPS technology
Smart parking
Inbuilt storage of 32 GB
Cons
Non expandable storage
7. Blueskysea B2W Dual Lens Dash Cam Super Night Vision with IR-cut filter, Sony Starvis Sensors.
The Blueskysea B2W Dual Lens Dash Cam is a Full HD that offers you 1920x1080p resolution footage on both cameras. The smooth and easy horizontal adjustment ensures that you can point the camera towards any direction for instance towards the door.
Installation is fast and easy, all you need is a suction cup or 3M adhesive pad.
The darling of all things is the super night vision courtesy of the Sony Starvis Sensors that provide you with invisible infrared cabin illumination. During the day or under bright light, things switch up a little bit. The IR cut filter ensure color correction during the day. The 132 degree horizontal field of view gives you a good scenario of what is happening around you.
The storage capacity of this model will make you smile as it can support upto 400GB.
Pros
Super night vision
Parking monitor
Dual lens
Cons
Complaints about installation
The STARVIS is back-illuminated pixel technology used in CMOS image sensors for surveillance camera applications. It features a sensitivity of 2000 mV or more per 1 µm2 (color product, when imaging with a 706 cd/m2 light source, F5.6 in 1 s accumulation equivalent), and realizes high picture quality in the visible-light and near infrared light regions.
8. AUTO VOX Dual Dash Cam Superior Infrared Night vision and Fitted with advanced IMX307 Sony sensor and F1.8 aperture.
Full HD 1080p for the front and the cabin and even at high speeds the front camera can still get you that license plate number. This is the AUTO VOX Dual Dash Cam at work.
The 2 inch dash camera is inconspicuous and therefore you can operate it in a taxi or digital cab. The infrared night vision allows you to record clear footage even in pitch black situations inside the cabin. The integrated GPS tracking ensures that you have irrefutable information in case your driving speed and location are required.
The parking mode as usual is your set of eyes when your car is triggered by something else other than you.
Pros
GPS with magnetic bracket
Infrared night vision
Parking monitor
Easy to set up
320 degrees coverage
Emergency lockup
GPS playback
Wide dynamic range
Cons
The manufacturer is doing a great job
9. EACHPAI Dual Dash Cam X100 1080p+1080p Dash Cameras Front and Inside, 3” Dashboard Camera with GPS
The EachPai Dual Dash Cam is a dual 1080p audio and video recorder that has the backup of a powerful Sony IMX323 sensor for both cameras. The 4 IR Led lights , 6 glass and F 1.8 lens guarantee you clear footage even during dark hours. The front camera also has a wide dynamic range to ensure you get a good look at everything.
The loop recording automatically records new videos over the old. This happens with all videos unless those activated due to the activities of the G sensor.
There is a supercapacitor to ensure that temperatures do not affect the functioning of the camera.
Pros
Super night vision
Supercapacitor
Loop recording
Cons
Instances of camera freezing and shutting down
A supercapacitor, is also known as ultracapacitor or double-layer capacitor, differs from a regular capacitor in that it has very high capacitance. The supercapacitor has evolved and crosses into battery technology by using special electrodes and electrolyte. A capacitor stores energy by means of a static charge as opposed to an electrochemical reaction.
10. HP Dual Dash Cam Built-in GPS FHD 1080P Front Rear Dashboard Recorder with Sony Sensor.
From HP comes the HP Dual Dash Cam which is a full HD 1920 X 1080P recorder at the front and 720p recorder at the back.. This camera is waterproof. The big LCD screen is not hidden but still gives you the clarity and instant playback that you need. The inbuilt GPS function is an information hub containing the speed, location and time of your journeys.
The super night vision supported by advanced Sony Sensors cannot be exhausted enough plus they also offer balance between dark and light areas.This model comes with a 2 mount kit.
Pros
Wide angle
Loop recording
Super night vision
Gravity sensor
Parking mode
Cons
Camera might not record on battery mode
11. Lifechaser Dual Dash Cam Dual-channel recording, front and rear camera simultaneously capture at Genuine 4K 3840*[email protected]
The 4K Lifechaser Dual Dash Cam really brings life to the term dash cam. Consisting of the latest Omnivision image sensor you are assured of high resolution images even in the most high contrast of situations.
Installation is easy. All you need is a 3M magnetic mount which is also easy to take down if you need to.
The easy to set up system is put in place using the 3’’ OLED touch screen. As a result, you can look forward to a clear display, which far much better than what you see on normal LCD and Led screens.
This model also has almost all the features that other models use as a selling point.
Pros
In built WiFi and GPS
Loop recording
G sensor
Time lapse
3″ OLED Touch Screen
Parking mode
Upgraded Super Night Vision
Cons
The features and functionality drove out the cons
OmniVision Image Sensor captures premium video with HDR and provides excellent ultra-wide-angle photo performance the sensors are manufactured by OmniVision Technologies, Inc. a leading developer of advanced digital imaging solutions. Its award-winning CMOS imaging technology that facilitates superior image quality in many of today’s consumer and commercial applications, including mobile phones; security and surveillance; automotive; tablets, notebooks, webcams and entertainment devices; medical; and AR, VR, drones and robotics imaging systems.
What To Consider When Buying A Dash Cam
In this dash cam review, we are going to do our best to show you all the factors that you should consider before settling on a dash cam that serves your needs. In the past, these cams were mainly for police use but now they can save your from a false accident claim. This has seen a surge in the market with various models and features.
Related Article:
Best Wireless Car Backup Camera Reviews and Buyer’s Guide for 2020.
Best Rear View Mirror Dash Cams.
Video Quality
This is the most important feature. Good video quality is all in the resolution. A grainy video with inaudible audio will not serve the purpose where clear evidence is required. 720p and 1080p dash cams are the best. If it is not an HD camera and it is cheaper, you can be sure of poor footage.
To figure this out ensure you test the camera. Do not fall for the almost perfect videos by manufacturers. Test the camera in low light, bright sunlight and night time. Make your decision based on your experience.
Get a dash cam with a large field of view so that you capture a wide angle. Ensure the lens is made of glass and not plastic.
The storage Capacity
As we had seen before, the dash cam is constantly recording. That is why it is important to get one that has more than enough storage capacity. Very little storage capacity results in very little footage.
If your dash cam is recording in HD then you can be sure of huge amounts of data which will take up lots of space. Dash cam memory cards are classified as 1,2,4,6 and 10. It is recommended that you go for class 6 and above. The card size also matters. A class 10 memory card of 32 GB and above will be the best option.
Size
Size does matter because it is the line between getting plenty of features and missing out on several. Most people prefer small discreet cams but that also translates into smaller and shorter details but this discreet cameras do not take a lot of space.
Today, people are focusing on feature packed discreet dash cams where everything is hidden in plain sight and there is enough storage. Do not just focus on size, consider reliability too.
Ease of Mounting and Installation
Dash cams comes in various sizes and can be mounted on the dash or windshield. If you have a small car then you will want to have it where it does not block the driver’s view.
You can opt for something with a suction cap or allows you to use a semi permanent adhesive mount. Before buying, check for a cam that has the kind of mounting you can work with and will make your dash look good. Suction cups are easy to work with and they can easily be moved.
Channel
There are two types of channels. You can go for a single channel or a dual channel. A single channel dash cam can only record from one point of view, especially the front while a dual channel dash cam means you can record in front of the car, the rear and inside of the car.
GPS and G Sensor
A gravity sensor is a gem. It is a feature that is activated when the car is involved in a crash. It causes the video recording to be protected and it will not be deleted or overwritten. The GPS feature adds speed, time, date and location details. This ensures that all your footage is precise.
Benefits Of Having A Dash Cam
(1). Dash cams help Accident evidence speed up.
The dash cam footage clear captures what transpired and the other party cannot twist the story
(2). Dash cams helps win fraudulent claims
Nowadays people are becoming creative on an evil scale including faking accidents. A dash cam will clear capture such fraudulent people.
(3). Dash cams offers Protection to your car.
There are dash cams that keep on recording even when the car is off. This way it records anyone or anything that might be a threat.
(4). Dash cams helps secure insurance claims
Most insurance companies will give you a hard time but things might just seep down when you have the right footage.
(5). Dash cams can record your journey
Going on a fabulous road trip? You can record the road trip on your dash cam and save the wonderful memories.
In Conclusion
Dash cams are for your safety and protection. They give you information that will definitely come in handy. In this review, we have focused on the 11 best and we hope you now have a better perspective on what you might just get for your vehicle.
Like this article? Then you would definitely love our other articles. 15 Facts on Dashboard cam You Must know and 20 Best Fast Wireless Car Phone Charger Mounts
Thank you for this review of the best car cameras in 2020. I really appreciated that you stressed the fact that it is extremely important not to break privacy laws and to respect the privacy of passengers and of any person recorded. It is very good that they are recording all the time: I was thinking of using one of them for security reasons, I hope they would be useful for this purpose!
Thank for the comment.