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Whether you are a car owner looking to protect your acquisition or an Uber or taxi driver who wants to record footage of rides for added protection in case of an unwanted event, the Vantrue N2 Pro is your go-to option as it is a dual lens 1080p model that records crystal-clear footage. It uses the Sony Exmor IMX323 sensor for the interior of the car and the OV4689 front camera sensor for the exterior so that it simultaneously captures the road front at a 170-degree angle, as well as the passenger cabin.
If you only need it to record footage with the front facing camera, the advanced lens it features provides videos of the road at 2560x1440p/30fps, 2304x1296p/30fps, 1920x1080p/60fps, or 1920x1080p/30fps. The F2.0 6-glass lens camera and the 4 IR LED lights enhance night vision in the car even when there are low light conditions. You can opt to set it on the auto mode so that when it senses low light conditions the IR LEDs turn on automatically to help improve quality of rear image recordings.
Another convenient feature stands in the automatic switch to parking mode that activates when the car is parked so that, when motion is detected, it automatically turns on and starts recording with the front or inside camera, depending on where the motion is perceived. If you need to capture audio, not only video, you can opt to turn on the built-in microphone – distortion-free, clear audio is guaranteed, this feature being perfect for Uber and taxi drivers.
Its loop recording function ensures that as soon as the ignition sparks up, it automatically starts recording and if needed, it overwrites old videos to have storage space for the new recordings. Another mention-worthy function is the time lapse that automatically takes photos at certain intervals to help save space on the memory card by editing them together to create a video.
Of course, all the footage recorded features date and time stamps for it to qualify as evidence of the moment when an incident occurs. You can install it either on the dashboard or onto the windshield, and its user-selectable orientation even lets you mount it on the dashboard upside down.
Design-wise, we are glad to point out that it boasts a durable build, its PC and ABS housing helping it withstand extreme temperatures that range from -4 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit when recording, and -4 to 194 degrees Fahrenheit when turned off. Moreover, the manufacturer backs it with an 18-month warranty against defects to have you covered in the event that anything happens to it.
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CONS
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- Automatically records when it detects motion even when the car is parked
- 4 IR LED lights help it handle recording in low light conditions
- Built-in microphone lets you capture clear, distortion-free audio
- Loop records to save the latest footage, overwriting old videos
- Backed by an 18-month warranty
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| VERDICT
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Capturing crystal-clear footage regardless if it in nighttime or daytime, the Vanture N2 Pro helps car owners keep an eye on their prized possessions to make sure that in the event of an accident, they have proof of who is at fault.
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This model is among the most popular entries on the market for all the good reasons. Not only does it record crystal-clear video regardless if it is daytime or nighttime, but it provides multiple resolutions to pick between so that you get to choose how qualitative the footage should be. The resolutions put at your disposal include 4K ultra HD 2160 at 24fps, 2.7K 1440p at 30fps, 2K 1296p at 30fps, FHD 1080p at 30fps and 60fps, slow-mo 720p at 120fps, and HD 720p at 30fps and 60fps.
It features an ultra-wide 150-degree angle lens that captures all the important details when you’re on the road. It uses the internal battery to provide you with the 24-hour parking monitor mode that ensures in case someone or something hits your car, when the impact reaches the G-sensor level it turns on and takes a 1-minute recording of the event. It even uses voice alert when it starts next time to let you know that the parking mode was activated when you were away so that you can check the footage out.
When the memory card becomes full, you don’t have to delete anything manually to make space as it overwrites unlocked old footage automatically. It features the time lapse function that you can set at 1 frame per second, 2 frames per second, or 4 frames per second so that when the images are combined, everything seems to move faster.
It uses suction mounting for convenient installation against the windshield, and can be rotated to 360 degrees. Furthermore, the manufacturer covers it with a 1-year warranty against defects to keep you covered in case repairs are needed down the road.
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- Wide 150-degree viewing angle ensures it captures all the important details on the road
- Multiple resolutions to pick between – 4K ultra HD 2160 at 24fps, 2.7K 1440p at 30fps, 2K 1296p at 30fps, FHD 1090p at 30fps and 60fps, slow-mo 720p at 120fps, or HD 720p at 30fps and 60fps
- Parking mode records footage in case your car gets hit when it is parked
- Automatically overwrites unlocked old footage to make space for the new one it records
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- Some users report that it is a bit too sensitive when on parking mode
- License plate of the car ahead is visible only when the distance is at 5 meters tops
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| VERDICT
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Meticulously designed to provide crystal clear 4K footage of your rides, the Rove R2-4K not only provides clarity during daytime, but during nighttime as well as it utilizes superior night vision technology.
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As it is ranks so high, you obviously expect high-quality recordings to be provided by the Rexing V1. Of course, it does deliver in this department and not only, being one of the best products in terms of image clarity and features. It shoots at 30 frames per second and offers 4 different video resolutions to opt between. The higher quality ones do draw more battery power, but the image clarity is undeniably superior.
It comes with an integrated microSD card and it allows you to expand its storage space up to 128 gigabytes. Among the features which accompany it there is the infrared night vision that delivers clear images and videos at night, and the motion detection which ensures as soon as there is movement in the proximity of the vehicle, it will start recording.
It records in all climates, so regardless of how cold or hot the weather is, there will be no operating issues. Furthermore, as it features a 4-step adjustable gravity sensor, you can choose what type of accidents/bumps it should record from very mild to violent ones. Balancing all of these traits with its asking price, it is a product definitely worth investing in.
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- Features the Novatek NT9665 chipset
- Allows storage expansion up to 128 gigabytes
- Integrated microphone allows it to pick up audio as well
- Can record regardless how hot or cold the temperature is
- Motion detection feature enables it to automatically start recording when it senses movement around your vehicle
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- Weighs a bit more when compared to most products – 12.8 ounces
- Expensive acquisition
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As it is the best-selling product at the moment, the high placement of the V1 in our top should come as no surprise. It takes quality recordings automatically when motion is sensed so that you have proof of who is at fault in case of an accident, and it allows sensitivity adjustment, a feature that allows you to decide what type of impact should start its operation.
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Evidently, what you first notice when looking at the Garmin 55 is its small size that makes it a truly unobtrusive addition to the dashboard or windshield. While the compact design might have you thinking it is a lower-end product, the truth is that it records clear footage using 1440 resolution at 30fps, 1080p at 30fps, 720p at 30fps, or 1080p at 60fps. Moreover, it records perfect videos during the day, as well as the night, providing maximum detail to serve as evidence in case an accident occurs.
Its Travelapse video capture function offers an easy manner to record and part road adventures, compressing multiple hours of driving into a few minutes of main attractions and moments. The integrated Wi-Fi lets you wirelessly sync it to your smartphone so that you can share the recorded footage with friends, insurance companies, or authorities.
It even comes with multiple features that help enhance safety while on the road:
- Forward collision warning that warns you when you get too close to the car in front of you.
- Lane departure warning which alerts you if you stray from the direction in which you are supposed to drive to make sure you don’t deviate from the road.
- Traffic lights and speed monitoring camera warning.
Its wide angle helps it record the whole width of the road, while the GPS it features provides with accurate data regarding the date, time, and location so that you are provided with precise details in case of unwanted traffic events.
When the accelerometer detects a collision, the footage recorded before, during, and after the event is automatically saved on the microSD card to serve as evidence. Probably one of its most convenient features stands in the fact that you can use voice commands with it so that you simply tell it when to take a photo, and start or stop recording. When it comes to backing, the manufacturer has it covered for 1 year since you purchase it.
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- Turns on as soon as the car ignition fires
- When the accelerometer detects a collision, the footage before, during, and after the accident is saved on the microSD card
- GPS function adds coordinates to your recordings, as well as direction of travel, time, date, and speed
- You can opt for it to alert you when the car in front moves and you don’t pay attention so that you don’t keep traffic in place
- Records in 1440p resolution at 30 fps, 1080p at 60fps, 1080p at 30fps, or 720p at 30fps
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- Only works with Garmin brand power adapters
- Battery life isn’t great at all
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| VERDICT
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Similar in size to a GoPro camera, the Garmin 55 is a small-sized device that records your rides while remaining unobtrusive. Intuitive and easy to use, it delivers good video quality regardless if it films during the day or night.
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The HDR technology the Z-Edge Z3 uses makes it a worthy acquisition as it balances exposure and compensates for light/dark spots. It records in 2560x1440p to deliver crisp images both at daytime and night. The optical glass lens it uses features a 155-degree wide angle to capture both the front and the sides – panoramic viewing angle – so that image distortion isn’t an issue and no detail is lost.
It comes with a 32 gigabytes microSD that can hold a generous amount of recordings on it. Furthermore, it allows storage expansion up to 128 gigabytes in case you view this addition as being necessary. The suction mount it provides ensures an easy installation, and it ensures the device will not fall off during the ride as it has a tight grip onto the shield.
As opposed to most products that are backed only for 1 year, this product is covered by a lengthy, above standard 18-month warranty. The parking monitoring function ensures a close eye will be kept on peculiar activity even when the vehicle is parked. Additionally, it features a time and date stamp that allows you to track exactly when the unfortunate event has happened in case any type of incident occurs.
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- Features the innovative Ambarella A7 processor chipset
- TFT LCD display measures 3 inches in diagonal
- Suction mount ensures it will not fall off the windshield during the ride
- Parking monitoring function keeps an eye on events even when the vehicle is still
- Backed up by a lengthy 18-month warranty
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- Wide angle lens covers only 145°
- Some users report that the automatic shut-off of the screen doesn’t always work properly
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Our personal favorite, the Z3 is a device we strongly recommend you invest in as it takes high-quality videos of accidents, even monitoring your vehicle when it is parked. Thus, it not only gives you a higher sense of security, but it ensures that in case anything happens, you have proof to offer to law enforcement for the case to be solved quick.
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The YI 89006 weighs only 2.6 ounces and it measures 2.9 inches by 0.8 inches by 2.1 inches, thus not existing the possibility for its weight or size to cause it to fall from where you mount it during car rides. It features the great A12-60 Dual Core processor, and it puts a stunning 165-degree wide angle lens at disposal to record videos in an ample manner.
It features a 2.7-inch TFT LCD display that you can view recordings on and easily pick your preferred settings. It can even take still images of a high resolution up to 2304 x 1296 pixels. When it comes to video recordings, it can shoot in 1920 x 1080 pixels or 1280 x 720 pixels. Furthermore, it boasts a high video frame rate of 60 frames per second, more than what most similar products offer.
In terms of storage, it allows a maximum 64 gigabytes capacity, more than the industry average. Among its most important features, there is the Wi-Fi connectivity that allows you to connect it to the internet. Best of all, it is iOS and Android compatible, so you can even send the videos you record onto your smartphone with zero effort.
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- Weighs only 2.6 ounces, so there is no risk of it falling off of where you mount it
- TFT LCD display it features measures a generous 2.7 inches in diagonal
- Takes recordings at 60 frames per second
- Internal storage can be expanded up to 64 gigabytes
- Wi-Fi connectivity and iOS/Android mobile device compatibility
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A truly smart device to have at your disposal as it features Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to send the recordings to your iOS or Android smartphone, the YI is a must-have for car owners who want to keep a close eye on their vehicles and have proof of what happens in case an unfortunate accident occurs.
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The Old Shark measures only 3.39 inches by 1.97 inches by 1.34 inches, and it weighs a mere 4.3 ounces. It is one of the most compact and lightest products in its niche, existing no possibility for it to fall off once you have mounted it. Best of all, despite the small size, it features a generous 3-inch TFT LCD display onto which you can view the recording it takes.
The 170-degree wide-angle lens ensures a great coverage of the area around your vehicle, thus gathering footage perfectly in case of an accident so that you have the needed proof when the authorities come. It can shoot recordings in 4 different quality settings, the higher quality ones taking up more battery life but offering superior clarity.
It comes with a 32 gigabytes microSD card, but it does not allow expansion further than this point when it comes to storage. However, it is quite feature-rich, coming with an integrated microphone that allows it to pick up audio, motion detection that automatically activates its recording when needed, and infrared night vision that enables it to shoot quality videos even when it is dark outside.
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- You can adjust the sensitivity at which it starts recording in the event of a car crash
- Safety capacitors allow it to operate even in extreme weather conditions without suffering any damage
- Shoots videos at 30 frames per second
- Covered by a generous 18-month warranty by the manufacturing company
- Parking Guard feature allows it to take recordings even when the car is parked
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- Allows only 32 gigabytes of internal storage on the microSD card
- Files work only with Mac computers – to edit the videos on other PCs, you need to install an app or edit program separately
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Small and light, this Old Shark device is able to pick up any events that might unfold where your vehicle is at the center of an accident. The wide 170-degree angle lens and the 3-inch TFT LCD display are only two of the highlights it boasts, making us recommend it to all conscientious car owners who put the safety of their vehicles as a priority.
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As it features the Sony Exmor sensor, the DR01 is able to capture 1080p video regardless of the time of day, providing as proof in case an accident happens. The 170-degree field of view ensures no detail will escape it, backing you up 100% in case of an unwanted incident. In case you forget to turn it on when you leave home with your car, worry not as it automatically captures driving incidents when they occur due to the Emergency Recording feature.
You can mount it to your windshield with the suction cup or the 3M pad in only a few seconds, boasting an easy installation as well as use. One of its most impressive traits is the fact that it can withstand operating in extreme temperatures without receiving any damage due to the supercapacitor it features, this component making it resistant to extreme cold and heat so that it will boast a long lifespan.
It measures only 2.2 inches by 2.2 inches by 1.2 inches, and it weighs a mere 12 ounces. The 2-inch LCD screen enables you to look at the footage with utmost clarity and visibility. It allows you to insert a class 10 micro SD memory card of up to 128 gigabytes inside it. Furthermore, it is backed by the manufacturer with a 2-year warranty.
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- Features the innovative Sony Exmor IMX323 image sensor that ensures utter clarity
- Emergency Recording feature enables it to pick up the events unfolding in case of an impact even if you forgot to turn it on yourself
- Can operate in extreme temperature conditions ranging from minus 22 to 167 degrees Fahrenheit
- Can accommodate a 128GB class 10 micro SD to provide reliable recording
- Backed by a 2-year warranty
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As the weather fluctuates greatly and you need an electronic that can withstand the lowest and highest of temperatures when you are on the road, the DR01 had to make it in our top. It can handle temperatures ranging from minus 22 to 167 degrees Fahrenheit without receiving any damage, this aspect being only one of the many that make it an appealing purchase for drivers.
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The Apeman C450 is a budget-smart pick we hold dearly as it records clear footage to have you covered in case of an accident. As it features 24-hour parking monitoring, it keeps an eye out even when the car is parked and the engine isn’t running in the off-chance that any incidents occur. The HDR and WDR technologies utilized help balance the lighting so that it provides clear images even in low-light or backlight situations. The 170-degree ultra-wide field of view makes captures as many details as possible without distortion, which is perfect when you drive on a wide highway or pass through a large intersection.
Due to the built-in G-sensor, it is able to automatically record footage in case of an unexpected driving incident to have you covered, and it locks the video during the collision. It actually starts to record footage automatically when it detects moving objects with 3 meters in front of the lens to avoid emergency situations. The loop recording feature is another useful element as it automatically records and saves new footage by overwriting the oldest unlocked file to have your back in case you forget to delete the files yourself.
It is easy to set up and you can mount it against the windshield with the help of the strong adhesion suction cup. To ensure a long lifespan of the camera, it features 24 heat emission holes that achieve superior heat dissipation. Furthermore, the manufacturer backs it against defects during the first 18 months after you make the acquisition.
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- Automatically starts recording when it detects moving objects 3 meters in front of the 6G lens
- Clear 3” LCD screen and ultra-wide angle help make the visual experience when driving better
- Superior heat dissipation granted by the 24 heat emission holes helps prolong its lifespan
- Clear button descriptions help make it easier to use
- Automatically overwrites the oldest files when the memory card is full so that you don’t lose important recordings
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Easy to install and operate, and able to record crisp 12MP videos, the Apeman C450 is a must-have for any conscious car owner.
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From the get-go, we must tell you that it is not set in stone for the camera to actually help reduce insurance costs. However, statistically speaking, in most cases it helps save up to 20% when it comes to car insurance costs as it presents a safety feature that appeals to certain insurance companies. If the company you work with does support this cost reduction, you end up not only enhancing the security of your vehicle but saving money in the long run as the costs for car insurance do tend to be very high.
Another aspect you should be aware of besides the fact that not all companies but only some offer the discount in case you have a dashcam is the fact that the companies which do offer it tend to do so only if the device is purchased from a certain manufacturer. But these are aspects you can check with your company prior to making the purchase in order to ensure that you will get to enjoy the hearty discount.
Nonetheless, regardless whether or not the discount applies in your situation, you will end up saving money in case of an accident if you are not at fault for it as there will be sufficient proof for the authorities to establish that you are innocent and make the guilty party support the repairs for your vehicle, as well as all other charges that result from the accident. All in all, what you must take away is that for you, as a car owner, it is an investment worth making as it can end up saving you money and a lot of headaches.
| Problem |
How to Fix It |
| Blank Screen |
In case this happens, try turning the backlight on or disabling the power save function. The issue is most likely caused by one of these two actions as if the backlight is turned off during nighttime, you might not be able to see the screen properly and not realize that it is actually recording, and if the power save function is the one causing the screen to be blank, it means that the recording has been passed in the background by the feature, making it seem like the device is not working anymore. |
| Intermittent Recording |
First, you should check if the microSD card you inserted in it is a fake or not, and check its speed. If it is below Class6, it means that the card is too slow, corrupting files as it records them. Also, you must make sure that the SD card is actually compatible with it. If what we detailed up to now does not fix your issue or is not the cause, check the power supply and make sure it is securely fitted in the power socket of the vehicle. |
| Recording Stops Suddenly |
If you want it to record non-stop but it inexplicably stops all of a sudden, it might be because of the motion detection feature which only enables it to record when motion is detected in front of the device. In case you are bothered by it and constant surveillance is what you need, turn the feature off and it will proceed to record footage continuously. |
| Recording Does Not Start After Ignition |
This occurrence usually takes place when the internal batter is discharged to the point where it reaches depletion. Thus, you should let the battery charge before you jump to any conclusions. In case the battery is full and this delay still occurs, it might be because it has not been used in a while, moment when you have to let it accommodate with its operation for a few minutes. |
| Card Full |
The Card Full message appears when the SD card is full and the loop recording function has not been activated, the device asking you to empty its memory for it to be able to proceed with recording new footage. If it does feature loop recording, make sure you activate the function for this message to never appear. |
| Card Error |
The Card Error message shows that the SD card you utilize with it is corrupted. To fix it and let the dash cam retake its normal operation, you must remove the useful files off the SD card, and re-format it using the menu option of the device. |
Loop Recording
When the internal memory is full, the loop recording function plays a crucial role as it records over the oldest existing footage on the storage card. Thus, you won’t have to waste time manually deleting old videos which did not even have any incidents recorded on them, but rather let the device handle recording and storing the new footage on its own.
Wide-Angle Lens
A device with a wide angle lens is able to pick up footage of the areas surrounding your car. This is crucial in the event of an accident as collisions could occur from the sides, not necessarily the front of the vehicle. Thus, the wider the angle is the better as there is more area coverage and you are more likely to capture potential collisions when they occur.
Storage Capacity
Obviously, it is fundamental for it to have a generous storing space as the more space it boasts, the more footage it can record and keep. Most devices feature microSD cards of either 16 or 32 gigabytes, allowing you to extend the storage up to a certain limit which is stated on the specifications sheet of the device.
G-Sensor
One of the most important features is the G-sensor, which is basically a sensor that detects rapid braking, sharp turns and all other signs of a potential collision. It automatically starts recording and saves the footage either on its own or after you press a button so that you won’t miss the accident and have video proof for the authorities in order to easier establish who was at fault.
Frames per Second
The FPS or frames per second rating is a spec that shows how many frames it has managed to capture over the duration of one second. Typically, devices use 30 frames per second, but there are models, like the YI 89006, which provides 60 frames per second. Those that shoot in 60 FPS are better at capturing fast action.
Audio Footage
Quality products have a built-in microphone that serves the purpose of picking up audio recording alongside the video footage. It is an important feature to look into not only for your safety or to eventually prove your innocence in case anything happens as the audio footage might serve as additional proof, but to hear if anyone is planning on doing anything in the future to the vehicle as well.
Some perpetrators plan out their heists before actually taking any action, and if you have audio and video footage on them, thus being sure of their intentions, you can prevent the unwanted event from taking place by taking the recordings to the authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
?Is it legal to use?
Yes, it is legal in almost all cases to own and use a dashboard camera as anything which occurs in the public domain is not protected by privacy laws. You are actually allowed by the First Amendment to use it as long as you do not violate other laws or enter in contradiction with them. However, do note that you have the freedom of taking video footage, not audio. If you want to make sure whether or not it is legal in your state to record audio footage with it, you should check with local authorities.
?Are there multiple types of cameras?
You will actually encounter two types – single and dual-lens models. Single-lens models record from one lens and they typically need to be mounted in the front windshield. Dual-lens models feature two cameras and they typically require to be mounted on the rear of the truck as they are intended for large-sized vehicles, not regular cars.
?How do I know if it can record clear footage during nighttime too?
For it to take clear recordings even during nighttime or under poor lighting conditions, it is mandatory for it to feature infrared night vision. Also, a feature that comes in handy when it comes to boosting image quality when there are poor conditions is the infrared filter which helps reduce glare as it blocks infrared rays.
The usefulness of dash cameras for cars is pretty obvious, offering surveillance over the vehicle when it is parked, and providing proof of what has actually happened in case you have a car accident. However, as this is a highly competitive tech market that presents a lot of interest for numerous companies, it gets rather tough to classify what models are the best and why.
The Vantrue N2 Pro with its dual filming capabilities as it can record footage with the front-facing camera that captures the road, as well as the rear camera that captures the interior of the vehicle makes for the ultimate pick as it provides complete surveillance. Moreover, it withstands extreme operational conditions, being able to function when the temperature ranges from -4 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit.
This is not to say that other entries in the market are not worth the investment, the Rexing V1 becoming one of the best-selling products in the niche due to its undoubtedly superior quality. It comes at a reasonable price considering what it puts at your disposal, and among its most important features we must highlight once again the 4-step adjustable gravity sensor, as well as the fact that it can record regardless of how hot or cold the weather is.
Another worthy consideration is the Z-Edge Z3 which has impressed us not only due to the fact that it features the Ambarella 12 processor, but because it provides clear footage due to the 2560x1440p recordings it takes.
