Dashboard Cameras Reviews
With the A7LA50, you will have invaluable footage at your disposal, footage that won’t only help you vindicate or receive compensation in case there is an accident, but footage that you can look at and reminisce about the fun you had when taking road trips. As it features what is undoubtedly the best quality video and photo processor, it ensures quality images will be provided so that no detail is unclear. It measures only 3.9 inches by 1.2 inches by 1.9 inches, so it won’t obstruct your vision regardless of where you place it as it is quite compact. It weighs a mere 5 ounces, which ensures that you can reposition it even as you drive as it is lightweight. Additionally, the manufacturing company covers it for the first year after you purchase it against defects.
Automatic Recording
When the ignition of the car comes on, the device automatically starts recording footage, and when the engine is turned off, it automatically turns off. This convenient feature helps save a lot of time and effort as you won’t have to turn it on and off yourself, and it ensures that you won’t accidentally forget to turn it on when you hit the road and lose your chance to have proof of how an incident occurred during that specific trip. Another auto recording feature that will leave you in awe is the one provided by its G-sensor which enables it to automatically record footage even if it was turned off or the car was parked in case it detects an accident.
Night Vision
The problem with these devices is that they don’t really take the best quality footage when the dark settles. However, this isn’t the case with the product we are reviewing at the moment as it provides stunning night vision due to the wide dynamic range it features. Its role is to compensate for bright and dark spots in a shot in order to ensure complete clarity.
Mention Worthy Features and Specs
- Three different mounts are included so that you can use it in multiple vehicles in a convenient manner.
- It takes video recordings of up to 2k resolution to ensure crisp visual quality.
- Uses GPS to provide you with geotagging, showing the exact speed and location of the vehicle at all times.
Wide Angle Lens
Due to the fact that it features a 170-degree extra wide angle lens, there is no detail that will escape it when filming footage of accidents. Thus, you will be able to see everything in front of your vehicle to more easily analyze the events and see who is at fault, what happened exactly, and other details that present interest.
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CONS
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- Park mode ensures it will continue to take recordings even when the vehicle is parked in case of an unwanted event
- Allows you to extend its internal storage memory to a maximum of 64 gigabytes
- Screen saver function helps save battery life by standing by when nothing is happening
- Manufacturing company takes care of repair costs or replacements for 1 year after you purchase it
- Generous capacity for the battery that powers it – 450 mAh
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- Customer support telephone number or e-mail address is not provided on the manufacturer’s website
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| VERDICT
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Compact, qualitative, and a great price to performance ratio are the three defining traits of the WheelWitness. It takes impeccable recordings in case of minor or major accidents, and it allows vehicle monitoring even when the car is parked, thus ensuring that no matter what happens to this valuable belonging, you will have proof on the event that has unfolded.
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As it is the best-selling product in its niche, you obviously expect high-quality recordings to be provided by the 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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CONS
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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
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| VERDICT
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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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There are numerous reasons to why we picked the Z3 as our personal favorite, but we must admit that the 13 megapixels still image resolution was one of the main highlights that influenced this high ranking. When it comes to taking video recordings, it allows 5 quality option to choose between, the higher ones consuming more batter but offering higher image quality.
It comes with a 32 gigabytes microSD that can hold a generous amount of recordings on it. Furthermore, it allows storage expansion up to 64 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 park monitoring function ensures a close eye will be kept on peculiar activity even when the vehicle is parked. In addition, 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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CONS
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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°
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| VERDICT
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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 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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CONS
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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
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| VERDICT
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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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Although it ranks fifth, the YI should not be overlooked as it is indeed a quality pick. It 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 which 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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CONS
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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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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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CONS
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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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As all devices, car dash cameras can, at one point, suffer damage that causes them to malfunction. When the event does occur, it is preferable for you to know how to react to it. In order to help you, we will provide you with some troubleshooting tips for common technical situations. If you try out the fixes we present to you but it still does not get back in shape, we recommend you return it to the manufacturing company or a professional service for it to get fixed. Also, in case it is still under warranty and you assume it is a technical issue related to one of the parts, we recommend you take it to the manufacturer immediately instead of risking voiding the warranty.
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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. |
Key Features and Why They Are Important
With tech evolving at a rapid pace, we are blessed to find devices which can ultimately help turn our lives for the better. A perfect example of positive tech evolution is the car dash camera as it provides surveillance over the vehicle, in case of an accident making it easy for authorities to establish who is at fault. Furthermore, it provides you footage of what happens to the vehicle when you are away from it, in the event that someone is trying to or has managed to damage it allowing you to find the culprit or hand the footage directly to the police. However, not all devices are equal when it comes to quality, and for you to be able to perceive what is the better choice to go with and why you first have to know what are the features you must look into and what makes them important to begin with.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. However, our pick for the WheelWitness A7LA50 as the number 1 product in the niche was not difficult at all due to its great asking price and feature-rich profile. It utilizes the trustworthy Ambarella A7 processor, and it features a wide and easy to read off 3-inch TFT LCD display. Also, it can start recording only when motion is detected to save battery power and SD card space.
This is not to say that other entries in the market are not worth the investment, the Rexing V1 becoming the best-selling product 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 A7 processor just like our top pick, but because it allows you to choose between 5 different video resolutions in terms of footage clarity and quality.
