Dash cams are windscreen-mounted cameras that record the road continuously, so you have evidence after an accident or a dispute. Our range has over 190 models, from simple front-facing cameras to systems with a rear camera. DDPAI, MIO, VIOFO, 70MAI and Transcend have the most models to choose from.
How to choose a dash cam
Resolution and night footage. Full HD is enough to show how an incident unfolded, but number plates at a distance are easier to read in 2K or 4K. At night the sensor and the lens aperture matter more than resolution, so check which sensor a model uses.
Number of cameras and field of view. A front camera records the traffic ahead, while a rear camera shows what happened when someone hits you from behind. A field of view of roughly 130 to 150 degrees usually covers several lanes, and a much wider angle distorts the edges of the picture more.
Parking mode and power. If you want the camera to watch the car while it is parked, you need a model with a parking mode and constant power, either through a hardwire kit or a separate battery pack. Models with a supercapacitor generally cope with heat and cold better than those with a lithium-ion battery.
GPS and Wi-Fi. GPS adds speed and route to the recording, which helps when establishing what happened. Wi-Fi lets you view and save clips on your phone without removing the memory card.
Dash cam brands in our range
- DDPAI: a manufacturer that specialises in smart car cameras.
- MIO: known for its MiVue series of dash cams and for navigation devices.
- VIOFO: popular with enthusiasts for light-sensitive sensors, and many of its models use Sony STARVIS sensors.
- 70MAI: small cameras controlled through a smartphone app.
- Transcend: a memory product maker whose dash cam line is called DrivePro.
- Navitel: better known for navigation software and GPS devices.
- Nextbase: a British brand known for its magnetic Click&Go mounts.
- Garmin: a GPS specialist whose Dash Cam models are very small and respond to voice commands.
- Dahua and Hikvision: makers of video surveillance systems, applying that experience to dash cams.
Also in our range: Tracer and Wolfbox.
Dash cam FAQ
What memory card does a dash cam need?
Most dash cams use a microSD card, and it should be a high endurance type made for continuous recording, because ordinary cards wear out sooner when constantly overwritten. Choose the capacity according to resolution: 4K and dual-camera footage takes up far more space than Full HD. The maximum supported card size is stated by the manufacturer.
Is a dash cam with a rear camera worth it?
Yes, if you drive in town or sit in traffic jams often, because a good share of collisions happen from behind. A rear camera needs a longer cable and a slightly more involved installation. If you drive rarely and mostly on open roads, a front camera is often enough.
Do I need a 4K dash cam?
Not necessarily. Full HD or 2K is usually enough if the sensor is good, while 4K helps you read number plates from further away. 4K files are larger, so you will need a bigger memory card.
Does a dash cam drain the car battery?
Not if it is powered from a socket or fuse that switches off with the ignition. Parking mode needs constant power, so choose a hardwire kit with low-voltage protection, which switches the camera off when the battery voltage falls to a set level.
