How To Buy A Dash Cam: The Ultimate Buyers Guide

Updated on February 21, 2023

Owning a dashcam is becoming more and more popular as drivers realize the safety and security benefits that come with having one. But with so many options available, how do you know which one is right for you? Looking to buy a dashcam but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Our Dashcam Buyer’s Guide will tell you everything you need to know before making this purchase.

We’ll cover all the ins and outs of purchasing a dashcam, from understanding the features of different models to finding the best deal. We’ll also discuss what makes a great dashcam, so you can make an informed decision on which one to buy. Plus, we’ll provide tips on how to install your new device correctly and efficiently.

So if you want to stay safe behind the wheel or keep an eye on your car while it’s parked, then read on for our comprehensive guide on how to buy a dashcam.

What Is A Dash Cam, And Why Is It Useful?

A dashcam is a small camera that you can attach to your car’s dashboard or windshield, and it records what happens during your drive. Dashcams are incredibly useful for a variety of reasons:

1. They provide evidence in the event of an accident; if there’s a dispute between parties over who caused the collision, dashcam footage can be used as evidence.
2. They can be used to monitor your driving behavior; you’ll be able to see how you drive and make adjustments if necessary.
3. They can also record any potential criminal activity while you’re parked; if someone tries to break into or vandalize your car, the footage will capture it.

Buying the right dashcam is essential for making sure you get all of its benefits. Doing research on models that have the features that best meet your needs is essential for giving yourself peace of mind on the road and ensuring evidence if something ever does happen.

Different Types Of Dash Cams

Dashcams come in a variety of types, so you’ll want to consider what type best fits your needs. The two main categories are single-camera and dual-camera dashcams.

Single-camera dashcams are the most common, and they provide a single angle of recording. These work well if you’re looking for basic coverage from one angle, like the front or rear of your vehicle. They may also offer features like night vision, motion detection, and driver assistance alerts.

Dual-camera dashcams feature two cameras that provide an all-around view of your vehicle. This is especially helpful when it comes to capturing more details about incidents involving other drivers or pedestrians around you. Dual-camera dashcams often include additional features such as parking mode, which starts recording automatically when it senses motion near your vehicle while parked.

Tips For Buying A Dashcam

When shopping for a dashcam, there are many factors to consider. It’s important to think not only about the features of the device but also what tips you should keep in mind. In this guide, we’ll be discussing some helpful tips for buying a dashcam.

First and foremost, what type of dashcam do you need? Consider your car’s make and model and how much space is available for mounting the camera. Once you’ve determined which type of dashcam is best for your vehicle, you can start looking into features such as wide-angle lens, Wi-Fi capabilities, video resolution, and emergency recording.

Another tip to keep in mind is to make sure the dashcam you choose has a long battery life so it stays powered when your car isn’t running. Additionally, look into the company’s customer service before making a purchase; this will help ensure that any issues you have with the product get resolved quickly and efficiently.

Be sure to read reviews from other customers to get an idea of how the dash cam works in real-world scenarios. Doing research ahead of time can save headaches down the line if something goes wrong with your purchase. Ultimately, taking these steps will help make sure you find the right dashcam for your vehicle and that it performs up to your expectations.

How To Choose The Right Dash Cam For Your Needs

When it comes to choosing the right dashcam, there are many factors to consider. What type of dashcam do you need? What features are essential? How much are you willing to spend? With so many different models and features available, it can be overwhelming trying to make a decision.

First things first, decide what type of dashcam is best for your needs. Do you want a basic model that just records video? Or one with GPS tracking and driver assistance technology? Depending on your budget, there’s likely a dashcam that fits your needs.

Next up, think about the features that are important for you. Does the camera have night vision capabilities? Can it detect motion or sound within its field of view? Is there an app available for monitoring activity in real-time? These are all questions worth considering before making a purchase.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, think about how much you’re willing to spend. Dashcams range greatly in price depending on the features they offer—so make sure to look at multiple models before committing to one. Decide what features are necessary and which ones you can do without; this will help narrow down your choices and save you some money in the process.

Dash Cam Features You Should Look For

When it comes to purchasing a dashcam, there are certain features you should look for. Firstly, consider the resolution of the video footage your dashcam is capable of capturing. Many models offer high-definition video quality, while some will even offer 4K quality. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure that the dashcam has a wide-angle lens so that it can capture more of the road ahead.

Another important feature when picking out a dashcam is night vision capabilities. This allows the camera to capture footage in low light conditions and is especially useful for capturing license plate numbers. You’ll also want to check what type of storage options are available with your device – many offer onboard storage or cloud storage options.

Finally, think about any additional features you may need, such as a GPS dash cam with location tracking or Wi-Fi capabilities or one which allows for easy access to footage remotely. All these features should be taken into account when selecting a dashcam that suits your needs best.

Dash Cam Video Quality And Resolution

Video quality and resolution are two of the most important considerations. After all, if you’re investing in a device that’s going to record your vehicle activity, you want to make sure that it captures the footage with clarity and accuracy. There are a few key metrics you should be aware of when evaluating a dashcam’s video quality and resolution.

First and foremost, look at the frame rate, which is the number of frames or still images captured per second. Generally speaking, the higher the frame rate, the smoother the footage will be. You’ll also want to pay attention to bitrate – this determines how much data is stored for each second of video. Finally, check what type of recording format is supported by the camera; this will determine how much space your recordings take up on storage devices like SD cards.

Whether you are looking for features like night vision or extra-wide viewing angles, understanding video quality and resolution can help ensure that you get the best possible image capture from your dashcam purchase. Taking into account all these factors can help you find a device that offers great performance at an affordable price.

Dash Cam Audio Quality

Sound quality is an important factor to consider when selecting a dashcam. If you’re looking for crisp, clear audio that can be used as evidence in the event of an incident, then it’s important to evaluate audio capabilities before making your purchase.

Many people choose to turn the audio recording function off, but having a good-quality microphone enabled on your dash cam can prove helpful. For example, in the event of a crash, the other party could claim you were talking on the phone, but with a mic, you could prove otherwise.

Battery Life And Power Options

Battery life and power options are important factors to consider. Different options provide different benefits, so it’s important to assess your needs in order to choose the right one for you. The most common are hardwired and battery-powered; each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Hardwiring your dash cam directly to the car’s power source provides a steady stream of energy that keeps the camera running while driving. This eliminates the need to worry about charging or replacing batteries, but installation can be tricky and require some expertise.

Battery-powered dashcams rely on internal rechargeable batteries, which require periodic recharging when not in use. This type is usually easier to install than hardwired models, but you’ll need to remember to charge them before use or they won’t record footage as needed. Battery life can vary greatly depending on factors such as usage length, temperature, etc., so it’s important to check this information when buying your dashcam.

Cost Of Dash Cams

Dashcams come in a variety of prices from inexpensive ones that are just a few bucks to those with more elaborate features and higher price tags. That said, there is no need to break the bank when buying one. There are plenty of decent options out there that offer good value for your money.

For those looking for an affordable option, budget dash cams with basic features can be found for as little as $30-50. These types of cameras usually don’t have advanced features like night vision or motion detection, but they do provide solid recording capabilities so you can capture footage while you’re on the road.

On the other hand, if you want a more feature-rich model with better image quality and additional functions like GPS tracking and Wi-Fi connectivity, then you’ll likely be looking at paying anywhere between $100-$200 or more. While these models may cost more upfront, they offer greater protection and convenience in the long run.

So whether you’re looking for something basic or something high-end, there’s sure to be a dashcam out there that fits your budget and meets your needs. Do some research and compare prices to get the best deal possible on the camera that’s right for you.

Buying Online Vs. In-Store

Shopping for a dashcam can be an exciting experience, but it’s also important to make sure you’re getting the right one. When it comes to purchasing your new device, one of the main decisions you’ll need to make is whether you want to buy it online or in-store. There are pros and cons to both options that need to be considered before making your purchase.

When shopping online, there are a lot of advantages. You have access to a wide range of products and prices, meaning you can easily compare different models and find the perfect one for your budget. Plus, online shopping offers a more convenient option if you don’t have time or resources to visit stores in person. With just a few clicks of your mouse, you can order your desired dashcam from the comfort of your home.

If you prefer the traditional way of shopping, then an in-store purchase may be the better option for you. Here, you get to inspect the product up close and personal before buying it, which allows for more certainty about what kind of quality you’re investing in. Additionally, in-store purchases can often mean faster acquisition times than if you were ordering online. And if something goes wrong with your purchase, there will usually be staff available onsite who can help resolve any issues quickly and efficiently.

Warranty And Return Policies

When it comes to shopping for a dashcam, warranty and return policies can be an important factor in deciding which product to purchase. It’s essential that buyers know what their options are when something goes wrong with the device.

Online stores often have more flexible warranties than brick-and-mortar stores, but there also may be additional costs associated with returns or repairs. For example, if a customer buys from an online store, they may need to cover the cost of shipping the unit back for repairs. On the other hand, brick-and-mortar stores will usually take care of these expenses in-house.

In either case, it’s important to read all of the fine print before purchasing a dashcam so that you know what your rights are if something goes wrong. Be sure to ask any questions you have about warranties and return policies before finalizing your purchase. That way, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting into and won’t have any unpleasant surprises down the road.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right dashcam for your needs can be a difficult task. It is important to carefully consider the different types of dashcams and their features to ensure that you get the best product for your budget. Considerations such as warranty and return policies should also be taken into account when shopping for a dashcam. Finally, take advantage of online or in-store shopping options to find the best deal on a quality dashcam. By following these tips, you will have no problem finding the perfect dashcam for your vehicle. With a quality dashcam installed in your car, you can feel secure knowing that you’re always prepared on the roads.