We have been looking at some common questions from people regarding dash cameras (also known as dashcams). We want to shed a little light on this and help you choose the right kind of dash cam. If you don't have a dashcam just yet, hopefully, this could help convince you to get one and get one more layer of safety in your daily driving.
Why are dash cams even necessary?
Dash cameras are small, compact cameras used in cars, and they're important since they ensure you against any accidents or incidents out on the road. At the same time, since you have something watching you, you'll drive more conscientiously. Plenty of drivers are aware of this, and they behave better on the road, knowing that their fellow motorists might have dash cams of their recording them.
Other than that, you get a chance to review your driving for the day. You can then identify any incorrect habits that you might have while driving.
Are dash cams allowed everywhere?
Here in Australia, they're allowed- even recommended. If you do have an inward-facing dashcam/dual dash cam, though, make sure that you let your passengers know; if you do capture some raw dashcam footage, make sure that you have the consent of whoever is in the video before uploading. Better yet, if you think that it's a little sensitive, don't risk it.
Why not just use a GoPro/action camera instead?
GoPros are instantly recognizable, and they can be risky to put inside your vehicle. They're a little expensive, and you don't want the extra attention that it garners.
On the topic of it being expensive, let's return the question- why not just use a regular dashcam instead? You'll save more money, and it saves you the hassle of having to re-purpose your action cam and then removing it off the mount for when you have to use it for its primary purpose (on top of having to fiddle with it before heading out to turn it on).
Do dashcam videos need to be in 4k?
That depends. If you want a 4k dash cam, go for it- but note that not all 4k dash cams can capture in 60 FPS or even 30 FPS for that matter. FPS means "frames per second," and this dictates how fluid the image displays when being played back. You'll notice a marked difference between 60 & 30 FPS in that 60 seems more lifelike.
1080P is already an excellent resolution, but note that it doesn't have that much detail as much as a 4k video. If you're looking to start a travel vlog of your own, this is an excellent point of consideration.
If you're not looking to start a hobby with dashcam videos, 1080P should suit you just fine. If you can get a 4k dash cam, do get one, but make sure that you have an appropriate storage device to accommodate for all that detail.
How do you install a dashcam?
You have two options when it comes to dashcam installation. You can plug it in your cigarette lighter socket, or you can hardwire it. Plenty of people say that hardwiring is not that hard, but if you're not very confident with your hardwiring or electronics, refer to our recommended installers (if you do get one from us).
Nevertheless, all our dash cams purchases here at Elinz come equipped with a dashcam hardwire kit, which is perfect for those that are familiar with it.
Even for our dual dash cams, they're particularly easy to install- simply refer to the manuals that are included with every purchase.
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Why aren't they standard equipment manufactured along with cars?
With so many manufacturers and so many different countries to cater to, many different laws are governing these bodies. Until then, dash cams will continue to be third party items.
Some countries even dismiss their usage and outlaw their use. But with the advent of automated cars, we here at Elinz suspect that it won't be soon until they're standard equipment in vehicles.
What are the features you should look for in your dash cams?
Of course, you should check the resolution and pixels that the dashcam captures in. Make sure to check for image stabilization, as you are driving a moving vehicle after all- your dash cam needs to be stable enough to accommodate for that.
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Night vision, and an advanced image processing hardware is good to have in a dashcam, as well. Plenty of us drive around at night, and having a dash cam that can't see at all in the dark isn't worth the purchase. Make sure to look for these vital features if you're planning on getting a dashcam.
What is the best type of mount for dash cams?
3M mounts are the best for dashcams compared to suction mount dash cams; they're inexpensive, easy to place and remove, and are quite resilient. If you need to have it replaced, you won't have to go looking for a different suction mount- get a 3M tape that you can find in almost all hardware stores.
If you do have a more dependable mount, as long as it's cheap, easily replaceable, and easy to use, make sure that it keeps your dashcam safe and stable.
What if you get sensitive footage, such as an accident or a crime?
Think first before you upload the video to social media. If the police ask for the footage, do cooperate and provide them with necessary evidence. Stay out of trouble- as we said earlier, if you think that it's raw footage, make sure to ask for consent first. You certainly don't want a lawsuit breathing down your neck for something as uploading a dashcam video.
What if you want to upgrade or replace your dash cam?
Some people upgrade since they want a higher resolution or higher image clarity, and that's fine. A clearer dash cam means more details you get to see out on the road. But consider some peripheral features as well, such as a dash cam with a stronger make or build. Some even release WiFi/mobile syncing dash cams, which is what you need to look for when you're upgrading.
