So if you already own a GoPro, pairing it with a dashboard mount or windshield suction cup is an easy way to record video while you’re driving. We even have a dedicated guide on how to use a GoPro as a dash cam for your car. However, if you’re looking for a comprehensive solution to capture in-car video, it’s worth considering a dash cam. Are dash cams legal?

And not only that, but you will also see much better when driving, because the rearview mirror is not always enough. If the worst were to happen, and you need to prove your innocence, the dash cam’s footage could do exactly that. This footage can also be set to include your speed, along with the time and date to help reinforce the validity of your evidence if blame is disputed by the other party. As well as monitoring the road ahead, dash cams can be used to record out of the rear windscreen too, recording footage if you are unfortunate enough to be rear-ended by another motorist. The Car Watch Pro Dash Cam offers this sought-after feature: it has built-in dual-band Wi-Fi that can connect to both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks, providing a fast connection for streaming video and transferring data. Additionally, the app that comes with the product allows users to access their footage remotely via their smartphone or tablet. The app also provides access to settings and video management tools, so users can easily review their footage and make adjustments whenever necessary. Video resolution is a key consideration when choosing a dash cam, as explained below. Most dash cams in 2023 can record footage in Full HD, which is generally enough to identify large details in a video clip. Sharper 4K dash cams tend to cost more, but capture video at a higher resolution. This makes it easier to pull out crucial details such as number plates, which mean 4K dash cams generally offer more reassurance from a safety perspective. There are also dash cams that boast additional features that, just like any other technology, translate to a higher asking price. In addition to better video quality like 4K, night vision and built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for easy file transfer may also be included.Incidents and accidents on the road are becoming more and more frequent, perpetrated by crazy drivers who break all the rules of the road with impunity. GoPro cameras are some of the best action cameras you can buy. They can be easily mounted to your dashboard and set to record video on a rolling loop. Because GoPro cameras are compact, they shouldn’t obstruct your view of the road ahead, while the latest models are capable of capturing videos at resolutions sharper than 4K. In our tests, the front camera’s footage was generally good enough in most scenarios. Viofo utilizes Sony Starvis image sensors, which perform well in low-light conditions. The lower resolution does compromise quality in subpar driving situations though, with fuzzy detail putting it behind the best 4K competitors. The interior and rear cameras offer a wide 170-degree field of view, and the interior camera is equipped with six LEDs for infrared capabilities. Even in the darkest driving conditions, visibility inside the car remained clear in our tests.

You only need a simple setup: Its comprehensive feature list makes the Dual Dash Cam good value, but its skills will be overkill for many users.

Loop recording allows dash cams to continuously record video footage to their built-in storage or memory card. The setting automatically overwrites the oldest clips on your camera with new ones when its storage becomes full. This way, it can keep recording without requiring you to pull over and manually delete unneeded clips. This gives you the reassurance that there will be no gap in your driving log. You want a wide view of the road: Both cameras have a 140-degree field of view, which is narrower than that of many rivals and which only covers the windshield. With its competitive price point and user-friendly features, the Car Watch Pro Dash Cam provides a great solution for drivers who want an easy and reliable way to record their daily travels while staying within budget. It’s no surprise that this dash cam remains one of the most popular choices among drivers today. Does The Car Watch Pro Dash Cam Have Night Vision? You don’t need a complex camera: If you only want to capture video of the road, there are simpler dash cam options for a lot less money. You don’t drive for a living: Most road users don’t need interior recording, so unless you’re ferrying passengers for pay, you might find better value elsewhere.

You don’t want a hard-wired camera: The X1000 can work with a plug-in adapter, but hard-wiring is the better option, though you might need a pro to fit it. We were happily surprised by the video quality. The cameras can record Full HD footage in both directions, capturing video that’s smooth, sharp and clear, matched by decent audio. The interior camera occasionally struggles in bright sunlight, but that’s a small criticism of otherwise impressive performance. The front camera can also go solo to shoot in even more detailed 1440p. Using a dash cam is generally legal in both the UK and the US. In fact, certain bodies in both countries actively encourage the use of dash cams to reduce insurance premiums. That said, there are a few basic rules to follow to ensure your dash cam usage stays on the right side of the law. While older models typically required the user to manually save or tag the appropriate clip in the event of an accident, new G-Sensor-based incident detection technology has taken over, and now takes care of this automatically. You don’t get the driver assistance systems of other dash cams, so it’s up to you or your vehicle to spot speed cameras and potential collisions. That said, you still get Wi-Fi and GPS connectivity, and we like that Vantrue has focused on video quality over unnecessary extras.The recording is continuous, in loop, without losing a single second. Thanks to its built-in 1/3-inch sensor, it records audio (it has a built-in microphone and speaker) and video in impeccable quality. You’re on a tight budget: Its multiple talents mean the DriveCam 76 demands a fairly high price. If you won’t use all of its features, you’ll find better value in standalone cameras.

A dash cam shouldn’t obstruct your view of the road ahead or distract you while you’re behind the wheel. For this reason, some people prefer to choose a model without a display. In the US, many states have regulations governing where you can mount a dash cam. Several prohibit you from fitting one to your windshield, for example. Relatively compact for a dual-lens dash cam, the Vantrue N2 Pro records a detailed view of the road ahead and your vehicle’s interior. Designed with taxi drivers in mind, it forgoes many of the extras which your car is already likely to have, including speed camera alerts and collision warnings. You don’t like wires: Three cameras means a lot of wires to guide and hide. Cabling in the rear camera means removing the headliner or carpet. You want built-in rear recording: There are rivals for a similar price with rear-view cameras as standard, but it's an optional add-on for the 622GW.

Car Watch Pro is a superb HD camera, i.e. high definition, capable of recording in 1080p. For greater convenience, it has a very small size, so you can easily place it with its practical support in the corner of your car you want, without interfering at all in the viewing angle. The first aspect examined in this review is the design and build quality of the device. The Car Watch Pro Dash Cam has a sleek and modern design, making it an attractive addition to any vehicle interior. It also has a sturdy construction that can withstand bumpy roads and intense weather conditions. Furthermore, it comes with easily adjustable mounts that allow users to find the optimal position for recording their journey. You need the sharpest video: Footage shot by the A139’s front camera is serviceable, but it isn’t as sharp or smooth as some similarly priced rivals. Capable yet accessible, Thinkware’s X1000 comes bundled with everything you need to record front and rear. Our tests found a lot to like about the X1000. Its best attribute is its ease of use: with a large 3.5-inch touchscreen and icon-based interface, it’s simple to configure and there’s no need to rely on a smartphone partner app. If you use the cigarette lighter/USB port to power your dash cam, then leaving it plugged in overnight might drain your car battery, depending on if your vehicle supplies constant power to the ports. Hard-wired dash cams can be set up to switch on with the car ignition in some vehicles to save battery, too.