Technological evolution brings about many beneficial innovations which make life a lot easier and safe for every individual. One of these innovations is the Dash cam.
Having been in existence since 1990, they were first used by the Soviet Union and developed to equip police vehicles.
They were bulky and were not mounted on car dashboards as we see them in this present age. However, with the continuous technical changes, these devices have become smaller than they were and also very portable.
What Is A Dash Cam?
Dashboard camera or Dash cam as the name implies is a device that is often installed or mounted on windshield of vehicles. Depending on the model, some of these dashboard cameras can be attached to the rearview mirror and even on clothing.
The placement of the dash cam is not an issue as long as you can get a clear view of the road ahead. These devices act as silent witnesses in certain scenarios such as accidents.
Dash cams are carefully designed to take an accurate record of every detail of what happens on the road. Be it in front or behind the vehicle, It is beneficial to car owners, pedestrians and the police as well.
So, when next you wonder how the footage from an accident is derived or who captured those daring or life-threatening events that enable people to gather evidence for insurance, look no further as dash cams were responsible most of the time.
Many Dash cams are equipped with sophisticated features like motion detectors, GPS tracking, and Wi-fi capabilities that can enable you to view and share your videos without removing the camera’s memory card. Many models are also equipped with night vision, which most individuals go after when selecting car cameras.
What Is Night Vision?
Night vision is an advanced sensor that is present in dash cams to detect minimal light. It also adjusts the rate of exposure to a more clearer level, thereby improving the clarity of the footage.
Front and rear dash cams with night vision can capture relevant details with ease irrespective of how dim the light may be.. These details include vehicle plate numbers and road signs. It also exposes the dark areas of the footage using its sensor.
With this new technology, dash cams can capture precise and well-detailed footage at night and in other poor light conditions. Night vision dash cams also improve safety while driving at night.
How Does Front And Rear Dash Cams Work?
To better understand how front and rear cameras operate, basic understanding of how digital cameras work is important. For a digital camera to take pictures, it focuses its light on an image sensor using its lens.
Digital cameras are made up of tiny light-sensitive cells, which enable image sensors to convert the incoming light into electrical signals. The electric signals are further converted into digital data that can be stored on a memory card.
This same procedure is taken by digital video cameras. However, instead of photos, they record videos.
Now, to dashboard cameras. Front dash cams are mounted on the front of the vehicle while rear dash cams are attached to the back of the vehicle, usually close to the license plate. Front and rear dash cams provide an absolute full HD wide-angle view of your vehicles surrounding.
Depending on the model, these dash cameras are activated by igniting the car and they continue recording until the ignition is turned off, while some start recording when you press their power button.
To create space on the memory card for new recordings, some dashcams loop recordings and overwrite the oldest footage.
Specifications For Choosing A Front And Rear View Dash Cam
There are specific requirements to consider when choosing a dash cam. Some of them include:
-
Features
Before proceeding to get a dash cam, careful thoughts on your requirements for the camera is important. Think about what you expect the dash cam to do. What are the features you want? Do you want an easy-to-use camera which you can integrate and control using your phone?
Would you prefer a dash cam that starts recording automatically once you ignite your vehicle?
Do you want a car camera that has a MicroSD card for storage?
Do you want a camera that records with a high dynamic range which enhances the full HD night recording capabilities?
Do you want a camera with an AI(artificial intelligence) coach that helps in monitoring the driver’s behavior and also provides coaching to improve safety?
Understanding the features of every camera before choosing one will make it easier for you to purchase the one that best fits your needs.
2. Price:
Before making any purchase, it is important to take into consideration your finances. Consider your budget and what you also want the camera for.
Dash cams with artificial intelligence are the most expensive type of camera, but they also offer a variety of features, compared to other models.
For a less expensive dash cam, the portable and wireless model can suffice. But, they do not have most of the features which are necessary for an in-vehicle model.
3. Placement And Installation
Where would you want to mount the camera and for how long? For a permanent installation, consider getting an in-vehicle model. While for a portable solution, look for a wireless dash cam.
Consider the company which you are about to purchase the camera from. Are they known for their customer support in terms of installation? Can they help you with a manual or assist you to install them?
4. Coverage
Front and rear dash cams provide you with full coverage of your surroundings. They provide you with all-round driving safety. But if you want to record footage of only the front of your vehicle, a single front camera can do that for you.
Consider the area you want your camera to monitor, this will enable you to build your system.
Purpose For Front And Rear Dash Cams
Front and rear dash cams offer you a complete coverage of your vehicle which can be of great relevance in numerous situations. For instance, when a vehicle bumps into yours from behind the footage from the rear camera can be used to determine whose fault it was.
In cases like theft, front and rear dash cams with GPS makes it easier for vehicles to be tracked and located through its footage. The recorded footage from these car cameras serves as solid evidence in these scenarios and lots more.
However, it is important to know that irrespective of how beneficial dashboard cameras are, it is not an excuse for reckless driving.
Dash cams cannot save you from getting into accidents, but they can save you the cost of liability if you’re involved in an accident that isn’t your fault.
Dash cams can help you improve your safety on the road. However, drive carefully and save the lives of both you and other road users.
Is Front And Rear Dash Cam Worth Acquiring?
There are countless reasons why you shouldn’t invest in a front and rear dash cam. Acquiring one has been made a lot easier and affordable with the continuous advancements in technology.
Front and rear dash cams are a good investment when it comes to improving road safety. It also confers protection on businesses against liabilities.
For example, When a car crash occurs, the presence of a front and rear dash cam provides complete footage of your vehicles surrounding and how the crash happened. This can serve as evidence to prove you innocent.
Insurance companies often look through dash cam footage to determine who is obliged to get insured. A front and rear dash cam keeps you at the advantage of a well-detailed and understandable footage.
Transport companies and business owners who manage fleets of cars can monitor their driver’s behavior using the footage from front and rear dash cams and also improve their safety.
Dash Cams Are Worth It
Front and rear dash cams are worth the investment as they offer a complete footage of your vehicle’s surroundings, assists in improving your driving skills and keeps you away from liabilities.
With the amazing features like Night Vision which enhances the performance of these cameras, they come in handy when you’re on a long road trip and get caught up by nightfall.
