You can select a suitable model based on parameters in the dash cameras catalog. And “How to choose a dash cam?” is described in detail in the corresponding article.

Sensor, processor and optics

The main components of any dash cam are the sensor, image processor and optics. They directly affect the quality of recording, the detail of the video (in particular, the readability of license plates), and the ability to correctly process large amounts of data (which is necessary for recording multi-channel video and working with high frame resolutions).

In cheap models, neither the sensor, nor the processor, nor even the aperture ratio of the optics are often mentioned. How the unnamed components will cope with video recording is anyone’s guess or look for real examples of videos on YouTube. In mid- and high-end dash cams, manufacturers are no longer shy about specifying the sensor and processor. Sony image sensors with large physical sizes and good light sensitivity are the best, which provides high quality recording in all ambient lighting conditions. OmniVision and Samsung GalaxyCore sensors are also noted as good mid-range ones.

The processor is responsible for processing video from the sensor, multi-channel recording and auxiliary systems (night recording, extended dynamic range HDR and WDR, digital stabilization, etc.). Signs of high-end devices are Ambarella, NovaTek and MStar chips. The processor must match the sensor and keep up with the processing of the image from it. Otherwise, the final image quality will decrease.

High-end dash cameras are equipped with top-end components and glass optics.

Optics in cheap dash cams are usually made of simple plastic lenses and have a modest aperture. And the less light the lens transmits, the worse the quality of recording in low-light conditions. Also, budget models often have cropped viewing angles — the field of view of the device directly depends on this parameter.Premium dash cameras are equipped with high-aperture lenses with glass lenses, anti-reflective elements in the optical design, removable polarizing filters and wide viewing angles.

Sony sensor dash cams

Video recording quality

To get a clear and legible image, it is important to consider the recording resolution. The default resolution for inexpensive models is the Full HD (1920x1080 pixels). However, if you take a budget and an advanced dash cam with such a resolution, you won’t always be able to discern the difference in quality. The best way to compare them is by looking at examples of recording on YouTube. More expensive models reveal the potential of recording in Super HD (2304x1296 pixels), Quad HD (2560x1440 pixels) and 4K (3840x2160 pixels) resolutions. The fact is that they are recorded in the original frame format — without the use of any software algorithms for stretching the image.

Budget-level dash cameras often suffer from image interpolation — an artificial increase in resolution. Of course, this negatively affects the final detail. The shooting is carried out in a conventional Full HD format, and then the result is converted to higher frame resolutions. In this case, the pixels are added trivially and the video becomes blurred when you look at it in detail. Very cheap dash cams are not able to record even in true Full HD, using interpolation algorithms to stretch the image to this format from the HD resolution of the frame.

If you see a model with the coveted label "4K", which costs cheap be sure — the camera recorder will give the same result or even worse than a good dash cam with an honest Full HD resolution.

The higher the resolution, the more detailed the video. But the format must be without the use of interpolation.

Special video recording modes can also be added to the shooting quality. For example, night recording to obtain a detailed video in low street lighting. Capturing night footage is achievable with budget dach cams, but models with high-quality night recording will cost more. You will also have to pay extra for support for extended dynamic range technologies HDR and WDR. The first is implementable at the software level, the second — at the hardware level (and it wins in terms of detail). Recording in an extended dynamic range allows you to remove glare from oncoming headlights, equalize the exposure of the frame when leaving a tunnel in blindingly sunny weather, and balance the brightness of the video as a whole.

Quad HD dash cams

Functionality

Entry-level dash cams can only record video and, at most, are equipped with a G-sensor, which records sudden changes in speed, impacts and vibrations of the car. Video recorded at the specified moments is automatically locked against re-recording.

In the middle segment of dash cams, a GPS and/or a motion sensor are often added for security recording in a parking lot. A number of other useful functions can be associated with global geopositioning systems. In particular, the work of the GPS informer is based on them. This is when a database of police cameras and radars is stored in the dash cam's memory. When approaching them, the driver is notified of the need to comply with the prescribed speed limit in order to avoid fines. The databases are regularly updated via USB connector on the dash cam or via Wi-Fi, which is much more convenient.

Dash cams with a GPS record the speed and routes of travel, and the devices easily connect to mobile devices via a Wi-Fi network.

The top of the league among traffic video devices are combo dash cams that combine the functions of a DVR, GPS and radar detector all together. Hybrid devices are the most expensive, but in terms of the set of pre-installed options they cannot be found equal. As a rule, hybrids have top-end components installed, and the most advanced models implement signature recognition of emissions from radars to increase accuracy and minimize false alarms.

Good to know. In many European countries, the use of radar detectors is prohibited by law. Before purchasing a dash cam with this function, it is important to study the legal regulations.
Combo devices combine the functions of a DVR and a radar detector, but their use is prohibited in many European countries.

Cheap models are guaranteed not to have ADAS systems — road assistants such as lane control (LDWS) and distance control (FCWS). Are they necessary or useless? It’s difficult to give a definite answer — in urban driving conditions with frequent lane changes and idle traffic jams, these systems can be quite annoying. But for some people, they actually help with traffic.

Wi-Fi with connection to mobile applications is a basic function for modern brand dash cams. It provides a convenient way to see and download files from a paired smartphone, customize the camera, download software updates and camera databases. The extra charge for the option is small, but it greatly simplifies the operation of the device. Some advanced models with Wi-Fi do without a built-in screen at all — they can be accessed from a connected mobile phone, and video can be uploaded directly to cloud storage.

Dash cams with motion sensor

Mounting and number of cameras

Brackets for dash cams are usually installed with double-sided tape or a suction cup. Moreover, this does not depend on the price segment. But the quick-release magnetic connector is found only in advanced models of a more expensive rank. In the vast majority, through magnetic contacts the supply of power is also established. The cable from the cigarette lighter socket is not connected to the dash cam itself, but to the mount on the windshield. Thanks to this implementation, there is no need to bother with wires when removing and installing the dash cam.

Models with a separate camera often act as parking assistants when parking the car in reverse.

Options with one or more separate cameras cannot be cheap. As well as models with an interior camera. Multi-channel recording requires increased resources for video processing. At the same time, the rear camera can be very useful for parking — many dash cams support overlaying virtual marking lines on top of it for easy parking in reverse.

Dash cam with interior camera

Popular brands

The dash cam market offers a huge variety of products from a wide variety of brands. In the budget segment, devices from Aspiring, DDPai, PlayMe and 70mai definitely deserve attention. They produce true resolution of at least Full HD video capture without the use of software interpolation.

The strong middle class of dash cams is represented by models from the brands MiO, Gazer, and partly Garmin. In addition to video recordings, they focus on auxiliary systems such as GPS, informer, wireless communications, etc.

Advanced Garmin devices are included in the top segment of dash cams. This also includes models from the South Korean brand BlackVue. They have the best cameras, the fastest processors, and high quality is guaranteed under any recording conditions.




Before deciding to purchase a particular dash cam, you need to decide for yourself the usage scenarios and the necessary functions of the device. So, for a high-quality video you will need a good sensor and wide viewing angles, for night recording — coated glass optics, to help you move — built-in traffic assistants and a GPS informer. The rule here is simple — the more requirements you have for the dash cam, the more expensive it will cost. Regardless of your budget, choose models with video resolution of at least Full HD and prioritize models from well-known manufacturers. And most importantly, look at real examples of recording in the corresponding product cards — they're the ones that can tip the scales in favor of a particular dash cam.