Dash Cam 101 - The Beginners Guide to Dash Cams - What Matters, What Doesn't

There are many different features and hardware when buying a dash camera. We tell you what's useful like WiFi and video quality and what doesn't, 60FPS and more.
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⚡️⚡️ UPDATE - NOV 11, 2019 ⚡️⚡️
Want to know which camera to buy? See our new "Top 5 Budget Cams 2020" video here: • Top 5 Budget Dash Cams... We've researched and tested many cameras to come up with these recommendations.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Our Most Important Features: Notifications: 1:08 Video Quality: 2:00 Capacitors // Lithium-Ion Batteries: 3:13
Video Hardware: Lens 4:07 Image Sensor / Processor: 4:24 Camera Stealthiness: 4:56
Other Camera Types: Mounts 5:56 Mirror Mounts 6:53 Dual Cameras: 7:34
Setup Menu: 8:35 Computer Programs: 8:57
Camera Features: WiFi 9:13 GPS 9:45 G-Sensor 10:25 Parked Recording 11:06 Temperature Resistance: 12:10 Emergency Lock 12:40 Microphone 13:13 ADAS 13:34
Video Processing: 60 Frames Per Second 14:13 High Dynamic Range: 14:32
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To see what we are up to and what's coming please check our Facebook page as it's the only place we post behind the scene stuff like photos and thoughts about other cameras.
/ carcamcentral

[@yumpinyiminy963]

Most channels covering Dash Cams go nuts over features. Thanks for being honest about pitfalls and what is really needed. 👍

[@Lam]

Thanks Yumpin~!

[@monroe2245]

3.5yrs later and still one of the best videos of its kind. Thank you

[@BelloBudo007]

Mate, you have done a cracking job explaining a few things that blokes like me would never know otherwise. So good work, thanks for that and much appreciated.

[@Lam]

Hey Bill. Thanks for kind words!

[@TV---kn2rl]

Wooow, there is so much more to consider about dashcams than I had imagined. Thanks for being so thorough!

[@RCdiy]

I wish auto manufacturers would offer dash cameras as factory install options. Sure third party cameras may always be "better" but it would nice have the option. Even just offering a usb/micro usb/type C power outlet near the rear view mirror would be awesome.

[@Lam]

One day it may be offered as an option. Not much demand in North America right now or regulatory demands.

[@StFual]

My Nissan has 4 OK cameras in the front grill and around the car as part of the parking support which could easily be upgraded and attached to a recording device. But the car regs apparently say it has to switch off at above 15 KMh and cant record. . I've often wondered why none of the big camera or car manufacturers are offering dashcams as a big brand could standardize and clean up. I suspect that Dashcams are currently in a very grey area legally when it comes to recording people or public buildings without their permission, using a video device in the front of a car, and safety and regulatory testing for devices and no "name " wants to touch it.

[@nerys71]

no you don't. because then they will be compulsory and the police can demand them.

[@systemsh0wd0wn]

@@nerys71 That's the way it should be, only the guilty have an issue with this.

[@nerys71]

@@systemsh0wd0wn you are ALWAYS guilty. even when you do nothing wrong you are guilty. they will always be able to find SOMETHING you did wrong :-( this is why we want body cams on cops and WHY cops don't want them. this is why I want control of the camera's in my car. we have so many laws that absolutely positively no one in this nation can actually tell you how many we have. no one actually knows. do you believe that? no one even knows how many their are there are so many and there are so many general easy to twist and distort general laws on the books you are almost ALWAYS guilty of "something" even if you don't actually do anything wrong.

[@randomwicked9806]

As always- appreciate the straight forward reviews and suggestions. Thank you!

[@stevebass]

Absolutely essential viewing when looking for a dashcam. Every quesition answered, every feature explored, myths busted and solid info throughout.

[@Lam]

Awesome stuff, glad I could help!

[@Lam]

UPDATE: MAY 16TH, 2019 Our recent video reviewing the Viofo A129 DUO summarizes our findings for the best budget and premium dash cameras: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIKxkqmuhblko8k We also recommend you look at our latest storage card recommendations for dash cams as it will make a big difference in reliability: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZTHYYKlatp1m80

[@Lilbebee07]

Went through 5-6 videos but didn’t get the detail I was looking for. Thank you for being that person that provided the information I was looking for

[@micnor14]

The most informative video to date. This needs to be a stock reference link for all retailers.

[@Lam]

Thanks Mic.

[@ulises3025]

What are your thoughts on using cell phone cameras as dash cameras? I can't find a dash camera that provides a better value than a used Samsung Galaxy Note 3 4k, which is currently priced at about $170 on amazon.

[@Lam]

I'm launching a guide on that exact topic. I'm personally not a fan because once you throw in the sun shining on your dash camera even with air conditioning it's not ideal. Would be interesting to look at smartphone quality.

[@riverdalemaryland]

Hey Andrew, what you think of this dashcam: The Beast BX929

[@itsronny9708]

Car Cam Central hi , in confused about what dual dash cam buy ,,,I need for work at uber so I need record front and Inside car ,,, can you recommended me which is Better for me ??? I'm really appreciate thanks !!!

[@ians474]

Intelligent, informative, practical. Many thanks for this mate! We need more KZbinrs like you 😄

[@38dragoon38]

Love this guy! Simple, logical, concise: perfect!

[@gsmitchell]

That was an awesome overview of what to look for. Thanks, great video!

[@Lam]

Thanks George - glad you liked it. If you haven't seen my video here on my top budget picks; I think it's a great follow-up to the video you watched: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ml6uc36woLR-iZI

[@stevejette2329]

EXCELLENT video !! Overwhelming for absolute beginner. But I am watching your others. THX

[@Lam]

⚡️⚡️ UPDATE - Jan 11, 2020 ⚡️⚡️ Want to know which camera to buy? See our "Top 5 Budget Cams" video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ml6uc36woLR-iZI I've researched and tested many cameras to come up with these recommendations.

[@justinlai5047]

Great video best comprehensive review could never pick a dash cam until I saw this!

[@Lam]

Glad we can help! -Rolands

[@SpaceCadet4Jesus]

Great overview of basic features of dashcams. Answers alot of questions without being boring.

[@Lam]

Thanks Space Cadet - we try! -Andrew

[@fahadDaar]

Very useful and high quality review. Thank you

[@dudevraj]

Thank you so much 🙏🏻 I was utterly confused about car DVR cams. Your channel was so very useful.

[@Lam]

Thank you for tuning in! Keep doing that. We like you here :) -Rolands

[@Mark-gg6iy]

Excellent review and production.

[@teriw4329]

Extremely helpful video. Very concise and understandable. Thank you for posting this video.

[@Lam]

Thank you for watching, Teri! -Rolands

[@christianmejia183]

Wonderfully put together and incredibly comprehensive.

[@Lam]

Thanks Christian!

[@dansaver8247]

Terrific, thorough presentation. Thank you.

[@dej353]

Thank you for such a useful video! Great Job!

[@alk2080]

This was one of the best presentations I have ever seen regarding Dash Cam Cameras. The technical specification on different cameras are explained in a simple language. Thank you that makes it easy to pick a good camera..

[@Lam]

Thanks for the kind words, Al. Hearing stuff like that makes us appreciate what we do. -Rolands

[@brettallenthomas]

Fantastic video.. full of useful information that you don't normally see and wouldn't know without having lots of Dash Cam experience...

[@Lam]

Thanks Brett! -Andrew

[@dk4wncp]

Fantastically thorough.

[@Steve-wr5xi]

One of the best informative videos I've seen so far on dash cams 👍 Thank you 😊 5 stars ! It helped in marking my decision on the BlackVue camera 🎥

[@Lam]

Hey Steve, thanks! Did you take a look at my Thinkware F770 video? In my opinion it's the better choice over the Blackvue now as it has better video quality and backup features I think make a difference. Made a review here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5uogX2qhpqDmqM

[@gopherb3985]

Great video. Thanks for the advice

[@Arthurmd22]

All of your videos are sooo helpful

[@hayksamvelyan]

Good job, love your passion and through explanations. Keep it up!

[@Lam]

Thanks Mrjost55!

[@jackflash5659]

Thanks for the education Andrew!

[@MustaffaCuppa]

Thanks - your link in the description to the dash cam buyers guide is choc full of useful info. I think I will go with a Nextbase 412GW as it ticks all the boxes.

[@1410PK]

Awesome, good Info, Thank you!!!

[@GSimon850]

the best informative review I have watched on dash cams, thank you.

[@Lam]

Thank you very much! -Rolands

[@markhal5411]

Your dash cam videos are always the best!

[@Lam]

Thanks Mark! -Rolands

[@johnnyc563]

Thanks for the updates, Andrew.

[@Lam]

No problems, thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@jcnme]

Absolutely Excellent Video Sir ! Love your Channel Brother !

[@Lam]

Thanks for the love! -Rolands

[@thevideoark]

Very helpful. Thank you very much.

[@JohnMiller-oz7gv]

Great videos. Really great job.

[@ytc6227]

Great video. Thanks!

[@johnjackson8783]

Thanks for making this video.

[@bluemax1955]

Great video with really good information. Thanks!

[@Lam]

Thanks, John! -Rolands

[@repairitdontwreckit4257]

Very informative. Great presentation.

[@abbasradmard1574]

Good information, thank you.

[@NASSER-ALRAJEH]

Thanks, great information.

[@phantomcruizer]

Excellent video! Keep up the good work.

[@Lam]

Thank you phantomcruizer! Appreciate it! Rolands - Community Support

[@mariocaguimbal6361]

Great video many thanks.

[@Girlhack]

This was so helpful, thank you!

[@Lam]

No problems! Thanks Girlhack.

[@Schopenhauerscn]

Very imformative. Thank you!

[@Lam]

Thank you!

[@YannisHourdakisPhD]

Very honest and decent video. Congratulations!

[@Lam]

Thank you, Yannis! -Rolands

[@marcusbryant2007]

thank you for this review

[@decatursinclair7234]

Great introduction to dash cams!

[@johnfurious8419]

Another awesome video... thanks :)

[@Lam]

Thanks again John!

[@dominique13194]

Very helpful. Gives good information and honest pros and cons. Showing my husband so I can convince him to get a car cam.

[@Lam]

Thank you very much, Dominique! Hope you get the camera you want! -Rolands

[@NewportKings69]

This is a really great video

[@gsau3000]

Good job. Very well presented. Thank you.

[@Lam]

You're welcome! -Rolands

[@MicrobyteAlan]

Thank you very much.

[@aholegunner]

This video has not aged. That is how thorough and well thought out it was done.

[@Sulkanator]

Great job. I enjoyed watching your video.

[@Lam]

Thanks Sulka!

[@tp8030]

What a good review.

[@mohammadal-jarki4119]

Very valuable information Thank you Greeting from kuwait 🇰🇼🇰🇼🇰🇼

[@doctorartphd6463]

Excellent presentation. I learned quite a bit from you. This was informative, concise, and to the point. Thank you. Been looking at, and researching for cameras for a few months now...

[@maeve4686]

Considering a purchase. Your explanations are the best I've viewed. Thanks. Only criticism, very minor & I know you're cramped for time, but slow down a bit. A lot of us "older" citizens are not familiar with this growing technology. Great video, friend.

[@Arunzown]

YOU ARE THE BEST IN DASH CAM REVIEW.

[@polloloci21]

Holy cow!! THIS is how you do a review!!

[@mischermer88]

helpful, thank you!

[@Lam]

Thank you Mi!

[@viveksmartguy]

Very informative video. There needs to be a next version of the video with review of cameras of year 2022

[@JacanaProductions]

Love the spider!! And I ran one of those cameras for a few years, video was not the best but worked flawlessly. I still use it.

[@Lam]

I got lucky when I saw that footage, didn't notice it while driving and I don't watch all the footage I record.

[@louistoscano3830]

No u tube vid compared to this great job Keep it up tru entrepreneur

[@Ngotdzung]

Thanks for your reviews, I learned, I like, and subscribed. Hope all the reviewers out there when review of somethings honestly, so we know which one is not good and which one is good to go buy one, some reviewers has a sponsorship from some company and they always say the good about that products, which is not. When I about to buy that item on the web, the comments of that item always said most bad things about that item.

[@Lam]

Hey Dunstin. Thanks for the sub! We are happy to help! -Rolands

[@jimbush80528]

C Very useful and informative video. Thank you sir.

[@Lam]

Thanks Jimb! Glad to help!

[@davidthecardcollector]

Another advantage to the cams that clip on your rear view mirror is you can use you sun blocker mat on the windshield without restriction.

[@RickyU6262]

Great presentation, thank you...

[@Lam]

Thanks, Eric. -Rolands

[@ronf.hercules37]

Excellent presentation!

[@Lam]

Thanks Ron - glad I could help!

[@johnlagstrom6239]

Great Info. John

[@Lam]

Thanks! -Andrew

[@robertspencer3553]

WoW... You did an exceptional job on this video. I subscribed. I am gettin ready to purchase some car cams. I was really leaning toward the raspberry pi .....now I am not sure.

[@Lam]

Thanks Robert. If you can tell me what is your preferred budget and features you would like to see in your dash cam I could help you make the right choice. -Rolands

[@EricWohnig]

Going to definitely check out the Dome D201. I love me some 1440P video.

[@PBS-nm1uu]

thanks for all the info. please do an update on the cameras

[@cros99]

Lots of info for a newbie to absorb but very nicely done. I am subscribing to learn more and I appreciate the help......thanks!

[@Lam]

Thanks cross99, I'm coming out with new guides on the basics, maintenance and parking modes. Is there anything you would like specifically from me?

[@cros99]

I'll look forward to your new guides. As car cams become more popular in the U.S, and so many features to consider, it would help for a suggestion section on favorite products that would cover important issues as stealth/clarity and DIY installation (or go pro).

[@Lam]

Yes, I think a lot about how to make it easier for people with specific needs to find the best camera for them. I think I'll have a filtered search on my website in the near future.

[@milksterz24]

Great Video. It would be awesome if you expanded on hard wiring the cameras and the various kits available

[@Lam]

Thanks Mike, I will in the future. I want to prioritize on dash camera related content before diving into the details of installation. Getting to the point where I am confident in talking about hard wiring will take a fair amount of work. I might team up with someone when I get around to that. DashCamStore has an amazing hardwiring guide: www.thedashcamstore.com/advanced-dashcam-installation/ Although it is just sell their own kit, they put a lot of work into it. Each vehicle is a little different so it's not bad to take a look at a forum for you vehicle to see what changes if any need to be made.

[@jasonkraus7442]

Very informative, thank you. I've been thinking about buying a dash cam for my jeep and my wife's car; we have a lot of 'idiot' drivers where I live and my daughter is about to get her license. She'll definitely need one. Now, I can make a more informed decision. The scene with the spider.... my wife would have wrecked her car for sure. She HATES spiders and is scared to death of them. lol

[@allancerf9038]

Superb!

[@GirlArmy21]

Loved this video. I just got a new Jeep and I want to put in a dashcam. I am going to look on your site for something more recent....recommendations for the best camera to buy....watching in 2021. :O)

[@ritadapkey5807]

These cameras should be installed on every car in the United States. In S Korea "Black Boxes" are in the majority of vehicles on the road. I recently bought a cheap unit with a suction attachment and it keeps falling off the windshield. I am regretting the purchase. I should have watched this video first. It is excellent and very informative. Well done - great job! It answered all of my questions I had with the settings and what each one means. I am going to use the info I learned in this video to purchase two more units for myself and my son. Thanks!

[@Lam]

It would help improve the behaviour of other drivers on the road for sure. Glad you found this information useful! -Andrew

[@bodybalancer]

Helpful. Thanks

[@Lam]

Thank you!

[@kuba7329]

wow, the speakers. I have not seen them before :)

[@systemsh0wd0wn]

I Wish I watched this before I bought my Li dash cam but the video still left me unsure of which dash cam is better to go with if I was in the market to buy one. thanks for the comparisons and breakdown

[@Lam]

Hey, thanks for the feedback. A good video to watch is our guide on the Viofo A129: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIKxkqmuhblko8k We mention our other picks from $50 all the way up to $300+ Hope that helps!

[@universaltitlehere9729]

My priorities are: Night driving Multiple angles GPS/driver stats Reliability Portability In basically that order. What would be the best camera(s) to purchase? Thank you for your help!

[@Krankie_V]

That night footage on the transcend camera looked fine. Plenty good enough to serve its purpose.

[@Lam]

Hey Krankie. Yup, it's still a good camera. -Rolands

[@Speedydogful]

What a great, well produced video! Exactly what I've been looking for. Thanks very much for the time and effort you put into this video. Loved that there was no "uhs" and unnecessary pausing. Very professionally done. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like you provided a link to that awesome article you refer to at the end. I'd love to be able to read it.

[@Lam]

Hey Speedy. All the links are in the description under the video. -Rolands

[@Speedydogful]

Why, so it is. Thanks!

[@shmookins]

Very informative, thank you. I wish car manufacturers would add dash and rear cams to their cars. In fact, many new cars already have cameras. WHy not use them to record?

[@Lam]

You're welcome and we'll see. I think it's hard as privacy laws are different in every location.

[@StFual]

Very good, thank you. The only part i think is missing is some discussion on mounting position. The most logical arrangement for me is as far forward as possible flush against the screen. However many of the oblong cameras seem to be designed to be as far away from the windscreen as possible giving a very nice recording of the dash and the pillars but a lot less road action. Also a big band of interior black dashboard messes up the auto exposure algorithm. This has got worse with the higher res wide angle cameras. I know some people think glare is a problem with flush cameras but there are ways around that. The perfect camera for me would be a lightweight low vibration high res lense and sensor assembly stuck to the windscreen screen (or even on the front grill) with the electronics/ capacitor connected by a high speed cable perhaps hanging off the mirror or on the dash. But for now i'd instantly buy an Opia 2 spec if it was available in a Blackvue 650 style mount. Still looking.

[@Lam]

Hi StFual, the closer you get to the windshield the worse the distortions are for the camera due to the curvature. I notice there's a lot more edge blur in cameras like the A119 which get close to the glass. I haven't seen too many exposure problems with super wide angle cameras like the Yi but maybe I'm only testing the good ones. Thanks for your feedback! -Andrew

[@louie2470]

Thanks for the fantastic video. Have you considered using strong plastic velcro, like the ones I use to attach my toll paying transponder, to the windshield, instead of using the suction cup or 3M adhesive tape. The plastic velcro is the flimsy cloth velcro but the thicker, hard plastic type. Removing and hiding the camera would be an advantage in certain areas when parking. Thanks.

[@Milesco]

_"The plastic velcro is the flimsy cloth velcro..."_ Did you mean to say that it's NOT the flimsy cloth velcro?

[@stefanyen8903]

great job. 👍 I wish if you could also by any chance do a review on DDPai Mini 2

[@Lam]

Yup, I'm doing it right now along with the Thinkware F770.

[@jesseascriven]

SO WHAT WOULD YOU PICK FOR THE BEST FROM AND REAR CAMERA FOR THE PRICE?

[@Hamad.Kuwaitt]

very nice review

[@Lam]

Thanks Hamad

[@mrdennischapman]

Really enjoy the professionally done and informative videos. I was looking at the Blacksys and Blackview (2 Channel) but recently have seen the Thinkview 770 and it seems to have better video on the rear camera. One thing I wish dash cams had was a way to swivel the front camera around to record the interaction with a police officer. What do you think of the Thinkview 770? Since I am a photographer, I am very aware of video quality. I have been in two accidents, not my fault, and because of no witnesses we each had to pay for the damage to our own cars. So, I am going to purchase a dash cam...the dilemma is which one. Thanks again for the great videos...very helpful.

[@Lam]

Hey Dennis, sorry about the late reply. I've seen a lot of good things about the F770 but still the problems with low bitrate remain. It's better because it has a 10-8 bitrate which is closer to single lens cameras. It solves some problems around ease of installation. I'll have to review it to give a more informed opinion. Probably in a month and a half I can do the review as I'm interested in other cameras.

[@johnmartin4127]

would love a process list of features you could chose from to find the closest to perfect camera to fit your needs.

[@kariwattsup]

I like the way you used “Jazz Hands” when you said the word “JAZZ”