The 5 Best Dash Cams On The Market (2023)
Image Source: Thinkware
If you’ve spent any time on YouTube, you’ve likely come across attention-getting footage of traffic accidents and streaking meteors captured by car-based video cameras (sometimes called dash cams for being mounted on top of the dashboard). Videoing shocking and interesting events is just one of the many reasons to buy a dash cam. With this in mind, we’ve put together the best dash cams of 2023.
But before diving into our recommendations, let’s explore what car owners need to know about dash cams. We’ll cover the many reasons why buying a dash cam makes sense and what features to look for.
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Reasons to Buy a Dash Cam
Picking among the best dash cams of 2023 starts with knowing why you should get one.
#1 Provides Evidence in Case of an Accident
It wasn’t too long ago that car accidents usually involved finger-pointing and unsubstantiated claims. But that has changed as more drivers hit the road supported by the eagle-eye of a dash cam. Not only can one of these technological wonders provide evidence to prove your side of the story, but the footage can demonstrate what led up to the incident. Having this video evidence can make life easier when dealing with the police and insurance companies.
#2 Helps Prevent Insurance Fraud
The world is filled with scammers and hucksters, including those that target innocent drivers and their insurance companies. Having video footage of any wrongdoings is the easiest way to dispute a false claim and protect your driving record. In addition, a noticeable dash cam can deter a would-be hustler before anything gets started.
#3 Monitors Driving
A dash cam not only watches out for others but records you’re driving activity. So, it serves as a reminder to observe traffic laws and fellow motorists. Advanced units can even track speed, location, closeness to other vehicles, and lane positioning. A dash cam can also be an effective tool for monitoring new driver driving habits as reviewing footage together can be a valuable learning experience.
#4 Records Interesting Events
Over the years, just about every driver has encountered an interesting or notable occurrence during their travels. Videoing such happenings is a convenient way to preserve memories or add to YouTube.
#5 Provides Vehicle Monitoring
Parking lot incidents and vandalism are unfortunate parts of vehicle ownership for some. Advanced dash cams have a built-in system to monitor the car while you’re away, which also deters theft.
#6 They’re Affordable
As with many technologies, dash cams have gotten cheaper and more sophisticated; there’s an option for every budget. What’s even more remarkable is that some premium units can add advanced driver aids like forward collision warning and lane change alert for a few hundred dollars. This modernizes an older car.
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Dash Cam Features to Know
Although dash cameras are small, they’re packed with numerous features. Here’s what to look out for among the best dash cams of 2023 (keep in mind that features vary by brand, model, and price).
- Video Quality: Higher resolution provides a clearer playback image that’s easy to see. Ideally, you want a dash camera with at least 1080p resolution.
- Field of View: A wider field helps capture a broader view of the surroundings, but too wide an angle can distort the images. Most dash cams have a 130° to 160° field of view.
- Night Vision: Nighttime driving is best recorded with a dash cam that operates in low-light conditions.
- Storage: Captured video footage can be recorded and stored via internal memory, memory card, or cloud-based system.
- Interface: At a minimum, a dash camera will have a few control buttons, with some units adding a basic LCD screen. A high-definition touchscreen can be found in high-end models.
- Loop Recording: The feature has the ability to overwrite old footage when memory is full, ensuring the camera records always.
- G-Sensor: A G-force monitoring device that detects a collision, sudden impact, or abrupt stop. In these situations, related footage is automatically saved for review.
- Parking Mode: A monitoring feature that senses impact or nearby motion to activate recording.
- GPS: This satellite-based function embeds location data into video recordings. Some dash cams use GPS technology to support advanced driving features (like forward collision warning or emergency notification).
- Connectivity: Less-expensive units allow video viewing via a memory card inserted into a computer. However, more sophisticated units use Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular to provide footage access via a smartphone or PC.
Top 5 Picks: The Best Dash Cams of 2023
Thinkware X1000
Key Features:
- Front and rear cameras
- Advanced driver road safety aids
- 156° field of view
A premium dash cam that’s cheaper than other top-tier units. If you’re in the market for a reliable two-channel dash cam, Thinkware’s X1000 front and rear dash cam bundle is a top contender. Dual 1440p cameras provide broad coverage, and cutting-edge safety technology (advanced driver aids) adds to the peace of mind of using a dash cam. What’s more, the X1000 includes Energy Saving 2.0 in Parking Surveillance mode, enabling it to remain vigilant for parking mishaps or hit-and-runs for extended periods. The X1000 also boasts Dewarping technology, which enables its front and rear cameras to capture an exceptionally clear image of the road with minimal distortion. In short, you can’t go wrong with this dash cam.
Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2
Key features:
- Small size
- Wallet-friendly price
- 1080p resolution
For car owners wanting a more basic device, the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 is difficult to beat. Its compact size makes for discrete placement behind the rearview mirror. You won’t get features like a parking monitor and display screen, but Wi-Fi access through a smartphone app is convenient.
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Nextbase 522GW
Key features:
- SOS emergency mode
- Magnetic mounting system
- Polarized lens
Dialing back the features a bit (1440p resolution and a 140° view, to name a few) translates into a capable mid-range dash cam. The SOS feature automatically contacts emergency services in a collision, while a polarizing filter manages glare.
Vantrue N2 Pro
Key features:
- Modest price
- Front and rear cameras
- Cabin recording
The Vantrue N2 Pro skips the typical box-style case for a unique octagonal tube format. In addition to front (1440p) and rear (1080p) cameras, the N2 Pro records what’s taking place inside the car. A parking monitor and G-sensor are standard equipment.
BlackVue DR770X
Key features:
- Three cameras
- Numerous options
- Separate control unit
Some might consider the BlackVue DR770X an over-the-top dash cam. Tick all the option boxes (including cellular connectivity and expanded onboard memory) on this unit and the price tag crosses the $1,000 mark. But you’ll get a tamper-resistant control unit that can be installed under the seat or in the glove box. This makes for a more discreet camera installation.
