A car camcorder/dashcam is a must-have for every driver as it records road conditions and provides valuable evidence in the event of an accident. But what factors and key features should you consider when choosing one? Find out with the following guide!

Guide to choosing a car camcorder/dashcam

1. Dimensions

Size is the most important factor to consider when choosing a car camcorder/dashcam. You don’t want any equipment obstructing your view while driving to reduce the chance of an accident. Measure your car camcorder/dashcam mount to select the appropriate size for your vehicle.

2. Footage quality

This is another important aspect for choosing a camcorder/dashcam. The higher the resolution, the clearer the footage. It’s much easier to see what’s being recorded and offers you greater protection evidence. Most models available on the market now support Full HD (1080p) for everyday driving with some even reach Ultra HD (2k 1440P) resolution.

Frames per second (FPS) also affects image quality. Choose a car camcorder/dashcam that can capture footage at 30 FPS (i.e. 30 frames per second) or higher to ensure that there are no dropped frames. Check the recording specs before you buy.

3. Memory capacity

The higher the image resolution, the larger the memory capacity. For example at 1080P, one hour recording takes up around 6-8GB of memory. Frequent drivers should select a 64GB SD card. Check the maximum capacity supported by the car camcorder/dashcam to avoid buying an SD card that is not suitable.

4. Camera lens

These are mainly divided into single lens and dual lens. The single lens only captures the front of the car and not the rear. This may not be enough protection for you. If you are looking for a more complete record, consider a dual lens model. These come in two categories: front + rear and front + cabin. The former allows you to see what is behind the car and also helps parking and reversing. The latter can record what is inside the cabin and is good for drivers with passengers.

Many car camcorders/dashcams now have wide-angle lenses. Purchase one with a field of view from 120° to 140° to capture most of the road. However, if the lens is too wide, it could distort the image and affect the quality of the footage. Check the specs before buying.

5. Night mode

An essential feature for a car camcorder/dashcam especially after dark or during poor weather conditions as that it offers better recording and protection for drivers. Some are equipped with a CMOS sensor which reduces noise and gives clearer images even at night.

6. Collision Sensor (G-Sensor)

In case of a strong vibration, collision or emergency braking, the car camcorder/dashcam records the road conditions and stores the footage as emergency data for fast retrieval. Even if the car camcorder/dashcam is not turned on, it still records during an emergency to protect the driver.

7. Auto switch on/off

There are times when you simply forget to switch on the car camcorder/dashcam which is a driving risk. Some models have an auto switch function which turns on automatically when the car engine starts so there is no need to worry in case you forget to switch it on.