Buying a Car Dashboard Camera: 6 Things to Consider

Nearly two decades ago, police departments started equipping cruisers with car dashboard cameras to create a record of traffic stops. Over the years, video technology improved and camera prices dropped to the point when everyday drivers can use car-mounted cameras for all kinds of personal reasons—from recording what happens in an accident to producing a vacation travelogue.

Dash Cams with built-in displays can attach to a windshield with a suction cup.

Most car dashboard cameras, which record both audio and video, automatically start and stop or record in a continuous loop to a memory card. Despite their nickname, the majority of dash cam units mount on the windshield (not on the dashboard).

Are you ready to add a video camera and recorder to your ride? Here are the most important things to consider when shopping for the best dashboard camera.

Car Dashboard Camera Video Quality

The top factor when selecting a car dashboard camera is the quality of the recorded image. The price for a basic high-definition (HD) dash cam starts as low as $20. A higher-resolution image, while increasing the price, allows you to distinguish more details in a scene—especially at night.

To record higher quality, opt for a camera that shoots at least at 1080p and uses a glass lens instead of plastic. An angle of view of at least 125 degrees is adequate for most purposes. As the camera’s view gets wider and more panoramic, the image is distorted.

Dash Cam Data Storage

Video cameras generate massive amounts of data. We recommend a car dashboard camera that uses a memory card that’s at least 32 GB. By default, they work in a loop-recording mode. They start recording when the car is running and stop when the car is turned off. When the memory card gets full, the dash cam starts writing over the old recordings.

Larger memory cards allow you to record for a longer period at higher resolutions before the old recordings are overwritten (extending the time before you need to transfer the footage to another hard drive).

The tiny 1080p Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 provides a 140-degree field of view.

Camera Size

Smaller is better when it comes to car dashboard cameras. Drivers can discreetly place a dash cam on the windshield next to or behind the rearview mirror. The size of the camera will likely grow as you add features—such as a built-in display for real-time viewing or a dual lens for recording inside the car as well as the roadway. So you’ll need to consider the relative importance of keeping the unit small versus adding those features.

Dash cams can mount with a windshield suction cup or adhesive material. Dash cams that replace a rearview mirror are popular as well.

Car Dashboard Camera Wi-Fi

Some car dashboard cameras come with Wi-Fi, allowing users to utilize their smartphone or tablet to download footage or change camera settings. It’s a convenient way to manage your dash cam from a mobile device. However, the camera is not necessarily connected to the internet.

Video from GPS-equipped dash cams can display your coordinates on a Google map.

Dash Cam GPS Logging

More advanced and expensive dash cams can log your vehicle’s position and speed with built-in GPS. This nifty feature allows you to replay the video on a computer while showing the location with an online map.

Recording your location with the image can be very useful if you want to use the footage to fight a driving infraction.

Sylvania’s Roadsight Mirror bundles a forward dash cam with a rear view camera.

Integrated Movement Sensor

Another valuable feature is a G-sensor (or shock sensor) that measures a change in your vehicle’s movement. A sudden movement of your car—for example, in the event of an accident—can trigger a designated response. If the car dashboard camera’s sensor detects an accident, the footage is automatically saved and the camera is locked.

Similarly, a G-sensor can trigger the camera to start recording if there’s significant movement when the car is parked. This can document an act of vandalism or a hit-and-run incident.