Motorist’s Ultimate Guide to In-Car Cameras!
(Photo Credit: Freepik)
An in-car camera is used to record various events whilst you are on the roads. This is useful as it creates a log of your on-road activities, just in case you need proof to exonerate yourself. But is it really necessary?
What is a Car Camera?
Commonly referred to as a dash cam, it is a device that is mounted on the front windscreen of your vehicle, and records video whilst you are driving. Higher spec models often have additional features, such as GPS tracking and even night vision capabilities.
How Many Types of Car Cameras are There?
You can use a variety of cameras to serve as driving surveillance cameras. These include:
- Dash Cams: As mentioned above, these cameras are designed for use in a car, and are usually mounted on the dashboard or windshield of your vehicle to record video whilst you are driving. They are often used to capture footage, used during insurance claims arising from accidents or other incidents.
- Rearview Cameras: Whilst they can do double duty as rear-facing surveillance cameras, these are usually designed to provide increased visibility whilst you are backing up.
- 360-Degree Cameras: Many newer, high-end cars come fitted with this bit of kit as standard. However, they technically aren’t 360-degree cameras - rather, they use the various camera feeds, stitched together in software to create a 360-degree image. They can be used to help drivers navigate tight spaces or to capture footage of the surrounding area.
- Interior Cameras: These cameras are designed to film interactions within the vehicle. They may be used to monitor passengers or to capture footage of the driver.
- Action Cameras: These cameras are portable and lightweight, and can be mounted on various parts of the vehicle. They are designed primarily for use in extreme sports, though with the correct hardware, can be used as a dash cam.
(Photo Credit: Freepik)
What is the Difference Between a Car Camera and a General Camera?
There are a few key differences between the two. They are as follows:
- Mounting: Car cameras are typically designed to be mounted on the dashboard or windshield of a vehicle, whilst general cameras are not.
- Power source: Most car cameras are designed to be powered by the vehicle's electrical system, whilst general cameras may be powered by batteries or an external power source.
- Video quality: Some car cameras are designed to capture high-quality video even in low light conditions, such as at night or in tunnels.
- Special features: Car cameras may come with additional features specifically designed for use in a vehicle, such as GPS tracking.
(Photo Credit: shopat24)
How to choose a car camera?
When choosing a car camera, there are a few factors you may want to consider:
- Field of view: Consider the field of view that the camera provides. A wider field of view will allow you to see more of your surroundings, which can be helpful in certain situations.
- Resolution: Look for a camera with a high resolution so that the video footage is clear and easy to see.
- Night vision: If you do a lot of driving at night, you may want to choose a camera with night vision capabilities.
- Storage: Make sure the camera has enough storage space to hold the amount of footage you want to record. Some cameras have built-in storage, while others require the use of a separate memory card.
- Mounting options: Consider how you want to mount the camera in your vehicle. Some cameras come with mounting hardware, while others may require you to purchase it separately.
- Price: Determine your budget and look for a camera that meets your needs within that price range.
- Brand reputation: Do some research on the brand of camera you are considering and read customer reviews to get an idea of the quality and reliability of their products.
- Warranty: Check to see if the camera comes with a warranty and what it covers. This can provide peace of mind and help protect your investment.
Is it Necessary to use a Car Camera?
We’d strongly recommend you invest in a quality car camera. It can be a useful tool to ensure that you are appropriately covered in the event of a collision, or even as a way to capture evidence should your car be stolen. But we cannot force you to buy one - ultimately, the decision to use a car camera is a personal one that you will need to make based on your individual needs and priorities.
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