How to Choose a Dash Cam and Practical Tips for Using It
A friend asked: How to quickly tell if a dash cam is worth buying?Let’s first ask: What is the purpose of a dash cam?There are two main functions:First, to prove your innocence when you are not at fault.Second, to hold others accountable for reckless driving.
To be specific: it must record clearly.What determines whether the recording is clear?Besides software tuning, the hardware performance of the dash cam is extremely important.More specifically, the image sensor, also known as CMOS, used in the dash cam is very critical.
Therefore, to quickly judge whether a dash cam is worth buying,first check whether the product page clearly states the brand and model of the CMOS image sensor.One that clearly lists it may not always be worth buying,but one that does NOT clearly state it is definitely not worth buying.
Currently, common image sensors used in dash cams include Sony, GalaxyCore, OmniVision, and other brands.When reading the product description of a dash cam, be sure to check for the specific model,such as “Sony IMX678”, “GalaxyCore GC4653”, etc.Do not accept vague descriptions like “Sony surveillance-grade sensor”.Even within the same brand, there are sensors of different prices and performance levels.For example, the 2-megapixel Sony IMX307 and the 8-megapixel Sony IMX678 differ greatly in price and performance and must not be treated the same.
Here are the key points when buying a dash cam
MinKa M01 Dash Cam
-Check the image quality. 1080p is sufficient for daily use; choose 4K if you want higher quality.
-Check the aperture, known as the F-number. This value must not exceed 2.2, otherwise night recording will be unclear.
-Check the viewing angle, known as the FOV value. It should be between 120 and 150 degrees for a wide recording range. Models below 120 degrees are mostly old versions and not recommended.
-Check the frame rate, known as the FPS value. Choose 30 FPS or higher. Below 30 FPS, playback will be very choppy, making it hard to capture key details and potentially leading to disputes.
So when buying a dash cam, remember to check the specifications instead of only choosing big brands blindly.
Common misunderstandings when buying a dash cam
① A wider angle is not always better. Excessively wide angles may cause image distortion. Choose according to your actual needs.
② Dual-lens dash cams are not necessarily better than single-lens ones. Dual-lens models require stronger chip performance to work properly.
③ More functions are not always better. Multi-functional all-in-one dash cams offer versatility, but poor-quality units often suffer from bad image quality and short lifespan.
Practical Tips for Dash Cams
Nowadays, car owners have a stronger sense of safety and rights protection, and almost every car is equipped with a dash cam.But do you think that once installed, you’re totally safe from fake accident scammers?If you think that, you’re completely wrong!Without knowing these usage tips, a dash cam is just a decoration. When you meet a professional scammer, you still can’t prove your innocence.
1.Where should the dash cam be installed?
The dash cam should be installed at the upper-middle part of the front windshield, near the interior rearview mirror.It is best to hide it behind the interior rearview mirror so that it is completely out of the driver’s sight.
Second, check the mounting method of the dash cam.If it uses a suction cup mount, avoid the black dotted area at the top of the windshield on some models, otherwise the suction may not be secure. It may feel tight at first, but it could fall off after a few days.The dash cam is best hidden behind the interior rearview mirror and completely invisible from the driver’s view.
Third, make sure the lens of the dash cam is within the working area of the vehicle’s wipers.Especially for cars with dual wipers, the area near the middle line of the windshield is not cleaned by the wipers.If the dash cam is placed exactly there, it will be useless on rainy, snowy or dirty days — it may capture nothing.Just move the dash cam slightly to the side to get a clear view.
Fourth, adjust the viewing range of the dash cam properly.Aim the lens straight ahead, so that the front hood appears at the bottom of the frame but takes up no more than 1/3 of the screen.
Correct viewing angle adjustment:The camera faces forward, the hood appears at the bottom of the screen within 1/3 of the frame, and the front ends of the A-pillars are at the bottom sides of the frame.
After adjusting the dash cam, be sure to lock the joints on the mount tightly so that it cannot move.However, if your dash cam is attached to the interior rearview mirror, you must recheck the recording range after someone else drives your car.Adjusting the rearview mirror will definitely change the angle of the dash cam.If you don’t check carefully and get into an accident, it may fail to record the evidence you need.
2.How should the wiring be done?
Most dash cams are powered by the cigarette lighter plug, and the cable is usually 4 to 5 meters long.Recommended wiring method:From the installation position, tuck the cable upward into the gap of the headliner, run it along the inside of the A-pillar, pry open the rubber seal of the passenger door, tuck the cable along the door frame to the passenger footwell, then run it under the passenger floor mat to the cigarette lighter plug near the center console.Secure any extra cable and tuck it under the passenger floor mat.
This installation is simple.Most headliners and A-pillar seals allow easy cable routing.You don’t need a professional car shop — anyone can do it.This is the most common and easiest hidden wiring method.
Some other methods recommend connecting the dash cam power to the fuse box or battery.First, this type of wiring is difficult and cannot be done by average people.It also involves wire-cutting modification.Improper operation may cause fire risks and void your vehicle warranty.It is recommended to connect to the interior fuse panel, not the battery or the fuse box under the hood.
Wiring from the interior fuse box is complicated and has a certain installation threshold.
Also, check if your car’s cigarette lighter is designed to cut power when the engine is off.Some cigarette lighters remain powered when the car is off.In that case, remember to unplug the dash cam plug after parking.
3.Important Notes
Most dash cams have a startup sound.Every time you start the car, check whether the dash cam turns on at the same time.While driving safely, glance to confirm the dash cam is recording normally.It would be a disaster if you need video evidence but find it wasn’t recording.
Also, form a habit of formatting the dash cam memory card once a month.This prevents locked videos from filling the card and stopping new recordings.
Finally, if your dash cam has no screen and requires an app to view videos,remember to check whether the app works properly and connects smoothly to your phone.
Minty provides dash cams with various types and chips for your selection and customization.Even the appearance of the dash cam can be customized.
We have high-quality solutions that surpass most dash cams on the market.We offer OEM service.
Minty’s factory also produces for many big brands.With more than 20 years of deep roots in the automotive aftermarket, we are trustworthy.
MinKa M02 Dash Cam