Choosing the right dashcam can be overwhelming due to the many models and features available. This buying dashcam guide will help you navigate your options with confidence, from camera angles and imaging quality to night vision and special functions. Whether you’re a rideshare driver or a daily commuter, the right dashcam ensures safety, accountability, and peace of mind.

1. Why Install a Dashcam?

• Accident Evidence: Dashcams provide crucial video evidence to insurance companies or police in the event of a traffic accident or car break-in. Rideshare drivers often use dashcams to record incidents inside the vehicle, protecting themselves against passenger disputes.
• Protection Against Fraud: Dashcams help identify fraudulent traffic incidents, such as staged accidents or extortion attempts, proving your innocence.

2. Three Key Factors When Choosing a Dashcam

2.1 Camera Angle

A wider camera angle captures a broader field of view. Most dashcams offer angles above 120°, some up to 170°, and a few provide 360° coverage. However, the wider the angle, the harder it is to capture fine details like license plates at a distance. Decide what matters most to you: detailed distant objects or a comprehensive view inside and around the vehicle.

2.2 Image Quality

Clear and wide images are essential for recording accidents. Image quality depends on lens, sensor, and system configuration, as well as environmental factors like lighting and speed. Mainstream dashcams usually have 1080P resolution, with some models offering 1440P for enhanced clarity.

2.3 Night Vision & Aperture

Night video quality depends on the aperture size and sensor ISO range. Larger apertures and higher ISO allow better low-light recording but reduce depth of field (focus range). Choose a dashcam with a large aperture if you frequently drive at night; otherwise, a smaller aperture can provide clearer images over a wider range.

3. Common Features of Dashcams

• Wide Dynamic Range (WDR): Improves visibility in scenes with varying lighting, preventing overexposed or underexposed areas.
• Loop Recording: Saves videos in segments (e.g., 3, 5, or 10 minutes), automatically overwriting the oldest files to continue recording.
• G-Sensor: Detects collisions and locks the current video to prevent overwriting. Manual locking is often available.
• Parking Mode: Activates recording even when the engine is off, triggered by impacts or vibrations to catch vandalism or hit-and-run incidents.
• Motion Detection: Starts recording when movement is detected near the parked vehicle, like passing pedestrians or approaching cars. Requires continuous power via a hardwire kit or external battery.
• GPS Module: Tracks real-time vehicle location, speed, and route history, useful for ride-hailing or fleet security.
• WiFi: Allows quick file transfer to your phone, but is often underused and may increase the device cost unnecessarily.

4. Single vs. Dual Camera Systems

• Dual Separate Cameras: Front and rear units record outside the vehicle, capturing rear traffic but require complex installation.
• Dual Integrated Cameras: Both cameras built into one device mounted on the front windshield, capturing the driver and rear passengers, ideal for rideshare drivers.

For most users, a single front camera is sufficient unless rear collisions or interior recording are a concern.

5. MicroSD Card Selection Tips

• Capacity: For 1080P, 32GB or 64GB cards provide 5 to 10 hours of footage. For 1440P, 64GB is recommended. Avoid unnecessarily large cards like 128GB unless needed.
• Speed: Class 10 cards with a minimum write speed of 10MB/s suffice for 1080P/1440P recording. U3 or higher speeds are only necessary for 4K video.

Recommended Product: JimiIoT JC400 Dashcam

The JC400 dashcam combines all the features above plus Driver Monitoring System (DMS) and driving behavior analysis. It comes in two versions: with separate front/rear cameras or integrated dual cameras for versatile use cases. Stylish, technologically advanced, and reasonably priced, JC400 is a market star.

Feel free to contact us at info@jimiiot.com if you want to explore market opportunities and partner with JimiIoT for success.