Best Car Camera Reviews: Which Magazine's Top Picks

Dash cams are an increasingly popular way to protect yourself, your passengers, and your vehicle in the event of an accident, theft, or other incidents. They can also be used to record a road trip or capture funny or memorable moments. When choosing a dash cam, it's important to consider the type of camera you need (front-facing, front/interior, or front/rear), the viewing angle, and special features such as voice control or parking assist.

In recent years, 4K dash cams have become more common, offering higher-resolution footage that can capture crucial details such as license plates. However, this comes at the cost of increased storage requirements. Other features to look for include loop recording, cloud storage, impact detection, and smartphone connectivity.

When installing a dash cam, it's important to consider the power source and cable management to ensure a tidy and unobtrusive setup. While some people may be concerned about the legality and privacy implications of dash cams, they are generally legal in the US and can provide valuable evidence in the event of an accident or insurance claim.

Overall, dash cams offer a range of benefits for drivers, from added safety and security to capturing memorable moments on the road.

Front, rear and interior camera options

When choosing a dash cam, you should consider whether you want a front, front/interior, or front/rear model. Front/interior and front/rear models are ideal for rideshare drivers, as they can capture events inside the vehicle.

If you opt for a front/rear model, you can choose between a dual-channel setup, which uses two separate cameras, or a single-channel setup, which uses one camera with a wide field of view. Dual-channel setups are more common and tend to offer better video quality.

Nextbase 622GW

The Nextbase 622GW is a feature-rich dash cam that captures razor-sharp 4K video. It offers a range of useful features, including Emergency SOS alerts and Alexa integration. It also has a rear-facing camera that can be added for a small additional cost. The only drawback is that the Nextbase app has been known to have connection issues.

Miofive S1 Ultra

The Miofive S1 Ultra is an excellent choice if you're looking for a dash cam with both front and rear cameras. It offers 4K resolution, GPS tracking, and a supercapacitor for reliable performance in extreme temperatures. The rear camera on the S1 Ultra captures video in 4K resolution, making it a rare find in the dash cam market. While the build quality could be better, the Miofive S1 Ultra offers exceptional value for money.

Vantrue N4 Pro

The Vantrue N4 Pro is a 3-channel dash cam that includes front, rear, and interior cameras, making it ideal for rideshare drivers or anyone who wants full coverage of their vehicle. The primary front-facing camera captures video in 4K resolution, while the secondary interior and rear cameras record in Full HD. The interior camera features infrared mode for clear footage in low-light conditions, and the rear camera supports high-dynamic-range processing for improved lighting. The Vantrue N4 Pro also offers voice control, GPS, and a functional companion app.

Viofo A229 Plus

The Viofo A229 Plus is a 3-channel dash cam system that includes front, interior, and rear cameras. It offers strong 1440p resolution for the front and rear cameras and 1080p for the interior camera. The interior camera is discreet and easy to install. The Viofo A229 Plus also comes with GPS tagging, motion detection, and a parking mode. It is packed with features and is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a comprehensive dash cam system.

Cobra SC 400D

The Cobra SC 400D is a premium dash cam that offers stunning 4K video quality for the front camera and 1080p for the rear camera, both day and night. It includes a sturdy magnetic mount with integrated GPS and a crisp 3-inch touchscreen display. Alexa support is also available for added convenience. The rear camera on the Cobra SC 400D cannot be removed, but it offers excellent video quality and a range of premium features.

4K resolution

The benefits of 4K resolution are particularly noticeable at night, when lower-resolution dash cams tend to produce grainier footage. The best 4K dash cams also perform well in low-light conditions, offering clear footage even in challenging lighting.

One of the top-rated dash cams, the Nextbase 622GW, offers impressive 4K/30p footage with crisp definition and outstanding detail. The camera also features a digital image stabilisation function, which helps to smooth out footage on bumpy roads. The camera's night vision mode further enhances its performance in low-light conditions.

Another highly-rated option, the Miofive S1 Ultra, offers 4K resolution for under $100. The camera captures sharp detail and performs well in low-light conditions, with minimal noise. The Miofive S1 Ultra also features GPS and a 5GHz Wi-Fi connection for fast data transfer.

The 70mai 4K A810 is another excellent mid-range option, offering clear 4K images and a range of additional features, including lane departure and forward collision warnings. The camera also has onboard GPS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

For those seeking a premium option, the Cobra SC 400D delivers stunning 4K images, both day and night. The camera also features a crisp 3-inch touchscreen display and Alexa support.

Night vision and low-light performance

When it comes to night vision and low-light performance, there are a few key things to look out for when choosing a car camera. Firstly, consider the camera's resolution and frame rate. A higher resolution, such as 4K, will provide clearer and more detailed footage, which can be crucial for identifying important details such as license plates. A frame rate of at least 30 FPS is also important to ensure smooth and clear footage.

Infrared or night vision capabilities are also essential for low-light performance. Infrared cameras use infrared light, which is invisible to the human eye, to illuminate the scene and capture clearer footage in low-light conditions. Some cameras also offer colour night vision, which uses visible light to provide coloured footage, even in low light. However, this may be less covert and could give away the position of the camera.

The field of view (FOV) of the camera is another important factor. A wider FOV will capture a larger area, which can be useful for monitoring a larger space or capturing footage of moving objects. A narrower FOV may be sufficient for indoor spaces to avoid glare from reflective surfaces.

Finally, consider the camera's sensitivity to light. A camera with a higher ISO setting will be more sensitive to light and able to capture clearer footage in low-light conditions. Modern digital camera sensors have become increasingly efficient at gathering light, allowing for higher ISO settings and clearer images in low light.

Loop recording

The basic process of loop recording assumes that the "oldest video footage" present on an SD card is of no use and can therefore be deleted if the card becomes full. The length of each loop determines how much footage is stored before it begins overwriting older files. For example, if you set a 3-minute loop interval and have a 32GB memory card, your dash cam will store approximately 320 minutes (or around 5 hours) of continuous footage before overwriting the oldest file.

To maximise the efficiency of loop recording, it is recommended to use a large enough memory card to accommodate sufficient video footage. Regularly formatting the memory card can also help prevent issues with file corruption or errors in saving new recordings. Additionally, setting up motion detection or parking mode can further enhance the functionality of loop recording.

It is important to note that if you have locked important videos, they may be deleted by the loop recording feature. Therefore, it is advisable to transfer crucial footage from your dash cam to another storage device regularly, such as a computer, an external hard drive, or cloud storage.

Mounting and placement

When it comes to mounting and placement, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, it is recommended to mount your dash cam high in the centre of the windshield, near the rearview mirror. This ensures that you have a clear view of the road ahead and can easily access the controls, while also keeping the camera out of your direct line of sight. Some states have specific regulations regarding the placement of dash cams, so be sure to check your local laws.

The way you route the power cable is also important. Most dash cams come with long cords that plug into the car's 12V outlet or USB port. You can run the cord along the edge of the windshield and down the side of the dash, using cable-holding clips to keep it in place. Alternatively, you can power the dash cam by connecting it directly to the car's fuse box, which requires a hardwire kit and some basic automotive wiring knowledge.

The type of mount used for your dash cam can also vary. Adhesive mounts are common and typically come with a quick-release system, making it easy to remove the camera while leaving the mount in place. Suction cup mounts are another option and are often favoured for their ease of use and adjustability.

When it comes to the dash cam's field of view, look for a camera that covers a wide enough area without distorting the video. Our experts recommend a field of view between 140 and 155 degrees. This will give you a good balance between coverage and picture quality.

Frequently asked questions