Common questions about dash cams answered
Abby Wingett | 6th May 2023 | 5 minutes to read
Dash cams are constantly updating and keeping up with the highest resolution and latest Wi-Fi features can be a struggle. So that begs the question, what features should you actually be looking for when you purchase a dash cam?
In this article we’ll answer some of the common questions people ask about dash cams and hopefully help you figure out what you should be looking for in a dash cam.
Here are the topics we’ll be covering in this Repco Know How:
- What Are the Different Resolution Options for Dash Cams?
- What Is the Best Resolution To Look for When Purchasing a Dash Camera?
- How To Choose the Right SD Card for Your Dash Camera
- Are Dash Cameras Legal?
- Do Dash Cams Record When the Car is Off?
- Do Dash Cams Drain a Car Battery?
- Are Dash Cameras Legal?
- Why Does a Dash Cam Need Wi-Fi?
- Can I Access My Dash Cam Remotely?
What Are the Different Resolution Options for Dash Cams?
Finding the right dash camera can be confusing, especially as so many different dash camera options are available. When we talk about resolution, this is the details and quality within the video recording. This is very important when purchasing a dash camera as the resolution is important so that you can read the number plates on other vehicles within the recording.
The dash cam range offers various models with different resolution sizes, including:
- 720P
- 1440P
- 1080P
- 1080P Full HD
- 4k
XVIEW Dash Cam Resolution Comparison - Technology Video
What Is the Best Resolution To Look for When Purchasing a Dash Camera?
At the end of the day, all the dash cameras will do that job adequately, providing you with a vast range from Full HD dash cam kits, 4k Ultra HD video quality dash cam kits, Dual dash cam kits (front and rear-facing camera) and Hard-wiring kits.
The 4k Ultra HD resolution will provide you with the clearest footage, though this does come at a cost, as recorded footage will take up more memory — something that needs to be considered when purchasing a dash camera. If the highest quality is what you are after, then the 4k dash camera is for you. Whereas if you are concerned about memory, you may consider getting a 1080p dash camera.
How To Choose the Right SD Card for Your Dash Camera
When purchasing a Dash camera, one of the most important aspects is the SD card. This is commonly overlooked by all that purchase a dash cam. When looking at upgrading or purchasing a micro-SD card, you should consider the memory size, speed rating and recording capacity.
The memory size is important depending on which model dash camera you purchase, including 4k dash cameras and parking mode options. The sizes include 32GB, 64GB, 128GB and 256GB
The speed rating is important that you have durability rather than the highest speed rating.
Are Dash Cameras Legal?
Dash cameras are legal in Australia and New Zealand; however, they need to be mounted properly and not obstruct your vision when driving. Whilst you are not required to have a dash camera in your vehicle, it is a good investment and is recommended by insurance companies as it ensures you have evidence if involved in an accident and increases your vehicle's security. Dash cameras are not to be manually operated whilst you are driving a vehicle, just like using a phone while driving, you are driving blind if you are playing with your dash camera.
Privacy needs to be considered whilst using and recording with a dash camera. Showing recordings to the insurance company or the police would be fine; however, you may want to consider using the recording in other settings.
Do Dash Cams Record When the Car is Off?
While most dash cams plug into your car’s 12v cigarette lighter port, and therefore require your car to be switched on to run, there are dash cams that will protect your car around the clock.
Many XView dash cams offer a Park Mode feature that will record using a battery when the car is off, but this will only be for very short periods of time in order to capture incidents and to store memory. When in constant use, a dash cam will always need to be plugged into a proper power source in order to record properly.
Do Dash Cams Drain a Car Battery?
Dash cams do require constant power to function, but the amount of energy they actually draw from your car battery is very minimal, so you won’t have to worry about your car battery dying just because you’re running a front and rear camera setup on your vehicle.
Why Does a Dash Cam Need Wi-Fi?
Technically you don’t need Wi-Fi for most dash cams, but without it, you will have to manually remove the SD card from your dash cam and put it into your PC in order to access the footage it has recorded.
Can I Access My Dash Cam Remotely?
You can with certain dash cams. BlackVue has a cloud feature that lets you check in on your car with its Remote Live View feature, as well allowing you to check on location data, GPS logs, and driving reports via Live Tracking. Other brands offer similar features, which means that protecting your car is easier than ever with a dash cam.
Protect Your Vehicle With Repco
When it comes to safety, we have you covered. A dash cam is a fantastic way to look after your vehicle in the event of an accident, but why stop with there? Shop our range of in-car technology products including reverse cameras, car audio, in-car connectivity, and security to really protect your car and your family.
