Dashboard cameras, or dashcams for short, play an important role in road safety, and can improve the overall experience of driving. They also play a key role in resolving road accident disputes, so it is no surprise that they are becoming more popular globally.
With many kinds of dashcams available on the market, this brief guide will highlight the features to look for when selecting a dashcam, as well as the models that will be in high demand this year and beyond.
Table of Contents
What’s driving dashcam market growth
How to choose the perfect dashcam
The top affordable dashcams
Discover more about dashcams
What’s driving dashcam market growth
The dashcam market is estimated to be worth over USD 3 billion in 2020. With a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.8%, it is expected to reach around USD 8.47 billion by 2028, while bolder forecasts have predicted a significantly higher CAGR of 18.7%, bringing the total to USD 11.48 billion. Several factors contribute to the positive outlook for dashcams. The most significant of them are their safety and security features, which come in addition to a host of other features that daschams offer.
In terms of safety and security, dashcams serve as pretty solid proof in almost all traffic incidents and are therefore well-regarded by insurance companies as evidence to settle disputes and combat insurance fraud. Some insurance companies have backed the use of dashcams by rewarding the dashcam owners with direct insurance premium discounts. Apart from providing video footage for incident records, various security and connection features that most dashcams now include, such as the emergence of wireless dashcams with real-time alerts and APP controls, also serve to minimize car theft cases.
How to choose the perfect dashcam
In order to do their job well, dashcams should be equipped with some basic must-have features. Front and back dashcams, for example, are popular for the additional vision they provide, as they allow users to monitor all angles. These cameras can be further enhanced with a High Definition (HD) display for clearer and sharper image quality.
A standard HD resolution is 720 pixels (720p), whereas a full HD resolution comes with a 1080p display. Most dual dashcams nowadays have higher resolution than standard HD display, such as quad HD (also known as 2K) and ultra HD (commonly known as 4K), which is four times the definition of a full HD display. To put these into perspective, a 2K display is often seen on TV and laptop screens, while a 4K resolution is designed for movie theatre screens.
The night vision feature, on the other hand, helps in preserving HD display quality in low-light or dark environments. Users may track their vehicles remotely and clearly even at night with a smart dashcam that links to 4G / Wi-Fi with APP control.
For continuous recording purposes, loop recording is beneficial as it automatically overwrites previous material with new footage when the storage (SD memory card usually) is full. At the same time, G-sensor or gravity sensor and parking mode functions help detect any accident or collision force and lock the footage to prevent deletion of evidence. Dashcams with GPS function and internet connectivity can also accurately identify the GPS location and deliver emergency notifications when in need.
Aside from the above hardware features, there are some personal preference considerations when it comes to dashcam sizes and operation. For instance, some may prefer a discreet display over a bigger screen while others may opt for full functionalities rather than minimalist designs. Thankfully dashcam manufacturers are aware of these various preferences and offer many options to meet these diverse requirements.
The top affordable dashcams
Mini dashcams
A mini dashcam is a great solution for discrete display as its unobtrusive size and design makes it hard to notice, while it still offers drivers some of the key features related to trip monitoring.
It can be hidden behind a rearview mirror or can be simply attached to a cradle. And beyond being compact, it is also one of the most affordable dashcam models. This makes it a consistently popular choice.
Dashcams with a display screen
Dashcams that come with a display screen are also one of the most popular models available in the market. This is because they allow users to view the footage directly from the display screen itself, without the need to connect to the display system of a car or a separate laptop.
A standard dashcam with a display typically comes with a minimum of 2 inches LCD screen and supports a full HD display such as the one featured in the picture below. Some may also allow touch screen operation with an IPS display that supports a wider color range. These dash cams are cost-effective and equipped with basic security features such as dual dash cameras, g-sensors, and loop recording.
4K + Night vision dashcams
Dashcams that support 4K resolution and night vision are generally more high-end models, as they give a much sharper, clearer view even in dim lighting. This is especially true for 4K dashcams that include all of the requisite safety and connectivity functions.
A compact night vision dashcam with a 4K display may utilize a 2-inch LCD screen to showcase its high quality display, but they normally come with larger IPS screens, which are 3-inches and above. The pictures below depict the 4K and night vision effects of supported dashcams:
Rearview mirror cameras
A rearview mirror camera is a type of dashcam that combines the features of a rearview mirror together with an HD camera. They come with a built-in display panel that allows drivers to switch between the display and mirror to examine the rear camera views.
In view of their larger screen size and wide-angle rearview lens, they tend to cost more than other models. However, there are also some very affordable and economical models available, including rearview cameras that support multiple connectivities such as 4G/ Wi-Fi with APP control or ultra-high HD, as shown in the picture below:
Discover more about dashcams
Dashcams are becoming increasingly popular because of their ability to help deliver safe driving experiences. HD quality and internet-connected dashcams help to enhance the essential security features such as collision detection g-sensor and parking modes by delivering emergency real-time alerts/notifications together with GPS location data.
Mini dashcams, dashcams with display screens, and dashcams that support night vision ultra HD display, as well as rearview mirror cameras, are among the four most popular dashcams for drivers today. To explore more about affordable dashcams, check out the selection of dashcam models available on Alibaba.com.
