2018 Christmas Dash Cam Gift Guide
Wow Christmas is already here!
Our phone lines, emails and live chat are running hot as Dash Cam gift purchases have really ramped up. This year is particularly busy with customers seeking advice about which Dash Cam to buy that special someone (or to just spoil themselves with one).
Dash Cams make a perfect functional, practical and exciting gift that the receiver will actually use. 9 out 10 times the Dash Cam will be installed and driven around before Christmas lunch is put on the table!
With an increase in road rage, poor driving practices and lack of ownership on our roads, a Dash Cam makes a thoughtful gift that will provide a more reassuring drive in 2019.
So how do you know which Dash Cam your receiver might like? We understand this can be difficult to find out, especially if you are going to surprise them, so we have put this guide together to assist you making a choice:
If the receiver appreciates the best quality products and is all about quality:
1. For front recording Dash Cams (1CH), look at the Vicovation OPIA Series and the newly released Lukas QVIA QR790-1CH
Both Dash Cams have outstanding build qualities, highest temperature resistance ratings, high 1440P QHD video resolution and best all round performance and reliability.
2. For front and rear recording Dash Cams (2CH), look at the following:
BlackSys CH-200 – well priced, mid-range Dash Cam boasting dual 1080P resolution, dual Sony Exmor sensors and a quality build. Customer feedback all year has been very positive.
BlackVue DR750S-2CH – premium Dash Cam model boasting dual 1080P resolution, the latest Sony Starvis sensors and a confident 2 year warranty.
Lukas QVIA QR790-2CH – newly released, premier Dash Cam boasting 1440P QHD front resolution/5.5 MP front lens + the latest Sony Starvis sensor. This quality Dash Cam is produced by the well known Korean brand Lukas. The Lukas QVIA QR790-2CH offers extremely high temperature resistance, impeccable build quality and high end features. It also comes with heaps of inclusions.
If the receiver trusts and values the CHOICE AUSTRALIA recommendations:
Look at the Vicovation OPIA 2 Dash Cam.
The Vicovation OPIA 2 Dash Cam rightfully earned the highest rating in the latest 2018-2019 Choice Australia Dash Cam review (out of 29 Dash Cams tested)
The Vicovation OPIA 2 is Australian driver and fleet favorite.
If the receiver absolutely loves their car and is all about looks and style:
Look at the BlackVue DR750S Dash Cams and the Lukas QVIA Dash Cams
The BlackVue DR750S range is one of the most stylish Dash Cam range around. They look great in cars and blend in nicely with the exterior and interior of all cars.
The new Lukas QVIA Dash Cam range are professional units with tidy builds and clean designs.
If the receiver would appreciate the best video quality you can currently get in a Dash Cam:
Look at the BlackVue DR900S-1CH or BlackVue DR900S-2CH Dash Cams
The front camera records at 4K resolution + 8MP lens for ultra sharp and clear footage
For more affordable options take a look at the Lukas QVIA QR790-1CH or Lukas QVIA QR790-2CH
The QVIA QR790 front camera records in 1440P QHD resolution + 5.5MP lens and also boasts the Sony STARVIS sensor for enhanced low light recording properties
If the receiver would want a dual Dash Cam to record out the front and rear windscreens for full coverage:
BlackSys CH-200 – very popular mid-range Dash Cam boasting dual 1080P resolution, dual Sony Exmor sensors and a quality build. Customer feedback all year has been very positive.
BlackVue DR750S-2CH – premium Dash Cam boasting dual 1080P resolution, the latest Sony Starvis sensors and a 2 year warranty.
Lukas QVIA QR790-2CH – newly released, premier Dash Cam boasting 1440P QHD front resolution + the latest Sony Starvis sensor. The Lukas QVIA offers extremely high temperature resistance, impeccable build quality and high end features.
The above 3 Dash Cams all do without a screen so can be connected via Wi-Fi to a smartphone. Through the manufacturer’s free APP, videos can be watched and camera settings can be changed.
If you think the receiver would not want to operate Wi-Fi and would like a screen on their Dash Cam, take a look at the DOD LS500W-2CH.
Great, user friendly dual model with a screen enabling the camera to be configured directly on the screen. The DOD LS500W-2CH is an affordable option that has the Sony Starvis sensor, highest 12800 ISO value, largest f/1.6 lens apertures for excellent video quality.
If the receiver would like an excellent Parking Mode Dash Cam to record while their vehicle is parked:
Look at the BlackSys CH-200 range the Lukas QVIA range and the BlackVue DR750S range
Koreans make the best parking mode Dash Cams and all these Korean made models will record any motion or impact that occurs while parked. They have the all important pre-buffered recording in Parking Mode, which means the Dash Cam records footage both before and after either Dash Cam is triggered by either motion or impact (BlackVue = 5 second pre-recording. BlackSys and Lukas QVIA= 10 second pre-recording). The pre-buffered recording can help to see the important lead up to the incident while parked.
Their respective hardwire kits or a battery pack are required to use this feature.
Read up on our dedicated Dash Cam Parking Mode guide by clicking here
If the receiver is not the most tech savvy would appreciate a simple set and forget Dash Cam that just does its job at recording (without too much mucking around):
Look at the Vicovation OPIA series and the DOD LS Series
All these Dash Cam models have a screen on the unit which makes them more user friendly and fuss free to operate.
The LCD screens make for easy setup, easy menu access and easy video playback.
If the receiver would want the smallest Dash Cam:
Look at the Vicovation OPIA series and the Lukas AR790 Dash Cams
All are small, clean and neat Dash Cams
If the receiver is a bit of a tech-head and loves their tech gadgets:
Look at the BlackVue DR750S range and Lukas QVIA Dash Cams
Inbuilt Wi-Fi for connection to a smartphone to view footage and configure the Dash Cam settings. Both BlackVue and Lukas QVIA have intuitive smartphone Apps and PC viewers to configure settings and watch Dash Cam footage.
If you don’t want to spend too much but don’t want to compromise on quality and features:
For front recording Dash Cams look at the entry level DOD IS420W and the feature packed Lukas QVIA AR790-1CH Dash Cams
Both units are small, affordable and have Sony Exmor Sensors for great video quality.
For a front and rear recording Dash Cam you can’t go past the BlackSys CH-200.
The BlackSys CH-200 has most features seen in Dash Cams twice its price.
If the receiver is an Uber/Taxi/Ridesharing driver and doesn’t have a Dash Cam:
Look at the BlackVue DR750S-2CH IR Version
This Dash Cam model records the road ahead and inside the cabin. The footage can record unruly passengers and protect the receiver from false passenger accusations.
If the receiver is a Motorbike enthusiast:
Look at the DOD Hummer Motorbike Cam
This DOD camera is specifically designed for motorbike riders who want to protect themselves on the road with video evidence, while enjoying their ride.
If the receiver spends alot of time on the road at night and needs good nighttime quality:
Look at the DOD STARVIS Range
The DOD Sony STARVIS range (RC500S & LS Series Dash Cams) produce the best nighttime video quality on the Dash Cam market. Coupled with the Sony STARVIS sensor, the range contains the largest f/1.6 lens apertures and the highest ISO 12800 value on the Dash Cam market. Night video quality is currently unmatched.
If you are really unsure about which Dash Cam the receiver would buy for him or herself, and you want to go the safest option:
Look at the Vicovation OPIA Series for front recording options
The OPIA Dash Cam series appeals to the majority of customers. Small, no fuss operation, discrete, premium video quality, reliable and highly rated and reviewed.
Look at the Lukas QVIA QR790-2CH or Lukas AR790-2CH for a dual channel Dash Cams
Both QVIA 2CH Dash Cams are reliable, built very well and have features and functions that you want in a Dash Cam.
If you want the receiver to use the Dash Cam on Christmas Day while driving to and from a celebration, ensure you purchase a Micro SD card with the Dash Cam (unless they already come with one). That way the receiver will have everything they need to start using their Dash Cam gift straight away.
If you need any further guidance please check out our other blog articles or contact us for further assistance.
From the team at Dash Cams Australia – Merry Christmas and safe driving over the holiday season!