Top Dash Cam Front and Rear Options for Complete Road Safety
As we’ve seen from countless crash videos on social media, dash cams are among the best ways to capture evidence of an accident; for insurance purposes or a good story for the bar on Saturday night. But like anything in the technology market, there are way too many options to choose from.
Should you get one with an interior camera? How helpful is a dash cam with a screen? What about nighttime performance? Do you need fancy functions like GPS locating, LTE/Cloud capabilities and AI integration? And what’s the scoop with insurance and legality on these things?
Why a Dual Dash Camera System?
The front and rear dash cams provide comprehensive coverage of the road ahead and behind your vehicle, thanks to the dual rear-facing camera system. Recording from two perspectives can be particularly useful in addressing situations like rear-end collisions or traffic incidents. Capturing events from both angles helps protect drivers and simplifies resolving insurance claim disputes.
Key Features to Look for in a Dash Cam
- Video Resolution: Cameras with resolutions exceeding 1080p for superior image quality, crucial for capturing details like license plates are prioritised. 2k and 4k clarity is now the norm and recommended.
- Night Vision: Ensure the camera provides excellent night vision capabilities for clear recordings in low-light conditions.
- Parking Mode: This feature is essential for monitoring your vehicle when parked, safeguarding against potential incidents like vandalism or hit-and-runs.
- Wide-Angle Lens: A wide field of view (FOV) maximizes road visibility and captures surrounding areas.
- Loop Recording: This feature ensures continuous recording by automatically overwriting older footage when the memory card is full.
- G-Sensor: The G-Sensor detects sudden impacts and locks the corresponding footage to prevent accidental overwriting.
- Wi-Fi and GPS: Wi-Fi facilitates convenient smartphone downloads of recorded footage, while GPS enhances functionality by tracking speed and location.
- Cloud Connectivity: Using a form of internet connection, you can log in from anywhere in the world to review footage, location and receive alerts.
Top Dash Cam Front and Rear Options
1. FineVu GX1000-2CH CLOUD
The FineVu GX1000-2CH CLOUD stands out as a top-tier dual-channel dash cam, delivering exceptional image quality and a comprehensive feature set for both front and rear cameras. Equipped with 2K 1440P Quad HD resolution, Sony STARVIS sensors, and 5.1MP lenses, the GX1000-2CH CLOUD ensures superior video clarity.
Key Features:
- Enhanced Parking Mode:
- Pre-buffered parking mode captures events both before and after they occur.
- Super intelligent parking mode provides advanced security while your vehicle is parked while alerting you when you enter the vehicle.
- User-Friendly Design:
- Easy to use with a large 256GB FineVu Micro SD card for extended recording time.
- Simple and elegant design for a discreet look on your windscreen..
- Reliability and Warranty:
- Backed by a robust 3-year warranty, reflecting the brand’s commitment to durability and reliability.
Ideal for:
The GX1000-2CH CLOUD is perfectly suited for users who prioritize high-performance and require exceptional video quality, particularly in challenging conditions.
2. Blackvue DR770X BOX PRO
The BlackVue DR770X BOX PRO, a premium offering from BlackVue, is a top-tier dash cam system designed for professional fleet operators as well as everyday drivers. Featuring up to three high-performance cameras, robust data security measures, and advanced features, the DR770X BOX PRO provides unparalleled surveillance and monitoring capabilities.
Key Features:
- Optional Ultrawide Infrared Interior Camera: Captures clear and detailed footage in complete darkness using infrared illumination and a wide-angle lens.
- Advanced Sensors and Event Recording: Built-in sensors detect shocks, acceleration, deceleration, and movement, triggering event-based recordings.
- Reliable Parking Mode: Monitors the vehicle while parked, with customizable settings for motion and/or impact detection.
- BlackVue Cloud Integration: Enables real-time video viewing, event notifications, and instant cloud uploads of recorded clips.
- Enhanced Data Security: Incorporates a lock for the primary compartment and screw-on connectors to safeguard recorded data against tampering.
Ideal for:
The DR770X BOX PRO is an ideal solution for everyday drivers looking for a discreet dual dash cam system, professional drivers and fleet management companies seeking a reliable and secure surveillance system to enhance vehicle safety and operational efficiency.
3. BlackVue DR970X-2CH Plus 4K Dash Cam
The BlackVue DR970X-2CH Plus is a top-of-the-line dash cam that delivers exceptional 4K UHD video recording for both front and rear cameras. Powered by Sony’s cutting-edge STARVIS 2 image sensors, this model ensures exceptional image clarity in all lighting conditions, including day and night.
Key Features:
- Superior Video Quality: 4K UHD resolution, 162-degree wide viewing angle, and 8.4MP CMOS front sensor for exceptional image clarity and night vision.
- Advanced Connectivity: Wi-Fi dual-band, built-in GPS, and compatibility with the BlackVue smartphone app (iOS & Android) for convenient control and access.
- Comprehensive Parking Mode: Records events while the vehicle is parked.
- Includes Essential Accessories: 64GB microSD card, rear camera connection cable, card reader, screws, installation tool and user manual.
- Reliable Warranty: Backed by a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty, reflecting the high quality and durability of the product.
- Flexible Installation Options: Choose between self-installation or professional installation services (mobile technician availability may vary by region).
Explore the importance of investing in a dash cam !
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Optimal Positioning:
- Ensure the cameras have an unobstructed view of the road ahead.
- Place them as close to the center and high up on the windshield as possible
- Avoid placing them too close to the bottom of the windshield and you will capture too much of your bonnet and not enough of the road.
- Angle your lens so that the horizon is in the middle of the frame
Powering Your Dash Cam:
- Most dash cams utilize a 12V power socket.
- Consider a hardwiring kit for a cleaner and more professional installation.
- Most Dash Cams have an OBDii Cable available. It is a plug and play cable that allows for constant power so you can utilise parking mode. This bypasses the need for professional installation and is safer than tampering with your vehicle’s electronics.
Memory Card Considerations:
- Use a microSD card compatible with your dash cam model.
- Opt for a high-resolution card with a capacity exceeding 64GB for ample recording space.
- We recommended a higher capacity microSD card if you are using parking mode.
- It is important to regularly check and reformat your microSD card. We recommend it at least once a month. For a guide to do this check out this blog post “Formatting Dash Cam Micro SD cards”
Firmware Updates:
- Regularly update your dash cam’s firmware to access the latest features, bug fixes, and performance enhancements.
Read More: Dash Cams Australia 2024 Dash Cam Recommendations & Top Picks
Dash Cam Installation Melbourne
How Dash Cams Enhance Safety and Security
Dash cams offer a range of benefits beyond accident documentation:
- Enhanced Safety: They act as a deterrent to reckless driving, such as impaired driving or vandalism.
- Insurance Claims Support: Dash cam footage provides crucial evidence to support insurance claims and determine liability in accidents.
- Road Trip Memories: Capture scenic drives and memorable moments on your journeys.
Read More: An Ultimate Guide To Dash Cam Installation
Final Thoughts
Investing in a high-quality front and rear dash cam is a wise decision for any driver seeking enhanced safety and peace of mind on the road. These devices provide crucial evidence in the event of an accident, helping to determine fault and protect your interests.
The market offers a wide range of dash cams to suit diverse needs and budgets. Whether you prioritize advanced features like cloud connectivity and voice assistance, or are looking for a more basic yet reliable solution, there’s a dash cam that fits your requirements.