In today’s fast-paced world, ensuring safety on the road has become more important than ever. The top names in the automotive industry are coming up with innovative and technologically advanced vehicles. However, making some additional smart decisions can further enhance your safety and security.
One such smart move is installing a dash cam in your vehicle. A dash camera for cars captures every moment and also works as a reliable eyewitness in any unfortunate case of accidents, disputes, or thefts. These compact devices are perfect for enhancing your vehicle’s safety while navigating through city traffic or embarking on any scenic road trip.
As the market is already flooded with so many options, choosing the right dash camera for your car can be overwhelming. This comprehensive guide will take you through some of the top contenders available in the market, their key features, dash cam types, and some essential tips to pick the best dash cam for your car.
As the insurance costs, unpredictable traffic, and road rage are constantly increasing in India, investing in a dash cam could be a wise step toward safer driving. Here are some potential benefits of installing a dash camera in your car:
Protection Against Insurance Fraud: With a dash camera, it becomes easier to provide visual evidence to insurers or legal authorities in case of staged accidents or false claims.
Accident Evidence: A dash cam records real-time video footage. These recordings can serve as solid proof in case of road disputes and accidents.
Monitors Driver Behavior: It can be a great choice for parents of teen drivers or fleet owners. This will help them to monitor driving habits like overspeeding or harsh driving.
Record Road Trips: You can capture scenic drives, memorable road journeys, and adventures. It’s easy to save and share these beautiful recordings using a dash camera.
Support in Legal Matters: In case of any traffic violation or legal investigation, these dash camera recordings can provide clear context to support your side of the story.
Parking Surveillance: Some advanced dash cams come with a parking mode. It monitors your vehicle even when it's parked, capturing hit-and-run or vandalism incidents.
Here is a list of different types of dash cameras available in the market, along with their features:
Dash Camera Type | Description | Best For |
Front-Facing Dash Cam | Records the road ahead only. Mounted on the windshield. | Basic driving footage and accident evidence. |
Dual Dash Cam (Front + Rear) | Records both front and rear views of the vehicle. | Full coverage of road incidents from both ends. |
Triple-Channel Dash Cam | Records front, rear, and inside the cabin. | Rideshare drivers, taxis, and fleet vehicles. |
Mirror Dash Cam | Mounted on/over the rearview mirror; often touchscreen with rear-view assistance. | Seamless integration with rearview functionality. |
Wireless/Wi-Fi Dash Cam | Offers wireless footage transfer via smartphone apps. | Easy access and sharing of video clips. |
360-Degree Dash Cam | Captures all-around views of the car from a single unit. | Maximum security in busy or tight parking areas. |
Here are the top 5 dash camera options you may consider. These picks are based on advanced technology, strong reviews, excellent value for money, and exceptional features:
The 70mai A810 features a true 4K Sony STARVIS 2 sensor. It includes dual-channel recording, ADAS, Wi-Fi connectivity, and HDR. It’s known for excellent night vision and detail capturing. If you’re looking for high performance and intelligent features, this could be the right choice for your needs.
Sony STARVIS 2 sensor for excellent night recording
4K resolution with HDR
Supports Advanced Driver Assistance System
App connectivity with easy controls
Requires hardwiring for full ADAS features
Rear camera sold separately
The Qubo Dash Cam Pro is specifically designed in India, offering 4K front recording. It is also equipped with some high-end features like built-in GPS, emergency video lock, Wi-Fi control, and parking mode. The Qubo Dash Cam is an affordable and feature-rich choice for daily Indian road use with good video clarity and strong app support.
Competitive pricing with high-end features
4K recording with night vision
In-app access and emergency recording
GPS and G-sensor are built-in
Slightly larger compared to the other alternatives
Limited brand recognition compared to international players
The DDPAI Mini5 delivers 4K video with a built-in 64GB eMMC storage, voice control, and GPS tracking. It’s compact, sleek, and uses a supercapacitor for reliable performance. It comes equipped with app integration and a wide-angle lens. These advanced features make it a reliable choice for daily urban commutes.
4K Ultra HD video quality
Built-in 64GB eMMC storage (no need for SD card)
Voice control and GPS support
Sleek, compact design
Slightly expensive for first-time buyers
No rear camera option included
The Redtiger F17 offers triple-channel recording, including front, rear, and cabin. It’s marketed as 4K, but the front camera records around 1440p. This camera includes Wi-Fi, GPS, night vision, and parking mode. This is an all-rounder camera that offers full coverage for enhanced security.
Built‑in 5 GHz Wi‑Fi & GPS
Triple‑channel coverage
Excellent interior recording
Parking mode with supercapacitor
Solid night vision
Complex installation
Unstable Wi‑Fi/app experience
The Nextbase 622GW is a premium 4K dash camera. It comes with true 4K recording, Alexa integration, GPS, and Emergency SOS. It also includes some additional features like image stabilization and location tracking. All these features make it ideal for high-end users seeking top-notch video quality, smart features, and advanced driving support.
Premium build with 4K at 30fps
Alexa is built-in for voice control
Emergency SOS and image stabilization
GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth enabled
Very expensive compared to Indian alternatives
Some features require a subscription or app integration
When you’re out to choose a dash camera for your car, you cannot simply rely on any option available. You need to have an understanding of your needs, camera features, and Indian road conditions. Here is a quick list of the key features to consider when choosing a dash camera for safety on the Indian roads.
Look for a dash camera with at least 1080p Full HD resolution. This will help in getting clear and detailed footage. Having a camera resolution of 2k or above provides sharper images and captures even the smallest details, like number plates or road signs. Low resolution camera may lack these features, and might cost you low-quality footage and the absence of critical details in legal scenarios.
Invest in a dash cam with GPS and ADAS features. The ADAS system provides collision alerts, lane departure warnings, and other safety features. Having an in-built GPS in the dash cam can track your vehicle’s location, speed, and route. All this info is very crucial in case of accident documentation.
Prefer only Wi-Fi-enabled dash cams as they can provide easy access to footage and also allow seamless video playback. It becomes easier to share the required information with the authorities through smartphone applications. The footage and videos can also be easily retrieved once you have taken a backup.
Nowadays, most dash cams come with suction cups or adhesive mounts that make windshield installation easier. Camera with hand wiring needs professional assistance and are complex as well. Choosing a dash cam with simple installation ensures optimal camera positioning and saves time simultaneously.
The nighttime driving conditions and poorly lit roads of India demand superior quality night vision for clear footage. This is possible only with a high-performance camera that works well in low-light conditions. Opt for a dash camera that is equipped with Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) and Sony STARVIS sensors.
Ans. Yes, it’s completely legal to use a dash camera for personal use in India.
Ans. Yes, when you choose a dash cam with parking mode and supercapacitors, you get 24/7 surveillance.
Ans. The basic model will cost you around ₹3,000, while the premium cameras cost ₹15,000 to ₹20,000, or even more.
To conclude, it’s important to choose a dash camera for your car that delivers superior performance in India’s unique and unpredictable driving conditions. Apart from this, a dash camera that strikes a perfect balance between video quality and other essential features should be your utmost priority. Having a dash cam installed in your vehicle will provide you with added security and safety.