DashCam Buying Guide
General Dashcam FAQs
Below we have our dashcam buying guide designed to make all elements of purchasing your dash cam easier. It can be difficult knowing what kind of dash camera to buy, what specs you’ll need for your requirements, and how to use and install one.
With so many benefits to owning a dashcam, we want to make it as easy as possible to understand what you need one for, and for purchasing the right one.
We’ve helpfully broken down everything you need to know about:
Should you have any more specific questions that you can not find the answer to, please contact us and we will be happy to help.
Troubleshooting
Don’t worry if you have trouble using your dash camera. We have simple FAQs to help you with any issues, from installation to recovering footage.
Dashcam Uses
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you understand the practical uses of dashcams for both personal and professional purposes.
Problems
We’ve compiled a list of concerns to consider when buying a dashcam, including price and compatibility with mobile devices. Stay informed before making a purchase decision.
SD Cards
Need an SD card for your dash camera? We’ve got you covered with our FAQ guide to help you select the right one without any confusion.
Why get a dashcam??
Dash cams provide several benefits for drivers. The most common reason for getting a dash cam is to protect yourself from legal trouble. Dash cams can provide irrefutable evidence in court cases and can exonerate drivers falsely accused of traffic violations or accidents.
A dash cam can also provide:
- Protection against fraudulent claims from other drivers in the event of an accident.
- Proof of who was at fault in the event of an accident.
- Protection against road rage incidents and other acts of vandalism or violence.
- The ability to capture beautiful footage while driving (or even while parked).
- Peace of mind while driving, knowing that you have a record of everything that happens on the road.
Getting a dash cam can end up saving you money in the long run too and can lower insurance rates as well.
What is the purpose of a dashcam??
Dash cams are small, dashboard-mounted cameras that record video and audio footage of everything that happens while you're driving. Some dash cams come equipped with GPS tracking capabilities and can automatically save footage in the event of an accident.
The purpose of a dash cam is to provide drivers with a record of what happened in the event of an accident or other incident.
Dash cams can be helpful in settling disputes with insurance companies or the authorities and provide valuable evidence in the event of a hit-and-run accident or other crimes. Some people also find them useful for monitoring their driving habits or recording scenic routes.
What does a dashcam look like?
Most dashcams are small, discreet devices that can be mounted on the windshield or dashboard of a car.
Most dashcams have a wide-angle view to capture as much of the surrounding area as possible. They tend to look similar to regular digital cameras, with a small lens and LCD screen. Some even have Wi-Fi capabilities so that you can download footage directly to your computer or smartphone.
Many modern dashcams also come with GPS tracking, so you can see exactly where you were when an incident occurred.
Do cars have built-in dash cams?
Many newer model cars can come with built-in dash cams, but there are also many aftermarket options available for purchase, perfect for older models that do not have dashcams built-in.
How do dash cams work?
Dashcams work by recording footage while you are driving. Some dash cams also have motion sensors that will start recording if there is any activity outside the car. This can be helpful in case of an accident or if someone tries to steal your car.
The majority of dashcams are powered by the car's battery, although some models can be plugged into an AC outlet. They typically come with a mount that attaches to the windshield or dashboard, and the camera itself is usually positioned so that it records footage of both the driver and the road in front of the car.
When activated, dash cams start recording video automatically. Many dashcams use a microSD memory card to store the footage captured.
You can then remove the memory card and copy the footage to your computer. Some dash cams also have a WiFi connection, so you can download the footage wirelessly instead.
How do front and rear dash cams work?
Dashcams are a great way to capture footage of your drive, and there are two main types: front-facing and rear-facing.
Front-facing dashcams record what's happening in front of the car, while rear-facing cameras record the area behind the car. This is useful for recording accidents or other incidents that occur while you're driving for a more informative picture.
Both types of dashcams work similarly: they consist of a camera mounted on the dashboard or windscreen, and a storage device (usually a microSD card) to store the footage. The footage is usually recorded in MP4 or AVI format, and most dashcams come with software that allows you to view and edit the footage.
How easy is it to install a dash cam?
Depending on the particular model, the installation might involve mounting the camera to the windshield or dashboard, plugging it into the vehicle's power outlet, and then connecting it to the vehicle's stereo system.
For most, installing a dashcam is a relatively straightforward process that shouldn't take more than a few minutes.
However, it is also possible to hardwire a dashcam directly into the vehicle’s electrical system, which can take time and may require specialist knowledge.
If you're struggling with installation or have any questions about your particular model, reach out to the manufacturer or visit your local auto centre for help.
Do you remove a dash cam when parked?
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. Some people choose to remove their dashcam when they park, while others leave it mounted to continue recording when parked.
If you're worried about someone vandalising or stealing your dashcam, then removing it when you park may give you some peace of mind. Dashcams can be relatively expensive, so it makes sense to protect your investment.
On the other hand, if you live in a safe neighbourhood and don't think there's any risk of your dashcam being stolen or damaged, then leaving it mounted might be the way to go. That way, you'll always have it ready to record footage if needed.
How do you view dash cam footage?
Another way is to connect your dashcam to your computer via USB and download the files that way. Some more advanced and modern dashcams, such as the T130 3-channel Dashcam, have Wi-Fi capabilities, which means you can connect to them wirelessly and view or download them instantly.
Does fitting a dash cam invalidate warranty?
The implications of fitting a dashcam into your car on the warranty, depend on the car dealership you are with. For the majority, it shall not be affected provided you are using the 12V socket. If you are hardwiring the dashcam, then make sure it is done correctly by a professional, so that it does not get noticed.
Why won't my dash cam turn on?
There are a few reasons why your dashcam might not be turning on. One possibility is that the camera is not plugged in securely.
Another possibility is that the battery in the camera is dead. If the battery is dead, you can try charging it for a while to see if that fixes the problem. If neither of those things fixes the problem, then it's possible that there's something wrong with the camera and you might need to get it repaired or replaced.
Read our blog post here for a full list of reasons and solutions.
How do I know if my dash cam is recording?
Dash cams typically have a recording indicator light that will let you know when the camera is recording. This light is usually red, although it may be different colours on different dash cam models. If you see a red light while your car is turned on, that means the dash cam is recording.
Some dash cams also make a beeping sound when they start and stop recording, so you can also listen for that. If the display is off, that’s also normally an indication that the device is not recording.
Do dash cams have audio?
Most dashcams do not have audio recording capabilities. However, at Viofo, we believe in capturing the entire situation and the majority of our dashcams have built-in microphones.
How long do dash cams record for?
Some higher-end dash cams come with built-in batteries or can be hardwired into your car’s electrical system, so they can continue recording even if your car is turned off. Some of these can even record for days or weeks at a time.
This means that they require a lot of storage capacity, so they can keep recording for long periods of time. If you’re planning to record for extended periods, make sure to invest in a suitable memory card.
Can you use a dash cam as a webcam?
Yes, you can use a dashcam as a webcam if it has a USB output so you can connect it to your computer.
However, as dashcams are designed to work whilst out on the road while driving, they will require a constant power source and usually a 3rd party application to play and use as a webcam.
How accurate is dash cam speed?
As with all technologies, there is a margin of error associated with speed readings from dashcams. This margin of error can be attributed to several factors, such as the calibration of the device, the positioning of the device in relation to the car, and even weather conditions.
That said, most dashcams are fairly accurate when it comes to measuring speed. Many law enforcement agencies use them as evidence in court proceedings. Therefore, if you're ever pulled over for a speeding ticket and you have a dashcam recording of your car's speed at the time, you may be able to dispute the ticket using that footage.
Read more here about how accurate dashcam speed is.
How do you power a dashcam?
If you want to hardwire your dashcam, it’s important to follow the instructions that came with it or seek specialist advice from a local auto centre.
If your car has an Auxiliary Power Outlet (APO) that turns off when the engine is off, linking up your dashcam to this will result in the camera shutting down as well.
Can I use a power bank for a dash cam?
Yes, you can use a power bank for a dashcam. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Make sure that the power bank is fully charged before using it.
- Only use power banks that are specifically designed for use with dashcams.
Be sure to disconnect the power bank from the dashcam when not in use.
How many amps does a dash cam draw?
This typically depends on the dashcam.
Some models may only draw a few amps, while others may draw up to five or more, but it varies from model to model and the resolution of the dashcam.
How long does dash cam footage last?
If the camera is connected to a power source, then it will usually continue to record footage until it runs out of space or the battery dies. Some cameras have the option to overwrite old footage with new footage as it's recorded, while others will save older footage if needed.
You can also keep the footage for longer if you download it and store it somewhere safe, such as on a computer or external hard drive.
Can a dash cam record inside the car?
Yes, a dashcam can record inside the car only if it has an interior-facing camera - so a 2-channel or 3-channel dashcam.
This can be useful if you're involved in an accident and need to know what happened, or if you want to keep an eye on your passengers. Most interior-facing cameras have a wide-angle lens so they can see all around the cabin, but some may have a narrower field of view that will require adjustment.
What is the red wire for on the rear of the dash cam?
There are a few different things that the red wire on a rear dash cam can be for. It could be for power, recording, or playback. Typically, the red wire is either going to be for power or recording.
How can I remove the dash cam adhesive from windscreen?
Dash cams typically have a recording indicator light that will let you know when the camera is recording. This light is usually red, although it may be different colours on different dash cam models. If you see a red light while your car is turned on, that means the dash cam is recording.
Some dash cams also make a beeping sound when they start and stop recording, so you can also listen for that. If the display is off, that’s also normally an indication that the device is not recording.
How can I remove the dash cam adhesive mount?
If you need to remove your dashcam's adhesive mount, there are a few things you can do. First, try using a hairdryer to heat up the adhesive.
This will make it easier to peel off. If that doesn't work, you can also try using a putty knife or other thin, sharp object to gently pry the mount off. Finally, if all else fails, you can always use Goo Gone or another adhesive remover. Apply it to a cotton ball or pad and hold it on the mount for a few minutes before trying to remove it again. Just be careful not to damage your dashcam or car in the process!
How do I make my dash cam always on?
There are numerous ways to make sure your dash cam is always on. One way is to hardwire it into your vehicle's electrical system. This can be done by connecting the positive and negative wires to the corresponding terminals in your car.
Another way is to use a battery pack or other power source that will keep the camera powered on even when your car's engine is off. You can also buy dash cams that come with their own built-in batteries, which will need to be charged periodically. Whichever method you choose, making sure your dash cam is always on will help you capture important footage in the event of an accident or other incident.
How do I delete videos from my dash cam?
There are a few ways to delete videos from your dash cam. You can either connect the dash cam to your computer and delete them through the software that came with it, or you can delete them directly from the dash cam itself.
If you want to delete videos from your dash cam using the software that came with it, you'll need to connect the dash cam to your computer and open up the software. Once it's open, you'll be able to see all of the videos on your dash cam. To delete a video, just select it and click "delete." It will then be removed from your dash cam.
If you want to delete the videos from your dash cam directly, then open the video and tap the three dots in the top right corner. Then tap Delete. To delete all videos at once, open the Settings menu and tap Clear.
Is it possible to recover deleted dash cam footage?
- Connect your SD card onto your computer using a card reader.
- Launch ‘Recoverit’ software (downloadable from the internet)
- On the home screen, select the SD card as the target device you want to scan. (this will be listed under the external tab)
- The software will then scan your device for all it’s deleted files. It may take a while to complete.
- Go through the search results and select the videos you would like to restore (tap the preview button to check the videos before restoring them).
- Once chosen, click the recover button, and select the location where you would like to recover the files to.
How can I stop my dash cam interfering with my radio?
- Make sure the dashcam is not too close to the car's radio. Try moving it further away, or try angling it in a different direction.
- Try turning off the dashcam when you're not using it. This will help reduce interference.
- If all else fails, try getting a dashcam that has a low interference rating.
- Make sure that all of your cables are properly plugged in and that there is no metal between the dashcam and the radio.
How do I zoom in on dash cam video?
There are a few ways to zoom in on dashcam video footage. One way is to use the pinch-to-zoom gesture on your touchscreen. Another way is to right-click on the footage and select "Zoom In" from the menu that pops up. A third way is to use the keyboard shortcuts Ctrl + Plus Sign (+) to zoom in or Ctrl + Minus Sign (-) to zoom out.
How do I view dash cam footage on my iphone?
To view dashcam footage on your iPhone, you will need to first download and install the Dashcam Viewer app. Once you have the app installed, launch it and then connect your iPhone to your computer. Next, open the folder on your computer that contains the dashcam footage files. Finally, drag and drop the files into the Dashcam Viewer app window. The footage will automatically play in chronological order.
How do I view dash cam footage on mac?
There are a few ways to view dashcam footage on a Mac computer. One way is to use an app called Dashcam Viewer, which is available for download at the Mac App Store. Another way is to import the footage into a video editor such as Final Cut Pro or iMovie, and then view it from there. Finally, if you have an iCloud account, you can also access your dashcam footage from within the Photos app.
How do I download from my dash cam to my computer?
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