How Do Dash Cams Work? A Complete Guide to Dash Cam

Have you ever wondered how dash cams work? These compact video cameras have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering drivers a variety of benefits and features. From loop recording and parking mode to night vision and Wi-Fi connectivity, dash cams come in various types with unique features.In this article, we'll explore what is a dash cam, different types of dash cams, their features, how they work and more.

Preview of this blog

What is a dash cam ?
How many types of dash cam are there?
What are the main features of dash cam
How long will a dash cam record?
Does dash cam record when the car is off?
How do you view dash cam footage?
Is my personal data secure on dash cam?
Is a dash cam worth it? Why should I buy one ?
How to install a dash cam?
Where can I get a dash cam?

What is a Dash Cam?

A dash cam, or dashboard camera, is a small video camera that can be mounted on the dashboard or windshield of a car. The first dash cam appeared in the 1980s in Russia, where it was used to provide evidence in accident disputes. Today, dash cams are popular worldwide for their ability to provide crucial evidence in accidents, as well as capture interesting road trips and scenic drives. So, what’s a dash cam?
In one sentence, it’s a small video camera that is installed on the dashboard or windshield of a car to record video footage of the road ahead.

The Types of Dash Cams

There are several types of dash cams available on the market:

For different channels

Single Channel Dash Cam: This type of dash cam features a single camera that captures footage of the road ahead. Single-channel dash cams are the most common and affordable type.

Dual Channel Dash Cam: This type of dash cam features two cameras – one facing forward and one facing backward – to provide 360-degree coverage.

Three Channel Dash Cam: This type of dash cam features three cameras – one facing forward, one facing backward, and one facing inside the car – to provide complete coverage of the vehicle.

For different placements

Front camera: The front camera is the most common type of dash cam and is designed to be mounted on the windshield facing forward. It records everything that is happening in front of the car while driving, including the road and other vehicles. The front camera is an essential tool for providing evidence in the event of an accident, and it can also capture important details such as license plate numbers and road signs.

Rear camera: A rear dash cam is designed to be mounted on the rear windshield, facing backward. It can be used to capture footage of what is happening behind the car, which is particularly useful for drivers who frequently parallel park or have difficulty reversing. The rear camera can help to prevent accidents by providing a clear view of obstacles or pedestrians that may be behind the car.

Inside camera: An inside camera is designed to be mounted on the dashboard or the windshield facing inside the car. It can be used to capture footage of what is happening inside the car, including the driver and passengers. Inside cameras are particularly useful for professional drivers, such as taxi or ride-sharing drivers, who want to monitor the behavior of their passengers. They can also be used to provide evidence in the event of a break-in or theft.

For different sizes

Mini dash cams are small-sized and discreet dash cams that can easily be hidden behind the rearview mirror, and are ideal for those who want a less noticeable option. Despite their small size, they still offer high-quality video recording and other features such as loop recording and parking mode.

On the other hand, rear mirror dash cams are designed to replace the existing rearview mirror in the car and offer a larger viewing area for the driver. These dash cams are often larger in size and provide a more comprehensive view of the road ahead. They can also offer additional features such as GPS and speed tracking.

a mini one

a medium one

a rear mirror one

Main Features of Dash Cams

Dash cams come with a variety of features that enhance their functionality and make them more useful for drivers. Some of the most important features of dash cams include:

Loop Recording: Dash cams automatically overwrite old footage when the memory card is full, ensuring that the camera continues to record.

Parking Mode: This feature allows the dash cam to continue recording even when the car is parked, using motion detection or a G-sensor to start recording when it detects movement or impact.

Wi-Fi Connectivity: Some dash cams come with Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing drivers to view and download footage directly from their smartphone or tablet.

Night Vision: This feature enhances the dash cam's ability to capture footage in low-light conditions, such as at night.

Capacitor: Some dash cams use a capacitor instead of a battery, which makes them more durable and reliable in extreme temperatures.

How Long Will a Dash Cam Record?

The length of time a dash cam can record depends on several factors, including the size of the memory card, the resolution of the footage, and the length of the loop recording. Generally, a 32GB memory card can record up to 4 hours of footage at 1080p resolution. As for the dash cam loop recording, once the memory card is full, the oldest footage will be overwritten by the newest footage. Also, some dash cams have a feature that saves important footage, such as footage of an accident or collision, and prevents it from being overwritten. With these features, the dash cam can actually constantly record and ensure that important footage is always saved.

Does Dash Cam Record When the Car Is Off?

Dash cams with parking mode can continue to record even when the car is off, using a G-sensor or motion detection to start recording when it detects movement or impact. If you want your dash cam to record when your car is parked and turned off, you'll need to use a hardwire kit. A hardwire kit allows you to connect your dash cam directly to your car's electrical system, so it can draw power even when the car is turned off.

a hardwire kit is need to record during parking

How Do You View Dash Cam Footage?

To view dash cam footage, most models come with an LCD screen for direct playback on the camera itself. Dash cam with wifi, footage can be viewed and downloaded directly from a smartphone or tablet without needing to remove the SD card. For dash cams without Wi-Fi connectivity, footage can be accessed by removing the SD card and inserting it into a computer or compatible device.

Is My Personal Data Secure on Dash Cam?

Recorded videos from dash cams are typically stored offline on the device's memory card. This means that only the driver or owner of the dash cam has access to the footage. Unlike other devices that may automatically upload or share data, dash cams do not transmit data to any external source. Therefore, it is safe to say that no institution, company, or individual has access to your private moments captured by your dash cam. It's important to note that some dash cams may have Wi-Fi connectivity, but the user must explicitly choose to share or transfer the footage for it to be accessible to others.

Is a Dash Cam Worth It? Why Should I Buy One?

There are many reasons why investing in a dash cam is a wise decision.

First and foremost, it can provide you with valuable evidence in the event of an accident or collision. The footage captured by the dash cam can be used to support your insurance claim, protect you against false accusations, and even help law enforcement identify and apprehend reckless drivers.

Dash cams can also help you monitor your driving habits and improve your safety on the road. By reviewing your footage, you can identify areas where you may need to improve your driving, such as excessive speed or distracted driving.

Additionally, dash cams can offer peace of mind and security when parked. Some dash cams have parking mode, which allows them to continue recording even when the car is off. This can help deter theft and vandalism, and provide evidence in the event of a hit-and-run.

Another great benefit of having a dash cam is that some insurance companies offer discounts for drivers who use them. This is because the footage can provide valuable evidence in determining fault in an accident, potentially saving the insurance company money in legal fees and payouts. Besides, some insurance companies may be more likely to settle claims in favor of the policyholder if they have clear evidence from the dash cam. So not only can a dash cam potentially save you money in the long run, it may also save you time and hassle when dealing with insurance claims.

How to Install a Dash Cam?

The installation process of a dash cam can vary depending on the make and model, but in general, it is a fairly simple process. Most dash cams come with a suction cup mount that can be attached to the windshield or dashboard of your car. Some dash cams also come with adhesive mounts for a more permanent installation.

Before installing the dash cam, it is important to ensure that it is positioned in a way that does not obstruct your view while driving. It should also be positioned in a way that captures the best possible footage.

Once the dash cam is in position, you will need to connect it to a power source. This can be done using a cigarette lighter adapter or hardwiring the dash cam to the car's electrical system.

Where Can I Get a Dash Cam?

Dash cams can be purchased at many electronics stores, as well as online retailers. It is important to do your research and read reviews before making a purchase to ensure that you are getting a high-quality and reliable dash cam.

Although there are many brands of dash cams available on the market, I have to say Wolfbox is a reputable brand that offers high-quality dash cams with various advanced features such as parking mode, Wi-Fi connectivity, and loop recording. Our dash cams have received positive reviews from customers and are known for their durability and reliability and also now a 18-month manufacturer warranty. Consider checking out our products when researching and shopping for a dash cam. If you have any questions about dash cam, always feel free to drop us a note.

Conclusion

In conclusion, dash cams are a valuable investment for any driver. They can provide evidence in the event of an accident, help monitor your driving habits, and offer peace of mind and security when parked. By following the installation instructions and choosing a high-quality dash cam, you can enjoy the benefits of this technology and drive with confidence on the road.