How Do Dash Cams Work? A Comprehensive Guide!

With nearly 31% of British vehicles now equipped with dash cams, it’s clear these devices are becoming essential for many drivers. But how do dash cams work exactly?

This comprehensive guide will delve into the world of dash cams, covering everything from their functionality to legal considerations and purchasing advice.

Let’s get started!

What is a Dash Cam?

A car dash cam is a compact camera device mounted on a vehicle’s dashboard or windshield. You can use it to record the road ahead.  

4 Key Components of a Dash Cam

Here are the 4 key components of a dashboard camera:

• Display Screen: Allows you to view recorded footage directly on the device. Sizes vary, and some models have touchscreen interfaces for easier navigation.  
• Camera Lens: To capture the footage, most dash cams have wide-angle lenses for a broader view of the road. High-quality lenses are crucial for clear recordings, especially in low-light conditions.  
• Processor: The brain of the dash cam, processing video and audio data. Its power determines the quality of recordings and the ability to handle advanced features.  
• Memory Card (Optional): MicroSD cards are used to record footage, and their capacity determines how much video can be stored. Some dash cams can also have built-in memory.

Main Types of Dash Cams

Dash cams come in various configurations, each designed to meet different needs:

• Hard-Wired vs. Cordless Dash Cams: Hard-wired dash cams are installed into the vehicle’s electrical system whereas wireless dash cams are typically powered by rechargeable batteries.
• Front vs. Rear Facing: Front-facing dash cams record the view in front of the vehicle while rear-facing dash cams capture footage of incidents occurring behind.
• Dual-Channel Dash Cams: These devices have both front and rear cameras, allowing simultaneous recording from both angles.
• 360-Degree Dash Cams: These advanced models can capture footage in all directions, providing a full panoramic view.

What are the Advantages of Using a Dashboard Camera?

Dash cams offer a multitude of advantages for drivers. Let’s take a look at some of them:

• Be Your Own Witness: In the event of an accident, a dash cam captures everything happening on the road. This footage serves as undeniable evidence, helping you prove your innocence.
• Save on Insurance Costs: Some insurance companies in the UK recognize the value of dash cam footage and offer discounts of up to 30% to drivers who use them.
• Promote Safe Driving Habits: The presence of a dash cam can serve as a constant reminder to maintain safe driving practices, such as obeying traffic laws and staying focused on the road. So, in the long run, it’ll help to keep your car secure.
• Defend Your Vehicle: Parking mode on some dash cams activates when your car is stationary, providing surveillance against theft, vandalism, or hit-and-run incidents.
• Resolve Insurance Disputes Faster: Having clear video evidence from your dashcam can expedite the claims process and help resolve disputes arising from accidents more quickly.
• Capture Life’s Unexpected Moments: Dash cams can sometimes capture surprising or interesting events on the road, like meteor showers, animal crossings, or even accidents or crimes.

How Does a Dash Cam Work?

Different types of dashboard cameras work differently but the underlying working principles remain the same. It automatically starts recording when you turn on the ignition, capturing video in short segments of around three minutes each onto a micro SD card.

Now, let’s understand how a dash cam operates in different conditions:

During Daytime

During the day, the dashcams work in a regular way. They use wide-angle lenses and high-resolution sensors, allowing you to capture details such as road signs and other vehicles.

At Night

When driving at night, dash cams still function, but their performance can vary based on the technology used. If you want to capture clearer images in low-light conditions, features like Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) and High Dynamic Range (HDR) can enhance night vision.

When Parked

Most modern dash cams offer parking mode that allows you to record footage even when your car is stationary. Some dash cam models have intelligent parking mode, which activates recording only when it detects motion or a collision.

When the Car is Off

Dash cams won’t work when they are powered by a standard outlet in your vehicle. For the dash cam to work when your car is off, you’ll need a constant power source. This can be achieved by using an always-on accessory port or by hardwiring the camera to your car’s fuse box. But choose a dash cam with an auto-shutoff feature or install a low-voltage protection kit to avoid battery damage.

During an Accident

In the unfortunate event of an accident, dash cams are equipped with G-sensors that detect impact. When a collision occurs, the dash cam saves the footage leading up to the incident and locks the file to prevent it from being overwritten.

Are Dash Cams Legal in the UK?

Yes, dashcams are legal to use in the UK. However, there are a few important things you need to be aware of.

Installation and Visibility

The most crucial factor is where you position your dash cam. It mustn’t obstruct your view of the road. If it does, you could face a fine or even fail your MOT. The UK Highway Code specifies that nothing should intrude more than 40mm into the area swept by your windscreen wipers.

Recording Audio

While you can legally record video on public roads in the UK, recording audio is a different matter. Capturing audio without the consent of everyone involved can be a breach of privacy. So, it’s a good idea to mute the audio function on your dash cam to avoid any legal complications.

Privacy Concerns

It is legal for you to film other road users on public roads. But be mindful of where you’re pointing your dash cam. especially if you are recording in areas where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as private property.

Dash Cam Footage in Court

If you’re involved in an accident and use your dash cam footage as evidence in court, it must be clear, unaltered, and relevant to the case. The footage must also be authenticated to prove its authenticity.

What Things You Should Consider Before Buying a Dashboard Camera for Your Car?

Choosing the right dash cam for your car involves several factors. Let’s break down what you should consider:

• Video Quality: Look for a dash cam that records in at least 1080p resolution. Higher resolutions like 1440p or even 4K offer even sharper footage, but they also come with larger file sizes.
• Viewing Angle: The viewing angle determines how much of the road is captured. A wider angle, usually around 120 to 180 degrees, provides better coverage of your surroundings.
• Night Vision: If you do a lot of night driving, night vision capability is essential. Look for dash cams with features like WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) or HDR (High Dynamic Range).
• Additional Features: Consider features like GPS, Wi-Fi, voice activation, and, dual side coverage that can enhance the dash cam’s functionality.
• Storage Capacity: Look for a camera with a minimum of 32GB storage, but go for larger capacities if you need to store more footage.

How to Properly Install a Dash Cam?

Installing a dash cam in your car is a straightforward process that anyone can do. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Choose the Perfect Spot: The first step is to find the ideal location for your dash cam. The best spot is usually on the windscreen, just behind your rear-view mirror.
• Mounting Dashcam: Most dash cams come with a suction cup mount. Clean the windscreen where you plan to attach it and firmly press the mount into place.
• Connect the Power (No Need for Wireless Dashcams): You have two options for powering your wired dash cam: plugging the power cable into the standard accessory outlet or you can hardwire the dashcam directly to your car’s electrical system.
• Set Up Your Dash Cam: Once installed, it’s time to set up your dash cam. This involves adjusting the video quality and selecting your preferred recording mode.
•  Test Your Dash Cam: Before hitting the road, test your dash cam to ensure it’s working correctly. Turn on your car, check if the dash cam is recording, and review the footage.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Should I get a dash cam?

Yes, you should definitely consider getting a dash cam. They offer many benefits like providing crucial evidence in accidents, deterring bad driving, and savings on insurance. While there’s a small initial investment, the long-term advantages often outweigh the cost.

2. Do dash cameras record all the time?

Yes, dash cams are designed to record continuously while your car is on. Most models start recording as soon as you turn the ignition or plug them into a power source. But keep in mind that if your dash cam’s power source is interrupted, or your memory card is full the recording will stop.

3. How can you view your dashcam footage?

There are a few ways to watch your dashcam footage.

• Remove the microSD card from your dash cam and insert it into a card reader connected to your computer.
• If your dash cam has Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capabilities, you might be able to connect it to your smartphone and view footage directly on your phone’s screen.
• Some dashcams even offer cloud storage, allowing you to upload and access your videos remotely.
• If your dash cam has a screen, you can navigate through the recorded files using the camera’s menu.

4. How much footage can you store on your dashboard camera?

The amount of footage you can store on your dashboard camera primarily depends on the capacity of the micro SD card you use and the recording settings of your dash cam. Here’s what we know:

• 16GB Micro SD Card: 2 hours of recording at 1080p HD.
• 32GB Micro SD Card: 4 hours of footage at 1080p HD.
• 64GB Micro SD Card: 10 hours of footage at 1080p HD.
• 128GB Micro SD Card: 20 hours of footage at 1080p HD.
• 256GB Micro SD Card: 40 hours of footage at 1080p HD.

Wrapping Up: How do Dash Cams Work?

So, there you have it: how do dash cams work? While dash cams remain an effective way to enhance your driving experience, they can capture your own violations as well such as holding a mobile phone which can get you fined or banned from driving.

So, by understanding the working and legal implications, you can make an informed decision about whether a dash cam is right for you or not!