Imagine you are driving peacefully and suddenly, another car swerves in front of you. Or picture this– you parked your car carefully by a café and returned later only to be shocked by a deep dent on the side of your vehicle. No notes, no witnesses; you're clueless about what happened. In such scenarios, dash cam for cars truly comes in handy! This device can record your journey and watch over your car when you're away. But, how do you find the best one? In this article, you’ll discover some of the best front and rear dash cam UK, with features to let you drive with peace of mind. You'll find the key features to look for and useful tips to choose the right one for you.
What is a Dash Cam?
A dash cam is a small device mounted on the windscreen that records everything in front while you are driving. It is also called a dashboard camera or a car digital video recorder. Some dashcams can record the views at the rear or on the sides as well. They continuously capture your driving and the events. Some ball-shaped cameras can record in the 360-degree interior of the car and send footage and images automatically.
One may consider dashcams as a kind of car surveillance camera system. They help you as an independent witness in the event of accidents, theft, damage and insurance claims. Most UK dash cameras include parking mode to watch over your car for you whilst you are away! Dashcams can also help you report a captured incident to the police by submitting footage.
How Do Dash Cams Work?
A dashcam works by constantly capturing the video footage of the road ahead (front dash cam). It includes a camera mounted onto the car's windshield. It is powered by the car's electrical system, either using the cigarette lighter cable or by hardwiring it into the fuse box. The recording starts automatically when the ignition key is turned on. It records in a continuous loop and typically stores the footage as short segments on a micro SD card. You can thus record critical moments like accidents and review the footage later as required.
Most dashcams have a G-sensor to detect sudden, abrupt motion and lock that video segment to prevent overwriting. A dashboard camera with GPS features more accurate speed and location data while driving. It helps track your vehicle's location, the route traversed and the speed. This information becomes helpful in case of an accident and for claiming insurance.
Do You Need a Dash Cam?
A dashcam offers better security through evidence of accidents and damage. Additionally, some insurers in the UK offer discounts for drivers who install dash cams, helping reduce premiums and quicken the claims. The best dash cams have features that make them even better, such as great video quality, storage, GPS and parking mode. The benefits of getting a dashcam for your car include:
- Records unexpected incidents like hit-and-runs or road rage.
- Provides clear proof to speed up insurance claims and dispute resolution.
- Enhances safety with features like parking mode and night vision.
- Helps monitor driving habits and enhance road awareness.
- The inclusion of a GPS tracking feature adds security.
Also Read: Why do I need a Dash Cam?
What to Look For in The Best Dash Cams
Getting the perfect dashcam for your vehicle can be tricky with plenty of options around. While you can go for the best rated dash cam, it should align with your specific needs and concerns. A premium-quality front dashcam may work just fine for some drivers’ needs. Some may require a dual dash cam while others prefer GPS and connectivity. Here are some key features of the best front and rear dash cam UK that you can consider to make an informed choice:
Resolution and Video Quality
When it comes to selecting a dash cam, resolution is key. A blurry footage resulting from poor video quality is pretty much useless in case of an accident or an insurance claim. Investing in the best car dash cam gets you covered. Go for higher resolutions like Full HD, 4K or 1080p. Some of the best 4k dual dash cam variants have good low-light performance and HDR (High Dynamic Range) for clearer vision at night.
Front vs. Front & Rear Dash Cams
A front-only dash cam logs everything in front of your car–road conditions, abrupt movement of another vehicle and accidents. But, it cannot capture what's going on behind your vehicle. A front and rear dashcam gives full coverage, capturing from both the front and back of your car. Having rear view cameras for cars is useful for logging rear-end hit-and-runs and collisions. It is a smart choice when you park in a busy or congested area.
Parking Mode & Motion Detection Features
Do you want your car to be watched over when you're away? Then a dash cam with parking mode is the perfect choice. It's a reliable witness when you have to park in a crowded or high-traffic area. Enabling the parking mode on dash cam units helps detect impact or motion, like someone hitting a parked car. Some dashcams even have buffered recording that logs the footage just before and after the incident.
GPS and Connectivity Features
A dashboard camera with GPS helps track your vehicle’s location and speed accurately. This offers extra, valuable evidence in case of accidents. Some of the best front and rear dash cam UK include Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity. This allows you to easily transfer footage to your smartphone or cloud storage. These features help you access and share videos quickly, particularly for insurance claims.
Storage & SD Card Considerations
Storage matters as dashcams record continuously; most of them use microSD cards. The best SD card dash cam models offer a capacity of 64GB or higher, ideal for constant recording. Some support loop recording. It auto-deletes old footage once the card is full. To keep important clips, look for models with event recordings that lock critical footage from being overwritten.
Also Read: The Definitive Guide to Dash Cams
Top Picks: Front Dash Cams
Some prefer budget-friendly front dashcams with optimal storage, focusing on critical footage only. Choosing one with good resolution, wide-angle lens and parking mode adds security for every commute or pause. With the right choice, you can drive with confidence, free of worry. Below are some of the best types of dash cam in UK to accompany your windscreen.
NEW - Road Angel Halo Drive 2 1440p QHD Dash Cam (Now Type C)
Dashcam for cars have never looked so compact and cosy to operate. The NEW - Road Angel Halo Drive 2 1440p QHD Dash Cam lets you capture a remarkable full 2K (1440p) QHD footage. Its 140-degree wide-angle anti-distortion lens produces sharper imagery 78% better than 1080p. A rotatable lens, discrete wising and no monitor facilitate a distraction-free drive while recording seamlessly. It automatically enters parking mode after 15 minutes of inactivity. If the G-sensor detects an event, it will resume normal recording. One of the best car dash cam models for front view, its notable features include:
- 2-tier parking mode, auto start, microphone, auto overwrite.
- Full HD 2560x 1440p (30 fps) resolution and a viewing angle of 140 degrees.
- CMOS image sensor and mono speaker for sound.
- Connectivity using Micro USB/ USB-C, WiFi. You can connect to a smartphone through built-in Wi-Fi. Watch a real-time video preview and download it in case of an accident.
Road Angel Halo Go 1080p Full HD Compact Dash Cam
One of the best rated dash cam units, the Road Angel Halo Go 1080p Full HD Compact Dash Cam offers greater reliability and personalisation. It offers a remarkable full HD 1080p high-definition footage with loop recording. It comes in a compact size, without a monitor and has a rotatable lens. It has a built-in parking mode that automatically turns on after 15 minutes of inactivity. If an event is detected by the G-sensor, the Halo Go will resume normal recording. If you are looking for the best budget dash cam UK, this is an ideal pick. Its notable features are:
- G-sensor, parking mode.
- 1080p and 720p at 30 fps HD loop recording.
- 4-layer optics, 140-degree viewing angle.
- Supports up to 128GB Class 10 Micro SD Card.
- Connectivity with smartphones to access real-time or recorded footage.
Best Front & Rear Dash Cam Choices in The UK
Dashcams for cars that offer complete coverage are truly worthy. They can capture front or rear-end collisions, parking mishaps and any unforeseen damage to your car. You can get your claims faster or file a police complaint with valid, significant proof. Features like HD resolution, GPS and night vision enhance security and protection. Here are some of the best front and rear dash cam UK to look for.
New- Road Angel Halo Ultima 4K Dual Dash Cam with Parking Mode & Quick Release mounting
The New- Road Angel Halo Ultima 4K Dual Dash Cam with Parking Mode & Quick Release mounting redefines quality in a sleek design. It can capture every moment in a stunning 4K Ultra HD up front and a sharp 1080p Full HD at the back. With a 24/7 always-on parking mode when hardwired, the dashcam will automatically power up. The G-sensor, with sensitivity adjustable via a smartphone app, will log the event if a movement or damage is detected. Here are some exciting features of the Road Angel Halo Ultima 4k dual 64 GB dash cam that make it the best choice:
- 140-degree viewing angle for comprehensive coverage. Front 139° / Rear 126° viewing angle - F1.79 aperture, 7GIR lens.
- Shake-free footage with Auto Image Stabilisation. This makes it one of the best 4k dual dash cam for smooth, steady footage even on a bumpy ride.
- Batter monitoring with voltage cut-off. It cuts the power to the dashcam when the car battery voltage is running low, letting the battery stay charged up.
- A front and rear dashcam with HD Night Vision using a large open lens aperture. Maximises light intake for superior footage quality in low-light conditions.
- Tailor recording options - select exact times, trim clips and save to your phone.
- G-sensor with variable sensitivity, parking mode.
- GPS, voice input with built-in mic and video output.
- Image sensor and 256 GB class 10 Micro SD storage.
Road Angel Halo Pro 2K Front and 1K Rear Dash Cam with Dual Parking Mode
Among the best front and rear dash cam models is the Road Angel Halo Pro 2K Front and 1K Rear Dash Cam with Dual Parking Mode. Its incredible optic lens and powerful CMOS sensor capture crystal clear 2K (front) and 1080p (rear) footage. This makes it a perfect pick for a high-quality car camera for rear view. It has a compact built, rotatable lens and discrete wiring. It offers 1440p Wide Quad HD loop recording and a wide viewing angle. It automatically enters parking mode when you turn off the ignition and the resumes recording when the G-sensor detects movement. Key features include:
- Built-in GPS and telematics data including acceleration, braking and cornering telemetry.
- Dual parking mode– winter mode and true parking mode.
- 2K 1440p (front) with a 140-degree wide angle, 1080p (rear) with a 120-degree wide angle.
- Variable Voltage Battery Cut-Off.
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Supports up to 128GB storage and connectivity using Micro USB/USB-C.
Also Read: Which Dash cam is best?
Choosing the Right Dash Cam for You
So, what is the best dash cam to buy for your car? The perfect dash cam is one that offers superior quality footage, enhances security and gives you peace of mind. Whether you prioritise front coverage or need a full front and rear setup, look for key features that serve the purpose at its best. Look for the following key features in the best car dash cams for better safety and convenience:
- Higher resolution – Choose 1080p or 4K for clear footage.
- Night vision – Ensures visibility in low-light conditions.
- Parking mode & motion detection – Protects your car even when parked.
- GPS & Wi-Fi – Tracks location and makes sharing footage easier.
- Storage capacity – Go for a high-endurance SD card to avoid losing the logs.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have figured out which are the best dash cams for your car, why wait? Invest in the best dash cam today to ensure better security for your car, be it on the road or parked. Get valuable evidence logged to help you in case of accidents or unforeseen damages. Choose from the best front and rear dash cam UK to meet high-end features like video quality, GPS, safe parking and motion detection. The right dashcam for your car will elevate safety, speed up insurance claims and let you enjoy worry-free rides.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do dashcams work when car is off?
Yes, many dashcams can work even when the car is off, depending on their features. Dash cams with parking mode record in time-lapse after the vehicle is parked and activate when motion or impact is detected. Some models require hardwiring to the car’s battery or an external power source to work while parked. This feature helps log hit-and-runs, vandalism, or theft attempts.
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Where to position dash cam in the car?
In the UK, a dash cam should be positioned on the windscreen, ideally behind the rearview mirror and slightly towards the passenger side. This gives an unobstructed view of the road and complies with UK laws that require it not to block more than 40mm into the wiper-swept area. Rear dash cams are best mounted on the rear windshield's centre for optimal coverage. Ensure the placement does not hinder visibility or vehicle controls.
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Are dashcams legal in the UK?
Using a dashboard camera for cars is legal in the UK provided it is placed complying with the laws, does not restrict the driver's view and is not used to interfere with someone’s privacy. Taxi or private hire drivers are supposed to mute the sound recording to avoid any breach of personal privacy.
