The Ultimate Dash Cam Check List
Key Features to Look For Before you Buy
Shopping for a Dash Cam but don’t know where to begin? With countless brands and features vying for your attention, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Over the past decade, Navman has been at the forefront of Dash Camera innovation and understands which features truly matter.
To help you choose the right Dash Cam, here are some important factors to keep in mind.
Video Quality: Clear high-resolution footage is critical for effectively capturing important details such as road signs, number plates, as well as an undisputable picture of how an accident occurred. Always opt for Full HD (1080p), 2.5K or 4K quality recording. To truly achieve 4K high resolution, a Dash Cam requires an 8-megapixel sensor while 2.5K needs at least a 4-megapixel sensor. While certain brands may advertise their cameras as offering 4K or 2.5K video quality, they often upscale lower-res footage to 4K or 2.5K - always check the fine print to ensure you are getting genuine high resolution.
Is the Dash Cam Built for tough Aussie Conditions? Look for Dash Cam tailored to the conditions of our regions, for example Navman Dash Cams include multi-layer lenses tested to withstand temperatures of up to 70°C, ideal for our hot summers. Navman also incorporate temperature resistant super capacitor power sources that are superior to a regular batter for reliability and longevity.
Why Side Coverage Matters: According to a recent Budget Direct survey 35% of respondents who had ever been involved in an accident stated it was a side‑swipe. While many Dash Cams record front and rear accidents, The Navman MiVue™ True 4K Pro Surround will ensure incidents such as sideswipes and questionable lane changes are not missed with side impact zone coverage.
Instant Sharing Via Wi-Fi – A Dash Cam with Wi-Fi can be very handy as it allows you to easily download footage to your smartphone and instantly share to your insurance company or with the other drivers.
Parking Mode: Ensure your car is protected when it’s most vulnerable - when you aren’t there! Many Navman Dash Cams offer a parking mode option that is enabled with the purchase of a MiVue™ Smartbox - IV Accessory Kit (sold separately). The Smartbox is a hard wiring kit that connects to your car and ensures your Dash Cam receives continuous power, even while your engine is turned off.
Safety Alerts: While many Dash Cams these days offer safety alerts, some brands include ongoing fees with these alerts. Navman dash cameras that offer safety alerts include free monthly updates. Australian safety alerts are also time-based and actually tell you the speed limit you should be travelling including reminders for speed limits on motorway exit ramps or when entering and exiting a town.
Night Vision: If you frequently drive at night, you may want to ensure your Dash Cam includes a low-light sensor, such as STARVIS technology – this ensures your footage is clear in both bright sunlight or challenging conditions such as in rain, night driving or dimly lit carparks.
GPS Tagging: Always opt for a Dash Cam with GPS tagging as this captures important data about the precise location an incident occurred along with the speed you were travelling providing insurance companies and police with more information about how an accident has occurred.
Look for Value: While a lower cost Dash Cam may be the cheaper option, it may end up costing you more in the long run if it doesn’t capture good quality footage. Look for a Dash Cam that provides value such as warranty, includes extras such as an SD Card and no ongoing fees. It’s also important the Dash Cam you choose can withstand local conditions and has features that suits your needs for example if your car is parked out on the street often, parking mode may be worth considering.
Good luck with your Dash Cam shopping and always stay safe and alert on your drives!