Dash cams have become increasingly popular among drivers as a way to record their journeys and protect themselves in case of accidents. One common question that arises when installing a dash cam is should I put my dash cam in the front or rear of the vehicle. In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of both placements and help you decide which option is best suited for your needs.
Why Use a Dash Cam?
Dash cams serve as a reliable witness in case of accidents, capturing crucial evidence that can be used in insurance claims and legal proceedings. They also help improve road safety by encouraging responsible driving behavior. When considering whether to place your dash cam in the front or rear, it’s essential to understand the benefits of each placement.
Should I Put My Dash Cam In The Front Or Rear?
Best Front Dash Cams
We understand the importance of having a front dash cam for your vehicle. It provides an extra layer of security and peace of mind while driving. After thorough research and testing, we have compiled a list of the best front dash cams available on Amazon. Our list includes products that offer high-quality video recording, easy installation, and user-friendly features. Check out our top picks below.
Navycrest 4K WiFi Dash Camera
We highly recommend the Navycrest 4K WiFi Dash Camera due to its exceptional video quality and user-friendly features.
Pros
- The 4K lens and Sony sensor provide vivid and sharp footage with up to 2160P resolution.
- The built-in 2.4G WiFi and app control allow for easy pairing with your phone, live video viewing, and album editing and sharing.
- The compact design and simplified installation make it discreet and easy to set up.
Cons
- The 24-hour parking guard function requires an extra hardwire kit (not included).
- The loop recording feature may overwrite important videos if the memory disk reaches its max storage.
- The recommended Samsung microSD card is not included.
The Navycrest 4K WiFi Dash Camera is a great investment for anyone looking for a high-quality dash camera with easy-to-use features. Its 4K lens and Sony sensor provide sharp and clear footage, even in low-light conditions. The built-in 2.4G WiFi and app control make it easy to pair with your phone and adjust settings, while the compact design and simplified installation make it discreet and hassle-free.
One downside is that the 24-hour parking guard function requires an extra hardwire kit, which is not included in the package. Additionally, the loop recording feature may overwrite important videos if the memory disk reaches its max storage. Finally, the recommended Samsung microSD card is not included.
Overall, the Navycrest 4K WiFi Dash Camera is a reliable and user-friendly option for anyone in need of a high-quality dash camera.
BOOGIIO Dash Cam Front
If you’re looking for an affordable and reliable dash cam, the BOOGIIO Dash Cam Front is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 1080P Full HD lens provides outstanding image quality with a broader field of vision.
- The Ultra HD Night Vision feature ensures the clarity of images at night.
- The 170° Wide Angle Dash Cam reduces blind spots and captures more details.
Cons
- The camera doesn’t come with a wall charger, so it can only be charged in the car.
- The camera can fall off the windshield on hot days.
- The camera doesn’t have a rear-view camera.
We recently tried out the BOOGIIO Dash Cam Front and were impressed with its performance. The 1080P Full HD lens provides stunning image quality, and the Ultra HD Night Vision feature ensures that the camera captures clear footage even in low-light environments. The 170° Wide Angle Dash Cam reduces blind spots and captures more details, which is great for safety.
One downside of the camera is that it doesn’t come with a wall charger, so it can only be charged in the car. Additionally, on hot days, the camera can fall off the windshield, which can be frustrating. Finally, the camera doesn’t have a rear-view camera, which some users may prefer.
Overall, we think the BOOGIIO Dash Cam Front is a great option for those looking for an affordable and reliable dash cam. It’s easy to install and operate, and the footage quality is impressive. Plus, with the included 32G SD card and lifetime after-sales support, you can feel confident in your purchase.
ssontong Dash Camera for Car
We highly recommend the ssontong Dash Camera for Car as it is a reliable and affordable option for those looking to purchase a front dash cam.
Pros
- The 3” IPS screen and 170° ultra-wide field of view captures every road condition and license plate details, making it easier to read license plates up to 30 feet away from the vehicle.
- The super night vision and WDR technology ensure full HD recording during the day and night, making it safer to drive in the evening.
- The G-sensor and loop recording features ensure that the evidence is intact in case of an accident. The dash cam also automatically overwrites the oldest videos when the memory card is full, ensuring continuous recording.
Cons
- The dash cam charger uses a USB port, which may not be compatible with all car models.
- The dash cam has a built-in lithium battery that only supports collision detection when parked and can automatically turn on and record video for about 20 seconds, then turn off.
- The dash cam screen may remain on all the time, which may affect driving.
The ssontong Dash Camera for Car is easy to install with its suction cup for the windshield and power supply from the cigarette lighter port. It also comes with a free 32GB SD card, making it easy to use right out of the box. The dash cam is fully covered by a 1-year warranty and lifetime tech support.
Overall, the ssontong Dash Camera for Car is a great option for those looking for a reliable and affordable front dash cam.
Benefits of Front-Facing Dash Cams
Front-facing dash cams provide a clear view of the road ahead, capturing accidents, near-misses, and any traffic violations that may occur. The main advantages include:
1. Comprehensive Accident Recording
With a front-facing dash cam, you can record the entire journey from the driver’s perspective. In the event of a collision or accident, this footage can be critical in proving your innocence and determining fault.
2. Enhanced Parking Protection
Front-facing cameras equipped with parking mode can record any incidents that occur while your vehicle is parked. This feature is particularly useful for hit-and-run situations or vandalism attempts.
3. Wider Field of View
Modern front-facing dash cams often come with wide-angle lenses, ensuring a broader field of view. This allows you to capture more details, such as license plate numbers and road signs.
Benefits of Rear-Facing Dash Cams
While front-facing dash cams have their advantages, rear-facing cameras offer unique benefits that might suit your requirements better:
Best Rear Dash Cams
We understand that driving can be unpredictable, and accidents can happen at any time. That’s why investing in a rear dash cam is a smart choice. It provides you with an extra set of eyes on the road, helping you capture footage of any incidents that occur behind your vehicle. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best rear dash cams available on Amazon. Our team has thoroughly researched and tested each product, so you can be confident in your purchase. Check out our top picks below.
REDTIGER Dash Cam Front Rear Dash Camera
If you want a reliable dash cam that records high-quality footage, the REDTIGER Dash Cam Front Rear Dash Camera is a great option.
Pros
- The dual recording feature captures video of up to Ultra HD 4K(3840*2160P)+FHD 1080P resolutions, which helps you read the key details like road signs and vehicle number plates.
- The dash cam has a built-in GPS and records the driving route, real-time speed, location, etc. You can track on Google Maps via WiFi using the App or with our Windows and Mac GPSPlayer, which will provide further additional evidence if an accident occurs.
- The driving recorder adopts an excellent optical lens with an ultra-large F1.5 aperture and 6 layers, and is equipped with HDR/WDR technology to capture important details clearly under low light conditions.
Cons
- A hardware kit is needed for the 24-hour parking monitor feature.
- The rear wide angle of 140 degrees may not be wide enough for some users.
- The installation process can be a bit tricky.
We recently purchased the REDTIGER Dash Cam Front Rear Dash Camera and were impressed with its performance. The dual recording feature captures clear and detailed footage, which makes it easier to read road signs and vehicle number plates. The dash cam also has a built-in GPS, which records the driving route, real-time speed, location, etc. This is a great feature to have in case of an accident.
The night vision is also impressive. The driving recorder adopts an excellent optical lens with an ultra-large F1.5 aperture and 6 layers, and is equipped with HDR/WDR technology to capture important details clearly under low light conditions. This means that you can still get clear footage even in low light conditions.
However, the installation process can be a bit tricky. It took us a while to figure out how to install the rear camera properly. Additionally, the rear wide angle of 140 degrees may not be wide enough for some users.
Overall, we would recommend the REDTIGER Dash Cam Front Rear Dash Camera to anyone looking for a reliable dash cam that captures high-quality footage. The built-in GPS and night vision features are particularly impressive.
Biuone Dash Camera for Cars
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable dash camera for your car, the Biuone Dash Camera for Cars is a great option.
Pros
- The camera captures clear 1080p footage with its f1.8 aperture and WDR technology.
- The wide-angle front and rear cameras reduce blind spots and capture more details.
- The G-sensor can detect and lock important driving recordings.
Cons
- The camera’s USB cable cannot be used as a charger for the dash cams.
- The camera does not support an app for viewing playback.
- The camera’s battery only supports auto turn on and recording for a short time.
We recently purchased the Biuone Dash Camera for Cars and were impressed with its performance. The camera captures clear footage with its f1.8 aperture and WDR technology, allowing us to playback each detail on the car dash camera or PC. The wide-angle front and rear cameras reduce blind spots and capture more details, making it a great choice for drivers who want to keep a close eye on their surroundings.
We also appreciated the G-sensor, which can detect and lock important driving recordings. The camera’s loop recording function ensures that we never have to worry about running out of storage space, as it comes with a 32GB SD card. However, we did find that the camera’s USB cable cannot be used as a charger for mobile phones or other electronic devices.
Overall, the Biuone Dash Camera for Cars is a great option for drivers who want an affordable and reliable dash camera. While it does have some minor drawbacks, such as the lack of an app for viewing playback and the short battery life, it is still a solid choice for anyone looking to keep their car safe and secure.
Garmin Dash Cam Tandem
We highly recommend the Garmin Dash Cam Tandem for anyone looking for a reliable dual-lens dash camera with excellent video quality and a wide range of features.
Pros
- The two 180-degree field of view lenses provide complete video coverage around the driver, ensuring that all critical details are captured.
- The super HD 1440p front-facing lens records crisp video details, while the 720p interior-facing lens with night vision featuring our exclusive NightGlo technology captures clear video of all passengers at night.
- The built-in GPS and Wi-Fi connectivity allow for easy video viewing and sharing on your smartphone using the Garmin Drive smartphone app.
Cons
- The parking mode may require a cable, which is sold separately.
- The app may be difficult to use for some users.
- The device may generate some heat and the fan may be noisy.
We were impressed with the video quality of the Garmin Dash Cam Tandem, which was clear and detailed even in low light conditions. The two 180-degree lenses provide complete coverage around the driver, ensuring that all critical details are captured. The front-facing lens records in super HD 1440p, while the interior-facing lens has night vision featuring exclusive NightGlo technology to see all driver and passenger activity in any light.
The built-in GPS and Wi-Fi connectivity make it easy to view and share video on your smartphone using the Garmin Drive app. The device also features voice control, allowing you to control the camera hands-free. The charger includes an extra USB port, letting drivers charge their phone on the go.
Overall, we found the Garmin Dash Cam Tandem to be a reliable and feature-packed dual-lens dash camera that provides excellent video quality and complete coverage around the driver.
1. Capturing Rear-End Collisions
Rear-facing dash cams excel at recording rear-end collisions, which are common on busy roads and at intersections. This footage can be valuable when determining liability.
2. Monitoring Inside Passengers
For rideshare drivers or those with passengers, a rear-facing dash cam can help monitor activities inside the vehicle, adding an extra layer of security.
3. Preventing Insurance Fraud
Rear-facing cameras can deter would-be scammers attempting to cause accidents intentionally to claim insurance money.
Should I Put My Dash Cam in the Front or Rear? Which One to Choose
The decision should I put my dash cam in the front or rear depends on several factors. Consider the following aspects:
1. Field of View
If you want a broader perspective of the road and potential incidents ahead, a front-facing dash cam is the way to go. For capturing rear-end accidents or monitoring passengers, a rear-facing camera is more suitable.
2. Accident Recording
Both front and rear dash cams are valuable for accident recording. Assess your daily commute and driving habits to determine which area is more prone to incidents.
3. Parking Protection
If you frequently park in busy areas or places with a higher risk of vandalism, a front-facing dash cam’s parking mode can be beneficial. For rear-end collision protection while parked, a rear-facing dash cam is the better choice.
4. Installation
Installing a front-facing dash cam is usually more straightforward, as it requires mounting the camera behind the rearview mirror. However, installing a rear-facing camera may require professional assistance.
Tips for Proper Installation
Proper installation is crucial to ensure your dash cam functions optimally. Follow these tips:
- Read the user manual thoroughly before installation.
- Place the dash cam in an unobstructed position for the best field of view.
- Use high-quality adhesive or suction mounts to secure the camera.
- Hide the cables neatly to avoid distractions and ensure a clean look.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is It Legal to Use a Dash Cam?
Yes, using a dash cam is generally legal, but it’s essential to familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations to ensure compliance.
2. Can a Dash Cam Improve My Insurance Premiums?
While it depends on your insurance provider, some companies offer discounts to drivers who have dash cams installed.
3. How Much Storage Do I Need for My Dash Cam?
The required storage capacity depends on the resolution and recording duration. Consider a high-capacity memory card for extended recording.
4. Do Dash Cams Record Audio?
Not all dash cams record audio. Be sure to check the specifications if audio recording is essential to you.
5. How Do I Retrieve Footage from My Dash Cam?
Most dash cams allow you to remove the memory card and plug it into a computer to access the footage. Some advanced models offer wireless options for easy retrieval.
Conclusion -Should I Put My Dash Cam in the Front or Rear
Choosing between a front-facing and rear-facing dash cam depends on your individual needs and priorities. Both options offer unique benefits, so carefully consider the factors discussed in this article before making your decision. Installing a dash cam can provide you with peace of mind on the road, improve your safety, and offer valuable evidence when you need it the most.
Doreen