Car dashboard cameras have become quite popular over the past few years. These cameras record videos of the road, which can prove useful in a lot of situations. Some people use it to monitor and improve their own driving, but its main purpose is to provide evidence in case of an accident.
However, with so many options out there, choosing the best dashcam can be difficult – especially if you are buying one for the first time. Through this guide, you will learn more about how it works and what are the benefits of installing a car camera.
Dashcams are generally attached to the inner side of the windshield with a suction cup. Their purpose is to record audio and video throughout the journey. The engine powers these cams, but a built-in battery allows some cameras to operate in the “sentinel” mode when the engine isn’t running. This mode automatically turns on when it detects any noise or slight movement.
GPS is often integrated into the dashboard cameras to register speed, location and direction. All the recorded images, videos and sounds store in a memory card. Older recordings are generally discarded to make room for new ones. For the safer side, you can also upload the data to the cloud that you want to keep longer.
Dashcams are usually not built-in to the car. You will, therefore, have to purchase it and get it installed. You can connect the dashcam to the car charger or it can be directly connected to the car battery.
If you have finally decided to buy a dashcam for your vehicle, there are some essential features that you should consider before sealing the deal.
If you are a frequent traveller and like to go on long road trips, so pick a dashcam with adequate storage capacity. On average, an HD dashcam can record 2 to 3 hours on an 8 GB card. A 16 GB card can have the capacity to store about 6 hours of recording. Furthermore, a 32 GB card is enough for 6 to 12 hours and 128 GB for 20 to 40 hours of recording.
To capture more details, it is crucial to have an automotive camera with a wide axis of rotation. The best dashcams have 360-degree rotation axes. The 360-degree camera installation allows the camera to record the videos in different positions.
If you are travelling on a bumpy road, recordings can be extremely shaky. Considering this factor, it is best to install a good quality dash camera that comes with an image stabilisation system that ensures that the videos look less blurred.
Also, grainy and unclear videos are of no use when it comes to police investigations, legal matters and insurance claims. Choose a dashcam with an excellent camera and higher video resolution.
Another feature that you must consider is night vision. The night vision feature can be beneficial when driving at night. For better results, you can select HDR cameras with a wide dynamic range (WDR). Those cameras can record and process images in low light conditions and digitally enhance the picture definition.
Many motorists prefer to install car cameras with advanced features such as GPS and speed alerts. The GPS adds speed and location information along with minor details such as date and time. This might seem like some unimportant details, but in case of theft or accident, these details can be very helpful. Moreover, some dashcams have a navigation feature.
Before you install the camera in the car, make sure that you have all the required items. The first thing that you need is a dashcam along with the suction cup or a holder with double-sided tape. You will also need a power cable and memory card, while a GPS tracker is optional. To fix the car camera, you will need a screwdriver, duct tape, dashcam cables and stripping pliers. Following are some steps to install a camera in the car.
If you are driving in Dubai, you must know all the legalities of using a dash camera in the city. According to the Dubai Police, using dash cameras in the city is legal; however, there are some driving rules and regulations in the UAE that vehicle owners have to follow. The law was passed in 2016 where the Federal Traffic Council of the UAE allowed car owners to install dashcams without violating the privacy of the other motorists on the road.
Dubai Police also ran a campaign under the “We Are Police” program to urge motorists to submit any recorded data, videos and photos of traffic violations.
There are some limitations of using a dashboard camera that you need to follow if you are living in Dubai.
Since the dashcam recording is a piece of hardcore evidence, you can use the footage to report an incident or prove your innocence. Furthermore, after taking the police’s permission, you can also file your insurance and provide the recording if requested.
You can also keep a check on your speed limit and avoid speeding fines in Dubai. Other than personal gains, you can also use the recording and help the authorities investigating and controlling traffic crime.
If you are planning to install a car camera, you must know what you can’t do with your camera and its recordings. First and foremost, you are not allowed to post any footage on social media. Also, you are not allowed to share the images and recordings with anyone without asking the police’s permission.
Another important rule that you must keep in mind that you can’t just invade anyone’s privacy. It is a serious offence in Dubai and can lead you to some serious troubles. According to Article 378 of the UAE Penal Code, if a person takes photos in restricted areas can result in a 3-month jail or a fine of up to 5,000 AED, while publishing anyone’s picture without their consent can result in 6 months of jail custody and a fine of up to 500,000 AED. So, be responsible while using your car’s dashcam.
People living in Dubai can get their dashcam installed by a number of companies offering professional services. Following are the companies providing dashcam installation services in the Emirate.
Address: Al Qouz Industrial Area 3, Dubai
Contact Number: +971 563146062, +971 504588986, +971 552372379
Address: Workshop 4, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Contact Number: +971 04 380 6004
Address: Showroom # 3, Brashy Building, 19th Street, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Contact Number: +971 50 253 9767
Address: Warehouse # 4, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Contact Number: 800-288645277
Address: Umm Ramool, 13 Street, Dubai
Contact Number: 052-9798935
The prices vary from brand to brand and according to the features that the camera offers. Generally, it can start from AED 200 and go up to AED 1000 or more depending on the features. For instance, a Tryace dashcam with a 170-degree wide-angle, night vision, loop recording and motion sensor can cost around AED 200, while the Vantrue N2 Pro costs around AED 800.
Similarly, the starting price of Xiaomi 70mai is AED 460 in the UAE, while Nextbase 3052 with an ultra-clear 1.5 inch LED screen can cost you AED 399. However, the installation prices depend on the camera as some advanced cams are a little trickier to install than the simple ones.
Installing a dashcam in your vehicle is like having an eyewitness throughout the journey. Key reasons to install a camera are as follows:
This sum up our guide on car camera installation with all legalities you should keep in your mind before installing the car camera in Dubai. If you are finding difficulty in installing a rearview camera, give this guide a read.
If you are buying a used car in Dubai and concerned about additional safety then you can install a car dash camera in the vehicle. Aside from such accessories, you can find a variety of auto parts in Dubai at dubizzle.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s leading auto blog for more guides on car upgrade, repairs and maintenance.
