Introduction
DVRs for automobiles, popularly known as dash cams, have become a very useful addition to automotive electronics due to their impact on road safety and the ease they provide to car owners. These small devices can record the footage of the journey, act as proof in case of collision, or act as a security device when the car is parked. There are two types of dash cam power supply methods: one is an internal battery, and the other is an external input connection.
Should you select a dash cam with an internal battery, or do you attach it to the car? This question will be answered later in the article which explains the advantages and disadvantages of these dash cam power sources in depth and allows you to pick the most optimal power supply requirement for your driving recorder.
Advantages of Built-in Batteries Dash Cam
A built-in battery dash cam is a battery-powered device that does not require the car’s battery for power supply. Such devices have the advantage that additional installation of the device is not required as it still works even when the ignition is switched off.
Recording When the Car Is Turned Off
One of the best benefits of built-in battery dashcams is that they can record videos even when the engine is off. This is particularly useful to video an event that happens when the vehicle is parked, such as a car theft or an accidental collision with another vehicle and the driver just leaves without giving any contact information.
Parking Surveillance
Built-in battery dash cams are an ideal case for parking surveillance because if your vehicle is parked at a risky location then the dash cam can be activated and recorded whenever there is motion or impact thus ensuring safety when parking.
Disadvantages of Built-in Battery Dash Cam
Performance in Extreme Temperatures
The compelling issue built-in batteries have is their performance in extreme heat or during winter. High temperature may lead the battery to age low and cold weather may also lead to battery capacity reduction thus affecting the performance of the dash cam.
Safety Hazards
There are some concerns with the built-in batteries since this could lead to overheating of the battery, swelling of the battery, or even an explosion especially if the dash cam is kept under sunlight for a very long time or if excessive heat is present.
Lifespan and Maintenance
Built-in batteries come with an expiration date; over time, maintenance will be required. There will come a time when a battery replacement will be necessary, increasing the cost of ownership over time.
Advantages of Car Power Connection Dash Cam
The dash cam mounted on the car is wired to the vehicle’s electrical system, allowing it to receive direct power, and this makes it resistant to any sort of interruption. HainaTech D88 and J30 dash cam models are some of those that take advantage of stable power supply and deliver as expected for short and medium-distance trips.
Temperature Resistance
The worst thing about battery-powered dash cameras is the fact that they have a built-in rechargeable battery, which makes them unstable in extreme conditions. These car power connection cameras can be used in diverse weather conditions and do not lose their functionality in the cold of winter or the scorching heat of the summer months.
Safety
Dashcams that are powered by the car’s battery and are plugged into the car's power are free of risks like overheating, swollen, or bursting which makes them a better option. No one wants to deal with matters that concern people's safety and as a result of this, the safety of the car is enhanced while at the same time reducing worries about battery exploding.
Disadvantages and Solutions for Car Power Connection
Battery Dependence
The risk of draining the car battery is one drawback of car power-connected models. This is particularly risky if the car is off but the dash cam is operational.
Solutions
To tackle battery drain and avoid similar situations, a low-voltage protection device can be installed. This actual device protects against over-discharge of the car's battery by automatically switching the dash cam to standby mode when the pressure on the battery drops below a critical level, thus preserving the charge on the vehicle's battery and allowing the device to be used without interruptions.
Conclusion
In comparing built-in battery dash cams and those that are connected to the car's power source, the latter seems more promising as both have cons. While built-in battery dash cams offer users the flexibility of turning the camera and recording for a time duration even after the car is switched off, they are likely to suffer performance issues when temperature extremes are present or pose some hazards like overheating.
Contrarily, a dash cam connected to the car's power line with adequate fuses is relatively more stable and secure as it is not affected by temperature.
Out of all the devices available, HainaTech’s Dash cams with an external power supply can be used in the long term for a driver’s peace of mind as they pose no threat to stability. They are fitting for most environments and provide peace of mind and durability. In the end, pick the option that best fits your requirements as well as your configuration of the vehicle.