Introduction
As the number of cars continues to increase, driving safety is attracting more attention. Since dashcams can record the driving process in real time and therefore ensure driving safety, they have gradually entered the field of vision of the majority of car owners. This article will introduce the definition, function, working principle, market status, and development trends of dashcams and provide readers with precautions and suggestions before purchasing.
Definition and function
The first use of a dashcam dates back to the 1930s, when H.C. Fairchild of Washington, D.C., invented the first "windshield camera" designed to help police catch traffic violators. The device had three cameras mounted on a vehicle and took still photos as evidence. It also recorded the time and date. In 1939, Officer R.H. Galbraith of the California Highway Patrol became the first officer to film on the job with a personal movie camera.
The dashcam, also known as a vehicle video recorder, is an electronic device that can record the driving process in real time and take pictures of the situation ahead on the road or inside the car. Its main functions include:
- Recording the driving process: Use the camera to capture the driving scene and store it on the built-in memory card in real time for later viewing.
- Sensing a collision: When a vehicle collides, the dashcam can automatically lock and save the relevant video as a basis for determining liability for the accident.
- Providing driving assistance: Some high-end dashcams have functions such as navigation and electronic dogs that provide real-time road condition information to assist drivers in driving safely.
The dashcam has a wide range of applications, including for private cars, taxis, trucks, and other vehicles, as well as for traffic accident investigation, insurance claims, and other scenarios.
Working principle and technology
The working principle of a dashcam mainly relies on core components such as cameras, image processors, memory, and display screens.
- Camera: The camera is responsible for capturing driving images and converting light signals into electrical signals. The higher the resolution of the camera, the clearer the picture taken.
- Image processor: This processes the electrical signals captured by the camera, including color correction and image enhancement, to improve the shooting effect.
- Memory: The memory stores captured video files. Currently, the mainstream dashcams on the market use micro SD cards as storage devices, with capacities up to 64GB, 128GB, or even higher. In addition, the reading and writing speed of the memory cards are also very important. The minimum speed of the V30 memory card can reach 30MB/second. This memory card also has widespread compatibility, can support high-definition video recording, and can save data faster, and provide data security.
- Display screen: This screen displays the shooting field in real time. Some dashcams, such as the HainaTech J30, also support touch operations, making it easier for users to view and set parameters.
For signal transmission, dashcams usually use USB interfaces or HDMI interfaces to connect to smart phones, computers, or TVs to export or play the captured videos. At the same time, some dash cams also support wireless transmission methods, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which facilitate users to view and manage video files through mobile devices such as mobile phones.
Advice on buying a dashcam
Even if you understand the basic operation of a dashcam, you may still have many concerns when purchasing. Here are a few points to consider:
- Resolution: Choose a high-resolution dashcam to ensure clear footage.
- Stability: Choose a dashcam with high brand awareness and stable quality to avoid malfunctions at critical moments. According to our research and analysis, many dashcams are prone to failure in high and low temperatures, so stability is very important.
- Functional requirements: Choose a dashcam with appropriate functions according to your own needs, such as collision sensing, navigation, and electronic dog capability.
- Price factor: Choose a dashcam with high cost performance within a reasonable range and avoid blindly pursuing high-end products.
- After-sales service: Choose brands and products that provide reputable after-sales service so that you can get timely support.
Conclusion
As an important part of a modern car’s safety equipment, dashcams have gradually become a must-have for car owners. Real-time recording of the driving process through high-definition cameras can not only provide strong evidence support when an accident occurs but also assist drivers in improving driving safety.
With the continuous advancement of technology, the functions of dashcams are becoming increasingly rich. The development trend of high-definition, intelligence, and networking has greatly improved the practicality and convenience of dashcams. In the future, with the continuous development of the market and the continuous innovation of technology, dashcams will play an even more important role in ensuring driving safety.