A Dashcam is a small action cam which is mounted on the dashboard, alternatively it can be mounted on a windshield.
The photo sensor captures the field of view in the front of the vehicle. The resulting videos are then stored on a memory card, so that in case of an accident, the evidence in court can be improved. The data protection law is problematic here.
However, the extent to which the recordings are admissible in court is controversial and often not permitted. However, the admissibility has now been relaxed somewhat, as the Federal Supreme Court decided in mid-2018 that Dashcam recordings can certainly be admitted as evidence.
This does not mean, however, that every recording may be exploited; the judges would now have to decide this themselves in each individual case.
How a Dash Cam works
In principle you can use any video recording device as a Dash Cam. Especially abroad, simple action cameras are often used for this. In fact, real Dash Cams have some important features that distinguish them from normal cameras.
To find the right Dash Cam for you, you need to understand how such a recording device really works.
Normally, it is sufficient for a camera to simply have a power source, a memory card and a photo sensor to be able to take pictures in traffic.
In our opinion, a Dash Cam needs additional features like loop recording or emergency recording mode.
Loop recording
If the loop mode of a camera is activated or this function is an integral part of it, the oldest file on the storage medium is automatically overwritten when a recording is in progress. This only happens if the memory card has less than 10% free space.
This can be very advantageous with a Dash Cam, as many hours of video material can be gathered here without anything useful being recorded, such as an accident.
Emergency recording mode
Thanks to an emergency recording system, a Dash Cam is only activated when unexpected accidents happen. This can be triggered by a strong braking of the vehicle or by sudden sharp turns.
Field of view of the camera
We recommend using a Dash camera that has a sharp photo sensor with a 170 degree wide angle lens.
The sensor should be able to detect everything that happens in the immediate vicinity in front of the vehicle.
When does the camera start recording
When a camera starts recording depends on which model it is. In many cases, a Dash Cam does not have an extra on/off switch, but is linked to the ignition of the vehicle. So as soon as the ignition is activated, recording starts.
In addition, some models have a function that only starts recording as soon as the shutter release button is pressed, for example in the form of a strong braking manoeuvre or by driving particularly sharp curves. This function is called emergency recording system.
Is a Dashcam really needed or is a normal camera sufficient?
Meanwhile there are also apps for iPhone or Android devices which can be used as a dashboard camera. In our opinion, this is not a good solution.
It is better to use a camera which is coupled with the electrical system of the vehicle and the recording is only started when strong braking manoeuvres or steering operations take place.
On the one hand, this has the advantage that the memory of the dash camera is used much less and the data protection law is not so violated.
Which Dashcams are available?
We have taken a closer look at quite a lot of Dashcams and now we will introduce the most important models to you shortly.
Apeman Dashcam
Thanks to WDF technology and a good photo sensor, video recordings can be recorded with up to 1920 x 1080 pixels at 30 frames per second. In addition, the Apeman Dashcam also allows you to take very clear pictures with a resolution of 4032 x 3024 pixels, which is about 12 MP.
With the suction cup, the cam can be easily mounted on the inside of the window pane of your car. So you have a very good view on the integrated screen, which is located directly on the back of the dash camera. The 3-inch LCD display shows the video image in real time, i.e. live.
Another advantage that the Apeman brings with it is the 170 degree wide angle lens, so the wide field of view is maximum in the front area and blind spots are particularly small.
Also integrated is a loop recording, with which old recordings are deleted and overwritten by new ones. There is also a built-in acceleration sensor (G-sensor) that automatically starts video recordings or locks the file before it is automatically overwritten.
The complete system contains a whole range of useful functions and features, including the 6G lens, a night vision function and parking surveillance.
Because the price/performance ratio is particularly good, the Dashcam is very easy to install and has many great ways to use, we can recommend it.
Here on Amazon you can order the Apeman Dashcam!
AUTO-VOX A1 Dashcam with rear view camera
A slightly more expensive model is the AUTO-VOX A1 car camera. However, here not only 1 photo sensor is used, but 2 pieces. The front camera films the front area of the vehicle and the rear camera films the rear area.
What is really ingenious about the front camera is the possibility to rotate the photo sensor system by 270 degrees. This way, great video recordings can be made both inside and outside the vehicle. In addition, the video image is shown on the display in real time. This way you can, for example, also partially see the area of the back seat without having to turn your head backwards.
Both cameras deliver first-class video, the front cam has a resolution of about 1080P and the rear camera 720P.
The rear camera is not only waterproof, but has a wide angle of 140 degrees in its horizontal position.
TF cards between 32 and 128 Gbyte of class 10 can be used for storage, but they are not included in the scope of delivery.
Of course this dash camera is very unusual, but it is also very suitable for vehicles where the view into the rear area is blocked by the load or the construction of the car.
The image quality is impressive, the customer reviews almost through the bank away positive and also the latency of the image transfer is quite low.
We can therefore recommend this Dash-Cam to anyone who also needs a rear view camera. Of course the price is a bit higher, but you really get a great camera system.
On Amazon you can order the cam here!
iTracker GS6000-A12 Car camera
Thanks to the high quality Ambarella A12L55 processor, the GS6000-A12 Dashcam iTracker can generate a bit rate of up to 19 Mbps. This high quality chipset enables a very high video and image processing quality, but it also has its price.
In the cradle with which you can mount the Dash-Cam, there is also a GPS antenna integrated. This antenna determines the exact position and speed of the vehicle.
As far as the resolution is concerned, you can set different formats here: 2560 x 1440 at 30 fps, 2304 x 1296 at 30 fps or Full HD 1080p at 60 fps.
The higher the resolution, the higher the memory load, of course, but you will also benefit from improved video quality.
Recording starts automatically when the engine is started and ends as soon as it is stopped again.
Additionally, as it is often usual, a loop-recording is integrated. You can choose between 2, 3, 5 minutes and unlimited loop.
In our opinion, this is a really successful model, only the price is a little high, but the quality is good.
Here on Amazon you can order the camera for your car!
AUKEY Dashcam
With the Aukey Dashcam you get a camera which you can easily and comfortably mount on the inside of your windscreen with the help of the 3M adhesive pad.
The Dashcam can be quickly and easily connected to the included car charger with 2 ports.
The model also has a practical memory management feature. If you have selected the endless recording mode, the camera records continuously. This results in data segments of videos with a length of about 10 minutes. Old video files are simply overwritten when the SD card reaches its memory limits.
There is also a mode in which the camera starts recording by motion detection.
Recording is done with the help of a high-quality CMOS sensor from Sony. This is the IMX323 with 2.19 MP. You can set the following resolutions for video recording: 1080P at 30 frames per second, 720P at 60 fps, 720P at 30 frames per second, WVGA and VGA.
In addition, a 1.5 inch LCD screen is also installed.
We hadn’t known the manufacturer Aukey until now, but it offers many advantages. Customers can rely on a 24-month warranty, which applies to all products of this brand.
You can purchase the Dashcam model on Amazon under this link!
Okeey Dash Cam with LCD screen
If you are looking for a cheaper camera model, you can use the Okeey Dash Cam. This is a very affordable cam with many features, such as motion detection, parking monitor, loop recording, night vision and accelerometer (G-sensor).
Especially for people with 2 left hands the installation of the camera is easy and fast.
Simply insert an SD card, set the date and license plate stamp, attach the camera to the inside of the windshield and you’re ready to shoot.
You also have the possibility to set all functions with the help of the control buttons. However, these are located under the camera.
In the menu you can set the maximum length of the videos and which additional functions you want to use.
For example, you can set the emergency recording mode in which the camera automatically records unexpected driving accidents or sudden manoeuvres and then starts recording.
Here on Amazon you can get this camera for a very good price!
SuperEye Dashcam: Ideal car camera with night vision
This Dashcam with motion detection is especially suitable for night drives. At the moment it is also available at a reduced price on Amazon.
The camera uses a Sony IMX323 photo sensor, which has an improved quality thanks to WDR.
Especially in low light conditions, the SuperEye Dashcam captures every detail. So you can also record high-quality videos at night and digitally capture a possible accident.
Very convincing is the professional workmanship of the model. At the same time the price is in the middle range and the installation is easy.
Of course, the car camera has a loop function, a built-in acceleration sensor, motion detection and parking monitoring.
As for the G-sensor, the camera starts recording only when an event occurs and is detected by the sensor. If the camera’s memory is full, the oldest file is simply overwritten with a new recording.
You can order the Supereye Dashcam here on Amazon!
Z-Edge Dual Dashcam
The Z-Edge Dual Dashcam has both a front camera and a rear camera, making it ideal for replacing a rearview mirror. Due to the extensive system including parking monitoring, loop recording, motion detection and G-sensor, the price is rather higher. In our opinion, this model is definitely worth it!
The recording quality alone is 2560 x 1440 pixels at a frame rate of about 30 frames per second.
Should both cameras film at the same time, this is possible with a full HD resolution with 1080P.
On the screen, which is over 2.4 inches in size, the images are clearly displayed in real time. The cameras also have a wide angle lens with 150 degrees.
The dimensions of this Dash Cam are also relatively small. So the compact camera does not disturb while driving a car. It also sits securely and firmly in place as it can be attached to the inside of the windscreen using adhesive brackets.
A higher image quality is also guaranteed thanks to WDR technology. This compensates for dark and bright areas of the video image and thanks to the more even exposure, higher video quality is guaranteed even in poor lighting conditions.
The camera system supports memory cards up to a size of 128 Gbyte from class 10. 16 Gbyte memory card is included in the scope of delivery.
You can order the Z-Edge Dual Dashcam here on Amazon!
Vantrue N2 Pro Dual Dashcam
Another dual car camera is the Vantrue N2 Pro Dual Dashcam with Infrator night vision, a high quality photo sensor from Sony and parking surveillance. Another advantage of this camera is the fact that it supports memory cards up to 256 Gbytes and has a microphone.
You can take normal photos as well as videos with the camera. Pictures have a 12 megapixel resolution and videos Full HD 1080P at 30 frames per second.
The camera system is called “Pro Dual” due to the fact that it has a front and a rear camera. The front camera has a wide angle of 170 degrees. The rear camera has a 140 degree angle.
The Sony IMX323 photo sensor with a F2.0 6-glass lens and 4 infrared LED lights is installed here.
There are different modes in which you can use the camera. Among others the 24 hours dual park mode, loop recording and the use of the acceleration sensor.
If the G-sensor detects a collision, the video recording is saved in the “Emergency” folder.
With the loop function, the oldest file is always deleted as soon as the memory space is full. However, you can use memory cards with up to 256 Gbytes and thus record considerably more video material in one go.
The manufacturer provides customer service, offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and an 18-month warranty on the device.
You can currently purchase this Dashcam on Amazon* (click here)
AUTO-VOX D6 Pro Auto Camera Review
The Auto-Vox D6 Pro car camera connects very well to your smartphone thanks to Wifi. It also has gesture control. For example, you can trigger a photo with a simple hand movement. A built-in brightness sensor is used for gesture recognition.
Afterwards you can share the recording on Twitter or Facebook via smartphone.
You can also adjust the camera angle within a range of 300 degrees. This way you can cover a wide range of shots.
Of course, there is also an acceleration sensor that immediately detects accidents and heavy braking maneuvers. The loop recording also ensures that the memory never runs completely full and that the oldest camera recording is overwritten.
The picture quality is great, the price/performance ratio is okay and there is also a parking monitor, night vision and loop recording integrated.
Therefore we can definitely recommend this model. Here on Amazon you can buy the camera for a low price!
Akaso Dashcam Field Test
If you are looking for a cheap car camera with integrated GPS, the Akaso Dashcam might be something for you. Here, the image is captured with an IMX323 CMOS image sensor in highest resolution with 1728 x 1296 pixels.
Installation is easy and the camera is installed on the inside of the windshield. Due to its compact dimensions, the camera is ideal for use behind the rearview mirror.
Thanks to WLAN you also have the possibility to transfer videos in real time to your smartphone.
The camera system also detects emergencies such as collisions via the G-sensor. Old videos are automatically overwritten by the new ones (loop function).
Click here for the product on Amazon!*
TinMiu Dashcam Test
If you are looking for a Dash Cam with a particularly large display, we can warmly recommend the TinMiu car camera.
It is also very affordable and has an extremely robust zinc alloy metal frame. This also protects the electronics of the camera indoors.
Also on board is the so-called loop recording, thanks to which the camera can use the memory space of the micro SD card intelligently.
In case of an accident, the video files will be locked for deletion and you can access them later, or transfer them to your terminal and save them.
For this camera model you can use memory cards with a size of 8 to 32 Gbyte. Also included is a car charger, which you can connect to the cigarette lighter of your car.
Thanks to the 170 degree wide angle lens, the area in front of the vehicle is extensively captured and blind spots are greatly reduced. Recording is done with a Full HD 1080P resolution and a night vision function.
The features, the price and the quality of workmanship are convincing overall, only the size is a small disadvantage, but on the other hand this camera also has a 4 inch screen, a real luxury.
A very recommendable model, which you can buy here on Amazon!
Frequently asked questions
In this category we have once again compiled and answered the most important questions that are asked again and again. Please note that this is not legal advice, but the answers only reflect our own opinion on the topic.
If you need legal advice on how to use Dashcams, we recommend that you consult a lawyer and get legal advice from him.
Is it allowed to film traffic continuously with a Dashcam?
Here the answer is clear: No! It is not allowed to record the traffic continuously. The permanent filming violates the data protection law. Therefore you should only use devices that delete and overwrite the recordings. The safest way is to use Dashcams, which start recording only after a hard braking for example.
Are Dashcams banned in Germany?
Dashcams are not forbidden in Germany, but they are controversial. You should only buy devices that are approved for the German market. Therefore we recommend not to order Dascams from abroad, even if the price is quite tempting.
Using an action camera as a dashcam is also problematic, as it records the traffic all the time.
When may the recordings of a Dashcam be used in court?
Unfortunately, this question cannot be answered so sweepingly. Even if the recording of the camera violates the applicable data protection law, it can be admitted in court proceedings. The judge has to weigh up the seriousness of the data protection violation and the advantage of the recordings with regard to the clarification of the case and then decide.
Am I allowed to film other people committing crimes and report them?
Only the police have the right to make recordings for the prosecution of crimes.
In most cases, the applicable data protection law is violated. Even if an obvious crime has been recorded.
The same problem also exists with surveillance cameras, which, for example, may only record your own property and not the pedestrian walkway, otherwise the data protection law will be broken.
Advantages and disadvantages of a car camera
Advantages:
Nowadays, dash-cam recordings are increasingly used as evidence in court proceedingsModern
car cameras now have many features and modes such as night vision, loop recording and an accelerometer, which makes them easy to useDashcam
can provide crucial evidence in an accident
Disadvantages:
- A grey area in terms of data protection
- Judge may decide at his discretion whether the video may be used as evidence
- The recordings can also be used as evidence against a self
Conclusion on Dash-Cams
In Eastern Europe, dash cams are much more widespread than in Germany, but thanks to the decision of the Federal Court of Justice in May 2018, more recordings by such cameras may be used as evidence in Germany.
There are a few drawbacks to consider before installing a car camera. Few people think about the fact that the recordings could also be used as evidence against themselves.
Meanwhile the technology on the market is so far that there are also systems including a rear view camera and digital rear view mirror, which is especially advantageous for large vans.
As more and more such camera systems are being used in the German-speaking countries, are gaining acceptance and the BGH is becoming more relaxed in its use of dash cams, we are happy to recommend such models.
| Fotoqualität | |
| Videoqualität | |
| Material | |
| Zubehör | |
| Preis-Leistung | |
| Average 0/5 |
