Dash Cams are the best way to capture footage of your surroundings while driving, which can be incredibly valuable if you are involved in a collision or other incident.
However, with so many varied options on the market, it’s easy to get confused about which products are great and which are duds.
Below, we’ve rounded up our picks for the best dash cams currently on the market in Australia.
Our top pick: Garmin 66W Dash Cam
The super-discreet Garmin 66W is every bit the innovative car accessory it is marketed to be.
With a 2 inch viewing display and HDR 1440p footage, customers will love what this super-smart device is capable of.
Voice control, WIFI and Bluetooth means the dash cam is easy to use, and with an ample 180 degree field of view, the product is extra-effective where it counts.
Collision, lane departure and speed camera alerts help improve driver awareness and safety. Should the worst happen, an incident detection and recording feature ensures easy incident analysis.
The device also accepts MicroSDHC in various sizes so everything is recorded for use as and when you need it.
Pros
- Records using HD 1080P
- Comes with everything you need to get the most out of it
- Multiple settings to use it however you need
Cons
- Updates on the app could be behind at times
- Re-mounting regularly could weaken product build strength
Also great: Thinkware F800 Pro Dash Cam
The F800 pro dash cam from Thinkware has a complete ultra-wide angle 140 degree HD camera facing the front, using 1080p and a high quality Sony sensor, as well as sound recording technology.
Drivers will love the night vision feature which means that even in low-light, the footage taken is clear.
The product is also extremely easy to use, with three recording modes, access to the Thinkware app, WIFI and built-in GPS speed and location recording.
For ultimate user convenience, the dash cam comes with all the accessories you need to get the most out of it. Along with the high-quality camera itself which is very easy to mount, you also get a 16GB micro SD card and anti-glare filter.
Pros
- Records using HD 1080P
- Comes with everything you need to get the most out of it
- Multiple settings to use it however you need
Cons
- App may not be updated as often as you would like
- Certain camera modes may not record incidents immediately
Best Value: Nextbase 222 Dash Cam
Leading dash cam retailer Nextbase offer drivers their next generation of dash cam, which is 35% smaller than previous models.
As well as being extremely small and discreet, the camera is also wireless taking power from the Click&Go mount, which is super-convenient.
Users will also appreciate the IPS screen recording which is crisp and clear, particularly in HD mode. Any footage you need can be easily viewed and shared using the handy Nextbase app.
Although the compact, simple camera doesn’t have many of the bells and whistles you see with more complex cam types, it does have a parking sensor and aid which is well designed.
As well as high-quality, easy to access footage, the addition of a reliable parking sensor is welcome.
Pros
- Compact and discreet
- Click&Go design makes mounting and demounting easy
- High-quality footage
Cons
- Lacking in extra features
- Item may not be as durable as competitors
Garmin Dash Cam Mini
The attractively designed mini dash cam from Garmin packs a punch despite its tiny key sized dimensions. The highly discreet product records in no less than 1080p using a 140 degree wide angle lens.
Customers will love that the high-quality footage recorded can be easily uploaded onto the Garmin drive app using built-in Bluetooth and WIFI connectivity.
If you use more than one camera, the app will sync the footage for you, showing you any incidents or time frames from multiple angles.
Drivers who like flexibility of accessory positioning will like that the cam can be connected to the included dual USB cable for upward or downward routing.
Pros
- Discreet key-sized product
- Comes with dual USB cable
- Can be synced with up to 4 other cameras
Cons
- Parking mode only works with parking mode cable sold separately
- Image quality drops in low-light
Motorola MDC150 Dash Cam
The windscreen-mounted Motorola MDC150 is designed to do what it says on the tin, and do it well. The handy dash cam records high-quality, 1080p footage with a 140 degree wide angle lens.
The footage is recorded on a loop and locks to save any video taken during a detected collision or incident. Low-light detection means that even at night, clear footage can be collected with ease.
Users will appreciate that the product also comes with a rechargeable battery and car charger, so you can get started recording your journey’s right away.
Pros
- Good-quality footage
- Easy-to-use suction mount
- Collision detection feature saves important footage
Cons
- Product does not have any extras
- Heavier weight because of the higher quality
Dash Cam Buyer’s Guide
Buying a dash cam can be a tricky task because you need the product to do a truly important job.
Just one unrecorded collision could cost you thousands in misdirected blame, so if there’s one thing you want to spend your time choosing wisely, it’s your dash cam.
To help you choose the best dash cam for your needs, take a look at these handy hints:
Reliability
Car accidents cost Australia $27 billion AUD annually, and dash cameras are designed to help you avoid footing the bill for an incident where you were not to blame.
It is unthinkable to imagine buying a dash cam that fails to record an incident, and yet, it happens. Don’t let it happen to you – check that the product is reliable.
As well as checking reviews, look for failsafe features like cloud backup, automatic collision recording and speedy collision detection.
Features
Some dash cams are designed to help prevent collisions and incidents with handy alert systems, parking guidance and other features.
Are you only interested in an action camera that reliably records any crime or incidents?
If you don’t need the extra features and software, don’t pay extra for them and instead look for the best product to provide the core feature of a dash cam.
Discretion
Cheaper dash cams may be bulkier and heavier, and therefore easier to spot.
If discretion is your priority, look for small cameras that can be easily mounted without being easy to see.
It may cost more, but if it is a top priority, there are some smart and small options for you to choose from.
Viewing Capabilities & App
It isn’t all practical when it comes to dash cam use, sometimes there is pleasure to be had in the associated technology.
Most dash cams use an app to which you can upload your footage, but some viewing capabilities are really detailed.
Some apps allow multiple viewing angles, slow-motion or advanced sharing options.
If the phone app is just as important as the cam itself, utilise sharing platforms online to see what you can expect from different retailers.
Quality-Of-Image
If you want a basic safety gadget ‘just-in-case’ then you don’t need exceptionally high quality, wide-angle footage.
However, if you drive expensive cars, drive a lot or your work is high risk for collisions, such as being a driving instructor, you should opt for the best possible footage quality.
Look for wide angles, anything above 1080p full HD video, and in particular, good low-light night-vision quality. You might also want to consider a rear-facing camera for extra coverage and protection.
Choosing the right dash cam is worth the extra time because it could save you thousands if you are unlucky enough to be involved in vehicle damage, or a collision.
Think carefully about how you use your vehicle, how you like to use gadgets, and the type of vehicle you drive.
This should go a long way to helping you choose the perfect dash cam for your needs.
Verdict
At the end of the day, the best dash cam for you will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. For us, the Garmin 66W Dash Cam is the pick of the bunch thanks to its feature-rich interface and ease of use.
