A dashboard camera captures everything that is going on the road in a very accurate way, which allows to understand what caused a car accident if you happen to end up in one. In order to choose a dashboard camera, you need to take into account some specifications. But before we get into all the details, we suggest you check out some ads from owners to buy Jeep Cherokee or any other car if you are looking for a replacement of your vehicle.
So, dashboard cameras can be stationary and such that can mounted on the rear view mirror. Stationary ones are mounted on the windshield with a suction cup and have a convenient adjustment system that allows to point it in the right direction.
Specifications of dashboard cameras.
1. Video resolution
Under the phrase ” Video resolution, we imply the crispness, that is the detailization of small objects. It is worth remembering that the higher the resolution is, the better the image quality will be. Resolution is measured in pixels. For example, if the resolution of a device is 640-480 pixels – this means that the image is formed by 480 pixels vertically and 640 pixels horizontally.
Types of resolutions:
HD 1280×720 is characterized by high definition. It may be referred to as HD-720.
Full HD 1920×1080 is referred to as HD-1080. With such resolutions, you can read a license plate from a distance of 10-12 meters.
Super HD 2304h1294 is the maximum resolution. A license plate can be read easily from a distance of 13-15 meters.
2. Compression format
This function is used for storing video. Common formats are: MPEG, M-JPEG, MPEG4 and H.264. H.264 (MPEG4 part 10) is considered to be the most modern one. This format gets files of small capacity, with minimal loss in image quality.
3. FPS
Frame rate per second (f / s). To date, the average frame rate is 25-30 f / s. The smoothness of a video will depend on the number of pictures taken with one second. The higher this number is, the better the video will be shot.
4. Sensitivity
The minimum illumination of the subject, in which an image is obtained in good quality. Sensitivity is measured in lux. It is worth remembering that if a dashboard camera has small sensitivity it is good. For example, the sensitivity of 1 lux is considered to be worse than that of 0.5 lux.
A useful feature is HDR (High Dynamic Range), which is designed to improve video quality in challenging shooting conditions (night, bright sun). Via HDR, a dashboard camera takes simultaneously two pictures with different exposures, which are merged into the most balanced one, with no highlights or black spots.
5. Viewing angle
It determines the part of the terrain that will make it into the frame. Its size depends on two factors: the matrix and the focal length of a lens. Most dashboard cameras specify only viewing angle diagonally. It is recommended to choose a camera with a viewing angle of 100-140 grams diagonally and 80-100 grams horizontally (some Nissan cars have such cameras installed). These parameters allow the device to capture the side of the curb, the cars from neighboring lanes as well as road signs.