Is Installing a Dashcam Necessary? Buying Guide and Review

Seeing two adjacent shopping channels simultaneously promoting different brands of dashcams in the evening brought an amused smile to my face.

Speaking of dashcams, their earliest roots probably trace back to Hollywood. Back in the day, shooting car chase scenes required mounting cameras directly onto vehicles (laughs). Meanwhile, in 2004, Microsoft Research launched a research project called “Sensecam”, exploring wearable cameras and related technologies.

This shows there is still tremendous room for growth in dashcam products. One of the greatest strengths of the technology sector in the Republic of China is its ability to rapidly commercialize emerging technologies, having established a foundational market ecosystem over the past few years.

With standard dashcam video quality, we cannot be certain of its evidentiary weight in court. This limitation stems from cost and practical constraints, such as license plate clarity and low-light night recording capabilities. However, when determining accident liability during driving, dashcam footage still carries notable legal utility.

In real-world cases, courts in the Republic of China often invoke so-called “moral responsibility” to require the at-fault party (?) to compensate others for damages.

At the very least, if you can present video footage proving that you were not the primary cause of the accident, you can minimize the risk of criminal prosecution. Achieving that alone satisfies our primary motivation for purchasing a dashcam.

Dashcam Product Survey

The price variance among dashcams currently on the market is astonishing, spanning anywhere from 588 TWD to 16,888 TWD (based on online market rates as of November 3, 2010).

In light of this, I have selected three distinct dashcam models for a baseline comparison: a micro camcorder priced at 588 TWD (hereafter Model A), a dashcam priced at 9,888 TWD (hereafter Model B), and a premium dashcam priced at 16,888 TWD (hereafter Model C).

The sole feature shared by all three models is that none come equipped with a built-in display screen. This sets them apart from many mainstream dashcams on the market, as viewing live footage on a screen is often part of the driving experience for many motorists.

• Model A specifications: 2.0-megapixel CMOS sensor, 2.8 mm focal length, 72-degree field of view, ultra-compact form factor (55 × 28 × 20 mm), basic voice-activated recording, TF card expansion, built-in 260 mAh lithium battery, minimum illumination of 1 lux, up to 100 minutes of recording time, current draw of 120 mA / 3.7 V.
• Model B specifications: 1/4” CMOS sensor, VGA 640×480 resolution, f/2.0 aperture, field of view 140°(D) × 101°(H) × 72°(V), SDHC memory card support, current draw 250 mA / 400 mA, exterior dimensions 118 × 56 × 21.6 mm, 4-hour loop recording, timestamp overlay, audio recording.
• Model C specifications: 32-bit ARM processor (OS: Linux), 1.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, 1/4” sensor format, exterior lens angle of 121°, interior lens angle of 175°, video resolution of 640×480, H.264 video compression, 3-axis G-sensor, mini SD card expansion, current draw 150–300 mA, infrared night vision assist, integrated GPS module, and its headline feature: a speed-trap laser detector. It also packs a host of other miscellaneous capabilities, making it quite a complex device.

While a lengthy list of technical specifications may easily overwhelm ordinary buyers, the most critical criteria for any dashcam boil down to what was mentioned earlier: “video quality” and “night vision”. These two factors serve as the bedrock for accident investigations.

In addition, “recording duration”, “recording mode”, and “battery life” are essential factors to consider when choosing a unit. However, manufacturer-provided numbers are almost always theoretical ideals (to put it mildly). As consumers, it is nearly impossible to tell which unit actually performs well purely based on spec sheets.

As prices vary across today’s market, the built-in feature sets also diverge wildly. That said, Model B feels somewhat overpriced. Certain models priced around 7,000 TWD already include GPS modules and equally capable hardware, whereas Model B’s specs do not display anything particularly distinctive. In sum, vendors would do well to re-evaluate their product marketing strategies.

Dashcam Product Analysis

Most dashcams on the market are designed and sold by third-party manufacturers without vehicle-specific compatibility restrictions. However, if major automakers were to design and factory-install built-in dashcams, it would fundamentally reshape the dashcam ecosystem. Why do I say this? Third-party accessory makers face an insurmountable hurdle: they cannot directly interface with the vehicle’s onboard computer (ECU). Even if aftermarket technicians possess the technical ability to tap into the ECU, consumers would still lack factory warranty coverage, leaving third-party devices confined primarily to the enthusiast aftermarket.

One might ask: why would a dashcam need to interface with the onboard computer?

Interfacing with the ECU would allow recording throttle input, road speed, braking force, and other operational data—essentially transforming the unit into an automotive flight data recorder (black box). Consider an impending crash: if the driver noticed the hazard seconds prior and took evasive action but was still unable to avert collision, courts historically leaned on formulas like “failure to exercise due care” to rule against the driver. While this can seem unreasonable at times, it reflects a legal inclination toward victim protection, perhaps rooted in societal norms. Having black box telemetry alongside video evidence in court would provide substantial, persuasive support for the judge’s ruling.

Fortunately, in real-world everyday usage, dashcams are primarily utilized to reconstruct accident scenes. Even without ECU integration, they retain strong market appeal and meaningful evidentiary weight. Reconstructing an accident scene requires capturing the relative positions and actions of all parties alongside environmental conditions. Consequently, image clarity, resolution, and recording architecture play paramount roles.

Image sharpness and resolution are tightly bound to the optical quality of the lens and the optical sensor resolution. Naturally, higher quality elevates manufacturing costs. Yet few manufacturers highlight optical pedigree to elevate their brand distinction (analogous to Sony’s G Master lenses). The reason is simple: most manufacturers assemble off-the-shelf camera modules with generic peripheral control circuits. As a result, imaging performance varies little across brands. Some vendors even outsource entire circuit designs and production runs to contractors. Therefore, when shopping for a dashcam, it is prudent to request hands-on test footage from the seller to safeguard your wallet and secure a high-performing unit.

Recording mode refers to how data is written to storage, generally divided into interval-based (time-lapse / snapshot) and continuous recording. Interval-based storage captures discrete frames at fixed intervals and plays them back sequentially, saving both power and storage capacity. It demands modest hardware, which translates into lower retail costs. Continuous recording, by contrast, records fluid video without interruption. Whether using dedicated hardware encoders or software compression, continuous recording places much higher demands on the processor. Model C, for example, highlights its 32-bit ARM processor precisely to emphasize this throughput capacity, delivering a seamless playback experience.

While neither mode is universally superior, continuous recording provides far better evidentiary continuity during an accident. It also makes it easy to share interesting road clips online or submit footage of traffic violations to police. When prices are comparable, continuous recording offers significantly greater utility and enjoyment.

Furthermore, some dashcams feature “motion detection”, which automatically triggers recording upon detecting movement in the surroundings. Beyond saving storage, this is invaluable for catching hit-and-runs or intentional vandalism while parked. However, buyers must check whether motion detection operates solely while driving or extends to parking mode (which depends heavily on power management design).

Thoughts and Opinions on Dashcam Products

Among mature technologies, 3-axis accelerometers (G-sensors) and GPS modules could be hailed as killer features for dashcams. Yet from another viewpoint, they are not indispensable. Products offering even richer functionality already saturate daily life—such as dedicated Garmin navigation units, which consumers historically embraced long before dashcams became mainstream.

You might ask: being this discerning, do I merely view dashcams as another category of cheap camcorders? Certainly not.

Dashcams have unique practical value, and features like G-sensors and GPS are entirely justified. However, whether due to manufacturing costs, technical bottlenecks, or vendor mindset, having capable hardware without corresponding software applications often feels like a missed opportunity.

For example, when a GPS module is included, is its sole purpose merely to chime warnings for fixed speed cameras? Some might argue that commercial consumer goods cannot endlessly pile on features. But that comes down to product philosophy—it should all be thoughtfully architected during the initial planning phase. When analyzing why foreign products often seem more refined than domestic offerings, one frequently notices that products manufactured in the Republic of China fall just an inch short of excellence.

Additionally, off-the-shelf camera modules commonly offer horizontal fields of view of only around 72 degrees. Even on models advertised with a 120-degree wide angle, inspecting real-world footage reveals that the captured peripheral view remains inadequate. Some models attempt to bypass this limitation by incorporating swivel mounts so users can manually rotate the lens, but having to guess or rely on luck to capture the crucial angle defeats the purpose.

Innovative Concepts for Future Dashcams

1. Automated Emergency Dispatch via GPS and Cellular: Equip the dashcam with a GPS module for satellite positioning and integrate a cellular module (or wireless pairing with smartphones). When the system detects a collision (via G-sensor software analytics or an SOS emergency button), it immediately alerts the driver’s insurance provider and uploads video clips. The insurer can notify police and dispatch claims investigators directly to the scene.
2. Multi-Channel Wireless Satellite Cameras: Integrate short-range wireless modules such as Bluetooth or Zigbee to link with secondary wireless satellite cameras, streaming and recording across multiple channels. Drivers could mount a wireless camera in the rear trunk area to capture tailgating and rear-end collisions without needing separate main units or running intrusive wiring.
3. Detachable Wireless Lapel Microphone: Support a wireless microphone that records audio. In the event of a collision, the driver can unclip the mic and carry it while inspecting vehicle damage to record conversations with the other party, safeguarding against verbal intimidation or coercion. Additionally, using tri-point wireless signal localization inside the car, the camera mount motor could automatically pan toward the driver’s position outside to film the roadside interaction.
4. Cloud-Based Multi-Angle Incident Reconstruction: Assign each dashcam a unique device ID paired with satellite map management software. Following an incident or upon arriving home, the driver uploads their device ID, video timestamp, and GPS track to a central server. The server cross-references other dashcams uploading footage at matching coordinates and times, assembling a multi-angle footage cluster available for download when parties require external angles of an accident.
5. Front Projection Laser Alignment Marker: Embed a low-intensity front-facing laser calibrated to the optical center of the dashcam, projecting a distinct dot onto the pavement ahead. Novice drivers could use this visual reference point to maintain optimal lane positioning, while motorists could also use it to accurately aim the dashcam lens during installation.

Note that the five concepts outlined above are exploratory ideas selected purely for discussion. No prior-art patent searches have been conducted. As this article is written strictly for non-commercial editorial purposes, it is not bound by provisions of the Patent Act of the Republic of China.

Final Discussion and Conclusion

From early conceptualization to broad consumer commercialization, the dashcam has matured over many years. Advances in optical sensors and digital video processing have lowered production costs to mass-market accessibility while maintaining decent clarity—a genuine boon for drivers everywhere.

In recent years, road observations suggest that driving etiquette has steadily deteriorated. While we cannot control the behavior of others, protecting oneself—both personal safety and financial assets—is an absolute minimum requirement. This reality underpins the rapid surge in dashcam popularity. At their core, dashcams may be inexpensive, utilitarian recording devices, but thoughtful application drives market trends and shapes consumer demand.

Finally, drive safely out there: use your turn signals, do not aggressively tailgate in fast lanes, and avoid recklessly cutting into merge lanes at construction zones just to save ten seconds. Maintain a steady, considerate traffic flow. Safe travels to all!

References and Recommended Reading

1. Traffic Accident Caring Association - Traffic Accident Handling and Rights Handbook
2. Road Safety Portal (Taiwan Province, Republic of China)
3. Hsinchu Safe Driving Education Center
4. Motor Vehicle Accident Compensation Fund