Car dashboard cameras have become quite popular over the past few years. These cameras record videos of the road, which can prove useful in a lot of situations. Some people use it to monitor and improve their own driving, but its main purpose is to provide evidence in case of an accident.
However, with so many options out there, choosing the best dashcam can be difficult – especially if you are buying one for the first time. Through this guide, you will learn more about how it works and what are the benefits of installing a car camera.
Car Cams: Road Safety Meets Vehicle Security
Dashcams are generally attached to the inner side of the windshield with a suction cup. Their purpose is to record audio and video throughout the journey. The engine powers these cams, but a built-in battery allows some cameras to operate in the “sentinel” mode when the engine isn’t running. This mode automatically turns on when it detects any noise or slight movement.
GPS is often integrated into the dashboard cameras to register speed, location and direction. All the recorded images, videos and sounds store in a memory card. Older recordings are generally discarded to make room for new ones. For the safer side, you can also upload the data to the cloud that you want to keep longer.
Dashcams are usually not built-in to the car. You will, therefore, have to purchase it and get it installed. You can connect the dashcam to the car charger or it can be directly connected to the car battery.
What Are the Main Features of a Dashcam?
If you have finally decided to buy a dashcam for your vehicle, there are some essential features that you should consider before sealing the deal.
Sufficient Storage
If you are a frequent traveller and like to go on long road trips, so pick a dashcam with adequate storage capacity. On average, an HD dashcam can record 2 to 3 hours on an 8 GB card. A 16 GB card can have the capacity to store about 6 hours of recording. Furthermore, a 32 GB card is enough for 6 to 12 hours and 128 GB for 20 to 40 hours of recording.
Axis of Rotation
To capture more details, it is crucial to have an automotive camera with a wide axis of rotation. The best dashcams have 360-degree rotation axes. The 360-degree camera installation allows the camera to record the videos in different positions.
Image Stabilizer
If you are travelling on a bumpy road, recordings can be extremely shaky. Considering this factor, it is best to install a good quality dash camera that comes with an image stabilisation system that ensures that the videos look less blurred.
Also, grainy and unclear videos are of no use when it comes to police investigations, legal matters and insurance claims. Choose a dashcam with an excellent camera and higher video resolution.
Night Vision
Another feature that you must consider is night vision. The night vision feature can be beneficial when driving at night. For better results, you can select HDR cameras with a wide dynamic range (WDR). Those cameras can record and process images in low light conditions and digitally enhance the picture definition.
Global Positioning System (GPS)
Many motorists prefer to install car cameras with advanced features such as GPS and speed alerts. The GPS adds speed and location information along with minor details such as date and time. This might seem like some unimportant details, but in case of theft or accident, these details can be very helpful. Moreover, some dashcams have a navigation feature.
How to Install Dashcam in the Vehicle
Before you install the camera in the car, make sure that you have all the required items. The first thing that you need is a dashcam along with the suction cup or a holder with double-sided tape. You will also need a power cable and memory card, while a GPS tracker is optional. To fix the car camera, you will need a screwdriver, duct tape, dashcam cables and stripping pliers. Following are some steps to install a camera in the car.
- Decide the position: The placement of your dashcam is important. For the best coverage, you can place your dashcam right under the rearview mirror.
- Look for Fuse box: How to wire dashcam to fuse box? Most vehicles have fuse box places underneath the dashboard. However, if you are still unable to find it out, you can always check the car’s manual to find the fuse box in your vehicle.
- Start routing: If you are installing a single camera unit, then you will probably need a power cable to the power accessory socket. Depending on the dashcam position, you can also route the wire under the dashboard mat or along with the car’s roof. You can also route it behind the trim panels to completely hide the wiring.
- Install add-a-circuit kit: To make the dash camera work automatically, connect the add-a-circuit kit to the fuse. With this, the dashcam starts working automatically by detecting any minor movement even if the car is not running.
- Check circuit tester: The power must be present only when the ignition key is powered on, which is why it is essential to check the circuit tester if there is power when the ignition key is powered off.
- Add-a-circuit power cable: Remove the fuse by using a pair of pliers and make sure that you also remove the key from the ignition. Later on, install the fuse into the installation kit add-a-fuse circuit.
- Test installation: Tie all the excess wires with the dashcam cable clips underneath the dashboard and go for a drive to check if the camera is working fine or not.
Car Camera Installation in Dubai
If you are driving in Dubai, you must know all the legalities of using a dash camera in the city. According to the Dubai Police, using dash cameras in the city is legal; however, there are some driving rules and regulations in the UAE that vehicle owners have to follow. The law was passed in 2016 where the Federal Traffic Council of the UAE allowed car owners to install dashcams without violating the privacy of the other motorists on the road.
Dubai Police also ran a campaign under the “We Are Police” program to urge motorists to submit any recorded data, videos and photos of traffic violations.
Things to Consider While Using Car Dash Camera in Dubai
There are some limitations of using a dashboard camera that you need to follow if you are living in Dubai.
Use of Car Camera Recording as Evidence
Since the dashcam recording is a piece of hardcore evidence, you can use the footage to report an incident or prove your innocence. Furthermore, after taking the police’s permission, you can also file your insurance and provide the recording if requested.
You can also keep a check on your speed limit and avoid speeding fines in Dubai. Other than personal gains, you can also use the recording and help the authorities investigating and controlling traffic crime.
Legal Limitations
If you are planning to install a car camera, you must know what you can’t do with your camera and its recordings. First and foremost, you are not allowed to post any footage on social media. Also, you are not allowed to share the images and recordings with anyone without asking the police’s permission.
Another important rule that you must keep in mind that you can’t just invade anyone’s privacy. It is a serious offence in Dubai and can lead you to some serious troubles. According to Article 378 of the UAE Penal Code, if a person takes photos in restricted areas can result in a 3-month jail or a fine of up to 5,000 AED, while publishing anyone’s picture without their consent can result in 6 months of jail custody and a fine of up to 500,000 AED. So, be responsible while using your car’s dashcam.
Professional Car Camera Installation Companies in Dubai
People living in Dubai can get their dashcam installed by a number of companies offering professional services. Following are the companies providing dashcam installation services in the Emirate.
FOS Automotive Concepts
Address: Al Qouz Industrial Area 3, Dubai
Contact Number: +971 563146062, +971 504588986, +971 552372379
AGME Dash Cams
Address: Workshop 4, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Contact Number: +971 04 380 6004
Car Planet
Address: Showroom # 3, Brashy Building, 19th Street, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Contact Number: +971 50 253 9767
Autoglass
Address: Warehouse # 4, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Contact Number: 800-288645277
Directed Auto Accessories UAE
Address: Umm Ramool, 13th Street, Dubai
Contact Number: 052-9798935
Cost of a Car Dashcam in Dubai
The prices vary from brand to brand and according to the features that the camera offers. Generally, it can start from AED 200 and go up to AED 1000 or more depending on the features. For instance, a Tryace dashcam with a 170-degree wide-angle, night vision, loop recording and motion sensor can cost around AED 200, while the Vantrue N2 Pro costs around AED 800.
Similarly, the starting price of Xiaomi 70mai is AED 460 in the UAE, while Nextbase 3052 with an ultra-clear 1.5 inch LED screen can cost you AED 399. However, the installation prices depend on the camera as some advanced cams are a little trickier to install than the simple ones.
Reasons to Install Car Camera
Installing a dashcam in your vehicle is like having an eyewitness throughout the journey. Key reasons to install a camera are as follows:
- Record Accidents: The recordings make it easier for the police and car insurance providers to find out who was at fault.
- Provide Security: Secondly, dashcam installation can record images of any vandalism and theft of your car. For maximum security, purchase a camera that works even when the engine is off.
- Record Road Trips: If you drove past something interesting that you couldn’t stop to see and enjoy. You can relive and revisit it with your dashcam recording.
- Improve Driving Skills: You also have the option to review your driving style or that of other motorists. For example, if you want to improve your driving style, you can take the old driving footage out and see your presence behind the wheel. Frequent reviews can help you to become a better driver.
- Enforce Accountability: Dashcam doesn’t only record the accidents but also creates a strong sense of accountability for reckless drivers.
This sum up our guide on car camera installation with all legalities you should keep in your mind before installing the car camera in Dubai. If you are finding difficulty in installing a rearview camera, give this guide a read.
If you are buying a used car in Dubai and concerned about additional safety then you can install a car dash camera in the vehicle. Aside from such accessories, you can find a variety of auto parts in Dubai at dubizzle.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s leading auto blog for more guides on car upgrade, repairs and maintenance.
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