The Best Dashcams for Your Car

Are you worried about your safety on the road? Do you think you need extra protection against any eventuality? Fortunately, technology is on your side, and all you need to do is install a camera. Any smartphone with its main lens active is usually enough, but the market offers a wide range of “dashcams” that, besides protecting their owners, have also captured truly impressive situations around the globe.

The vast majority of videos obtained through dashcams and published on portals like YouTube have a common element: Russia. From ridiculous scam attempts to bribes in broad daylight, spectacular accidents, and the unforgettable Chelyabinsk meteor, Russia has become a kind of “country-scale reality show” thanks to the impressive number of dashcams in circulation.

Why does this happen? If we combine the aforementioned police corruption with people who throw themselves at vehicles to get money as compensation for injuries, and the nefarious practices of some local insurance companies, going out with a dashcam is not a luxury but an obligation. As a Russian activist said in 2012: “You can get into your car without pants, but never without a camera.” The most interesting thing is that anything with a lens and sufficient resolution can act as a dashcam. Smartphone, tablet, point-and-shoot with video mode? That should cover the tightest budgets, but if you prefer dedicated hardware, here are five suggestions:

Transcend DrivePro 200

If your first dashcam should be something that doesn’t fall into the territory of generic products, then you might want to take a closer look at the Transcend DrivePro 200. It records in 1080p30 without issues, has a sensor that activates recordings at critical moments, WiFi to download videos without dismounting the camera, a 16 GB card, and supports up to 24 volts, in case you prefer to use it in a truck or other heavy vehicle. (92 euros)

Cámara Excelvan 14 MP

Clearly inspired by the GoPro format, the Excelvan 14 MP camera not only does an excellent job in sports, but its manufacturer also recommends it as a dashcam. Its internal 900 mAh battery allows it to do without (at least for a while) its connection to the car’s power outlet, it also has WiFi, and an HDMI output to connect it to a TV. All you need to add is a memory card. (49 euros)

Garmin Dash Cam 20

The investment in a dashcam doesn’t have to be that high, but I know there are many users out there who prefer the protection of a recognized brand and a certain “premium” when it comes to support. These details bring us directly to the Garmin Dash Cam 20, which includes a 2.3-inch screen, suction mount, 4 GB memory card (48 minutes of video in 1080p), internal battery, incident sensor, and even GPS. Expensive, but complete. (180 euros)

AnyTek AT11DA

If we consider both its specifications and its final price, the AnyTek AT11DA targets all those users who want a “middle ground” in dashcams. It can record in 1080p at 30 FPS and supports memory cards of up to 32 gigabytes. Its internal battery is small (it lasts half an hour), but it should easily cover short trips, and if space is limited, you can configure the camera to rewrite data in blocks of different lengths. (70 euros)

Cámara RAGU 12 MP

Finally, another option that is up to the task and won’t put a hole in your pocket. The RAGU camera delivers a maximum resolution of 12 megapixels, 1080p30 recording, 2.7-inch screen, 170-degree angle, and a 200 mAh battery, though its car charger connector should eliminate any power concerns in the short term. As a bonus, the RAGU camera includes a 16 GB memory card. (70 euros)

That’s all for now. Have you recently purchased a dashcam that you’d like to see included on the list? Any reason to adopt or avoid a specific model? As always, comments are open. Good luck!