Modern technology has provided a number of new features to today’s vehicle camera systems. Gone are the days of grainy footage and limited capabilities, as they’ve made way for a new era of 24/7 surveillance, built-in GPS, WDR technology, dual camera systems, and so much more.
While this provides a bevy of benefits to drivers looking to invest in-vehicle camera systems, it also presents some confusion, as those who are new to vehicle camera systems may not know quite what to look for with all the different options now available.
Features And Pricing
When it comes to meeting your desired vehicle camera systems budget, it’s also important to note that the features your system has will directly impact the price you’re going to pay.
Naturally, vehicle camera systems that boast more or higher-tech features will be a bit costlier than those that are more “bare bones” in what they offer, but breaking down what you really need with what you’d like to pay will present plenty of options.
One such unit that “has it all”, so to speak, is the Thinkware F200D which is priced at just under $190. This line of vehicle camera systems has all the basic features like G sensor and night vision technology, but with added specs such as GPS capabilities and 24/7 surveillance along with a simple to use LCD touch screen.
If you’re looking for something more basic, however, like the Kenwood DRV A301W, which has the added benefit of WiFi technology and Android or iOS smartphone apps, your budget can be under $100.
Features To Fit Your Need
Before breaking down the best features of today’s vehicle camera systems, you’ll first want to consider what exactly you want your system for. Someone who wants a system to record footage in their van or truck will have different needs than the person with the sports car, and the driver who wants to record their road trip will be seeking out something different than the one who wants stealthy accident liability protection.
One of the first steps you should take when first deciding to invest in-vehicle camera systems is doing your research into just what you need the system for and how you want the system to work for you.
Most Popular Features In 2024
The best way to determine the features to look for in today’s vehicle camera systems is to investigate some of the most popular modern system features and just what they bring to your experience.
This will allow you to break down which features will be best for your needs and your use, as well as which may not be as worthwhile to you if they add a good deal more to the asking price. A few of today’s most popular vehicle camera systems features include:
- WDR technology – WDR technology stands for Wide Dynamic Range, and what this feature does is auto-adjust vehicle camera systems to account for different lighting conditions seamlessly. Whether you’re driving in the daytime or nighttime, your footage won’t be obscured by the lighting around you. This is particularly beneficial for those who drive a good deal at nighttime, or who may live in areas where the weather can change in an instant. Going from a bright and sunny day to a dark and stormy day in an instant won’t be a problem, and your footage will remain visible, usable, and high quality. One such line of vehicle camera systems that use WDR technology is the Garman Dash Cam 46, which also boasts a stealthy design and wide camera angle for any type of vehicle or any type of use.
- G Sensor – G sensor technology is a feature found in most of today’s high-tech vehicle camera systems, and the job of the G sensor is to detect a collision and lock in footage that can’t be automatically overwritten. The G sensor ensures that you won’t need to worry about having the accident footage you need in order to present it as evidence in court and that this footage cannot be deleted without your manual doing so. The Rexing V1P is an affordable line of vehicle camera systems that has a great example of G sensor technology for a cheap price.
- GPS – GPS vehicle camera systems are becoming increasingly common in today’s modern units, and this feature comes in handy for more than a few reasons. Not only does it make your vehicle camera system double as a navigation unit, but many of these also geo-tag your footage with your location and speed. The Roav C2 is a great example of a line of vehicle camera system that uses GPS to its full ability while also providing high-quality footage and user-friendliness.
- 24/7 Surveillance – If your vehicle is often parked out of your sight, or you’ve had experiences with vandalism or break-ins, today’s vehicle camera systems may also offer 24/7 surveillance to keep watch on your vehicle when you cannot. The Rexing GW101 is just one of these systems that offer easy 24/7 surveillance, and its aforementioned GPS capabilities even tag this footage with where your car was located during the time footage is taken.
- WiFi Capabilities – It seems that WiFi is taking over everything today, and this even rings true in the world of vehicle camera systems. In-vehicle camera systems, WiFi gives drivers the ability to use their camera through their smartphone with iOS or Android applications, which is particularly beneficial for those who are comfortable with their smartphones but may be wary of tackling brand new technologies. WiFi capabilities can also allow users to upload and view footage in real-time, and without having to go back through the footage they don’t want to see in order to get the clips they do. One line of vehicle camera systems that uses WiFi capabilities is the Cobra SC 201, which is also one of the most reasonably priced basic models at under $40.