Dashcams are useful car accessories that protect your vehicle. Their primary purpose is to record evidence of anything that happens while driving. If you are in an accident, a dashcam can help to prove who was at fault.
Dashcams are widely available, but some people opt to use action cameras for the same purpose. This is beneficial because action cameras have multiple purposes, while a dashcam is only suitable for cars.
An action camera can certainly be used as a dashcam, but is it a good idea? Here are six reasons it's not.
What Are Dashcams?
Dashcams are cameras specifically designed for cars. They record everything that happens directly in front of your vehicle. In addition, they are usually equipped with GPS, which allows a vehicle's speed and location to be attached to each video.
They typically plug into your vehicle and therefore don't need a battery. They are designed to start recording automatically when you start driving, making it easy to record every trip you take. Some dashcams also have a parking mode which acts as a surveillance camera while the vehicle is parked.
What Are Action Cameras?
Action cameras are small cameras that are typically used to record sports. They are designed to be worn on your body or easily carried on the end of a rod. They are highly durable.
They also have strong image stabilization. People often use action cameras to record themselves because the image stabilization removes any shaking from the video. They were originally designed for sports, but due to their size and ease of use, they are also popular for vlogging.
Why Are Action Cameras Being Used as Dashcams?
Action cameras are similar to dashcams and can often record identical footage. If you already own an action camera but don't use it very much, it is possible to use it as a dashcam.
Action cameras are easy to install in a vehicle because they can usually be mounted on anything. Some action cameras have GPS. This allows them to record a vehicle's speed and location. Action cameras also have sufficient resolution and image stabilization to provide high-quality recordings.
6 Reasons You Shouldn't Use an Action Camera as a Dashcam
An action camera is capable of recording your driving. Unfortunately, they don't have any of the added features that make dashcams easy to use, as they simply were not designed for this purpose. So, here are six reasons not to use an action camera in place of a dashcam.
1. Action Cameras Use Batteries
Action cameras have reasonably good batteries, but they cannot compete with dashcams. Many dashcams connect directly to your vehicle and therefore don't run out of battery ever. Depending on how often you drive, an action camera battery will have to be replaced regularly. This isn't just inconvenient. It means that you'll often be driving without a camera.
2. Action Cameras Are Not Automatic
Action cameras need to be switched on every time you want to start recording. Even if you leave the action camera in your vehicle between journeys, you'll still have to start it up every time you start driving and turn it off when you arrive. This is compared to dashcams that start recording automatically when you turn on the engine. They also stop when you do to save on memory. This isn't a big issue for recording individual trips, but it isn't practical for everyday use.
3. Action Cameras May Invite Theft
Dashcams are designed not to attract attention. They can be installed in such a way that people won't see them even while looking directly at the windshield. Action cameras are not as inconspicuous. After installing an action camera, it's usually easy to see it. The other problem with action cameras is that they are often more expensive than dashcams. Action cameras are also more popular and therefore easier to resell. Adding an action camera to your vehicle might encourage people to break into it.
4. Action Cameras May Not Withstand a Hot Day
Action cameras are highly durable but aren't supposed to be used in cars. This means that they may not be suitable for the high temperature in a car on a hot day. Keep in mind that the camera is often stored in direct sunlight. In comparison, dashcams have been specifically designed for this exact situation and can be left in a hot car indefinitely.
5. Action Cameras Don't Have Parking Mode
Many dashcams have a parking mode, allowing the dashcam to act as a surveillance camera while the vehicle is parked. Parking mode is popular because parked vehicles are often damaged, and a dashcam can explain what happened and provide proof for insurance purposes.
Parking mode usually starts automatically when a vehicle is turned off. It uses less power and memory than usual because it doesn't record unless something happens. This is achieved using impact and motion detection. Some dashcams are also cloud-connected, allowing you to access the dashcam on your phone and receive an alert if motion or impact is detected.
6. Action Cameras Don't Have Night Vision
Action cameras can be used to record at night, but it isn't something that they are designed for. Because of this, they may not record something that happens at night in sufficient detail. This is in comparison to dashcams which are not only designed for recording at night but often have night vision.
Dashcam vs. Action Cam: There's Only One Choice
An action camera can record driving, and if it records an incident successfully, you'll be happy that you were using it. But if you want a camera that can record all potential incidents with the least amount of work, a dashcam is the better option.
Dashcams allow you to record your driving automatically and keep your car safe while parked. Action cameras are useful for many purposes but they do not have the special features that make dashcams so convenient to use.
Dashcams are also quite affordable and have the potential to save you money if your car is damaged. It's therefore worth buying a dedicated device for your car, even if you already have an action camera.