Road Guardians
Dash cams are becoming more popular because they help make your vehicle safer. These cameras can provide first-hand footage of accidents, record the exploits of new drivers, monitor your vehicle in case of theft, upload footage directly to the internet and more. The most advanced models feature real-time traffic warnings, collision alerts and the ability to view traffic behind you. But which of the best car cameras is right for you? Our reviews will help you decide.
Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2
- Pros: Compact design; voice control; wireless capabilities.
- Cons: Hardwiring kit and cloud storage sold separately; no screen for video; no GPS.
Analysis: These reviews will generally start simple, and it’s hard to get simpler than the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2. This small but mighty dash cam has a resolution of 1080p HD, sticks to your windshield without being too obtrusive and has voice control and wifi capabilities. The cloud storage and hard wiring for parking mode are both extra.
Nexar Beam Dash Cam
- Pros: Simple setup and use; solid app; cheap.
- Cons: Not aesthetically pleasing; basic.
Analysis: Nexar prides itself on dash cams designed for safety. The Beam is no exception. It is designed to provide decent footage for insurance companies and evidence. It also alerts you when someone might be breaking into your car thanks to the above-average smartphone app. The benefits stop beyond the basics, though; the wires can be a hassle to deal with, the suction cup mount does not always work and the video does not compare to the Sony Alpha series. It’s utilitarian, not artistic, but does its job.
Redtiger F7N-Plus
- Pros: Cheap; lots of features for the price
- Cons: Hard to install; low-quality SD card.
Analysis: The Redtiger F7N-Plus is a great dash cam for someone who wants more on a budget. Often selling for under CAD 270, this dash cam comes with 1080p 4K video, 3 channels, IR night vision and other features you’d expect from a camera at a much higher price range. The main drawback to this camera is its SD card; some reviewers had much better results with third-party products. It’s not perfect, but the Redtiger F7N-Plus remains one of the best car cameras for the price.
Rove R2-4K
- Pros: Easy to install; tons of features including the best memory capabilities.
- Cons: Hardwiring and parking modes require extra purchases.
Analysis: The Rove R2-4K is another great bargain camera. Its beauty is skin-deep: while it has decent video capabilities, its ability to hold 512 GB of memory makes it shine. Unfortunately, it also has many of the Garmin Mini’s problems, such as being tricky to hardwire. It’s super budget-friendly; in some ways, that shows.
Vantrue N5
- Pros: GPS-marked, crystal-clear, 360-degree video.
- Cons: Large; expensive.
Analysis: The Vantrue N5 places most of its focus on high-quality, 360-degree video. Its combination of cameras allows for crisp, clear footage inside, outside and around your vehicle. That said, it is an advanced camera; it can be difficult to install and may be more than what the average person needs. It won’t be for everybody, but it will be perfect for the right person.
Cobra SC 400D
- Pros: Advanced features, including Alexa compatibility and a user-friendly touchscreen.
- Cons: Expensive; requires further purchases for a full setup.
Analysis: This camera has so many features that it almost made #1 on this list. Along with crystal-clear video both day and night, the Cobra SC 400D comes with real-time traffic monitoring and Alexa compatibility, among other things. It’s pricey at CAD 538 with the hardwire kit but could be the dash cam of your dreams.
Nextbase iQ Smart Dash Cam
- Pros: Comes with everything you could ask for in a dash cam with more features to come.
- Cons: Expensive, both up-front and with a subscription for the best features; bulky.
Analysis: The Nextbase iQ Smart Dash Cam is for people who are serious about protecting their vehicles. Its 4K video and 4G connection create a highly intelligent fortress around your car. Its advanced features even allow you to talk to whoever is driving, be it a teenage driver, valet or thief. The main downsides to the Nextbase iQ are its size and its price.
Eyes on the Road
Deciding on a dash cam for your car is a major investment. It is important to consider what you want versus what you need to protect your vehicle. The price ranges, features and technical specifications can overwhelm car owners. We hope this article has helped you pick the best car cameras for the safety of your ride.