Learning the specific features and technical jargon associated with dash cameras can seem overwhelming when purchasing a product, especially with a device that needs to run without issues for the times that you really need recorded footage of an event. Here is a breakdown of the most important specifications and considerations to take into account when trying to choose an HD dash cam that can help keep you safe on the road while providing quality footage.

There are a few factors we can control when it comes to choosing the best video quality dash cam. Things like resolution, viewing angles, and other camera specifications are all things we can research to figure out which dash cam to purchase, while variables like adverse weather and poor lighting are not. The clarity of the image can determine whether an insurance claim is successfully accepted or whether dash cam evidence is. Learn more about which specifications to look for when comparing dash cam footage quality.

• Résolution
• Viewing Angle
• Visibility in Adverse Conditions
• Low Light Capabilities

HD, also known as high definition, refers to video resolution. Most dash cams start at 720p and go upwards to 1080P and beyond. The highest dash cam resolution is currently 4K, or Ultra High Definition. A dash cam with poor resolution is of no use if it can't capture clear footage when you're involved in an accident. 1080P is typically the lowest recommended resolution to capture clear licence plates, road symbols, streetlights or signs, and other necessary details.

Depending on how you choose to use your dash cam can help determine whether the extra splurge on 4K quality is needed. Footage recorded in 4K video vs 1080P results in much clearer detail, allowing viewers to see a crisper and more life-like image. For day-to-day drivers who are hoping to improve road safety, a 1080P HD dash cam should suffice. For others who want to capture their road trip, a 4K camera can make all the difference in the quality of your video footage.

Viewing angle also plays a role in the quality of your dash cam footage. Too narrow of a viewing field can mean your dash cam misses vital events leading up to an accident. A wide-angle lens of at least 120° is necessary, but 130° and wider can help guarantee any key moments are captured in case you need to rely on dash cam footage after an incident.

Visibility due to the weather conditions also plays a role on the clarity of detail a dash cam captures. Lower resolution, coupled with foggy or wintery conditions, can mean your dash cam footage ends up grainy or even indiscernible. Poor weather conditions often lead to higher accident rates, which can make clear dash cam footage all the more valuable.

Another factor to keep in mind is that extreme weather conditions often occur during temperature fluctuations. Frigid cold and intense heat can both drain the batteries in electronic equipment, so making sure your dash cam has extreme temperature protection is vital. A dash cam without power not only loses its ability to capture clear footage of the road, but it will also be unable to send out critical Mayday alerts (if your camera offers this feature) in the event of an accident.

Having a dash cam with enhanced low light vision capabilities is crucial when 40% of collisions occur during the hours of darkness, despite there being less traffic on the road. A dash cam with night vision is the best way to capture any unfolding events leading up to an accident at night. Most drivers who are involved in accidents during night time hours are teens and young adults, mostly due to their inexperience and diminished visibility. Regardless of whether you're a parent wanting to monitor your child's evening driving or an innocent driver who ends up being affected by an accident, clear dash cam footage can help show what actually happened.

Keep in mind that infrared or thermal imaging is not the same as recording with enhanced low-light performance at night. Infrared dash cams work on capturing different temperatures of objects typically using infrared light emitting bulbs, while a dash cam with a quality low-light sensor will be able to record at night by magnifying existing light. Therefore, a small amount of light is required for night vision dash cams, which is suitable for recording the road ahead when you have your headlights on or when there are streetlamps lighting the road. Inside a vehicle, there is often not enough available light for a low-light sensor, which is why an infrared camera for interior cabin recording is better for capturing very dark conditions at night.