What is a Dashcam?

A dashcam (this is also referred to as dashboard cameras) is an onboard camera that is connected to a vehicle's internal windscreen by either a provided suction cup or a tape mount. This device successively records the route in front of a trucker, while the vehicle is driven on the highway or in motion. However, if an accident occurs on the road, video evidences are generally provided with the aid of dashcams. Several types of dashcams can be purchased in the market, ranging from basic and simple video cameras (camcorders) to those which additionally records variables such as time, date, speed, location and G-forces.

Although it may be promising to use almost any recording device as a dashboard camera, purpose-built dashcams are essentially the best to use. There are actually are a few key factors that distinguishes them from other portable and handheld recording devices. These key factors also make dashboard cameras stress-free and more appropriate than the other alternatives.

In order to really see what sets dashboard cameras apart from general purpose recorders, it is crucial to have an in-depth knowledge of how a dashcam actually functions. An archetypal dashboard camera comprises a few of basic components which include:

• a video camera
•  hard-wired power inputs signals
•  Integrated or detachable storage media

Function follows form in the event of dashcams, so you can probably get a pretty good idea of how they function by observing the sparse list of mechanisms.

A dashboard camera is characteristically wired or built into a circuit and automatically becomes operational only when the ignition key is in the start or run position. And without any recording controls, dashcams are usually made to record continuously whenever they are turned on. With that at heart, it is possible to see how these basic devices were created to automatically switch on and start footage whenever the car is driven, without any significance of any effort or interaction of the driver in any way.

This can be distinguished from the all-purpose portable recording devices. Even though any recording device can be used as a dashcam, it is imperative to know that these devices are manually turned on by the truckers and set to record every time they enter the truck. If by any chance the truck driver forgets to switch it on and just happens to be involved in an accident, then such event is never recorded.

These devices have accomplished enormous reputation in Russia, where video evidence of traffic accidents is desirable than spoken evidences in court. In Russia, dashcams are well-known as a kind of surveillance, further evidence in court and also as a guard against insurance scam and police corruption. They have been referred to as ever-present and an on-line obsession. In fact, in the 2013 Chelyabinsk meteor, dashcam footage was the most common footage which was recorded from different viewpoints or directions. Numerous videos which have revealed car accidents, close calls, and attempts of insurance fraud have been uploaded to video sharing websites like YouTube.

However, in countries like Germany, Austria and Switzerland, dashcams are prohibited by law. Also, in Poland and Australia footage on public roads is allowed, provided that the recording does not infringe upon an individual’s privacy in a way that may be considered wrong in a court of law.