Dash cameras are being used by more and more people these days, including law enforcement personnel and ordinary citizens. These handy devices have proven invaluable in many types of situations. However, have you ever wondered what these devices really are and how they actually work?
Consider the following details.
Table of Contents
What is a Dash Camera?
Simply put, a dashboard camera is a video recording device that is intended to be mounted on the dash of a vehicle. Although virtually any video recording device could be used for this purpose, dash cameras are unique in that they have been custom built for the job. This means that a dash camera usually has fewer frills than video cameras used for other purposes.
How Does a Dash Camera Work?
Dash cameras often do not have a power switch. Instead, they are automatically powered on and off when the vehicle is running and is shut off. Likewise, many dash cameras do not have controls to begin and end recording. Rather, they automatically begin recording when they are powered on and stop recording when they are powered off.
At first glance, this lack of features for a dash camera may seem like a liability. In reality, however, it is just the opposite. Turning on and off automatically when the vehicle is started and stopped means that a dash camera is always rolling whenever the vehicle is in use. The result is that the driver does not have to remember to start and stop the recording process; it happens automatically.
Are There Alternatives to Dash Cameras?
Yes. Virtually any device that records video is capable of being adapted for use as a dash camera. For example, most smartphones these days have a video recording feature. There are many accessories that make it easy to mount a smartphone onto the dash of your vehicle.
The same is true of other devices with video recording capabilities. However, as noted above, the recording feature of these devices must be started and stopped manually each time the vehicle is used. Moreover, such devices often have a limited amount of storage available.
And in the case of smartphones, recording would likely be interrupted in the event that a phone call is received. Finally, use of a smartphone in place of a dash camera brings with it the added risks that come with any use of a phone while operating a motor vehicle. These risks include distraction, accidents, and even legal consequences.
For these reasons and others, many people have found that having a dedicated dash camera is a much better option. Such devices can provide a valuable service without the potential problems that using a smartphone or other device for this purpose might entail.
Conclusion
Whether or not to purchase a dash camera is a personal decision. However, after weighing both the pros and the cons, many drivers have found that these handy innovations more than pay for themselves in terms of convenience and peace of mind. Why not check them out for yourself?
About Author: Author of this blog a content marketer who formally worked at Emerging NewsHub 24. A writer by day and a reader by night, he is loathe do discuss himself in the third person, but can be persuaded to do so from time to time.
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