A dash cam is by far one of the greatest things you can do to help protect your car. Having a device that can record and document what happens to your car can save your wallet and your relationship with your insurance company. With features practically bursting from the seams of these devices, these cameras can get pretty large. Trust me, the last thing you want is a large and bulky dash cam dangling from your windshield.
The age of fumbling with large devices in your car is over, because small dash cams have just as many features (and sometimes more) in comparison to their chunky siblings.
Why do you need WiFi?
It is important to recognize that almost all small dash cams will come equipped with the WiFi feature. One of the desirable features of a small dash cam is its small form factor, but this often means there is no screen. To compensate for the lack of screen and buttons, most manufacturers will equip their dash cams with WiFi that will connect to an app on your phone.
This allows you to connect your phone to your dash cam without taking it off the mount and manipulate the settings, download videos, and even view your camera’s perspective live. Having all of the adjustability and customization at the tap of your finger can make setting up a brand new camera easier than texting your friend about your new dash cam.
Advantages to Small Dash Cams
One Google or Amazon search will show you just how many dash cams are on the market today. It is easy to get lost in the size, shape, specs, and functions of every camera. However, the advantages of a small dash camera are plain and simple. You can expect the same image quality, memory, and quality in a small dash cam that a large dash cam would give you, but with a smaller footprint.
Discrete
If you are looking for a dash cam that doesn’t give itself away, or simply don’t want to be distracted by it while driving, a small dash camera is exactly what you are looking for. Their compact build makes smaller dash cams a “must have” when you are trying to keep your recording on the down low. These low profile dash cams can fit easily behind your rear view mirror or down by your dashboard.
Doesn’t block your view
A small car and a bulky dash cam doesn’t mix well. Dash cams with large suction cup mounts, clunky wiring, and oversized screens can quickly take up precious window space. Make sure you are utilizing all of your visibility by getting a dash cam that tucks away nicely.
Disadvantages to Small Dash Cams
A small dash cam is a double edge sword. While the compactness and discrete build of the camera is desirable, the absence (or limited) screen and the need for your smart phone can be an immediate hinderance.
No Screen
If buttons, user interfaces, and big screens to view your video excite you, I have some bad news. Smaller dash cams have to cut out unnecessary bells and whistles. In the world of smart phones, manufacturers can make due without a screen, because we carry one in our pockets daily.
While you may not even notice the absence of a screen at first, this feature (or the lack there of) can still haunt you in the future. If you get into a car accident and your phone is dead or broken you won’t be able to show the authorities your dash cam footage immediately.
Requires a smartphone
But what if you haven’t joined the smart phone world? Well, I have bad news. If you don’t have a smartphone then all of the features found on your dash cam’s app will be unavailable to you. Many of these devices require a smartphone to change settings like resolution, camera mode, and many other features needed in order to have a well functioning dash cam.
SCOSCHE NEXS1 Dash Cam
Pros
- Includes both suction and adhesive mounts
- Full HD, Ultra HD, and Slow-Mo resolution settings
Cons
- The suction mount is pretty bulky
With a 140 degree wide angle lens and the Sony Starvis image sensor, you can say goodbye to blurry photos and poor video quality. With a 1080p camera lens, this camera will capture everything you want it to, day and night. This dash cam comes with an app that allows you to adjust settings to your preference, along with access to a memory cloud with unlimited space. Never lose video evidence of a crash ever again!
Some features included in the dash cam is a built in G sensor that will automatically start recording once the camera senses a sharp movement. The Scosche Nexs1 also can track your coordinates using your phone’s GPS settings, which will allow you to give an extra layer of evidence to police officers or insurance companies.
While the camera is small and compact, the same can not be said about the size of the suction mount. Due to the power cable running through the mount itself, the mount becomes a rather large eyesore and can be tough to tuck away. The sticker mount is much sleeker and offers a more permanent fixture to your vehicle.
Rove R2- 4K Dash Cam
Pros
- Includes both suction and adhesive mounts
- Full HD, Ultra HD, and Slow-Mo resolution settings
Cons
- Resolution quality is misleading
Recording has never been easier. With a built in GPS, loop recording, and motion sensors, you won’t miss a single thing. With a built in G sensor, parking mode, GPS, and motion detection you will feel as though you drive a rolling fortress. Your Rove R2 – 4K dash camera will capture every detail with amazing video quality from it’s full HD which will help you in case of an emergency.
However, the Rove R2-4K’s biggest strength might actually be its greatest weakness. Many consumers have reported that the resolution on the R2-4K Dash Cam is not as good as Rove boasts. Some customers have complained about grainy video quality. This poor quality is not the worst available on the market, however it isn’t the 4K Rove promises.
Garmin Dash Cam 66W
Pros
- Driver alert software
- Widest camera angle (180° wide angle lens)
Cons
- Does not include a microSD card
Garmin has taken the dash cam industry by storm. If a small dash camera is what you need, you can’t get much smaller than this. With all of their bells and whistles Garmin is truly one of the best dash cams out there. And if the 66W is still too big, Garmin offers their Garmin Dash Cam Mini which removes the screen completely and just keeps the stuff it needs. The dash cam mini provides an extremely compact version of Garmin’s greatest hits and allows you to be even more discrete.
The 66W has phenomenal video quality which shoots at a crisp 1440p and will capture any detail, day and night. A parking mode comes standard, however you may have to purchase a hard wire kit. Since Garmin began as a GPS company, you can rest assured that your dash cam will be packed full of their latest GPS technology. Pair this with their easy to use app and you’ll be on your way to record everything that happens on the road.
While this camera has all the quirks and features of any “run of the mill” dash cam there is one thing, in my opinion, that puts it above the rest. Garmin’s advanced driver awareness software can be the ultimate co-pilot when it comes to road safety. Utilize lane departure and forward collision warnings along with “Go” alerts that let you be a little more aware on the road.