![2019 Toyota Vios DVR]()
As cars get more and more feature packed, another equipment that has found into several new models is a digital video recorder (DVR), also known as a dashcam.
![2019 Toyota Corolla Altis DVR]()
Having video evidence from a dashcam will save from unnecessary “he said, she said” disputes arising from an accident.
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Many cars these days offer a built-in front-facing dashcam while some manufacturers like Toyota will even offer a rear-facing camera for an additional RM 350, which is a small price to pay for better peace-of-mind.
If your car isn’t equipped with a built-in dashcam, fret not as aftermarket solutions are available. To keep things simple, these are some features worth looking out for while shopping for a new dashcam.
![BMW Advance Eye DVR]()
- Video resolution: The minimum video resolution is 1080P, but 2160P and 4k offer sharper video footage, at the expense of larger file sizes.
- Framerate: 30 frames per second (fps) is the norm these days, but 60 fps is ideal. Higher fps also means larger file sizes
- Memory card: We recommend shopping for memory cards that are designed specifically for dashcam usage, which are often labeled as ‘High Endurance’. Manufacturers such as Transcend, Kingston, Samsung, and SanDisk offer such cards.
- Memory card capacity: Go with at least 32GB, 128GB if you can afford.
- Display size. Good to have a display to align and adjust the dashcam, but not a must-have. Some dashcams make do without a display, relying instead on WiFi connection for users to view recordings.
- G-Sensor. When the G-Sensor detects a crash, the dashcam will lock the video recording to prevent it from being deleted or overwritten.
![High endurance micro SD cards]()
Apart from these requirements, we also recommend users to check actual video footage from the dashcam before purchasing, as a blur video footage is useless as an evidence. It is also worth watching dashcam reviews on YouTube before making a decision.
![Toyota DVR]()
Furthermore, it’s a good idea to watch video footages in various scenarios, not just in daylight. A good dashcam is able to capture sharp footage regardless of the lighting conditions.
![DVR or dashcams]()
Brands to look out for include Viofo, Xiaomi, 70Mai, Transcend, and Blackvue. These are reputable and established brands that offer great cameras that various price points.
![In-car dashcam, don't drive without one and here's what you need to know 05]()
As for installing the dashcam, we are aware that wire-tapping kits are common, but know that these methods will void the car’s warranty as it tampers with the car’s original wiring, so do it at your own risk.
![DVR power socket]()
It’s best to use the 12V socket/ cigarette lighter/USB as the power source.
So there you have it, a reasonably comprehensive guide on how to purchase a dashcam.
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