Dashboard cameras or dash cams have become essential tools for individuals and fleets of all sizes. Thanks to these cameras, more dangerous drivers are being held responsible. The number of dangerous driving reports filed with the police in 2023 was a 30% increase on 2022’s figures; of those submissions, 70% lead to police action. However, finding the perfect dash cam for your personal vehicle, commercial vehicles, or fleet can be tricky, given the different types available.
Ranging from basic single-lens models to advanced multi-channel systems, each type of dash cam is designed to meet specific needs. Learn about their features, pros, and cons, and find the best dash cam in the UK to meet your needs with our comprehensive guide.
Single-Lens Dash Cams
Overview
Also known as forward-facing dashboard cameras, single-lens wireless dash cams are the simplest type of these tools. They capture footage in front of the vehicle, recording everything that happens on the road ahead.
Features
Wide-angle lens: The best single-lens dash cams have a wide-angle lens that captures as much as possible of the road in front of your vehicle.
High-definition recording: The best dash cams in the UK offer HD video resolution. The clear footage captured by these cameras can help identify details such as license plates.
Loop recording: Single-lens dashboard cameras with loop recording overwrite the oldest footage once their storage limit has been reached to ensure continuous recording.
G-sensor: The G-sensors in single-lens dash cams detect sudden accelerations or collisions. If this happens, the camera locks the footage to prevent it from being overwritten.
Night vision: Top quality single-lens cameras have improved low-light sensors or infrared LEDs for recording footage at night and in low light conditions.
Pros
Cost-effective: Single-lens options are the best dash cams in the UK in terms of affordability. This makes them ideal for private vehicles, businesses on a budget, or smaller fleets.
Simple installation: These wireless dash cams usually require minimal setup, making it possible to install them within a few minutes.
Focused view: Thanks to their wide-angle lenses, these cameras capture a broad view of the road ahead, which is useful in the event of an accident or a dispute.
Cons
Limited coverage: These cameras only capture what happens in front of the vehicle.
Lack of driver monitoring: Single-lens dash cams do not offer insights into driver behaviour or what’s happening inside the vehicle.
Dual-Lens Dash Cams
Overview
Dual-lens dash cams are also known as front-and-cabin, front-and-rear, or dual dash cams. This type has two cameras. One lens captures the road ahead while the other lens monitors the cabin or the rear of the vehicle. Several dual-lens models are among the best dash cams of 2024.
Features
Front and rear coverage: The rear-facing camera films activity on the road behind the vehicle to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the journey and any incidents that may occur.
Interior cabin view: Some of the best dual dash cams have a cabin-facing camera for monitoring driver behaviour and passenger activity, making them useful for fleets such as school buses. Crystal Ball’s 4G dash cam offers the option of adding a driver-facing camera.
Infrared night vision: Cameras facing the cabin typically have infrared LEDs for clear interior recording in low light conditions and at night.
GPS integration: Some dual-facing dash cams have GPS integration to track the vehicle’s speed and location.
Pros
Comprehensive coverage: These dash cams offer more coverage than single-lens cameras, capturing incidents in front of and behind the vehicle. This is an important point to remember for dash cam comparison.
Driver monitoring: The interior-facing camera assists with monitoring driver behaviours such as distraction, mobile phone usage, and drowsiness. This can help improve driver safety and reduce liability.
Accident documentation: Dual dash cams provide a better picture of road events by providing front and rear views, thereby improving accident liability assessments.
Cons
Higher cost: Dual-facing dash cams are more expensive than single-lens cameras, which may significantly increase large fleets’ overall costs.
More complex installation: Installing the best dual dash cams can take longer than simpler models and may require professional assistance.
Increased data storage: Footage from two cameras requires more data storage.
Multi-Channel Dash Cams
Overview
Multi-channel dash cams have three or more cameras and provide almost 360° coverage, making it possible to record footage from the vehicle’s front, rear, and sides. Some of these models have interior-facing cameras to capture footage inside the vehicle.
Features
Multiple camera inputs: These dashboard cameras can support various camera placements, such as front and rear cameras, interior-facing cameras, and side-mounted cameras.
360° view: The multi-channel models will often offer a full or panoramic view of the vehicle’s surroundings to increase safety by reducing blind spots.
Advanced telematics: Many of these dash cams can be integrated with telematics platforms to offer real-time GPS tracking, driver behaviour monitoring, and other features.
Driver behaviour alerts: These cameras can monitor driver behaviour such as falling asleep, smoking while driving, and distracted driving, and immediately alert drivers and fleet managers.
Pros
Comprehensive monitoring: Of all models, multi-channel dash cams offer the most comprehensive view, which can be invaluable for accident investigations and theft prevention.
Enhanced safety: These cameras assist with active monitoring and improvement of driver behaviour, enhancing overall road safety and potentially offering reduced insurance premiums.
Telematics integration: Integrating these cameras with fleet management systems further enhances operational efficiency, empowering you to make informed decisions based on live data.
Cons
High initial cost: While multi-channel models are among the best dash cams in the UK, they also are the most expensive. Adding additional cameras and features increases the cost.
Complex installation: Installing multiple cameras in a vehicle, especially larger models such as buses or trucks, requires additional setup time and professional installation.
Higher data consumption: Footage recorded by a few cameras requires a significant amount of data storage.
Choose the Best Dash Cam for Your Needs
The best dash cam in the UK is the one that best meets your needs or the needs of your organisation and its fleet. Knowing what to look for in dash cams is key. Use the information in our dash cam comparison to find the type that will add the most value.
One of the best options available, Crystal Ball’s 4G dash cam boasts a driver behaviour system, driver identification, GPS fleet tracking, an optional driver-facing camera, and other powerful features. Contact us to find out more about how we can help you.