The Best Interior and Exterior Dash Cams
The Best Interior and Exterior Dash Cams
When purchasing a dashcam, you may come across the choice between single-channel and dual-channel options, but how do you know which one is right for you? The term "channel" refers to the number of cameras used in the dashcam kit and whether it includes a rear-facing camera.
A dual-channel dashcam has two cameras, with a front-facing camera installed on the windshield of the car to record the driving situation, and a smaller camera that can capture footage from the rearview mirror. However, most drivers only use a single front-facing dashcam.
A dual-channel system is an advancement as compared to previous setups where users often complained about poor chip performance or unclear image quality from the rear camera. To address these issues, Yuwei has developed a range of dashcams that utilize both front and rear cameras to provide clear video footage.
What can a dual-channel dashcam do?
When the device is hardwired to the vehicle and sensors detect a collision or the cameras detect motion, the dashcam starts recording. By continuously recording, the dashcam can capture any incidents or unexpected situations such as dangerous driving, accidents, or even traffic congestion. As long as the dashcam has power and is turned on, it will record everything within its field of view.
Video resolution and the capacity of the memory card will limit the recording time of the dashcam, but with Yuwei dashcams, the recording doesn't stop even when the memory card is full. Most high-quality dashcams have loop recording functionality, meaning that when the storage space runs out, new recordings will overwrite the oldest ones. However, exceptional events and warnings will always be stored on the memory card and recorded at a higher resolution. The lower the resolution, the smaller the storage space occupied by the videos.
Smart dashcams also offer cloud video management capabilities, allowing you to easily upload saved videos to an online platform. This frees up space on the camera's memory card and enables convenient editing and sharing.
Should you buy a dual-channel dashcam?
For private cars, trucks, and SUVs, having two or more cameras can provide better coverage. This setup offers a broader field of view to capture both unstable behavior from pedestrians in front and display your normal driving when someone rear-ends you. If you are injured in an accident, a dual-camera setup can provide more footage to support your claim and ensure you receive proper compensation.
One of the major advantages of a dual-channel dashcam is its ease of installation and operation. You can easily access the footage from both cameras on the base station, reducing the hassle of retrieving the desired video. Additionally, they use the same video dimensions, making it easier to align the two cameras and ensure you have a complete understanding of the situation during an accident. The saved recordings can typically be uploaded to secure cloud storage, allowing you to share them with insurance companies, police, or others after an accident to help protect your rights in the event of an accident, insurance fraud, or other unexpected incidents.