What are the best dash cams in 2017? Buying guide, reviews and all you need to know – The Sun

DASH cams are the fastest growing car accessory with new models released every month fitted with more and more features offering you peace of mind in an accident.

The market is now so big, theres a choice of dash cam to suit every budget from entry level models that do basic recording through to wifi-enabled top-of-the-range cameras.

Crash for cash incidents are big business and fraudulent claims cost insurers millions each year. Having a dash cam can help insurers identify what happened and determine who was at fault.

Thats why some policies will offer discounts if you have a dash cam fitted. So you can pay up front for a cam and reap the yearly rewards.

And some police forces are now even using footage from owners dash cams to cut down on reckless drivers.

Dash cams attach to your windscreen and film whats going on ahead.

Whats clever is that instead of needing huge memory cards to store videos, itll automatically delete the oldest footage on a rolling cycle.

If youve had an accident, though, the dash cam sensors will recognise it and automatically lock the clip and save it so it can be viewed later.

Most cameras will have an on-bard memory card that you can plug into your computer to download footage while newer models will offer wireless uploading.

No. While many newer, more expensive models have a decent-sized screen for playback this must be switched off while youre driving many will turn off automatically.

The law states motorists must not be able to view video-playing devices while driving.

Theres an exception for parking cameras but this doesnt apply to dash cams.

Most dash cams run off the 12V socket so youll need to wire it around the headlining to avoid draping wires.

If youve got a sat nav or regularly charge a mobile phone through the 12V socket then pick up a multi-socket adaptor.

Alternatively you can get a hard-wiring kit to run off a cars battery. Some retailers, like Halfords, will also install the dash cam for you.

The camera needs to be forward facing with a good view of the whole road ahead.

It should intrude no more than 40mm into the swept area of your windscreen wipers and cant be mounted above the steering wheel.

Wed recommend slotting it next to the rear-view mirror.

There are several key players in the dash cam market including Nextbase and Garmin and each manufacturer offers something for all budgets.

Pricier models have higher quality video and more advanced functions like wifi and cloud storage.

Sun Motors has rounded up the latest models on sale from leading manufacturers to help you buy the right one for you.

Latest prices

At the top of the range is the Nextbase 512GW which records in 1440p HD across 140-degrees and with built-in wifi you can upload footage straight to your smartphone or tablet.

At the other end of the spectrum is the 112. The viewing angle is just 120-degrees and recording is done in 720p. But for around 100 less, its a great entry-level value product.

Somewhere in the middle is the 312GW combining price and features.

Latest prices

Better known for sat navs, Garmin has entered the dash cam market and to good success.

One option is the35 which offers HD recording and a three-inch display. Its a driver aid, too, offering forward collision warning alerts and red light/speed camera detection. If thats too pricey, consider the 30 with its 1.4-inch display that does away with driver alerts.

At the higher end of the marketare the 55 and 65W the latter with a 180-degree viewing angleand a Go driver alert.

Latest prices

Mios range of MiVue dash cams have been around for several years with latest models featuring an innovative touchscreen.

The range-topping MiVue 658 WIFI has ultra-HD recording, integrated wifi, a 140-degree viewing angle and a parking mode to collect footage when you leave your vehicle.

If you want an eye-witness at the back of your car and have the cash to spend, then the MiVue 698 makes sense, recording in full HD both front and rear.

Theres safety camera warnings, too, and a parking mode but youll have to plug into your PC to review footage.

The cheaper 618 is a very impressive entry level option although its still pricier than some rivals.

Latest prices

Headlight specialist Philips has two dash cam options available. Both the ADR610 and ADR810 offer full HD recording, automatic collision detection and a fatigue index.

Theres an instant replay function to clarify responsibility on the spot of an accident with proof-stamped evidence to support insurance claims.

The pricier ADR810 adds night view and a wider viewing angle.

Latest prices

Transcend was one of the first companies to market with dash cams and excels in compact designs.

Its DrivePro series features just one the 520 that comes with a screen and front and rear facing cameras. Its got wifi, 1080p recording and a night mode making it a good if pricey all-rounder.

Its most basic model is the DrivePro 50 that does away with all extras except 1080p recording at a 130-degree angle with app streaming.

The middle of the range the DrivePro 220 is probably the best combination of gadgets plus price.

Latest prices

Another headlight specialist delving into the dash cam market, Ring operates at the cheaper end of the market.

Even its range-topping RBGDC200 which offers a full HD 140-degree angle is sub-100. However it does away with a lot of the clever tech like parking modes and driver alerts found on pricier rival models.

Rings range goes right the way down to the mini 1.5-inch RBGDC15 which is a real budget-buster.

Latest prices

Breakdown provider RAC also dabbles in dash cams with two models in its range the 210 and 205.

The pricier 210 has 1080p recording quality, speed camera alert notification and built in wifi to connect directly to a smartphone app.

The cheaper 205 does without alerts and wifi but still offers full-HD recording and a 140-degree viewing angle.

For in-depth product reviews visit our sister site Driving.co.uk.

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What are the best dash cams in 2017? Buying guide, reviews and all you need to know - The Sun