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How Much Is A Dash Cam?

Asking “how much is a dash cam?” is very similar to asking “how long is a piece of string?”. There really isn’t a set answer.

Dash cameras can vary drastically in price, with our cheapest starting at £99.99, and the most expensive up to £499.99.

This may seem intimidating at first, but this is actually great news for you as it means you have plenty of choices to make a dash cam purchase comfortably fit your budget.

As you go up the price range, you will see added features, improved quality & design, and increased reliability. Because of this, your needs and expectations from a dash camera will dictate how much it will be for you.

When we help people to decide what dash cam they should get, there are generally 3 different mindsets which people fit into. So, this article will go through these and try to answer the question of “how much is a dash cam” for each one.

I Want Something Cheap And Basic, But Reliable

If you are looking for a cheaper car camera which gets the job done, it doesn’t have to cost you a lot.

With high-quality budget options such as the Thinkware F70, you are able to get a solid dash camera stripped of the complex features for something reliable and cheap that does the job.

The Thinkware F70 records the front of your vehicle in 1080p HD at 30 frames per second. This is good enough to capture the details you need such as number plates.

This camera also comes with an additional GPS antenna by default, allowing speed and location data to be recorded alongside the footage.

An 8gb Micro SD card is supplied which is enough to record 1 hour of footage before it begins to overwrite. However, the camera has the capacity for up to 64gb.

This is a fantastic option which only costs £99.99

Click here to see the Thinkware F70.

Thinkware F70 Dash Cam

I Want Something High Quality But Without The Added Features

When looking into the mid-range section of dash cams, you have a lot of choices.

However, in terms of quality and value for money, the Thinkware F200-2CH is a clear winner – and is also one of our best selling cameras.

The Thinkware F200-2CH records the front of your vehicle in 1080p HD at 30 frames per second, and from the rear in 720p HD. Improved night vision and clarity is another improvement seen in this model from previous versions.

This car camera has built-in WiFi which allows you to connect to the camera via the smartphone app. This means you can remotely access, download, or review footage without having to get the SD card. Very convenient.

The GPS antenna is optional with the Thinkware F200 and can be purchased for an additional £24.99. This keeps the cost down for those of you who are not interested in getting the GPS information.

The F200 comes with a 16gb Micro SD Card as standard and can be upgraded up to 128gb of storage.

For a front and rear dash camera system that only costs £169.99, there is no better option.

Click here to see the Thinkware F200-2CH.

Thinkware F200 Dash Cam

I Want The Best Dash Cam Possible With All Features

If you want the absolute best for your vehicle, then BlackVue is the way to go.

Their premium line of dash cams boasts extensive features and impressive design, and the BlackVue DR900S-2CH is no exception.

The DR900S-2CH is a top of the range dash camera recording in 4K Ultra HD from the front camera and 1080p HD from the rear. This uses an 8MP Sony CMOS sensor allowing crystal clear footage during both the day and night. A 162° ultra wide angle lens is also a key feature of the DR900S’ recording.

Along with this, built-in WiFi & GPS are standard, allowing you to remotely review or download footage and location details when connected to the camera via the smartphone app.

Aside from the 4K Ultra HD recording quality, perhaps the most impressive feature is the BlackVue cloud access.  This allows you to remotely view the live camera feed and vehicle tracking, receive mobile alerts when your camera’s sensors are triggered, and store footage on the cloud, rather than on your phone, computer, or SD card.

The recording quality, design, and features of this dash cam are unparalleled. It is the best option if you want a top of the range dash cam for your vehicle.

Click here to see the BlackVue DR900S-2CH.

BlackVue DR900S Dash Cam

Why A Dash Cam Is Worth Investing In

Just because you can afford to invest in a dash cam, should you? Absolutely.

Below are just some of the reasons why you should invest in a dash cam.

Save Money

A benefit that offers a more immediate return on investment is that a dash cam can provide you with discounted insurance premiums.

Many motorists don’t realise this is a possibility, by the number of insurers providing these discounts in rapidly growing for any drivers with a fitted dash cam.

If you spend £200-£250 getting a dash cam which is professionally installed and see that returned in insurance savings over the course of 24 months or less, then its a no-brainer.

This is hugely beneficial for new and young drivers who often have issues facing extortionate car insurance rates. Also, it is a fact that new drivers are among the most likely to be involved in a road traffic accident.

Although there is no hard proof, there has been research to suggest drivers with a dash cam are less likely to drive recklessly as they are acutely aware that they’re being recorded.

Crash For Crash

Crash For Crash is a car insurance scam that has constantly been on the rise over the last few years.

This involves an accident being staged where the innocent driver looks to be at fault, whereas in reality – it was caused by the other driver.

This could involve the driver in front of you suddenly slamming on their breaks, aiming to make you hit them. Or another example would be flashing you to go at a junction, but then continuing to drive on and hit you.

Without video evidence to prove who was at fault for the accident, in most of these situations, you will appear to be guilty. Because of this, you will face fines of vehicle damage, personal damage, and more which often reach £10,000+.

Having video evidence of the incident not only proves your innocence so you can avoid these charges, but also drastically decreases the time taken to process your insurance claim.

Being involved in an accident is stressful enough without having the worry of a length claims process hanging over you. With a dash cam, you can avoid unnecessary costs, retain your no-claims benefits, and give yourself that extra piece of mind when driving.

Public Security

When your vehicle becomes stationary, most dash cameras will switch to parking mode.

Whilst in parking mode the dash cam will shut down unnecessary features such as GPS but will enable motion detection and the G-sensor.

If the vehicle is knocked, or if movement is detected around the vehicle, recording will begin.

This is incredibly useful when leaving your vehicle in a public place. It can capture crucial evidence if someone reverses into your vehicle, hits it with their door, and more.

Still need some advice?

Use the contact form below or call us on 01865 598 599 to speak to one of our experts.

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5 Must-Have Items For Your Daily Commute This Winter

Car Wing Mirror Snow Winter Driving

Car Wing Mirror Snow Winter DrivingWinter is a brilliant time of year. With an emphasis on family, food, and good TV, it’s hard not to have a good time. However, there is no escaping one thing – It’s dark when you leave for work, and it’s dark again before you leave. Pretty mood-dampening. It is also due to this that around this time of year, many of us start to feel more vulnerable during the daily commute to and from work, given that it can be hard to see through the rain, fog, or snow – especially in the dark.

 

Safety and comfort should always be a priority here. So, we’ve put together a list of 5 must-have items for your daily commute this winter.

1) De-Icer Spray

Number one is De-Icer Spray because there is nothing worse than having to spend 10 minutes scraping ice off your car in the freezing cold when you’re already in a rush to get to work. This cheap item (around £2) is great to have around at all times because when you end up needing it, you will be so glad you have it. It not only saves you time but also makes the whole process a lot more bearable!

2) Ice Scraper

This is kind of a follow-on from the last one. Unfortunately, those cans of de-icer spray do not last infinitely. One day, they will run out just when you need them. It is annoying, but you absolutely need an ice scraper as a back-up. It isn’t pleasurable to do, but at least you will be able to see where you are driving!

3) Dash Camera

BlackVue DR750S-2Ch
BlackVue DR750S-2Ch

Due to the dark, and often poor weather conditions during the UK winter, the chances of having an accident increase by a massive 20%. With road accident rates already high, it is more important than ever to cover yourself while driving. A dash cam is a perfect way to do this.

By having a dash cam installed in your vehicle, any accidents you get into will have indisputable video evidence showing who was at fault. This is especially useful given the recent rise in fraudulent claims such as crash for cash and increased risk of accidents in winter.

A good quality camera is crucial to ensure the video quality is good enough to catch number plates and details in all levels of light, however, that does not mean it has to break the bank. With front and rear camera systems such as the Thinkware F200-2Ch, your vehicle can be fully covered with HD quality footage at all times, along with built-in WiFi, and optional GPS. See the Thinkware F200-2Ch here.

Alternatively, there are top-range dash cam systems such as the BlackVue DR750S-2Ch. With 1080p HD recording from both the front and rear cameras, this is a very discreet, high-quality camera. The built-in GPS and WiFi allows a smartphone to be connected to the camera, allowing for easy and fast access to footage, to be played back, or downloaded which is ideal for keeping any valuable footage safe during your commute this winter. See the BlackVue DR750S-2ch here.

With professional installation, all wires will be hidden, and the camera will be hard-wired to the vehicle. This allows the use of parking mode, meaning your camera will be recording for hours after you have finished driving. Book your installation here.

4) Grippy Shoes

With the wet weather around these times, unsurprisingly, the ground is also wet. When walking to and from your vehicle, the sole of your shoes will inevitably get wet – making it easy for your feet to slip from the pedals. This reduces the control you have over the vehicle and is a road safety risk that is often forgotten about. So, it is best to pick yourself up some shoes with a lot of grip.

5) Spare Clothes

Sitting in damp clothes at work or in the car is enough to ruin anybody’s day. Instead of risking a soggy sock from stepping in a puddle while looking at your phone, bring some spare clothes – the essentials. You will likely save yourself from a miserable day or drive home.

 

Although the daily commute becomes a mindless activity for most people, it is important not to forget the risks there are, and the safety precautions which should be taken. By using a dash cam, you can feel secure in the knowledge that if anything does happen, you have the video evidence to show it.

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BlackVue Over The Cloud

Blackvue cloud diagram
BlackVue’s DR600 range of dash cameras has access to a feature called ‘BlackVue Over the Cloud’. As the name suggests, they are using cloud technology. This is a feature that no other dash camera brand has, and is totally unique to BlackVue products.

How Does It Work?
The Blackvue cloud features use mobile or in-vehicle internet to connect the dash camera to the cloud. You then use the BlackVue app for IOS or Android to connect to the camera and use the features available.

What’s New?
By using BlackVue over The Cloud you have access to a range of features that will put your mind at ease about the safety of your vehicle, whilst also allowing you to provide evidence of an incident quickly with no hassle. You are able to connect your camera to three SSID’s, meaning that you can connect to your camera from three different locations without using your mobile data. These could be places such as your home, office or anywhere that has a Wi-Fi connection.

    • Alerts– Through the use of cloud technology you are able to be connected to your car at all times from anywhere. This means you are able to get alerts sent to your phone whenever an event occurs, so if there is an incident whilst you are away from the vehicle, you will be made aware of it almost instantly.
    • Tracking– You are able to track the camera’s location through the cloud, allowing you to monitor the vehicle’s location on a map. This could be particularly helpful if you own a business that does deliveries, as you can track the driver’s progress.

BlackVue Over the Cloud Features

  • Video Storage– All of the files that are created by your dash cam are able to be moved into the cloud or to an IOS or Android device, this ensures that your files are kept securely and are not overwritten. This is done through the BlackVue C app
  • Remote Access– You are now able to remotely access your dash cam and use live view and video playback without being close to your vehicle.

View the BlackVue DR650S-2Ch Product Page

How to set up the cloud
All cameras that have a QR code can register for ‘BlackVue Over the Cloud’ easily, all you have to do is go into the ‘BlackVue C app’, followed by ‘BlackVue Cloud’ and take an image of the QR code on yor camera. If you do not have a QR code, your camera may still be compatible with the cloud, just follow the instructions below to connect:

  1. You will need to take a picture of the units serial number sticker, this is located on the box the dash camera came in.
  2. You now need to take a screenshot of the MAC/SSID address of the camera. For IOS users this can be done by going into settings -> Wi-Fi menu and taking a screenshot of your device’s name. For Android users go into the BlackVue C app and take a screenshot of the SSID showed on the BlackVue Wi-Fi login screen.
  3. Send these photos to cs@pittasoft.com who will then issue you a cloud security code if your device is compatible.

Congratulations, you now have access to BlackVue Over the Cloud and are able to use all of the great features that are implemented within it.

At Dash Witness we strive to provide outstanding customer service, we are available by telephone on 01865 598599 or by using our contact form

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Lukas Qvia T790 Dash Cam Giveaway

Dash Cam Giveaway Results

We are running a:

Lukas Qvia T790 Dash Cam Giveaway- Enter Here
One lucky person will receive a Lukas Qvia T790 forward facing camera and the installation for free. Hurry, entry closes on midnight the 14th August.
T790 Dash Cam

Dash Cam Information

The Lukas Qvia T790 is a discreet, high performance front only dash camera. Some key features are: 135° field of view, built-In Wi-Fi and GPS, compatible with a smart phone app and it records in 1080P Full HD @ 30 FPS. You are able to view the full specification of the Lukas Qvia T790.

Installation

The installation that accompanies the dash camera will be performed by one of our qualified auto electricians who will ensure that the install is completed neatly with no dangling or visible cables. We require the install site to be off the road with enough room to open the doors fully so please ensure there is suitable room for this. For more information visit the Installation page on our website.

Sample Footage

The sample footage shows the video quality you can expect from the dash camera, this was recorded in 1080P @ 30FPS. Please note that the compression of this video may downgrade the video quality.