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For a long time, dashcams were mostly used by fleet businesses to monitor drivers on the road. In recent times, however, the dashcam market has taken an interesting turn with more individuals seeking them for personal vehicles.
Vehicle-mounted cameras are steadily becoming one of the most essential items for vehicle owners in South Africa and worldwide. They offer an easy and cost-effective way to increase the safety and security of your car while on and off the road.
By now, you have probably seen a lot of dashcam videos going viral on social media, with some being hilarious and others alarming. Nonetheless, these viral videos have created awareness for motorists, highlighting how dashcams are a valuable tool. If you are thinking of getting a dashcam but are not sure how much it is or which to go for, then we are here to help you. Today we dive deep into dashcam prices and show you why you should invest in one of ours.
In this article, you will:
Find out the general price of the dashcam
Discover additional costs to consider when buying a dashcam
Off-the-shelf dashcams in South Africa could cost approximately R300 and can go all the way to R7000 depending on whether they are entry-level, mid-level, or premium-level. This is a one-time purchase that does not include installation services or advanced security features such as GPS tracking.
At Cartrack, we offer dashcams with advanced security features at affordable payment plans. Our dashcam prices start from R289 per month, depending on the type of camera and extra features. The price includes installation, maintenance, and access to a mobile app for streaming and easy download.
The cost of this much-needed gadget goes up with every feature. Here are some of the key components that influence the price of a dashcam:
1. Features and specifications
Video quality Just like any other digital camera, the higher the resolution, the more it may cost. A common resolution for good quality dashcams is 1080p (Full HD). A dashcam with a high resolution is clearer and can capture close-up details, such as the number plates of a car that is far away.
Single-channel vs. dual-channel A single-channel dashcam is front-facing and mainly designed to capture video footage from the driver’s perspective. This type of camera is perfect for those of you who are just looking for an entry-level dashcam that will give you evidence of the many encounters on the road, be it a front collision, being cut off, or witnessing an accident.
A dual-channel dashcam has two cameras in one unit. Both are recording at the same time. One captures the front, while the other records the interior and parts of the back. The two cameras work together to give you a complete view of your surroundings because incidents can happen from any side of your car. Now, due to the nature of this camera having more to show, it costs more compared to one that is just road-facing.
Night vision and low-light performance This is a dashcam that can give clear footage even when there is very little light, such as at nighttime or when driving in a tunnel. This software automatically detects a lack of light and adjusts the exposure to improve the overall clarity of the footage. It enables you to see license plates and road signs. The performance of this type of camera relies on factors such as low-light-sensitive image sensors and infrared illumination (IR).
- Low-light sensors: These types of camera sensors are designed to capture even the slightest trace of visible light; however, they are not so effective in complete darkness.
- Infrared illumination (IR): Uses invisible LEDs to brighten the scene. The low-light sensors then pick up the IR light, which creates clear imagery even in complete darkness. The footage will, however, appear black and white.
2. Storage options
Cameras with higher resolutions require more storage. Some dashcams come with cloud storage options, others only memory cards, and others can do both.
Memory card: Selecting the right SD cards is crucial for ensuring optimal recording quality and reliable performance. For example, frequent drivers need SD cards with higher capabilities, such as one that can take up 128GB worth of footage.
Cloud storage: The cloud storage option has become more popular these days as it enhances security. This is because a memory card can get lost or damaged, while cloud storage ensures that the footage remains accessible even if something happens to the camera. Cloud storage services are encrypted to protect your data so only authorised people can access your recordings.
3. Connectivity features
The primary connectivity features for most dashcams are Wi-Fi, LTE, and Bluetooth. Here are the key differences:
LTE connectivity: A dashcam with LTE connectivity requires a monthly data plan subscription. It has advanced features such as uploading footage to cloud storage and the ability to remotely access your dashcam and live stream from anywhere.
Wi-Fi connectivity: A dashcam with Wi-Fi connectivity creates a direct connection to your smartphone using its own local network. This allows you to watch the footage while it’s being recorded, download it through an app, and also make high-speed data transfers depending on the range.
Bluetooth connectivity: Bluetooth connectivity dashcams only allow you to transfer short clips, or you need to remove the memory card from the camera to transfer files manually. You cannot live-stream videos when using Bluetooth connectivity for your dashcam.
The quality of a dashcam also factors into how much it will cost. A dashcam that is built to last has robust hardware that can withstand various temperatures and other external factors. It is important to do thorough research on which company would most likely give you a dashcam that not only has great features but also lasts long and is worth the money.
Additional costs to consider when buying a dashcam
While making your purchase, there are a few cost add-ons that you need to consider. Here are three main associated expenses that you should be aware of:
Installation costs When buying a dashcam through a retailer, you will most likely have to mount it yourself or get a professional to do it. A DIY installation is obviously free or has a minimal cost. However, it might not be as stable as it should be, and the camera angle might not show all the essential viewpoints. A professional installation from a reputable technician is costlier yet more reliable.
Maintenance costs Like any other device, a dashcam needs to be well taken care of and maintained regularly. Memory cards need to be replaced, and the software needs to be updated. That can bring about additional costs at a time when you least expect it. This is why it is better to go for a dashcam that comes with an after-sales service so the company can help keep you updated.
Optional accessories There are also extra costs that come with optional accessories such as mounts and hardwiring kits. Here is a brief breakdown of why they are needed:
- Mounts: This accessory is attached to the windscreen to support the camera. You can choose between a suction mount with an easy-release button or adhesive mount sticks, which provide more stability.
- Hardwiring kits: Dashcams are typically powered by the car’s cigarette port outlet, but an alternative installation method is through hardwiring. This means the dashcam cable will be directly connected to the vehicle’s battery fuse box. A hardwiring kit is usually sold separately as an accessory and requires a qualified technician for installation.
How to choose the right dashcam for your budget
Understanding the differences and your needs can help you choose the right dashcam. One that matches your driving habits and technological preferences. Here are a few things to consider:
Safety concerns and feature preferences: If your main concern is safety, then you should consider a dashcam that has GPS capabilities and an emergency alert feature so people can know where to find you. This also works for parents who want to monitor the location of their teenagers as well as their driving habits. Ensure the dashcam allows you to stream footage in real time from anywhere. Dashcams are also known to deter thieves from breaking into carsas they don’t want to be caught on camera, making this another aspect to look at in terms of how visible it is from the outside.
Highway driving vs. driving in urban areas: A person who mostly drives on the highway needs a dashcam that has a wider field of view to capture multiple lanes. The resolution also needs to be high, and it needs to have GPS capabilities. Drivers in urban areas should rather go for ones that capture details in close range for better detailing. The dashcams also need to have better low-light and night-vision capabilities and preferably a parking mode option.
Research and customer review: As already mentioned, a reliable brand will most likely give you better value for money. Before making your decision, check the customer reviews on the service and longevity of the hardware.
Why Cartrack dashcam solutions are the smart choice
Cartrack specialises in vehicle tracking solutions that make your life easier in all ways possible. With our dashcams, you can capture footage as far as 100m on an open road, 50m for a billboard, and 30 meters for a number plate. We offer cloud-powered vehicle cameras that come with an after-sales service. We also have affordable payment plans so you can get quality hardware and quality without breaking the bank. Here are two options you can choose from:
Road Vision
Record everything that happens in front of you while you drive with our Road Vision camera. This front-facing camera can easily be installed into your car to capture footage that can be used in your favour when there are accidents or false insurance claims. It is LTE equipped, which allows remote live streaming, plus it has 1080p video quality.
The Road Vision camera also comes with 128GB microSD storage and has GPS capabilities, which allow you to track your car’s live location and monitor driving habits. Furthermore, this camera has audio capability so you not only see but hear what is happening. The footage can be retrieved based on time and date via the Cartrack mobile app.
Dual Vision
Our dual-vision camera solution gives you road and in-cabin footage, covering all angles for enhanced safety. With this solution, you get microSD storage of up to 256GB. Just like the Road Vision camera, it is also LTE equipped, has GPS connectivity and has 1080p video quality.
Choose a reliable service provider for your dashcam needs
Let us give you an extra set of eyes so you can prove your innocence, speed up insurance claims, keep an eye on your loved ones, and capture priceless on-the-road moments. Reach out to us today!
Want to know more about dashcams? Here are some frequently asked questions
Is a dashcam legal in South Africa?
Yes, a dashcam is legal in South Africa and can be used for lawsuits for cases involving vehicles or traffic offences. However, sharing such footage on the internet may infringe people’s right to privacy.
Do dashcams use a lot of battery? Most dashcams are designed to use as little of your vehicle’s battery life as possible. They typically consume between 1-5 watts during normal operation. However, installation methods such as hardwiring require careful management to avoid draining the battery.
Do you need to declare a dashcam? Some dashboard cameras are plugged into the car while others have to be wired into the car. If yours is wired, then it is considered a car modification and therefore has to be declared to your insurer.
Wondering how much a dashcam costs? Discover the cost breakdown, key factors affecting pricing, and how to choose the best dashcam for your needs.
