Driving daily has its risks. And whether you’re taking the highway every day, or driving at slow speeds in a small street, there’s always the chance of an accident.
Accidents are always unforeseen. You never know when one’s happening until it is too late. And often, it’s the other side that’s causing the problems.
So, whether you’re a responsible driver or not, you need to safeguard yourself on the road. You need to reduce your chances of an accident by maximizing your field of vision—and that’s what a dashcam does!
Here are 10 best car dash cameras you can buy in Malaysia today. (2023 Update)
Contents • Isi Kandungan
- 1. Xiaomi 70MAI 1S Smart Dash Cam
- 2. Xiaomi 70MAI PRO Car Recorder Dashcam
- 3. Dual Lens Car DVR Camera With 3.6” IPS Screen
- 4. Three Camera Lens HD Car Recorder DVR Dashcam
- 5. 2.5D Glass Panel Dash Cam Dual Lens
- 6. 4.3 Inch Touch Screen Full HD 1080P Dual Lens Car Dash Camera
- 7. Xiaoyi Yi Compact Dashcam
- 8. SIPII SP200 Dual Channel Premium Dashcam
- 9. Blaupunkt DVR BP2.0 Dash Cam
- 10. Transcend DrivePro DP550 Dashcam
- Buying a Dash Cam? Here’s a Guide to Help You!
1. Xiaomi 70MAI 1S Smart Dash Cam
Product Highlights:
- The minimalist 70mai dashcam offers an excellent FHD resolution picture quality with a 130°wide angle lens that can solve blind spot issues.
- Built-in G-sensor technology will automatically save footage during emergency events. The camera also prevents the recorded video from being deleted when there’s a crash or collision.
- Overwrites oldest video recordings with newer ones automatically.
- Use your smartphone to operate the dash camera. There’s also voice control function if your hands are full. Watch recorded videos or live feed via WiFi when the camera is not in recording mode.
- Requires Class 10 MicroSD card with a capacity of 16-64GB.
2. Xiaomi 70MAI PRO Car Recorder Dashcam
Product Highlights:
- The Xiaomi 70MAI PRO dashcam features a 2” LCD WDR screen, speaker, microphone, Sony IMX323 sensor and 500mAh li-polymer battery. The 140° wide-angle lens ensure clarity of image, even in low-light.
- The camera turns on and records right away when you start your car. It goes to “parking mode” when you turn off your vehicle, then detects motions even after you left your car.
- The smartphone App support lets you check and save video recordings via WiFi without requiring you to remove the memory card.
- For voice control, just say “record video” to record, or “take a picture” to snap a picture.
- Requires Class 10 and above TF card with a capacity of 16GB to 64GB.
3. Dual Lens Car DVR Camera With 3.6” IPS Screen
Product Highlights:
- Offering a 3.6-inch screen display and 25mm wide-angle, the front camera lens capture all the action in 1080p resolution video. It automatically records and saves video and audio in an endless loop. Record traffic incidents, scenic travel, unexpected moments or any social media worthy videos.
- The dashcam has two cameras that record two different angles (front and rear areas) simultaneously.
- The built-in G-Shock sensor will automatically lock recorded video if there’s a collision.
4. Three Camera Lens HD Car Recorder DVR Dashcam
Product Highlights:
- 4.0 inch IPS HD display screen with Full HD 1080p recording capability.
- Equipped with 3 camera lens (front camera is 1080P, rearview camera and the interior camera is 720p).
- Supports G-sensor: It will save and lock recorded video when an accident occurred.
- Loop cycle recording: When memory card is full, it will overwrite older video.
5. 2.5D Glass Panel Dash Cam Dual Lens
Product Highlights:
- Featuring 170-degree wide-angle lens and FHD 1080p recording capability. The dashcam has two cameras that can record two different angles (front and rear).
- Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) to eliminate glare and dimming.
- Night Vision: Allows you to get a clear recording even in low-light environments.
6. 4.3 Inch Touch Screen Full HD 1080P Dual Lens Car Dash Camera
Product Highlights:
- Featuring a 4.3-inch IPS touch screen and packed with 6 camera lens.
- Record high definition video in 1080P mode.
- Energy-saving mode: The dash cam will only start recording once it detects any motion in front of your car.
- Parking monitoring support: The mirror dashcam will display reverse image automatically when the gear is switched to “R”.
- Loop recording support: The dashcam will automatically overwrite the earliest version of recorded video files for a seamless recording.
- Night-vision ready.
7. Xiaoyi Yi Compact Dashcam
Product Highlights:
- Features 165° ultra wide-angle view with less blind spots and full 3-lane coverage. The F1.8 apertures and the highly sensitive image sensors will ensure exceptional night vision.
- Full HD: 1920x1080p 60fps video recording captures fast-moving scenes in high-res images.
- Thanks to G-sensor technology, the camera can automatically save footage in the events leading up to a collision and immediately after.
- The ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) is an advanced visual recognition algorithm that provides real-time “Lane Departure” to ensure a safe driving experience.
8. SIPII SP200 Dual Channel Premium Dashcam
Product Highlights:
- Uses Sony CMOS IMX323 Image Sensor to record high-quality video in Full HD.
- Featuring dual 150° wide-angle lens to ensure a broader view of recording in highways.
- Built-in microphone & speaker for audio recording.
- An optional GPS to synchronize your driving speed & location.
- An optional 24h Parking Mode to record video footage of accident or vandalism.
- Built-in WiFi for real-time review. You can even download the video file through a smartphone App.
9. Blaupunkt DVR BP2.0 Dash Cam
Product Highlights:
- Weighs about 50g, the German-designed Blaupunkt BP 2.0 is a small and compact dashcam with the 2.0” colour display. It can record at 25fps for 1080P resolution and 30fps for 720P / 1480P.
- Packed with several built-in features such as loop recording, G-sensor, microphone and speaker.
- The dashcam has USB 2.0 output and USB 5V 1000mA power port. The battery capacity is 300mAH.
10. Transcend DrivePro DP550 Dashcam
Product Description:
A product by Transcend called DrivePro 550 is a dual-lens dash camera equipped with a 2.4” colour LCD screen. Not only capable of capturing the view on the road, but the dashcam can also capture the view inside your vehicle. The front camera can record in 1080p (30fps), while the rear lens records at a lower resolution – which is at 720p.
As for night vision, there are four IR LEDs on the rear – so recording in complete darkness is not really an issue for this dashcam. The front lens has a 160° diagonal field of view, while the rear lens has a 110° diagonal field of view.
Buying a Dash Cam? Here’s a Guide to Help You!
What’s a Dashcam?
It’s exactly as the name states. A dash camera is a recorder that’s installed in your car. It’s a live recording feature, and it gives you a multitude of advantages while driving around.
Plus, dash cameras don’t come as one type. There’s a multitude of them, each with different features and quirks. So sometimes, it’s hard picking the right cam for your car.
But no worries. That’s why we have this guide. We’ll discuss dashcams in-depth. We’ll talk about what to look for, and certain considerations to keep in mind!
First: Determining Camera Quality
There is a multitude of factors that define a dash camera’s quality. And when buying one, you need the best on the market.
Excellent dash cams give you a clear vision of what’s occurring outside your car. They let you see blind spots effectively, giving you vital info to move your car around.
So how do you define quality? The specs below should give you an idea!
(A) Resolution
This defines the clarity of your dash cam’s recording. And it’s the number one metric to look at when buying any type of recording device.
Camera resolutions are usually shown in pixels. The value you get outlines the number of vertical pixels that’ll appear in the final image.
For example, if an image has a resolution of 1080p – then that’s the number of vertical pixels you get in your image output. And if t’s 2160, then that’s the amount you get.
As a rule, you want more pixels. If a camera can capture additional pixels, then you’ll end up with more details in the image. And this gives you a more precise output that lets you see minor details accurately.
As a bare minimum, you should get a 1080p camera. Those tend to balance money and quality well. And if you can get a higher resolution then opt for that!
(B) Field of Vision
This defines the area that your camera can capture.
A camera’s field of vision varies from one model to another. Some models come with narrow view fields, and others are designed with wider ones.
As a rule, wide views don’t mean better quality. After all, delineating your area of vision requires the camera to have more pixels. Otherwise, you’d end up capturing a large area, while sacrificing image resolution.
Thus, you should ensure that dash cams with a large field of view come with a high-resolution.
You can define that by asking the manufacturer for screenshots. They’ll usually provide that, either on the dash camera’s box, their websites or through a sales support.
Also, a large field of view isn’t always a necessity. Sometimes, you want a field of view that’s wide enough for your driving needs!
So if you’re a private car owner, then a small field of view should be sufficient. But if you’re driving a larger vehicle (like a truck), then you’ll need to maximize your field of view as much as possible!
(C) Frame Rate
Since dash cameras are video-based, frame rates are a metric to take into consideration.
A frame rate is the number of snapshots that gets displayed per second. And a higher frame rate gives you a smooth transition across a video – where you don’t get any lags.
At a minimum, you want a frame rate of 30 per second. And the higher the value you find, the better.
Some dash cameras go up to 60 frames per second. This provides you with a smooth filming experience, and it lets you see transitions accurately.
However, note that higher FPS cameras require more storage room for videos. Essentially, you cut your footage recording abilities by half, and you’ll need continuously change out storage cards with a higher frame camera!
(D) Night Vision
Night-time driving requires a good amount of lighting. And this applies to both small car and large vehicle owners.
After all, you’re likely driving home from work at night. Or, maybe you travel often by car, and your travels are done at night time.
If so, you need a way to capture footage while it’s dark. It’s a way of avoiding night-time accidents. Plus, if you ever have to prove innocence after a night-time crash, night vision does it well.
Night vision maximizes the clarity and view in dark situations. And while it isn’t colourful, you only need it to see the necessary details of an accident (like license plates), and with a good degree of clarity!
Second: Additional Considerations
Mounting Types: Adhesive and Suction
There are many ways to mount a dash cam to your car. Suction and adhesive are both common methods, and each has its own pros and cons.
For starters, you can mount a dash came to either the dashboard or windshield. Both are excellent options, but we’d recommend the dashboard (if you have room), as this keeps your car aesthetically pleasing.
As for mounting type, the adhesive is generally stronger than suction. However, it’s more difficult to remove, and it may leave marks when it’s time to fix or change your dashcam.
That doesn’t mean that suction is terrible. Suction mounting is also reliable. However, it does take up more space than adhesive dash cameras. Plus, suction can’t sustain rough terrain rides as well as adhesive cameras.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Wireless Connection
Wireless connections matter, since they give you more control over your dashcam.
How may you ask? Well, for starters, wireless connectivity lets you control your camera by phone. You can adjust its settings without turning on your car or messing with the onboard controls.
Also, internet connectivity is beneficial. After all, you need a place to store the footage that you get from your dash camera. And having an internet connection lets you upload videos immediately to the cloud.
This saves you the need to constantly change the storage of your dash camera. And this lets you invest in heavy-duty cameras with massive specs and video quality!
But what do we recommend? Is Bluetooth enough for you – or do you need a Wi-Fi connection?
We see that both are a matter of purpose. Wi-Fi has similar if not better results than Bluetooth. But it’s recommended for heavy-duty dash camera recording (such as driving tours, track racing hobbies, etc.).
However, a Bluetooth connection should be more than enough for the average user. After all, your drives shouldn’t last long, unless you’re travelling by car!
Plus, the extra connectivity shouldn’t matter most of the time. It’s merely an added feature and a matter of convenience!
Speed & Location GPS recordings
You can connect your dash camera to GPS systems. And this provides a multitude of advantages that might help you resolve a dispute.
For example, GPS gives you average speed readings. And it’s a way of showcasing to authorities how responsible you are (as in driving within speed limits).
It’s also an excellent feature for transport-based businesses. It helps you track the time required to deliver items or drive individuals across certain distances.
Through the information you get, you can access accurate delivery times. And you can use those values to provide realistic expectations to clients!
Also, a dash camera GPS system is excellent to track driver habits. It’s good if you have children, and you’re trying to figure out if they’re responsible with your vehicle!
However, note that this isn’t a vital feature. You could always do without GPS, especially if you’re only using your car for commuting and daily errands!
MicroSD Storage Space
Let’s assume you don’t want the internet connectivity features. If uploading to the cloud via the internet doesn’t suit you, then you’ll need a good MicroSD storage space.
Your camera should have enough for a few hours of driving. And there is a multitude of options to try.
The starting storage value is 4GB per card. We think that this might be too low, especially if emptying footage is something you forget. Instead, we think you should opt for a 64GB minimum. And obviously, the more space your card has, the better!
Also, do note that you don’t need to stick with the stock card provided by the manufacturer.
Many dash cameras come with a slot that lets you insert a MicroSD card of your choice. So you can simply invest in a camera you like while ignoring the storage specs. From there, you can shop for a separate card that suits your recording needs!
Just be sure that what you buy can store a few days of footage. Ask the manufacturer on how much space is required (in GB) for 3-4 days of videos!
Look for Footage Protection
Recorded footage is necessary to find out who’s at fault in an accident. Also, you need to store that recorded footage until it’s needed.
This is hard to accomplish if your camera’s memory is minute. You’ll either need a large storage area that’ll cost you money. Or, you might end up having to overwrite previous footage to store what’s new.
Overwriting footage is bad. Because sometimes, you don’t know if you need old footage until it’s too late.
To ensure that this issue never occurs, look for footage protection. Many manufacturers provided recording through G-sensor monitoring.
Here, sudden jolts with a high G-rating are recorded, and those can’t be overwritten. It’s an excellent feature to store unexpected crashes or accidents on the road!
Audio Recording
Audio recording isn’t an expensive add-on. But it is a useful feature, especially if you have a driving routine that includes many traffic light stops.
Through audio, you can better tell what’s happening around a car. You can even record conversations after an accident!
However, it isn’t a necessary feature, as sometimes, the car noise can block out any useful audio. But, if you are driving a quiet car, then it’s a feature you should adopt!
Mounted LCD Screens
The more advanced dash cams will provide you with an LCD screen for you to watch and control the camera’s settings. And it saves you having to access your dashcam by phone.
Through your dashboard LCD screen, you can go through the footage. You can switch control, zoom in and out, and change frame rates! Also, it’s easier if you want to empty out old footage. It saves you having to upload then delete files by phone, where you can do the emptying while relaxing in your car!
But as a rule, if you’re picking an LCD model, we recommend getting a large screen. It’ll make the menu toggling easier. Also, it’ll be easier for you to view your dashcam as you drive.
An ideal display size to pick up is between 2-3 inches. But your LCD should be luminous enough for day and night-time view!
Also, if possible, your car might already have an installed manufacturer LCD screen. Try to check if that’s connectable to a custom dashcam. And if so, try to check the footage output that you’ll get while recording!
Power Consumption
The majority of dash cameras use your vehicle’s battery power. Basically, they work when your car’s turned on, and they’re off when your vehicle isn’t in motion.
This can be an issue if your vehicle’s battery dies a lot, or if you’re often stopping at traffic lights. Your battery’s power will often be absorbed for recordings in a static position.
But, there’s a solution. You can opt to get a built-in battery for your dashcam. But you’ll have to change that often. You’ll also need a way to recharge that battery when your car’s turned off.
It’s an unnecessary feature for most. After all, note that those built-in batteries last for a few minutes, compared to car battery use which may last hours. And a few minutes of recording isn’t practical, where you want hours of footage to maximize your chances of recording an issue.
So, we recommend you use car battery power, which will save you recharge troubles!
Auto Recording After Your Car’s Turned On
If you have a bad memory, and you can’t remember to switch your dash cam on/off, then look for an auto-start feature.
Here, a dashcam is programmed to switch on automatically once you turn your car’s keys. Also, the camera will auto-save what it records. Some cams will also auto-upload to the cloud, provided you have an internet connection!
This is a practical feature, especially if you’re a busy person, and remembering your dashcam is a struggle. However, it isn’t a necessary feature, and it’s one you should adopt if it’s convenient for you!
Capture Constant Footage with Loop Recording
Remember what we mentioned with regards to overwriting videos? Well, this is the opposite feature, and in certain situations, it’ll work well for you.
Here, loop recording records over the oldest footage once your memory runs out. What that means is, you don’t have to empty your memory constantly. You can simply have your dashcam auto-delete the oldest videos while adding in the freshest recordings!
This feature is handy, and it saves you time revising footage and keeping what you need. It does all the sifting work for you.
However, note that this recording is only for accident purposes. If you’re purposely recording with a dash cam for other reasons, then you might want a feature that you can manually control!
Third: Look at the Number of Angles You’d like Recorded
(A) Front Face Dash Cams “Single Lens.”
The majority of dash cams are attached to a car’s windshield. As a result, the camera’s lens will look forward, thus recording the road in front.
Specifically, those cameras only have a single lens. And this makes them an affordable option, since their design is quite basic, and it’s a good way to introduce yourself to their use.
Plus, this cam type can provide evidence in accidents. The only problem is, it doesn’t record collisions that might occur to the rear of your vehicle.
In that case, we recommend you try…
(B) Rear + Front Dash Cam
This camera records what happens behind and in front of your vehicle. It’s also a common option, and it’s the best for fishing out possible accidents.
This form of camera includes two lenses that you can toggle through at any time. Plus, you can use this dash cam to help you backup your car effectively in tight spots!
(C) Inside + Front Dash Cam
As we alluded to before, some dash cameras aren’t made for accident recording. Instead, they’re made for self-recording – and for getting footage of driving tours.
This is where an inside + front cam comes in. You can record videos of yourself while driving. You can also record where you drive as you speak!
This camera supplies two lenses in a single unit. And it’s excellent for businesses and amateur owners alike!
Final Consideration: The Amount of Footage You’d Like Stored on Your Card
A dashboard video cam creates lots of data. As a result, you’ll need a memory card that’s high quality in front of your dashcam.
So, what defines memory card quality? The answer is class. And class defines “write speed,” which is how much info your card can record per second.
If your memory card can record high rates of data, then it’s excellent. It’ll let you pick up more information at a higher level of detail. Plus, you’ll have the capacity to store large amounts of footage too!
As for classes, memory card classes are classified from 1-10. If you can get a Class 10 (somewhat expensive), then you have a good memory card on-hand.
Don’t Forget Storage Size
How many videos do you want to be stored on your memory card? The more, the better. It saves you having to clear out your memory card regularly.
Also, it gives you the ability to store more footage without having to overwrite when your storage capacity runs out.
To give you an idea, this is how much each card capacity can record in terms of total hours…
- 128GB card – 20 to 40 hours.
- 64GB card – 10 to 20 hours.
- 32GB card – 6 to 12 hours.
- 16GB card – 4 to 6 hours
