Some dash cams even have a parking mode, which starts recording as soon as an impact is detected. That increases your chances of tracing an individual who clips a wing mirror or scratches your Mercedes-Benz while it’s parked. With more new Mercedes now being built with forward facing cameras we are often being asked if this can be used to record in the same way as a dash cam. The simple answer is “Yes – But…” The factory fitted option is available only on the latest vehicles and cannot be activated successfully other than by Mercedes. Because cars with MBUX are ‘online’ any unauthorised activations will simply be ‘undone’ the next time the car connects to Mercedes. While you’ll get a hefty fine in Austria just for having one installed, there are countries that place less stringent limitations upon their use. For instance, you can use one in Germany, but the footage can’t be posted to YouTube or other social sharing services – you can only provide it as evidence to a German court.

Key specs – Max video recording resolution: 2160p, 30fps; Field of view: 140°; Display: 2in; Extra features: GPS, G sensor, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Alexa voice controls Beadles Aylesford Limited - Barons Automotive Limited - Beadles Medway Limited - Beadles Maidstone Limited - Beadles Dartford Limited - Beadles Coulsdon Limited A rise in popularity of voice control has also made its way over to the humble dash cam, so expect Alexa integration and other such voice-activated technology at the very pinnacle of the range. The captured footage is impressive. In terms of clarity and detail, it’s a cut above anything we’ve seen, although it’s a toss-up whether the extra resolution of 4K or the faster frame rate of 1440p is more worthwhile. And you still get access to all of Nextbase’s advanced features, including Alexa connectivity and a Hyper-Sync Wi-Fi connection to the MyNextbase smartphone app.It’s the first dash cam available in the UK with Alexa built-in, so you can play music, find parking, control smart home devices and make calls whenever you want without taking your eyes off the road. We found it surprisingly useful. These are a selection of the best dash cams available in the UK, they all automatically record footage when they sense a collision, but some of them have a few extra abilities thrown in.

The HD video quality is good, and the night mode (now on its second generation) is very impressive (it's surprisingly sharp, and there's next to no noise). There's built-in Wi-Fi so you can connect to your smartphone, although we did experience some connection issues, and it looks very dated. While features are limited to voice controls and a g-sensor that can detect collisions, we felt that GPS was the only real omission. Unless you need the best dash cam with driver assistance functions, the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 will leave you wanting for very little. Simple, subtle and reliable, it’s the definition of set-and-forget technology. You have a small windshield: Because it’s larger than many dash cams, the DashCam 76 can feel like an obstruction in vehicles with shallow windshields. So starting with some 2021 models, Mercedes will roll out the Dashcam as an optional equipment. For people who don’t know, Dashcam stands for: “Dashboard Camera”, which you can use to video record your driving, and what’s going on around you. Some initial models to include the Dashcam – (21U) option are 2021 Mercedes E, A, CLA, CLS, GLA, GLC, GLS, GLB-Classes and GLE SUV. Probably some other models will follow in 2022. Video resolution is a key consideration when choosing a dash cam, as explained below. Most dash cams in 2023 can record footage in Full HD, which is generally enough to identify large details in a video clip. Sharper 4K dash cams tend to cost more, but capture video at a higher resolution. This makes it easier to pull out crucial details such as number plates, which mean 4K dash cams generally offer more reassurance from a safety perspective.Evidence that you were at fault – Incriminating footage is a two-way street. If there’s a dispute about who’s at fault for an accident, evidence from your dash cam could put the blame at your door.

You’ll have to miss out on the odd feature here and there – there’s no onboard GPS or speed recording – but you still get voice commands, a parking guard feature and the same vault features as the Dash Cam 47. What’s more, there’s little between the two dash cams when it comes to video quality. In brightly sunlit or dull conditions it’s excellent, and pretty clear and blur-free at night, although the Dash Cam 47 seems slightly better at dealing with windscreen reflections and glare. You need GPS coverage: The Thinkware X1000 does support GPS functionality, but only through a module that’s sold separately. Financial Disclosure: Finance subject to acceptance, over 18's only. Indemnities may be required. Group 1 Automotive UK Limited is authorised and regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority for Insurance Distribution activities (firm reference number 671390). Barons Autostar Limited is authorised and regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority for Consumer Credit activities (firm reference number 685296) and an Appointed Representative of Group 1 Automotive UK Limited. Barons Autostar Limited is a Credit Broker not a Lender. You want a hands-off installation: Fitting the Nexar Pro isn’t too challenging, but there’s a fair amount of wiring to hide if you don’t want cables trailing in the cabin.There are also dash cams that boast additional features that, just like any other technology, translate to a higher asking price. In addition to better video quality like 4K, night vision and built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for easy file transfer may also be included. All companies include a charger that plugs into your car's cigarette lighter, while some offer kits which allow you to hardwire the dash cam into your car's fusebox. How we test the best dash cams