Car On-Dash Video

A car on-dash video recorder, commonly known as a dash cam, is a small camera mounted on your car's dashboard or windshield that records your view of the road while driving. It continuously records video footage, saving it to a memory card.

Dash cams provide crucial evidence in case of road accidents, disputes, or insurance claims. They can also deter vandalism or theft when parked, capture scenic drives, and monitor driving behavior. For Sri Lankan roads, a dash cam offers an added layer of security and accountability.

Key features include video resolution (1080p HD or 4K recommended), wide-angle lens, loop recording, G-sensor (for impact detection), parking mode (for recording while parked), night vision, and GPS for speed and location data. Consider dual-channel cameras for front and rear recording.

Yes, many modern dash cams offer a "parking mode" feature. This typically uses the G-sensor to detect impacts or motion detection to record incidents while your car is stationary and turned off. Some models require a hardwiring kit to draw power directly from the car battery for continuous parking surveillance.

Generally, using a dash cam for personal safety and recording purposes is legal in Sri Lanka. However, it's important to mount the dash cam in a position that does not obstruct your view of the road and to be mindful of privacy concerns if recording others. The footage can often be used as evidence in legal proceedings.

Most dash cams come with a car charger that plugs into your vehicle's 12V power outlet (cigarette lighter socket), providing power as long as the engine is running. For parking mode or continuous recording, a hardwiring kit connected to your car's fuse box is recommended. Many advanced models also feature internal batteries for brief recordings.