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Quality of Dash Cams Leaves Much to be Desired

  • 2017.07.17

Quality of Dash Cams Leaves Much to be Desired

Take heed of Installation Requirements to Avoid Legal Violation

 

Dashboard cameras (dash cams) could be a great aid to motorists in the unfortunate event of a traffic accident or collision.  They help investigate the cause of the accident, identify where the responsibility falls and assist in securing compensation.  But the quality of some dash cams in the market still leaves much to be desired.  A recent test on dash cams has found that quality of dash cams varied, out of 17 test models, 2 received an overall quality rating of 2.5 points.  The worst performer scored a poor 1 to 2 points in most of the test items related to video quality as rated “flat image”.  A dash cam that records blurry visual images may lose its purpose of installation.   Consumers will do well to bear this in mind and choose carefully.

 

The Consumer Council, according to the UK Consumer Association’s Which? dash cam test in Europe, has published the results of 17 models available in the Hong Kong market, with prices ranging from $729 to $2,290.    On a scale of 5 as the best in overall performance rating, 2 scored 4 points, 13 scored between 3 and 3.5 points, and the remainders 2 only 2.5 points.  Furthermore, the result showed that there is no correlation between price and quality.  For instance, the one ranking second in overall performance cost only $979 while the model having the lowest overall score was priced at $1,560.

 

The most important attribute of a dash cam is its ability to record clear and detailed footage.  Among the test samples, 5 models with highest resolution was on par with Super HD or Extreme HD (1296 pixels); 11 models with Full HD (1080 pixels) while the remaining one with only 720 pixels.  The test placed great emphasis on the evaluation of video quality and in particular the readability of video details, image focusing, and stability in video footage when driving at a high speed.  However, variations were found among product quality regardless the footage was recorded at daytime or low light/night.

 

As regards the image resolution, video footage of the 6 tested models was found either too noisy, too blurry or having to freeze the video in order to see the details.  In 13 models, quality of readability was affected by glare of road lamps at low light/night, hence scored only 2 points.  The worst performer which had the worst readability of details in low light received a bare 1 point as its video was judged to be of such a dim and blurry quality that made it difficult to read the details of car licence plates and the road signs.

 

       Furthermore, it is important for dash cams to have auto focus function.  In the test, there were 6 and 7 models performed rather poor either in photoperceptivity shot at daytime or low light/night and produced blurry images, so scored only 2 points.  Also, when driving at a high speed during daytime, 12 models which showed obvious stutters were given only 2 points.

 

       The Council emphasises that despite of the many fascinating claims of functionality, consumers should not neglect the basic function of a dash cam is to record footage.  When choosing a product, consumers should take into consideration whether the dash cam can provide clear and stable footage at different lightings.  Otherwise its multi-functional feature will become impractical.

 

       Consumers should also consider whether the dash cam’s functions perform properly under different circumstances.  For instance, some models have the feature “G force activated file saving mode” which was used to protect the file intact on the video in the event of the vehicle being hit in a crash, by preventing the file being overwritten.  3 models, however, were found failing to activate this function in the crash test.  The sensitivity of 1 model was unsatisfactory as the device failed to activate its G force sensor unless with the highest level of preset force was used in the test.

 

Moreover, when the car is switched off, all dash cam models will also automatically shut down their recording function.  If the vehicle perceives any external stimulus of being banged, scratched or crashed, 13 models installed with “motion detection auto on feature” activated their auto recording feature, to assist the car owner to trace the party responsible for compensation.  But 1 model failed to activate such function in the test.

 

Besides ensuring video quality, motorists should also pay attention to the requirements of the law in the installation of dash cam in a vehicle.  Among the 17 models, 14 are provided with a screen for visual display with 10 of them automatically shut off the screen when the car is in driving mode.  Consumer should be mindful that if a dash cam is so designed to enable the display of stored visual images, the law has special requirement as to its installation.  If in doubt, consumers should consult the Transport Department.

The Consumer Council reserves all its right (including copyright) in respect of CHOICE magazine and Online CHOICE.