Expert Picks For The Best Dash Cams In Australia For All Budgets

Dash cams have become increasingly popular in Australia due to their ability to provide evidence in the event of a car accident or for contesting a speeding ticket.

We can understand that it can get so busy and lost, when it comes to deciding, which is the best dash cam for your needs and budget? In this post, we will cover and breakdown some of the highly reputable car dash cameras in Australia.

BLACKVUE

BlackVue is the global leader in dash camera sales and technology in more than 10 years, with more car cameras sold than any other brand in the world. Pioneering the industry with the introduction of WiFi and Smartphone Applications, users can now easily view footage without the need for a computer. BlackVue is recognised as one of the top 5 leading dash camera manufacturers in Korea, and is the most prominent and well-known brand in Australia.

BlackVue won the 2021 Canstar Dash Cam awards, achieving 5 stars in all categories. BlackVue was rated five stars in all ratings categories, including picture quality, ease of use, ease of accessing footage, memory/storage capacity, sound quality, value for money, design and overall satisfaction.

DR970X – Flagship Model – Premium

Credit: www.blackvue.com.au

When only the best will do. The BlackVue DR970X is a high-end dual-channel dashcam that records in 4K Ultra High Definition. The DR970X also has a number of other features that make it a great choice for a dashcam, including built-in Wi-Fi, Native parking mode, GPS tracking for precise pinpoint location of your vehicle in the event of an incident and much more. A major upgrade is the CMOS sensor which comes in at 8MP in comparison to the other models at 2MP.

Pros

a) Excellent video quality with a front camera that records in 4K 2160P Ultra HD Resolustion and a rear camera that records in 1080p

b) Wide-angle lenses for the best possible coverage – 155 degrees for an ultrawide front viewing angle and 139 for the rear.

c) Integration of advanced technologies such as Wi-Fi, GPS, and cloud connectivity is standard

d )Cloud connectivity allows for remote access to footage and notifications for impact events with Auto Impact & Motion Detection.

e) Intelligent parking mode monitoring that detects movement or impact, even when you are not there.

f) 3 years warranty is great over the typical 1.5 to 2 years.

g) Comes with a hardwiring cable and MicroSD Card

h) A whopping 8MP front sensor, compared to the other models below which average around 2.1MP

Cons

a) Expensive price point

b) No built-in screen to view recordings, but can be viewed on their app with ease (BlackVue Cloud, which is free).

c) Power consumption is considerable at 400mA in comparison to the DR750X at 350mA. Although, still considered very little in terms of power consumption across overall car usage.

d) Mainly compatible with BlackVue MicroSD cards only.

e) Camera connection cable is only 6m, may need a longer cable for larger cars.

The BlackVue DR970X is a phenomenal high-end front and rear dash cam that offers exceptional video quality, advanced features, and unique capabilities like cloud connectivity and Parking Mode. Based on our firsthand experience, the DR970X Plus separates itself from the pack with the ultrawide 155 degree view and 4K HD definition, which is very rare to find amongst any other dash cam on the market. While it comes at a premium price point, it’s a worthwhile investment for those who want the best dash cam on the market for their car as it offers unmatched performance with outstanding features. The video quality from the DR970X is excellent during the day and good at night. You know BlackVue absolutely has confidence and trust in their product range to be able to offer 3 years warranty on their goods, talk about putting money where your mouth is. In summary, the BlackVue DR970X is a great 4K dashcam with excellent video quality, cloud connectivity, and parking mode. It is easy to install and has a sleek design.

For some, the price tag may be a deterrent, but you often get what you pay for and the BlackVue is no different. Software and cloud connectivity for remote access alone is a big differentiator against many other dash cams out there that may rely on just a Wi-Fi connection. The build and construction of the BlackVue seems to be superior and is well-equipped with additional accessories such as the External Battery. Unlike the many of the competition, dash cams is all they focus on and specialise in, this may be a favourable aspect regarding the company alone. According to our history of installations, the BlackVue brand is the most popular and commonly installed dash cam device and the quality is superb and reliability is paramount. For a secure Blackvue dash cam installation to your car, always seek a professional who is experienced in its technical setup.

DR750X – Most Popular – 3 Channel Compatible

The DR750X-2CH PLUS is a reliable, full HD dual dash cam system that has become their most popular choice. Featuring Sony STARVIS™ night vision and advanced power management capabilities, you can have peace of mind knowing you are always safe and secure. Not as robust as the DR900X Plus, but still a very reliable unit and considered BlackVue’s most popular model, a great balance between quality and performance.

Features:

DR590X – Entry Level – Affordable

The DR590 2-CH Series sets a new standard for dashcam video quality and affordability as an entry-level dash cam with mid-tier features. Premium build, functionality and all you can expect from a Blackvue Dash cam at a price that is more affordable than the flagship models.

Excellent for those in search of a very reliable dash cam brand/manufacturer, but without needing ‘overkill’ features.

Features:

1080p Dual Full HD Resolution, Dual Band 2.4 GHZ Built-in WiFi, 2MP Sony StarVis Sensors | 60 FPS Recording |Native Parking Mode | Built-In Battery Management and Impact Detection

THINKWARE

Since 1997, Thinkware has established itself as a leader in the provision of location-based services and cutting-edge Smart Car Information technologies, earning a prominent place in the Korean market and becoming the go-to brand for local consumers. Thinkware is an internationally renowned provider of comprehensive IT services and solutions, offering our specialised expertise to over 800 cities globally, including London, New York, Toronto, Sydney and Singapore.

U1000 – Flagship Model – True 4K UHD

Credit: www.thinkware.com.au

It does not get better than this: a true 4K UHD resolution at the front and 2K QHD resolution packed at the rear, recognises this as the best combination out there. At 60 frames per second, this delivers both smoother and sharper image clarity. Its low-profile and modern design house the latest Cloud Connected features, such as Live View and Locate Vehicle, the driver safety features of Geo-Fencing, Impact Notifications and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) as well as safety camera alerts are essential components of any responsible road safety program.

Features:

Pros

a) Superior Resolution 2160P Front and 1440P Rear at 60 fps – the best out there

b) 150/156 Degree field of view is decent coverage

c) Includes a CPL Filter to help reduce windshield glare when recording from the front camera.

d) 7.5m cable should be long enough to fit most vehicle sizes

e) Includes a microSD card and hardwiring kit/cable

f) Decent warranty at 24 months

Cons

a) Only 128GB microSD Card support

b) High price tag

c) No built-in screen on the unit

d) For the price, there may be better value dash cams on the market. Nevertheless, Thinkware is still a reputable and reliable brand on the market.

Thinkware’s newest flagship dash cam U1000 is a league leader when it comes to clear and high quality recordings with resolution rates of 2160P and 1440P. High definition footage will be no issue for this dash cam that is for certain. Although it does come at a very premium price, the U1000 justifies its worth through its robust specifications and better yet, accessories such as the CPL filter, SD Card and Hardwiring Kit, which are all necessary inclusions that will cost you extra, should you opt for another manufacturer. It is a shame that it can only support 156 GB microSD Cards and without a screen, but still after putting it to the test, the U1000 overall is a strong candidate for the best dash cam out there.

Q1000 – Mid-Tier

Credit: www.thinkware.com.au

This dash cam offers excellent protection for your vehicle with its 1964p and 1080p front and rear resolution, wide field of view, and various features such as SOS Alerts, live view, impact parking videos, parking images, vehicle status, and driving history, all of which are remotely accessible through the Thinkware Connected smartphone app. If only Thinkware could consider supporting at least 256 GB storage to keep up with the industry.

Features:

Dynamic 1964p and 1080p Full HD Resolution, Super Night Vision 3.0, Advanced Driver Alert System and Safety Camera Alerts, Parking Surveillance, HEVC format files with Various Autonomous recording modes.

Price: $649

Thinkware F200 PRO – Entry Level

Credit: www.thinkware.com.au

A 2-CH dash cam that sports a 140° wide angle field of view, it captures high-quality footage while reducing blind spots. Thanks to its sleek design, you can easily install this dash cam behind your rearview mirror without any obstruction to your driving view, unlike other bulky models. By minimising energy consumption during parking surveillance mode, it can capture footage for up to three times longer compared to other dash cams.

Features:

Full HD 1080P Front and 1080P Rear Resolution | 30 FPS | 140° (front) / 160° (rear) | 2.0 MP Camera | Super Night Vision 1.0

Price: Starts at $349

VIOFO

VIOFO is renowned for its production of high-end dashcams, which have seen a surge in global popularity in recent years. These products have assisted customers in asserting their rights in road-related disputes, as well as capturing moments of everyday life while they focus on other tasks. VIOFO dash cams are renowned for their robust design and superior heat tolerance, providing reliable service in extreme heat conditions. Their use of super capacitors enables them to withstand in-car temperatures of up to 50-60 degrees Celsius, ensuring safety and durability in hot Australian summers.

VIOFO A139 PRO – Flagship – True 4K HD – 3 CH Compatible

The A139 Pro 3 Channel Dash Camera by VIOFO is composed of extraordinary specs, marking it as the first real 4K 3 CH dash cam on the market and the first to rock the Sony StarVis 2 sensors. This unit has entered the market with a bang and should not be overlooked. Furthermore, the front camera can be rotated 300° to view the road ahead or the interior cabin for a more novelty-like approach. Excellent for vloggers who tend to record whilst driving or those who love a road trip and would like to capture memorable moments during the journey.

For those who are not fond of Viofo, it is an emerging manufacturer that has been producing these high-tech cameras for over a decade since 2011 and easily a contender to the major big names out there, like BlackVue. Without further ado, let’s get right into it.

Features:

Pros

a) An admirable 4K/2160P Ultra HD quality front and 1080p resolution for the other 2 cameras.

b) 170-degree field of view provides good coverage of the road ahead and 140 degrees for the rear and interior cameras.

c) Uses the latest Sony StarVis 2 image sensors to provide excellent low-light performance, making it easier to capture clear footage with less motion blur, better than the original StarVis sensors. The best in the market, arguable the best night footage.

d) Configurable Voltage Cut-Off – this protects your battery from complete discharge.

e) Thin cabling for a less obtrusive installation

f) Supports multiple languages for its voice notifications.

g) The 300 degree Rotatable Front Lens – allows for an optimal viewing angle in multiple mounting positions. You could use the front camera to face forward or backwards into the interior cabin.

h) Comes with a Circular Polarising Lens Filter (CPL) to help reduce glare and light reflections when recording.

Cons

a) The software/app is quite clunky and requires patience to set up, not very user-friendly in our opinion and installation can be a pain to some.

b) The shell/casing mainly consists of plastic and rubber buttons, does not have a durable feel in comparison to other models out there composed of stronger materials.

c) There is no built-in screen for simple playback of recorded video, but this shortcoming can be overcome by downloading the Viofo app and connecting the camera to Wi-Fi. This may pose an inconvenience for some dash cam owners who prefer to view footage right away on their dash cam without having to reach for their phone, but can be worked around as noted.

d) No Micro SD card provided

e) Comes with 18 months warranty only

f) Rear camera cable is only 6m

VIOFO A229 DUO – Mid-Tier – Great Value – Popular

Credit: www.viofo.com.au

The A229 Duo Dual Dash Cam is a revolutionary product that provides enhanced driving safety protection with its Quad HD 2K High Resolution Rear Cam, offering up to 30fps recording both in front and behind. Its 2K high-res rear camera allows for seamless capture of license plate numbers, even in high-pressure situations.

Features:

2.4 inch HD LCD Dispay, Quad HD Dual Channel 2K 30fps + 2K 30fps, Sony STARVIS IMX335 5MP Sensor (Front and Rear), Built-in 2.4GHz & 5GHz Dual-Band Wi-Fi, G-Sensor & Motion Detection, Buffered parking mode, GPS logger, 140 degrees Wide Viewing Angle, and a lot more.

Price: Starts at $355

VIOFOA129 PRO DUO – Entry Mid Tier – Great Value

Credit: www.viofo.com.au

The Ultra HD 4K front dashcam is capable of connecting to a rear camera to enable dual channel recording. With its 130 degree wide angle view, it captures a more expansive video. Its F1.8 aperture 7 glasses lens offers exceptional detail both during the day and night, making it possible to record license plates with greater clarity.

This dashcam is designed with an advanced heat discharge construction and an integrated sensor to monitor the temperature of the main chipset. The device will automatically shut down when the temperature of the chip reaches a critical level, thereby safeguarding the dash camera from overheating.

Features:

Dual channel 4K front + 1080P rear dash cam, Dual-Band WiFi (2.4GHz and 5GHz), 2.0 inch display, GPS logger, G-Sensor & Motion Detection, ADAS, Front F1.8 Aperture 130° Wide Viewing Angle, Rear F1.6 Aperture 140° Wide Viewing Angle, Parking Mode Solution, Super Night Vision, and a lot more.

Price: Starts at $299

VANTRUE

Vantrue is an established company that has been producing great value dash cams and distributing them worldwide since 2015. Vantrue quickly became a pioneer in the field of smart living, with Vantrue rapidly exploring the field of intelligent technology.

VANTRUE ELEMENT 2 (E2)

Credit: www.vantrue.com

The Element (E3) by Vantrue, a 3-Channel voice-controlled smart dash cam, is their best dash cam yet, and it is not hard to see why. This dash camera comes with a super-wide 2.45 inch screen and magnetic connection to allow you to adjust the angle of your front camera, unlike others where it cannot be adjusted once fitted to the windscreen.

Video Quality and Footage

Yes, that’s right, it comes equipped with not 2, but 3 cameras to cover your interior, exterior and rear. This near 360-degree field of view is perfect for cab drivers, commercial fleets, work vehicles with valuable tools, parents with kids or pets and ride-share drivers (Uber, Lyft, Didi and so on). All thanks to its 160-degree front and rear and 165-degree interior field of view.

The front camera is equipped with the revolutionary Sony StarVis 5M Sensor and WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) technology, which helps to balance light and dark areas eg. travelling at night, through tunnels or public parking spots where lighting can be limited.

The interior cam comes with 4 IR LED Lights, which will trigger and activate when it detects low light in the car cabin for picture perfect black & white visual recordings.

Collectively, the 3 channels are able to produce resolutions of up to 1944P (front) and 1080P (rear and interior), which is among the best out there.

Voice Control and Wireless Remote Controller

The Element 3 is the only one with a Hands-Free Voice Control AND Wireless Controller to suit all your preferences and help you stay focused on the road. Those who wish to be completely hands-free, can use voice control to capture images, start/lock the camera, mute/unmute and much more. Speak another language other than English? No problem, it supports other languages such as Chinese, Japanese and Russian).

Based on our observations, the wireless remote controller can be attached to the front dashboard and consists of a few buttons that can help take real-time images and more whilst driving.

SHOP VANTRUE HERE

Features:

Dual channel 2K Video Resolution (2592 x 1944p – single camera mode), Dual-Band WiFi (2.4GHz and 5GHz), Voice Command, GPS logger, G-Sensor & Motion Detection, 160° Wide Viewing Angle Front,, Parking Mode Solution, Night Vision, 512GB MicroSD card support and a lot more.

Pros

a) Supports up to 512 GB micro SD cards

b) 3 Robust cameras for an industry-leading near 360-degree field of view (160 Front and Rear)

c) Multi-lingual voice control – Hands-free and a wireless remote controller.

d) Excellent front camera resolution at 1944 P

e) Super-wide screen to revisit old footage

f) Adjustable front cam even after installation

g) Very affordable and commonly on sale – free shipping on orders over $300

Cons

a) Connecting cable is only 6m long from front to rear, may need an extension or longer cable

b) 18-month warranty is just average

COMPARING ALL FLAGSHIP MODELS

Feature	Viofo	BlackVue	Thinkware	Vantrue	Navman
Field Of View (°)	310	301	306	325	260
Warranty (months)	18	36	24	18	24
Video Resolution (p)	2160/1080	2160/1080	2160/1440	1944/1080	1080/1080
Night Vision	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Good
Memory Capacity (GB)	256	256	128	512	128
No. Of Cameras	3	2	2	3	2
Price ($)	562	879	749	459	499

WORTH A MENTION

There are a few other noteworthy dash cam brands in the market that could fit into the same conversation as some of the most popular dash cams in Australia – Nextbase | Garmin | Redtiger | Uniden |Navman

Conclusion

The current market for dash cams is vast, offering a range of prices. However, the most optimal dash cams benefit from superior quality, reliable connectivity, driver aids, and advanced safety features.

No matter the type of vehicle you have or the level of night vision capabilities you require, there is an automotive camera option for everyone! But when selecting the ideal dash cam for your vehicle, the primary factor to consider is whether you would prefer a front-only, front/interior, or front/rearview. Additionally, you will want to determine the desired degree of viewing angle. Lastly, there are several special features to consider, such as voice control or parking assistance. As you can see, the ideal dash camera will often depend on the driver’s needs and circumstances. For example, many rider-sharing drivers like from UBER, DIDI and so on, would find value in installing a 3-Channel dash camera due to the growing concerns of false accusations that occur within the passenger/driver cabin.

Furthermore, once you have settled on the dash camera that suits your needs and preferences, we always recommend having your dash cam professionally installed – Sydney or Melbourne. This will help to preserve your battery and activate advanced features such as parking mode and much more.

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Hi, I’m Chester

author, Automotive Service writer

As a seasoned author on our team, Chester also known as ‘Gadget’, for his love for all things mechanical, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, particularly when it comes to automotive topics.

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