GoPro Camera
GoPro cameras have revolutionized photography since their debut in 2002. Created by Nick Woodman to film his friends surfing, the waterproof camera quickly became a bestseller. GoPro is now the preferred choice for sports enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Its key features are its durable build and exceptional video quality, even underwater. This small but mighty camera has become synonymous with capturing extreme sports and outdoor adventures, making it a staple for anyone looking to document their thrilling experiences.
About Dashcam
A dashcam is a camera mounted on a car’s dashboard. Initially, law enforcement used movie cameras on dashboards to record traffic violations. It took time for dashcams to gain popularity with the general public. However, once people recognized the many benefits, dashcams became essential, especially for commercial vehicles. They help document accidents, deter theft, and provide evidence for insurance claims, making them invaluable for both personal and commercial use.
Comparison of GoPro Vs Dashcam
| Aspect | Dashcam | GoPro |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Designed for recording while driving | Designed for a range of activities |
| Field of view | Wide-angle to capture as much of the road ahead as possible | Multiple lens options, including SuperView, Wide, and Linear |
| Mounting | Mounted on the dashboard or windshield of a car | Can be mounted on a variety of surfaces, including helmets, chests, and handlebars |
| Resolution | Varies by model, typically up to 4K | 5.3K at 60fps, 4K at 120fps |
| Frame rate | Varies by model, typically up to 60fps | Up to 240fps in 1080p, 120fps in 4K |
| Image stabilization | Basic electronic stabilization, some models have advanced stabilization | Advanced HyperSmooth 4.0 stabilization |
| Features | Basic features such as loop recording, G-sensor, and parking mode | Advanced features such as TimeWarp 3.0, SuperPhoto, and Night Lapse |
| Battery life | Designed to be plugged into a car’s power source and run continuously | Up to 140 minutes of continuous recording |
| Waterproof | Some models are waterproof, but not all | Waterproof up to 33 feet (10 meters) |
Should You Use Your GoPro as a Dash Cam
Outstanding Video, but Lacks Image Depth
For documenting your travels, a GoPro is superior to a dash cam for capturing images and raw videos. Models like the GoPro Hero 11 and Hero 12 offer professional-quality 5.3K video at 60FPS and can take 27.13-megapixel photos. They feature advanced image stabilization, ensuring smooth and clear footage even on rough terrains with HyperSmooth video stabilization and Horizon Lock.
However, GoPros have some limitations compared to dash cams. They may not record certain driving details, such as license plates from a distance. Despite high sensor resolution, their wide-angle lenses make it hard to zoom in and capture far-off objects, especially in motion.
GoPros also struggle in low-light conditions. They rely on available light, so dusk or nighttime can hinder performance. This can be a drawback when trying to capture important details during nighttime incidents.
Top 2024 Dash Cams Ultimate Vehicle Security & Protection
Needs Constant Manual Activation
Using a GoPro as a dash cam has several drawbacks, especially regarding its recording capacity:
- Manual Activation: You must manually turn on the GoPro every time you drive. This becomes tedious if you have multiple cameras, like a separate GoPro for the rear.
- Inconvenience: Each time you enter your vehicle, you need to turn on the ignition, fasten your seatbelt, and then remember to turn on the GoPro. This extra step adds time and effort to every drive.
- Risk of Missing Footage: In the event of an accident or traffic violation, you might miss capturing crucial footage if you forget to activate the camera.
In contrast, a dash cam starts recording automatically when you start the car, ensuring you always have a record without any extra steps.
No detection No impact
A key difference between GoPros and dash cams is the G-Sensor, a feature found even in the cheapest dash cams but absent in GoPros. The G-Sensor detects accidents or significant shocks and creates a small video file, marking it as important and preventing it from being overwritten by new data. This makes it easy to keep crucial footage without worrying about it being lost. With a dash cam, you don’t need to manually retrieve important recordings, as the camera will automatically preserve them while it continuously records your drive.
Battery Life
GoPros need a long battery life to capture continuous footage since they’re not connected to a power source. A low battery during a mishap means missing crucial evidence. Despite their excellent image and video quality, GoPros fall short on battery life.
In contrast, dash cams don’t rely solely on batteries. Most are directly connected to the car’s electrical system, so you don’t have to worry about battery issues. This connection ensures reliable recording without the risk of running out of power, even in high heat.
