A car camera is an on-board
camera that continuously records the view through a vehicle's front windscreen
and sometimes rear or other windows. Some dash-cams include a camera to record
the interior of the car in 360 degrees and can automatically send pictures and
video. Some car cameras also record acceleration/deceleration, speed, steering
angle, GPS data, etc. These cameras are easier to use and more convenient than
the other alternatives.
Car camera v general purpose
camera
Unlike general purpose recording
devices, car cameras tend to lack some essential features like power switches
and recording controls. In fact, a prototypical car camera consists of only a
video camera, hard-wired power inputs and solid-state storage media. Function
follows form in the case of dashboard cameras. As opposed to a general purpose
camera that must be turned on and off depending on need of recording, a car
camera is designed to begin recording the second ignition is hit and it is
powered up. Although one can use any recording device as a car camera, the user
will have to turn it on and set it to record every time the car is being
used.
Car cameras- functioning
Without
an on/off switch, a car camera is typically wired into a circuit that is only
hot when the ignition key is in the start or run position. And without any sort
of recording controls, dashboard cameras are typically designed to record continuously
whenever they are powered up. With that in mind, the user can see how these
simplistic devices are designed to automatically turn on and start recording
each time a car is driven without the need for any input or interaction from
the driver at all. This can be contrasted with general purpose portable
recording devices. 