GoPro vs. Dash Camera

 A GoPro Dash Cam camera excels at capturing extreme sports and activities, but it is not an ideal substitute for a dedicated dash camera. A dashcam serves the purpose of continuously recording your drives and acting as a witness in traffic accidents. It requires certain technological capabilities that GoPro cameras lack.

In general, GoPro cameras are more expensive than dashcams and are not designed for prolonged use inside a vehicle. They lack the ability to automatically turn on and start recording when the car is started, as well as the necessary hardware to withstand extreme cold or heat. If you use a GoPro as a dashcam, you have to mount it on the dash, plug it in, and manually turn it on every time you drive.

Convenience is where dashcams shine. With dashcams, you can simply set them up and forget about them. They automatically turn on and start recording as soon as you start the car, eliminating the worry of forgetting to bring it along or turning it on manually like you would with a GoPro.

See Also : Don’t Use a GoPro as a Dash Cam. Here’s Why – Matrack Insight

Unlike smartphone apps or GoPro cameras that you may carry with you, dashcams are dedicated devices that stay on the dashboard at all times. Once installed, they provide a "set it and forget it" experience, capturing footage seamlessly from the moment you start your car.

 

Features: Both Offer a Suite of Useful Tools

Dash cameras are specifically designed for vehicles, equipped with features that enhance driving convenience. Many dash cameras include built-in GPS and shock sensors. GPS allows the dashcam to record precise location and movement data during accidents, while shock sensors activate or mark recordings when the vehicle experiences sudden acceleration changes.

Some GoPros and dashcam apps offer similar features, such as accelerometers, GPS navigation, and waterproof housing. However, carrying your phone is typically more intuitive and easier to remember than carrying a GoPro.

While dashcams are generally more convenient due to their automated functionality, both dashcams and GoPros offer looped recording. This means that the camera automatically replaces old video files when storage space is full. Loop recording is a crucial feature for any dashboard surveillance solution, preventing the memory from filling up quickly.

Using a GoPro as a dashcam requires activating the loop recording feature and placing the GoPro in a skeleton housing or mount. Unlike the waterproof housing, a skeleton housing allows you to power the camera while it's in use. To connect the GoPro to a power source, you'll need a 12-volt USB adapter or a 12-volt charger with a micro USB connector, which can be plugged into a cigarette lighter or accessory socket.

Once loop recording is activated and the GoPro is in a skeleton housing, you can mount it on the dash or windshield. However, the main drawback is that you must manually turn it on every time you drive.

GoPro cameras are easily recognizable consumer gadgets, which makes vehicles with an expensive GoPro on the dashboard more prone to theft compared to generic dashcams.

Dashcams are typically built to withstand extreme hot and cold temperature variations in cars, although this is not always the case with GoPros.

See Also : Using GoPro As Dashcam: A Complete Guide 2023

While most dashcams record automatically, dashcam apps face similar issues to GoPro cameras. You need to carry a device with you and remember to turn it on before each drive. The convenience of automated functionality adds value to traditional dashcams.

 

 

Final Verdict: For Driving Purposes, Stick With a Dashcam

If you already own a GoPro for outdoor activities and need an affordable option to monitor your driving, using your GoPro as a dashcam is a good choice. However, if your main goal is to record your driving and you don't own a GoPro, a dedicated dashcam is the better option.