In today’s world, driving can sometimes feel like a high-stakes video game—except there are real consequences. That’s why having a dash cam can be a lifesaver (sometimes literally!). Not only does it record your driving, but with a rear camera, it adds an extra layer of protection by giving you eyes on what’s happening behind your vehicle as well. Whether you’re concerned about reckless drivers, seeking insurance evidence, or just want to document your road trip, a dash cam with rear-view capabilities is an absolute game-changer.
But with so many options out there, which one should you choose? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this post, we’ll break down some of the best dash cams with rear cameras on the market. We’ll dive into their features, what makes them stand out, and why they’re worth considering. Plus, we’ll toss in a little humor to keep things interesting because, let’s be honest, we all need a good laugh when we’re stuck in traffic.
Why Choose a Dash Cam With a Rear Camera?
First things first, why go for a dash cam with a rear camera? You might be asking, “Isn’t the front camera enough?” Well, not quite. While a front-facing camera can capture your encounters with other vehicles, a rear camera adds an essential layer of security that records incidents happening behind you. It’s like having a co-pilot who’s got your back (literally). Here’s why you need both:
- Rear-End Collisions: If you’re rear-ended by another vehicle, the rear camera will capture the moment, providing you with undeniable evidence in case of disputes.
- Backing Up: Parking lots can be tricky, and sometimes, you might not see that sneaky shopping cart or fellow driver who’s inching too close. A rear cam makes sure you’re aware of everything happening behind you.
- Insurance Claims: A rear cam can help in those tricky insurance situations, where the other driver might not be as honest about what happened. The more footage, the better!
The Top Dash Cams With Rear Cameras
Alright, enough talk. Let’s dive into the dash cams that will make your rear view just as clear as your front one. These bad boys come with top-notch features, impressive video quality, and a lot of other perks that’ll make you wonder why you didn’t get one sooner.
1. Vantrue N4 Dash Cam (Triple Channel)
Let’s kick things off with the Vantrue N4, one of the most highly-rated triple-channel dash cams on the market. This is the kind of dash cam that takes everything into consideration—front, inside, and rear views. If you want to capture everything, from the driver’s side to what’s going on behind you, the N4 is the perfect option.
Key Features:
- Triple Channel Recording: Front (155°), rear (165°), and inside cabin (180°). It’s the ultimate trifecta of video capture.
- 4K Ultra HD Front Camera: The front camera offers stunning 4K resolution, ensuring crystal-clear footage.
- Rear Camera: The rear camera records in 1080p and is discreet enough not to interfere with your daily driving experience.
- Parking Mode: If you leave your car parked, it’ll still record any incidents that happen around your vehicle.
- Loop Recording: Never worry about running out of storage, as the loop recording will automatically overwrite old footage.
The Vantrue N4 is perfect for those who want peace of mind, knowing every angle of their car is being recorded.
2. Nextbase 622GW Dash Cam
If you’ve been looking for a dash cam with all the bells and whistles, the Nextbase 622GW might just be your new best friend. It’s packed with features and includes a rear camera option for those who want total surveillance. Plus, it’s got that sleek, premium design that makes it feel like it should be in a high-tech spy movie.
Key Features:
- 4K Ultra HD Video Quality: The front camera records in stunning 4K, so you won’t miss a detail (even in bad weather).
- Rear Camera Compatibility: You can add the Nextbase rear camera for complete coverage.
- Emergency SOS: In the unfortunate event of an accident, this feature sends your location and relevant data to emergency responders.
- Alexa Built-In: Yep, Alexa can be your co-pilot. Just ask her to do things like take pictures or start recording, and she’ll comply.
- Super Slow Motion: Capture footage at 30fps or even slow it down to 120fps to get every juicy detail.
With its stunning video quality and innovative features, the Nextbase 622GW is a fantastic choice for tech lovers who want a dash cam that does it all.
3. BlackVue DR750X-2CH Plus Dash Cam
The BlackVue DR750X-2CH Plus is another top contender in the dash cam world. Known for its sleek design and powerful performance, this dash cam is ideal for anyone who wants a straightforward, high-quality option with rear-view capabilities.
Key Features:
- Full HD Video: Both the front and rear cameras record in 1080p Full HD, providing clear and crisp footage.
- Cloud Connectivity: With BlackVue’s cloud service, you can access your footage remotely. You’ll get notifications if something happens to your car while parked.
- Parking Mode: This is a dash cam that’s constantly watching out for your vehicle, even when you’re not around.
- Compact Design: The camera is small and unobtrusive, blending perfectly with your car’s interior.
For those who want excellent video quality and cloud functionality, the BlackVue DR750X-2CH Plus is a great choice.
4. Garmin Dash Cam Tandem
Garmin has been a trusted name in navigation and dash cams, and their Dash Cam Tandem is no exception. This dual-camera system offers impressive video quality both inside and outside of the car.
Key Features:
- Dual-Lens System: The front camera shoots in 1440p while the inside camera records in 720p. This is great for rideshare drivers or anyone who wants to capture footage inside the vehicle.
- Rear Camera: The rear camera provides clear 1080p footage, ensuring that everything behind you is also recorded.
- Voice Control: Garmin’s voice control lets you start, stop, or save footage hands-free.
- GPS Integration: It adds location and speed data to your footage, which can be helpful in case you need to prove your side of the story.
For those who want a dash cam with interior recording capabilities alongside a rear-view camera, the Garmin Dash Cam Tandem fits the bill.
5. Thinkware U1000 Dash Cam
Thinkware’s U1000 is a high-end dash cam that offers impressive 4K video quality for the front camera and 2K for the rear, making it one of the best options for those who want the best video quality.
Key Features:
- 4K Front Camera: The U1000 offers ultra-high-definition recording at 4K, so you can expect sharp, clear footage.
- 2K Rear Camera: The rear camera offers 2K video quality, ensuring that you capture high-quality footage of what’s happening behind you.
- Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS): This feature includes lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and more to make driving safer.
- Parking Mode: The dash cam remains active while your car is parked, ready to capture any incidents.
With its superior video quality and added safety features, the Thinkware U1000 is an excellent option for those who want a top-tier dash cam.
Choosing the Right Dash Cam for You
When it comes to picking the best dash cam with a rear camera, it really comes down to what features are most important to you. Are you after top-notch video quality? The Vantrue N4 or Nextbase 622GW might be your best options. Need a sleek design with cloud features? The BlackVue DR750X-2CH Plus could be the perfect fit.
Remember to consider things like video resolution, parking mode, and extra features like voice control or emergency SOS when making your decision. The right dash cam can be a game-changer, so make sure to pick one that suits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need a rear camera for my dash cam? It’s not mandatory, but having a rear camera can be incredibly helpful for documenting rear-end collisions, parking lot incidents, and more. It adds an extra layer of security and evidence collection.
2. How do I install a rear camera with my dash cam? Most rear cameras are designed to be easy to install. Typically, you’ll mount the rear camera inside your car near the rear windshield, then connect it to the main dash cam unit, which is mounted on the front windshield.
3. Can a rear camera record at night? Yes, many dash cams with rear cameras are equipped with night vision or low-light recording capabilities. This ensures clear footage even in dim conditions.
4. Can I access my dash cam footage remotely? Some dash cams, like the BlackVue DR750X, offer cloud connectivity, allowing you to access your footage remotely via a smartphone app.
5. Do I need to pay for storage? Many dash cams use microSD cards for storage, and you’ll need to purchase one separately. Some models offer cloud storage options, which might come with a subscription fee.
6. How long does a dash cam record footage? Dash cams typically use loop recording, which means they continuously overwrite old footage when the storage is full. Depending on your settings and storage capacity, you can expect it to record for several hours at a time.
And there you have it! Whether you’re looking to safeguard yourself on the road, capture the funniest moments on your drive, or just want some extra peace of mind, a dash cam with a rear camera is an excellent investment. Just remember: no matter how much tech is in your car, always keep your eyes on the road (and behind you). Happy driving, and may the footage always be in your favor!