Dash Cam Buying Guide for NZ: What to Look For and How They Are Installed
A good dash cam records clear footage day and night, stores it reliably and is installed so the wiring is hidden and the camera does not block your view. Decide between front only or front and rear, choose a camera with solid night video and a high-endurance memory card, and think about whether you want parking mode, which usually means hard-wiring.
Front only, or front and rear
A front camera records the road ahead and is the minimum. A front and rear set also records what happens behind you, such as someone running into the back of the car at the lights. It costs more and needs a longer cable run, so installation takes a little longer.
Video quality
Resolution matters, but so does how the camera copes with headlights, glare and low light. Look for good night performance and a wide dynamic range so number plates stay readable. A higher resolution on paper is not helpful if the night footage is poor.
Storage
Dash cams record in a loop, overwriting the oldest footage as the card fills. Use a high-endurance microSD card made for constant recording, because ordinary cards can wear out quickly. Check how the camera protects an important clip when an impact is detected.
GPS and Wi-Fi
GPS adds speed and location to footage. Wi-Fi lets you view and save clips on your phone without removing the card. Both are convenient, but neither is essential.
Heat
Cars get hot in an Auckland summer. Cameras that use a capacitor instead of a battery generally cope with heat better, so check which type it has.
Parking mode and hard-wiring
Parking mode records while the car is parked, so it needs a constant power supply. A hardwire kit connects the camera to the fuse box and includes a low-voltage cut-off that stops recording before your battery runs flat. If you only want to record while driving, plugging into the 12V socket works, but the cable has to be tucked away neatly.
Where it goes and how it is installed
The camera sits behind the rear-view mirror so it sees the road without blocking your view. A tidy install hides the cable along the headlining and trim, connects power in the right place and leaves the car looking untouched. We install dash cams at your home or work anywhere in Auckland. See dash cam installation, and if you want a reversing view too, see reverse camera installation and the buyer's guide.
A note on footage and privacy
Keep your footage secure, and be thoughtful about sharing clips that show other people. If you are unsure about recording audio or sharing footage online, check the guidance from the Office of the Privacy Commissioner.
Frequently asked questions
Do dash cams drain the car battery?
While you drive, no. Parking mode can drain the battery if it is not set up properly, which is why a hardwire kit with a low-voltage cut-off is used.
Do I need to hard-wire a dash cam?
Not if you only record while driving, since the 12V socket works. For parking mode or a tidy install with no visible cable, hard-wiring is the better option.
Which memory card should I use?
Use a high-endurance microSD card designed for continuous recording, and check the camera's maximum supported size.
How long does installation take?
Most jobs take 1 to 2 hours, depending on the vehicle and whether you are fitting a front camera only or a front and rear set.