Are there different kinds of dash cams?
Yes, there are several types of dash cams, and while they come in all shapes and sizes, they may be classified into a few distinct categories (click on any category link below to open a new browser window to that category of dash cam):
- Single-lens dash cams (for forward-facing recording)
- Dual-lens dash cams (for front + rear recording)
- Dual-lens dash cams (for front + inside recording)
- Professional dash cams (for commercial or governmental fleet vehicles)
Single-lens dash cams are the most basic type of dash cam. These record from a single camera lens, like a normal camcorder. Typically people mount these dash cams in their front windshield in order to record what is happening in front of the car.
Dual-lens dash cams are a bit more complex. These dash cams can record from more than one camera lens at a time. Typically they utilize one forward-facing lens to record what is happening in front of the vehicle, and one inside-facing lens to record what is happening inside the vehicle. These are particularly useful for fleet or commercial vehicles where typically the driver of the vehicle is not the owner of the vehicle.
There are also dual-lens dash cams for front + rear such as the BlackVue DR750S-2CH that record in front of the vehicle like a single-lens model, but also use the input from a smaller remote camera (a camera mounted in the back of the vehicle - on the rear windshield) to record what is happening behind the vehicle as well.
Professional dash cams are commercial-grade models designed for business use (fleet vehicles, taxis/Uber/Lyft drivers, delivery trucks, etc) or other commercial, municipal or government purposes. These high-reliability units are also desirable to those individuals seeking the added peace of mind that comes from using a professional-level device in their own vehicle.