- 1. 70Mai (RM175 – RM 619)
- 2. DDPai (RM149 – RM1799)
- 3. GOQ (RM75 – RM288)
- 4. VIOFO (RM404 – RM1791)
- How to Choose a Dashcam
- Image Quality
- Mounting Options
- Adhesive Mount
- Suction Cup Mount
- Bracket Connected to Rear View Mirror
- Parking Mode
According to this report by the New Straits Times, Malaysia recorded a whopping total of 418,237 traffic accidents back in 2020. This indicates that investing in a dashcam should be a priority among drivers in order to ensure their safety.
A dashcam might not save your car from an accident but at least having a record of the encounter will be useful to protect your safety, prove your innocence, and it might save you some money too. Here are five best dashcam brands in Malaysia and how do you choose one for your car.
1. 70Mai (RM175 – RM 619)
Tons of features, clear output, and inexpensive pricing makes 70Mai the top brand when it comes to the preferred dashcam choice in Malaysia. Offering an extensive range of dashcams from beginner models to premium models with 4k resolution and driver-assistance system, they’ve got you covered with all your dashcam needs.
Their best selling model, the 70mai Dashcam Pro Plus+ A500S Car Recorder has a built-in GPS system, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), as well as a 1944p super high resolution, all for a low price of RM309!
2. DDPai (RM149 – RM1799)
A high end dashcam brand that focuses on stylish designs to blend in with your car, and a superior visual quality, DDPai’s dashcams have superior visual quality and are an impressive piece of equipment that all cars should have.
At just RM249, the DDPAI Z40 1944P Dash Cam is their highly sought-after model with all the basic features such as 1944P Full High Definition (FHD) resolution, IPS monitor, and a loop recording function. If you’re aiming for the extra features such as the built-in GPS and Sense Reality Function, you will have to splurge a bit for a more advanced model – the top of the line DDPai X2SPro Dashcam will cost you around RM899, but it is highly worth it.
3. GOQ (RM75 – RM288)
For the budget conscious, the GOQ brand dashcam offers all the necessary features in a package that’s light on your wallet without sacrificing quality. The low price tag means you will have to give up on advanced features such as built-in GPS and night time recording.
The GOQ D90 3-Way Record Car Camera Dashcam is their most successful model and it is equipped with a 170 degree wide angle front lens, a 720p front camera video resolution, and a G-Sensor that enables the dashcam to automatically start recording when it detects a crash. Priced at only RM89, it is definitely a steal for bargain hunters out there who are looking for a no nonsense dashcam.
4. VIOFO (RM404 – RM1791)
From action cameras to dashcams, VIOFO aims to create products that are premium, practical, and reliable for the masses. Staying true to their brand, they offer mid range to premium dashcams with a discreet design and innovative system that is packed with benefits for you.
Their top of the line model, the VIOFO A129 Pro Duo 4K Dual Dash Cam will set you back RM936, but you have to take into consideration that you are getting a front camera with 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD) resolution, Sony Exmor R Starvis image sensors, as well as Wi-Fi connectivity over its native app that allows you to quickly download your footages to your phone for editing and sharing.
How to Choose a Dashcam
Image Quality
Even if you have a recording of an accident happening, there is nothing you can do if the image is blurry and you are not able to identify the plate number of the car involved.
This is why it is best to choose a dashcam with a resolution of at least 720p to ensure you will end up with a clear image. If you can stretch your budget, a dashcam with 2K or 4K resolution will provide you with an even sharper image that could help you win an argument or two in the future.
Additionally, a higher resolution dashcam means you will need a bigger storage to store your videos. So, don’t skimp out on memory cards. One minute of footage recorded in 4K will require about 450MB in memory, it is recommended that you get a memory card with a capacity of 128GB just to be safe. After all, you don’t want your precious dashcam footage to be overwritten when you need it most.
Mounting Options
When it comes to mounting your dashcam, there are three ways to do it, depending on the mounting options that comes with your dashcam.
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Adhesive Mount
The first and most common is by using an adhesive, mainly a double sided tape that is fixed on the dashcam’s surface and your windshield. This mounting method is the most secure and long lasting but you need to be precise when applying the adhesive.
Getting the right angle using the adhesive mount is quite difficult and you also might risk staining your windshield if the adhesive is reapplied too many times. But if you can get it right, your dashcam will not be as noticeable as using the other methods.
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Suction Cup Mount
The second way to mount your dashcam is by using a base connected to a suction cup that is attached to your windshield. A suction mount is so flexible to use that you can freely reposition it to get the right angle.
Unfortunately, this mount type does not last very long and it also takes a lot of space on your windshield. Over time, it will lose its sturdiness and the holding power of the joints will also loosen, causing your dashcam to limp around if not properly secured.
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Bracket Connected to Rear View Mirror
The third method you can use to mount your dashcam is by using a bracket to affix your dashcam to the back of your rear view mirror. Mounting your dashcam using this method is very easy and it also creates a low profile look for your dashcam, as it blends in with your rear view mirror.
But its major downside is that the angle for your dashcam’s view will be limited to the angle of your rear view mirror. This way, you will not be able to get a proper recording of what is happening in front of you. It is best to use this mounting method with a dashcam that has a large field of view.
Parking Mode
Some dashcams include a Parking Mode feature where it is able to start recording automatically when activity is detected while the car is parked and the engine is off. It acts like a surveillance camera that uses G-sensors and/or motion detectors to determine when to start recording.
The downside of this feature is that it requires the dashcam to draw power from the car’s battery constantly. To avoid draining your car battery while using this function, you can choose to either use a modern hardwiring kit to connect it to your car’s fuse box or by using an external battery pack to power your dashcam.
Connectivity
Another great feature you should look out for when choosing a dashcam is the connectivity options. While most dashcams requires you to access its footage through the memory card only, some dashcams make this easier for you with a built-in bluetooth or wi-fi connection.
All you have to do is connect your phone to the dashcam via an app (which varies according to the brand) and you’ll be able to view and manage the videos in real time. Although dashcams with this feature included usually have a more expensive price tag, it allows a quick and easy access to your footage, which is very useful during an emergency.
Even if you have the most sophisticated dashcam installed, it will not prevent accidents from happening. Please remember that you should always drive with caution. Obey the speed limit, use your turn signals, and focus on the road ahead when driving.
With that, we hope you’ll be able to find a dashcam with all the features that suits your needs.
Keyword: Top 4 Best Dashcam Brands in Malaysia & How to Choose One