Written by Chester Hill | Last updated July, 2023
As the roads become more congested and incidents of reckless driving increase, it’s no surprise that dash cams have become increasingly popular. Whether it’s for insurance purposes or simply to capture those breathtaking road trips, having a reliable dash cam is essential. With so many models flooding the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to invest in. That’s why we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide on the top 5 dash cam models in the market. This means all of the listed dash cams will have all the bells and whistles indicative of a reliable dash cam, we are talking the best of the best of each manufacturer.
We’ve done the research, analysed the features, specs, and unique technology behind the biggest brands like BlackVue, Thinkware, Viofo, and more. In this article, we’ll specifically dive into their high-end flagship models, and help you secure the best fit for your car. So, buckle up and get ready to discover the ultimate dash cam for your needs.
Wolfbox G890
General Overview
The Navman MiVue Alta DC is a front and rear dual-channel dash cam system that provides exceptional video quality. And if you have not noticed already, its slim unique profile is what sets it apart from the pack. This vertical design allows for it to be securely fitted to your windscreen and tucked in out of sight, perfect for those looking for minimal obstruction whilst driving. Although, this concealed design comes at a cost…it is the only dash cam unit of this lot to come without a screen. So, if being able to view footage on your dash cam is a must, this may be a deal-breaker for you.
Video Quality and Footage
The front camera and rear camera are able to capture footage at a full HD resolution of 1080P and measuring at 2 megapixels, which is reasonable and we would not recommend any less than this. 140° Front & 120° Rear field of view.
Premium Safety Alerts
The Navman MiVue Alta DC comes equipped with GPS tracking, to help track your speed limit and premium safety alerts such as upcoming school zones, speed limits, fixed speed and red light cameras. These are also available as a monthly update at your convenience.
Pros
a) Comes equipped with a 32GB Micro SD Card, very few dash cam units will offer one with the unit.
b) Takes up little room on the windscreen and can be easily hidden from view.
c) Regular monthly updates to the software for road and safety alerts.
d) Long 8m cable to suit even the largest 4WDs and SUVs, no need to buy an extension cable.
e) 2 Years warranty is pretty good in comparison to the market.
Cons
a) Although 1080P resolution is still great quality, there are other dash cams offering much better at 1440P and 2160P.
b) Front and rear dash cam are only 2 megapixels (MP).
c) Supports up to 128GB only
d) Design comes without a screen
e) Seems like there are no Sony StarVis sensors on this, clarity of footage may not be as good as the others
Field Of View
80%
SD Card Capacity
25%
Video Resolution
60%
Warranty Period
67%
Price
56%
The Verdict
The Navman MiVue Alta DC has all the bells and whistles you could expect from a high-performing flagship dash cam. However, the specifications in comparison to other units out there can be a little subpar. Nevertheless, Navman is a reputable and reliable brand and we expect no less for its advanced safety alerts program. For the price, the Alta DC still does deliver considerable value being fairly less expensive in comparison to those listed in the $800 range. Although it a 32GB microSD card is included in the purchase, we would highly recommend a larger size, preferably the 128 GB at the bare minimum, which happens to be its max (considerably low compared to the rest).
Navman MiVue Alta DC
General Overview
The Navman MiVue Alta DC is a front and rear dual-channel dash cam system that provides exceptional video quality. And if you have not noticed already, its slim unique profile is what sets it apart from the pack. This vertical design allows for it to be securely fitted to your windscreen and tucked in out of sight, perfect for those looking for minimal obstruction whilst driving. Although, this concealed design comes at a cost…it is the only dash cam unit of this lot to come without a screen. So, if being able to view footage on your dash cam is a must, this may be a deal-breaker for you.
Video Quality and Footage
The front camera and rear camera are able to capture footage at a full HD resolution of 1080P and measuring at 2 megapixels, which is reasonable and we would not recommend any less than this. 140° Front & 120° Rear field of view.
Premium Safety Alerts
The Navman MiVue Alta DC comes equipped with GPS tracking, to help track your speed limit and premium safety alerts such as upcoming school zones, speed limits, fixed speed and red light cameras. These are also available as a monthly update at your convenience.
Pros
a) Comes equipped with a 32GB Micro SD Card, very few dash cam units will offer one with the unit.
b) Takes up little room on the windscreen and can be easily hidden from view.
c) Regular monthly updates to the software for road and safety alerts.
d) Long 8m cable to suit even the largest 4WDs and SUVs, no need to buy an extension cable.
e) 2 Years warranty is pretty good in comparison to the market.
Cons
a) Although 1080P resolution is still great quality, there are other dash cams offering much better at 1440P and 2160P.
b) Front and rear dash cam are only 2 megapixels (MP).
c) Supports up to 128GB only
d) Design comes without a screen
e) Seems like there are no Sony StarVis sensors on this, clarity of footage may not be as good as the others
Field Of View
80%
SD Card Capacity
25%
Video Resolution
60%
Warranty Period
67%
Price
56%
The Verdict
The Navman MiVue Alta DC has all the bells and whistles you could expect from a high-performing flagship dash cam. However, the specifications in comparison to other units out there can be a little subpar. Nevertheless, Navman is a reputable and reliable brand and we expect no less for its advanced safety alerts program. For the price, the Alta DC still does deliver considerable value being fairly less expensive in comparison to those listed in the $800 range. Although it a 32GB microSD card is included in the purchase, we would highly recommend a larger size, preferably the 128 GB at the bare minimum, which happens to be its max (considerably low compared to the rest).
Vantrue Element 3 (E3)
General Overview
The Element (E3) by Vantrue, a 3-Channel voice-controlled smart dash cam, is their best dash cam yet and it is not hard to see why. This dash camera comes with a super-wide 2.45 inch screen and magnetic connection to allow you to adjust the angle of your front camera, unlike others where it cannot be adjusted once fitted to the windscreen.
Video Quality and Footage
Yes, that’s right, it comes equipped with not 2, but 3 cameras to cover your interior, exterior and rear. This near 360-degree field of view is perfect for cab drivers, commercial fleets, work vehicles with valuable tools, parents with kids or pets and ride-share drivers (Uber, Lyft, Didi and so on). All thanks to its 160-degree front and rear and 165-degree interior field of view.
The front camera is equipped with the revolutionary Sony StarVis 5M Sensor and WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) technology, which helps to balance light and dark areas eg. travelling at night, through tunnels or public parking spots where lighting can be limited.
The interior cam comes with 4 IR LED Lights, which will trigger and activate when it detects low light in the car cabin for picture perfect black & white visual recordings.
Collectively, the 3 channels are able to produce resolutions of up to 1944P (front) and 1080P (rear and interior), which is among the best out there.
Voice Control and Wireless Remote Controller
The Element 3 is the only one with a Hands-Free Voice Control AND Wireless Controller to suit all your preferences and helping you stay focused on the road. Those who wish to be completely handsfree, can use voice control to capture images, start/lock the camera, mute/unmute and much more. Speak another language other than English? No problem, it supports other languages such as Chines, Japanese and Russian).
Based on our observations, the wireless remote controller can be attached to the front dashboard and consists of a few buttons that can help take real-time images and more whilst driving.
Excellent Loop Recording
Worry less about overwriting old important footage. This unit can support up to an industry leading 512 GB microSD cards meaning it has loop recording cycles of up to 34 hours in comparison to 8.5 hours using a 128 GB micro SD Card
Pros
a) Supports up to a 512 GB micro SD cards
b) 3 Robust cameras for an industry leading near 360-degree field of view (160 Front and Rear)
c) Multi-lingual voice control – Handsfree and a wireless remote controller.
d) Excellent front camera resolution at 1944P
e) Super-wide screen to revisit old footage
f) Adjustable front cam even after installation
g) Very affordable and commonly on sale – free shipping on orders over $300
Cons
a) Connecting cable is only 6m long from front to rear, may need an extension or longer cable
b) 18 month warranty is just average
Field Of View
100%
SD Card Capacity
100%
Video Resolution
84%
Warranty Period
50%
Price
52%
The Verdict
This very affordable dashcam by Vantrue is a fine addition to hit the road, but don’t let the affordable price tag fool you into believing that it is a medium tier camera. It packs a powerful combination of features and specifications, which allows it to join the discussion of the best dash cameras in Australia. For the price tag, we believe it offers excellent value, 3 cameras, superior field of view, high quality resolution and its unique voice control, 512 GB microSD card capacity (twice the size of those out there), what more can we say?
Although the Vantrue brand does not carry the same level of prestige as the big brands out there like Blackvue, yet. It does come with 18 months warranty for any doubts that you may have, which is neither the best or lowest out there. Drawing from our experience, Vantrue have been producing high quality dash cams since 2015 and look to continue gaining ground as an emerging top tier dash cam in the automotive market across the world.
Overall, the Vantrue Element E3 is a solid choice for those seeking a dependable and efficient dashcam. the Vantrue Element E3 is a great three-channel dashcam with excellent video quality, a sleek design, and useful features such as built-in Wi-Fi, GPS, and voice control. It is easy to install and has received positive reviews from customers.
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Thinkware U1000
General Overview
Thinkware goes beyond the basics and its latest flagship model, the U1000, says it all loud and clear. Having been around since 1997, Thinkware is a major contender when it comes to producing the best dash cams out there. Housed in a slim and modern profile, the U1000 has excellent software to help boost your safety through Cloud-Connected features and alerts, this is definitely a dashcam to consider.
Video Quality and Footage
It does not get better than this, a true 4K UHD resolution at the front and 2K QHD resolution packed at the rear, recognises this as the best combination out there. At 60 frames per second, this delivers both smoother and sharper image clarity.
Pros
a) Superior Resolution 2160P Front and 1440P Rear at 60 fps – the best out there
b) 150/156 Degree field of view is decent coverage
c) Includes a CPL Filter to help reduce windshield glare when recording from the front camera.
d) 7.5m cable should be long enough to fit most vehicle sizes
e) Includes an microSD card and hardwiring kit/cable
f) Decent warranty at 24 months
Cons
a) Only 128GB microSD Card support
b) High price tag
c) No built in screen on the unit
Field Of View
94%
SD Card Capacity
25%
Video Resolution
100%
Warranty Period
67%
Price
85%
The Verdict
Thinkware’s newest flagship dash cam U1000 is a league leader when it comes to clear and high quality recordings with resolution rates of 2160P and 1440P. High definition footage will be no issue for this dash cam that is for certain. Although it does come at very premium price, the U1000 justifies its worth through its robust specifications and better yet, accessories such as the CPL filter, SD Card and Hardwiring Kit, which are all necessary inclusions that will cost you extra should you opt for another manufacturer. It is a shame that it can only support 156 GB microSD Cards and without a screen, but still after putting it to the test, the U1000 overall is a strong candidate for the best dash cam out there.
BlackVue DR970X
General Overview
BlackVue is arguably the best dash cam producer in the world, renowned for their dedication for innovation and state of the art technology. Nothing spells durability and performance better than BlackVue when it comes to dash cams and this is to be expected of their DR900X Plus. The DR900X has a sleek cylindrical design and is easy to install and should not to be confused with the DR900X, this is the newer and better edition that enhanced resolution and much more.
Video Quality and Footage
The front camera has a 155-degree field of view with a superior 2160P resolution and the rear camera has a 139-degree field of view and 1080P resolution
The BlackVue Cloud App is yet another one of its greatest features. You will be able to access the film captured by your dash cam from any location, and you will also be able to receive notifications on any impact incidents or other alerts. You can also get a live view, emergency alarm, two-way communication, and other features by using the BlackVue app on your mobile device.
Pros
a) Excellent video quality with a front camera that records in 4K 2160P Ultra HD Resolustion and a rear camera that records in 1080p
b) Wide-angle lenses for the best possible coverage – 155 degrees for an ultrawide front viewing angle and 139 for the rear.
c) Integration of advanced technologies such as Wi-Fi, GPS, and cloud connectivity is standard
d )Cloud connectivity allows for remote access to footage and notifications for impact events with Auto Impact & Motion Detection.
e) Intelligent parking mode monitoring that detects movement or impact, even when you are not there.
f) 3 years warranty is great over the typical 1.5 to 2 years.
g) Comes with a hardwiring cable and MicroSD Card
h) Slim profile design, barrel-style dash camera
Cons
a) Expensive price point
b) No built-in screen to view recordings, but can be viewed on their app with ease (BlackVue Cloud, which is free).
c) Power consumption is considerable at 400mA in comparison to the DR750X at 350mA. Although, still considered very little in terms of power consumption across overall car usage.
d) Mainly compatible with BlackVue MicroSD cards only.
e) Camera connection cable is only 6m, may need a longer cable for larger cars.
Field Of View
90%
SD Card Capacity
50%
Video Resolution
90%
Warranty Period
100%
Price
100%
The Verdict
The BlackVue DR970X is a phenomenal high-end front and rear dash cam that offers exceptional video quality, advanced features, and unique capabilities like cloud connectivity and Parking Mode. Based on our firsthand experience, the DR970X Plus separates itself from the pack with the ultrawide 155 degree view and 4K HD definition, which is very rare to find amongst any other dash cam on the market. While it comes at a premium price point, it’s a worthwhile investment for those who want the best dash cam on the market for their car as it offers unmatched performance with outstanding features. The video quality from the DR970X is excellent during the day and good at night. You know BlackVue absolutely has confidence and trust in their product range to be able to offer 3 years warranty on their goods, talk about putting money where your mouth is. In summary, the BlackVue DR970X is a great 4K dashcam with excellent video quality, cloud connectivity, and parking mode. It is easy to install and has a sleek design.
For some, the price tag may be a deterrent, but you often get what you pay for and the BlackVue is no different. There software and cloud connectivity for remote access alone is a big differentiator against many other dash cams out there that may rely on just a Wifi connection. The build and construction of the BlackVue seems to be superior and is well equipped with additional accessories such as the External Battery. Unlike the many of the competition, dash cams is all they focus on and specialise in, this may be a favourable aspect regarding the company alone. According to our history of installations, the BlackVue brand is the most popular and commonly installed dash cam device and the quality is superb and reliability is paramount.
Viofo A139 Pro
General Overview
The A139 Pro 3 Channel Dash Camera by Viofo is composed of extraordinary specs, marking it as the first real 4K 3 CH dash cam on the market and the first to rock the Sony StarVis 2 sensors. This unit has entered the market with a bang and should not be overlooked.
For those who are not fond of Viofo, it is an emerging manufacturer that has been producing these high-tech cameras for over decade since 2011 and easily a contender to the major big names out there, like BlackVue. Without further adieu, let’s get right into it.
Video Quality and Footage
With 2160P (4K Ultra HD) at the front and 1080P (Full HD) across the interior and rear, your footage will be as clear as it gets. Also consisting of a 140° + 170° + 170° viewing angle, you will achieve near 360° coverage wherever you drive.
Furthermore, the front camera can be rotated 300° to view the road ahead or the interior cabin for a more novelty like approach. Excellent for vloggers who tend to record whilst driving or those who love a road trip and would like to capture memorable moments during the journey.
Best of yet (drumroll, please), the Viofo A130 Pro is the first to roll out with the Sony StarVis 2 sensors, many of the premium models out there are often connected with the standard Sony StarVis sensors. With this upgrade, expect to record clearer footage during day and night with minimal motion blur.
Configurable Voltage Cut Off
Allows you to adjust the voltage cutoff point, so that your unit stops powering when low, preventing your battery from discharging.
Pros
a) An admirable 4K/2160P Ultra HD quality front and 1080p resolution for the other 2 cameras.
b) 170-degree field of view provides good coverage of the road ahead and 140 degrees for the rear and interior cameras.
c) Uses the latest Sony StarVis 2 image sensors to provide excellent low-light performance, making it easier to capture clear footage with less motion blur, better than the original StarVis sensors. The best in the market, arguable the best night footage.
d) Configurable Voltage Cut-Off – this protects your battery from complete discharge.
e) Thin cabling for a less obtrusive installation
f) Supports multiple Languages for its voice notifications.
g) The 300 degree Rotatable Front Lens – allows for an optimal viewing angle in multiple mounting positions. You could use the front camera to face forward or backwards into the interior cabin.
h) Comes with a Circular Polarising Lens Filter (CPL) to help reduce glare and light reflections when recording.
Cons
a) The software/app is quite clunky and requires patience to set up, not very user-friendly in our opinion and installation can be a pain to some.
b) The shell/casing mainly consists of plastic and rubber buttons, does not have a durable feel in comparison to other models out there composed of stronger materials.
c) There is no built-in screen for simple playback of recorded video, but this shortcoming can be overcome by downloading the Viofo app and connecting the camera to Wi-Fi. This may pose an inconvenience for some dash cam owners who prefer to view footage right away on their dash cam without having to reach for their phone, but can be worked around as noted.
d) No Micro SD card provided
e) Comes with 18 months warranty only
f) Rear camera cable is only 6m
Field Of View
95%
SD Card Capacity
50%
Video Resolution
90%
Warranty Period
50%
Price
63%
The Verdict
If you can look past its average protective casing and clunky app, our findings show that the Viofo A139 Pro is still an outstanding dashboard camera that comes equipped with cutting-edge features. At an affordable price it is well compared to other tier 1 dash cameras. We specifically like this Viofo model as it is well-priced and offers fantastic value in comparison to other dash cam units within the same or even higher price brackets without much compromise to its quality. In fact, it houses better specs in the recording, video quality and field of view department, which are often the most important specs to look out for. Although Viofo may not hold the same prestige as that of a BlackVue label, our analysis of this dashcam revealed that it is still a reputable brand within the dash cam industry and may be the one flying under the radar all this time. In summary, the Viofo A139 Pro is a great three-channel dashcam with excellent video quality from all three cameras, thin cabling, and a slick design. The installation of this unit can be quite a troublesome task for many as it is not as user-friendly as you would expect.
For its price, we firmly believe that the A139 Pro delivers excellent value despite some minor setbacks in the build quality and installation process.
Comparison Table For Each Model Listed Above
| Feature | Viofo | BlackVue | Thinkware | Vantrue | Navman |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Field Of View (°) | 310 | 301 | 306 | 325 | 260 |
Warranty (months) | 18 | 36 | 24 | 18 | 24 |
Video Resolution (p) | 2160/1080 | 2160/1080 | 2160/1440 | 1944/1080 | 1080/1080 |
Night Vision | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
Memory Capacity (GB) | 256 | 256 | 128 | 512 | 128 |
No. Of Cameras | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
Price ($) | 562 | 879 | 749 | 459 | 499 |
Never Discount Your Safety
To summarise, investing in a high-end front and rear dash cam in Australia is a wise choice for any motorist in the country. These devices not only give outstanding image quality and innovative functionality, but they also provide peace of mind and protection when driving. Dash cameras assist drivers avoid costly disputes and insurance claims thanks to their capacity to record footage that is both clear and thorough of potential accidents or incidents. They can also give important evidence in the event of a hit-and-run or other type of crime.
Based on our findings, we really could not find any fault going with any of the 5 flagship dash cam units that we discussed here. They all offer excellent features and dimensions that should well satisfy majority of the needs and preferences of any driver. As you can see though, some may offer better value depending on your budget and for others, the brand name plays a significant role irrespective of the price.
Additionally, many high-end dash cameras come equipped with advanced safety features such as lane departure warning and forward collision warning, which together constitute an additional layer of protection for the vehicle’s occupants, both the driver and the passengers. Some models also come equipped with cloud connectivity, which enables drivers to remotely access and view the video captured by their dash cam from any location in the world. This function can be especially helpful for fleet managers or corporations that want to keep an eye on their cars as well as the drivers who operate them.
Our research indicates that, the purchase of a high-end deash camera may, of course, come with a larger price tag; but, the additional safety and security that these cameras offer make the expenditure well worthwhile. In addition, there is a possibility that drivers who have a dash cam installed in their vehicle will be eligible for insurance reductions from some providers. This would further reduce the overall cost.
If you want to protect yourself and your vehicle while driving, then a high-end front and rear dash cam installation is a clever decision, regardless of whether you are a professional driver, a frequent commuter, or simply someone who wants to safeguard themselves and their vehicle on the road. There has never been a better time to take advantage of this cutting-edge technology and hit the road with complete assurance than right now when there is such a wide variety of fantastic choices available on the market today.
The proliferation of dash cameras over the past few years has caused a paradigm shift in how we think about driving. These little gadgets, which can record video footage of the road in front of and behind them, have rapidly become a crucial tool for drivers who are interested in protecting themselves and their vehicles from the possibility of accidents or events that may occur while they are driving.
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of drivers who have become aware of the need of having a camera system that is dependable and of good quality installed in their vehicles. This has led to an explosion in the popularity of dash cameras in Australia. And it’s not hard to see why: with the country’s extensive road network and the often unpredictable weather conditions, having a dash cam in your possession can be a lifeline in the event of an accident or incident.
When it comes to selecting a high-end front and rear dash cam, however, it might be tough to know where to begin because there are now so many alternatives available on the market. To our good fortune, several noteworthy choices are deserving of serious consideration. Whether you drive for a living or just use your car occasionally for commuting, investing in one of these high-quality dash cams can give you the sense of security and protection you require to hit the road with self-assurance.
This article was last edited in 2023 and may be subjected to slightly different details, such as but not limited to, pricing and so on. When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. This however, does not affect, let alone affect our editorial reviews of these products by any means.
Car Care Advice For The Everyday Driver & Enthusiast
As a seasoned author on our team, Chester also known as ‘Gadget’, for his love for all things mechanical, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, particularly when it comes to automotive topics.
The post Top 5 Dash Cam Flagship Models in Australia 2023 appeared first on Schmicko Mobile Car Detailing & Car Care.
