Guide to 2024’s best car cameras available locally

IN an era where road safety and documentation are paramount, dashcams have become essential accessories for Malaysian drivers. Whether you are navigating the busy Kuala Lumpur traffic or embarking on long-distance journeys, here are some of the best dashcams in the market that offer peace of mind and reliable coverage for every budget.

70mai Pro Plus+ A500S

One of the most common dashcams used by Malaysian road users, the 70mai Pro Plus+ is affordable and a bang for anyone’s buck due to its rich array of features. Besides its front and rear cameras, it also has a built-in voice control, easy smartphone connectivity and is compact.

Estimated price range: RM299 RM399

$!Xiaomi Mi Smart Dashcam 2K. - XIAOMIPIC

Xiaomi Mi Smart Dashcam 2K

A direct competitor to the A500S, this device is budget-friendly, easy to use and compact. The only caveat is that it has basic features, no rear camera option and has
a limited parking mode. Additionally, for those that are not fans of square-shaped dashcams, this device’s design may be unappealing.

Estimated price range: RM249 RM299

$!DDPai Mini5. - DDPAIPIC

DDPai Mini5

Just as good as the above two, the Mini5 provides good value for money with its
user-friendly interface, built-in embedded multi-media card storage and sleek, compact design. The only downsides are there is no rear camera, it has limited
low-light performance and a simplistic parking mode.

Estimated price range: RM399 RM499

$!Transcend DrivePro 550. - TRANSCEND INFORMATIONPIC

Transcend DrivePro 550

Moving past the budget-friendly options, the DrivePro 550 has the core added feature of an interior-facing camera. With the industry standard front-facing camera for driver safety, the interior camera provides added security for the driver and passengers, which makes the DrivePro 550 ideal for ride-hailing drivers.

Estimated price range: RM699 RM799

$!Garmin Dash Cam 57. - GARMINPIC

Garmin Dash Cam 57

Yet another dashcam with a square design, Garmin’s Dash Cam 57 comes in a compact design and good footage quality. Unfortunately, at its price range, the lack of a rear or interior camera is a downside, along with its limited parking features.

Estimated price range: RM799 RM899

$!VIOFO A129 Pro Duo. - VIOFOPIC

Viofo A129 Pro Duo

Available at a slightly higher price point, the Viofo A129 Pro Duo has features that fit its slightly higher price point, with crystal clear 4K
front recording and a
dual-channel system with a rear camera. It has excellent night vision capability that will suit how dark Malaysian roads can get at night in certain areas.

Estimated price range: RM899 RM999

$!IROAD X9. - IROADPIC

IRoad X9

First on the list for premium dashcams is the Iroad X9. Featuring a far better build quality than the previous devices, the X9 has a reputation for being strong enough to withstand the Malaysian heat without the camera being affected. With Sony’s Starvis sensor and full high-definition front/rear cameras, the X9 has impeccable clarity in
low-light and during use at night. The device also has advanced parking surveillance that leverages X-Vision’s Night Vision optics.

Estimated price range: RM1,099 RM1,299

$!Thinkware U1000. - THINKWAREPIC

Thinkware U1000

Another dual channel device, the Thinkware U1000’s front-facing camera is in 4K-ultra high definition and its rear camera is in 2K. Additional solid features include an enhanced night vision mode and power saving mode that while parked, if the radar detects a moving object, it will turn off the power saving mode to start collision recording. Other than its high price point, the only other downside is the large size of the dashcam that runs the risk of obstructing the driver’s view.

Estimated price range: RM1,299 RM1,499

$!BlackVue DR900X-2CH Plus. - BLACKVUEPIC

BlackVue DR900X-2CH Plus

One for the T20 crowd, the DR900X-2CH Plus by BlackVue is on the extreme end of premium dashcams. Featuring a build quality that fits its price range, the device features one of the best 4K-quality videos on the market and its rear camera is also in full-high definition. Due to its build, the device also has superior heat resistance to withstand the Malaysian heat.

Estimated price range: RM1,499 RM1,699

As road incidents from road rages, errant drivers to accidents become increasingly common, investing in a quality dashcam is a wise decision for every vehicle owner. With a wide variety of devices at different price ranges available, buyers should opt for a device based on their specific needs and budget without compromising on essential features that could prove crucial in documenting important road events.