Using a GoPro as a dash cam may seem like a cost-effective solution for capturing your daily commute or road trips, but it's not a recommended practice. While GoPro cameras are designed for capturing action-packed footage, they lack the features and functionality of a dedicated dash cam. In this article, we'll explore the reasons why you shouldn't use a GoPro as a dash cam.
Ready to find answers? Let's begin.
What is a GoPro?
A GoPro is more than just a camera, it’s a small, powerful device designed to capture life’s most exciting moments. Whether you’re climbing a mountain, surfing, or chasing your dog around the backyard, a GoPro is there to accompany you and record every second. Rugged, waterproof, and compact, it’s the perfect companion for adventurers, athletes, and anyone who loves to live life on the go. Think of it as your personal storyteller, ready to turn your craziest experiences into shareable memories. But for dashcams, think deeply.
What is a GoPro Used For?
GoPros are versatile and can be used in countless ways. Here are just a few examples:
Adventure Sports: From skydiving to snowboarding, GoPros are the go-to cameras for capturing high-energy action. Their durability and wide-angle lenses make them perfect for recording fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping moments.
Travel Vlogging: Their compact size and high-quality videos make them ideal for travel enthusiasts.
Underwater Adventures: Thanks to their waterproof design, GoPros can dive deep into the ocean, lake, or pool to capture amazing underwater footage.
Everyday Moments: Don't let the "action camera" label fool you - GoPro is great for everyday use, too. Whether it's your child's first bike ride, a family picnic, or a DIY project, it's a fun way to add a cinematic feel to ordinary moments.
Creative Filmmaking: With features like time-lapse, slow motion, and super-smooth stabilization, GoPro is a favorite among creators looking to add a professional touch to their videos.
In short, GoPro is for anyone who wants to capture life's adventures, big and small, in an easy, fun, and highly immersive way. It's more than just a camera, it's a way to relive your favorite moments over and over again.
Why Using a GoPro as a Dash Cam Isn't Ideal
GoPros excel in capturing high-motion activities, but they may not be the ideal choice for the routine recording of your commute. Consider the following points:
Lack of Automatic Recording
Unlike dedicated dash cams, GoPros don't have automatic recording features. This means that you'll need to start and stop recording manually every time you get in and out of your car. If you forget to start recording, you won't have any footage of an accident or incident. Additionally, if you're involved in an accident, you may not have time to start recording before the critical moments pass.
Limited Battery Life
GoPros have a limited battery life, which can be a problem if you're using it as a dash cam. If you forget to charge it, you may not have any recording when you need it. Additionally, if you're recording for an extended period, you may run out of battery before your journey is over.
Temperature Sensitivity
GoPros are sensitive to temperature changes, which can affect their performance. If you leave your GoPro in a hot car, it may overheat and shut down. Conversely, if you leave it in a cold car, the battery life may be reduced. Dedicated dash cams are designed to operate in a wider range of temperatures and are less likely to be affected by extreme weather.
Mounting Challenges
Mounting a GoPro as a dash cam can be challenging. Unlike dedicated dash cams, GoPros aren't designed to be mounted permanently in your car. You'll need to find a suitable mounting location and attach it securely. Additionally, you'll need to remove it from your car every time you park, which can be inconvenient.
Expensive Option
GoPros are expensive compared to dedicated dash cams. While they offer more features and versatility, they may not be the best value for money if you're only using them as a dash cam. Dedicated dash cams are designed specifically for this purpose and offer a range of features at a lower price point.
Specific Drawbacks of a GoPro Dash Cam
If you're considering using a GoPro as a dash cam, there are several drawbacks you should be aware of. While GoPro cameras are great for capturing action footage, they may not be the best choice for recording your daily commute.
Lack of Parking Mode
One major drawback of using a GoPro as a dash cam is the lack of parking mode. Parking mode allows your dash cam to continue recording even when your car is parked and turned off. Without this feature, your GoPro will only be able to record while you're driving, which means you won't have any footage if someone hits your car while it's parked.
Limited Field of View
Another issue with using a GoPro as a dash cam is the limited field of view. GoPro cameras are designed to capture a wide-angle view, which is great for action shots, but not so great for recording your daily commute. You may find that the camera doesn't capture everything you need it to, which could be a problem if you get into an accident.
Risk of Theft
Using a GoPro as a dash cam also puts your camera at risk of theft. Dash cams are often targeted by thieves because they're easy to spot and can be sold for a decent amount of money. If you leave your GoPro in your car, there's a chance that someone could break in and steal it.
Overheating Issues
GoPro cameras are known to have overheating issues, especially when used for extended periods. If you're using your GoPro as a dash cam, you'll likely be recording for long periods, which could cause the camera to overheat and shut down.
Inadequate Night Vision
Finally, GoPro cameras are not designed for low-light conditions, which means that they may not be able to capture clear footage at night. If you're driving in the dark, you may find that your GoPro dash cam isn't able to record the details you need in order to prove fault in an accident.
Advantages of a Car Dash Cam
Mounted to your dashboard or windshield, a car dash cam continuously records your driving, capturing everything from scenic routes to unexpected events. As a professional dash cam, it does more than a GoPro. And has more benefits.
Automatic Recording
Dash cams are designed to automatically start recording when you start your car. This means you don't have to remember to turn on your camera every time you get behind the wheel. Additionally, many dash cams have loop recording, which means that when the storage capacity is full, the oldest footage is automatically overwritten by new footage. This ensures that you always have the most recent footage available.
Longer Battery Life
Dash cams are designed to be plugged into your car's cigarette lighter or USB port, which means they have a constant source of power. This eliminates the need to worry about battery life, which can be a concern when using an action camera as a dash cam.
Built-In G-Sensors
Most dash cams have built-in G-sensors, which detect sudden changes in speed or direction. When the G-sensor is triggered, the dash cam automatically saves the footage before and after the event. This is important because it ensures that you have footage of any accidents or incidents that occur while you're driving.
Read more: Maximizing Dash Cam Footage: How Much Can a 128GB SD Card Hold?
Better Adapted to Extreme Temperatures
Dash cams are designed to withstand extreme temperatures, which is important if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions. GoPros, on the other hand, are not designed to withstand extreme temperatures, which can cause them to malfunction or stop working altogether.
Equipped with Parking Mode
Many dash cams have a parking mode, which means they continue to record even when your car is parked and turned off. This is important because it can help you capture footage of any incidents that occur while your car is parked.
Overall, using a dedicated dash cam offers several advantages over using a GoPro as a dash cam. By investing in a dedicated dash cam, you can ensure that you always have reliable footage of any incidents that occur while you're driving.
Conclusion
GoPros aren't designed specifically for dashcam use, which means they may not have the necessary features to ensure reliable and consistent recording. This can result in missed footage or unreliable evidence in the event of an accident. Investing in a dedicated dashcam can give you the peace of mind and protection you need while on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a GoPro replace a dedicated dash cam for car use?
While a GoPro can technically be used as a dash cam, it is not recommended to use it as a permanent replacement for a dedicated dash cam. GoPros are not designed specifically for use as dash cams and may not have the necessary features to effectively capture footage while driving.
Is it safe to use a GoPro as a dash cam?
While it is technically safe to use a GoPro as a dash cam, it is not recommended due to the limitations mentioned above. Additionally, mounting a GoPro in a way that obstructs your view of the road can be dangerous and may result in a ticket or accident.
What are the benefits of using a dedicated dash cam instead of a GoPro?
Dedicated dash cams are specifically designed for use as dash cams and have features such as loop recording, parking mode, and collision detection that GoPros may not have. Additionally, dedicated dash cams are often more durable and stable, which can result in higher quality footage.
What features should you look for in a dedicated dash cam?
When looking for a dedicated dash cam, it is important to consider features such as loop recording, parking mode, collision detection, and video resolution. Additionally, it is important to choose a dash cam that is easy to use and install.
Are there any legal issues with using a GoPro as a dash cam while driving?
The legality of using a GoPro as a dash cam while driving varies by state and country. In some places, it may be illegal to mount a device on your windshield that obstructs your view of the road. Additionally, using a GoPro as a dash cam may not meet the legal requirements for recording footage in the event of an accident. It is important to research the laws in your area before using a GoPro as a dash cam.
