A dash cam is one of the most effective driving assistant systems. It is simple to use, offers many benefits, and has easy installation. However, a dash cam has many constraints, like its static camera position, and lens angle limitations. These problems cause the driver to have limited vision, making them vulnerable to accidents.
But did you know that a 360-view camera solves these problems of a traditional dash cam by widening your viewing area? That’s why 360° cameras have been the rage in the automotive industry for the last few years. But are they worth the hype? And, if you are buying one, which features to consider? Let’s find out!
How Does 360 View Camera Upgrade Traditional Dash Cams?
A dash camera’s basic function is to record the events on the road. It captures the area that the camera is facing. Usually, this position can be the front (over the windscreen) or interior (facing the driver).
While different types of dash cameras are available, they have vision limitations. For instance, you will usually find 2-channel or 2-cam dash camera systems with a clear vision from two angles, but what about the rest?
A 360-view camera solves this problem by increasing the number of cameras. Usually, this system has 2 to 4 cameras to record all four blind spots of a vehicle. The best part? Their camera lenses are rotatable, which lets you record the complete wide-angle view.
Here are some benefits you get with a 360 view camera car or truck over a traditional dash cam:
- Increased Awareness: A 360° camera system offers a surround view. It captures all four sides of a vehicle (front, rear, left, right) to increase the driver’s awareness. This helps you with driving and parking. Since you get a better vision, the chances of collisions are minimal to zero.
- Multi-Angle View: Remember that a dash cam only offers a static view. This means the cameras are usually fixed in a single direction. However, 360° camera system lenses offer panoramic vision, typically like a bird’s eye view, aiding drivers with the visibility of an event from multiple angles.
- Improved Video Functions: A 360 camera system has better video functions like a split-screen mode, single-camera switch, etc. These features let you quickly navigate between multiple cameras and record detailed videos.
- Better features: A 360 view camera is a recent addition to the ADAS market. Hence, it has all the upgraded features you would expect from one, including real-time alerts, parking assistance, etc.
- More Cost-effective: A 360° system doesn’t require adding more cameras. Typically, its default arsenal covers all angles. However, a dash cam might require integrating add-on cameras, leading to more costs.
Types of 360 View Cameras
The 360 view camera comes in different types, each having unique strengths. Let’s look at these types to provide a clearer picture:
1. 4-Channel 360° Camera System
A 4-channel is the most common and best 360-camera system. It uses four cameras mounted strategically on the vehicle. These lenses cover all four blind spots of a vehicle.
A 4-camera system is highly recommended for trucks, given their extremely dangerous blind spots. This system can minimize these danger zones with a panoramic vision.
However, you can also use this 4-cam system on sedans and SUVs. Here’s how it works:
- The screen with the front camera attached to its back is mounted on the windscreen.
- The rear camera is mounted above the license plate.
- The side cameras are mounted below the side-view mirrors.
You can view these multiple streams on your screen. These systems allow viewing all four live videos in a split-screen mode. Alternatively, you can switch between a single camera to get focused footage.
2. 2-Camera 360° System
A 2-cam system can also provide a 360° view, only if it is used with a 360 camera type.
These 360 systems use only two cameras placed on the front and back, with rotatable lenses. Hence, you can move the lens to a specific angle to record that area.
Many variations are available for the 2-camera 360 view system. Some may require mounting the cameras on the left and right sides.
These systems are effective for large vehicles, including semi and commercial trucks. However, they have limitations like a few obstructed angles.
3. 360° View Cameras with Sensors
Next, we have the 360° camera systems integrated with sensors. What do these sensors do? Well, they provide real-time alerts by emitting radar waves to detect objects in the driver’s range.
These sensors can help truck drivers, especially with parking. They assist drivers by providing guidelines to monitor nearby obstacles and parked vehicles.
These sensors can also aid in driving by monitoring vehicles that might go unnoticed by the driver. If these vehicles get too close, the sensor will trigger an alert. It prompts the driver to take action and avoid collisions. Hence, these sensors add a layer of safety to cameras.
4. 360° View Dash Cameras
A dash camera with four cameras also falls under the 360 system category. Usually, this type is called a “4-channel dash cam.” It works similar to a traditional 360-camera system.
However, it integrates dash cam features like loop recording and G-sensor. This system offers continuous recording with a storage unit like an SD card. Typically, traditional 360 systems use cloud storage.
Many older 4-channel dashcams don’t offer live streaming. Instead, they focus primarily on recording and storage. However, modern models offer live viewing as a primary feature.
5 Overlooked Features to Consider When Buying 360 View Camera
Looking to buy a new 360 view camera? Most people only consider essentials, like high video resolution, waterproof grading, easy installation, etc.
However, that’s not all! Here are some overlooked features to look for when buying a 360 view camera car or truck:
1. Camera Mounts
Generally, you get mounting brackets to place your cameras. Most systems require adhesive stickers or drilling holes to mount the cameras. However, those are secondary.
Checking the camera mount’s durability is crucial before buying. Ensure the brackets are shockproof to keep your camera position intact. Otherwise, the lens will move even after minor bumps.
The durability also ensures your cameras remain locked and safe from falling. Remember that cameras are the most expensive parts of a system. So, any damage can lead to a fortune in repairs.
2. Infrared Night Vision
Night vision is essential, especially if you drive frequently in the dark. Camera systems without night vision are practically blind in low-light conditions. Even tunnels can make your cameras downright non-functional due to minimal lighting.
Night vision solves these problems with its automatic activation. It monitors the environment’s lightning to trigger activation. So, you can continue viewing and recording high-quality and uninterrupted footage.
3. Camera Durability
Note that a 360 view camera price isn’t necessarily cheap. In fact, most models are comparatively more expensive than traditional dash cams. You should make the most of your budget by investing in a durable system.
The cameras in a 360° system should be strong enough to withstand weather conditions, outdoor elements, and scratches. But how to check the camera’s durability?
The easiest way is to look at the manufacturer’s selling record. Companies like OYI Electronic are known for high-quality and well-tested camera systems.
4. Room for Integration
Prioritize a system that allows integration with add-ons like sensors, microphones, etc. These systems can maximize your vehicle’s safety by adding protection layers, like audio assistance, real-time alerts, object detection, etc.
Camera integration can also help add more eyes on the road. Let’s say you have a 2-cam 360° view system that lets you integrate more cameras. It can help you avoid those obstructed angles.
5. Wireless Connectivity
Wireless connection unlocks many benefits for the system. For instance, it can make installation easier by removing camera cables. Instead, you would only need a power cable that connects to your vehicle’s power source or a battery.
Additionally, wireless-compatible 360 camera systems often come with a mobile app. They can make the 360 system easier with real-time data analytics, video storage access, etc. Cloud storage access becomes more streamlined with mobile app synchronization.
Conclusion
A 360 view camera is an excellent upgrade to the traditional dash camera or DVR. It increases the driver’s road awareness and provides a multi-angle view. Additionally, the video functions further help strengthen the driver’s vision. The split-screen view makes it easier to track all four cameras.
The 360 view camera car and truck makes video recording and storage better than ever. Now, you don’t have to worry about physical storage units. So, where to buy this system? Consider choosing OYI Electronic for high-quality and affordable 360 camera systems. Plus, we provide regular restocking, customized packaging, supportive warranties, online guidance, and after-sales support!
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