Can I Use A Gopro As A Dash Cam?

Can I use a GoPro as a dashcam? It’s a question that many long-haul drivers may ask themselves, especially those who are looking for a cost-effective solution to capture their journeys on the road. 

Yes, But using a GoPro as your primary dash cam may not be optimal, especially if you’re a long-haul driver. 

In this article, we will Inspect why using a GoPro as your primary dashcam may not be ideal for long-haul drivers and discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using a GoPro as your trusty dashboard companion!

How to Use a GoPro as a Dash Cam?

When it comes to using a GoPro as a dashcam, the key is to ensure clear video footage and a secure mounting.

1. One of the best ways to do this is by attaching the GoPro to your windshield using reliable suction cups. These suction cups are designed for vehicle mounting cameras and provide a solid hold to keep your GoPro steady even on bumpy roads.

2. Its battery life is another crucial consideration when using a GoPro as a dashcam. While the GoPro’s battery lasts an impressive four hours, more is needed for longer trips or continuous recording. To overcome this limitation, plug your GoPro into a power source while driving. This way, you can ensure constant and uninterrupted recording without worrying about running out of battery power at crucial moments.

Using these tips, you can transform your versatile GoPro into an excellent dashcam option whether you want to capture stunning footage during road trips or have evidence in case of accidents or disputes; using a GoPro as your dedicated dashboard camera provides video quality that’s hard to beat. With reliable mounting and a constant power supply, you’ll be able to capture every moment on the road with ease and confidence!

Pros of Using a GoPro as a Dashcam

One of the best ways to achieve video quality reliability on a budget is by using a GoPro as a dashcam. While it may seem unconventional, this versatile action camera offers several advantages that make it an excellent choice for capturing footage on the go.

• Cost-Effective Choice: Opting for a GoPro as a dashcam can be a budget-friendly alternative compared to purchasing a dedicated dash cam system. This allows you to leverage the functionality of a GoPro you might already own for both action-packed adventures and daily commuting.
• Superior Video Quality: GoPro cameras are renowned for their exceptional video quality. Utilizing a GoPro as a dashcam guarantees that you’ll capture your journeys in vivid detail, ensuring that license plates, road signs, and crucial moments are captured with remarkable clarity.
• Reliability and Durability: GoPro cameras are built to withstand various environmental conditions and usage scenarios. As a dashcam, your GoPro can endure the rigors of constant exposure to sunlight, vibrations, and temperature fluctuations. This durability ensures that your camera will continue to function optimally over time, providing consistent performance.

Cons of Using a GoPro as a Dashcam

• Prone to Overheating: GoPro cameras are designed for various activities, including action-packed adventures. When used as a dashcam, the continuous recording and exposure to sunlight can lead to overheating. This can result in performance issues, reduced battery life, and potentially even camera shutdowns to prevent damage.
• Theft Risk: GoPro cameras are compact and valuable devices. When left attached to your vehicle’s windshield or dashboard, they can attract the attention of thieves. Unlike dedicated dash cams that are inconspicuously designed for in-car use, GoPro cameras might target your vehicle for break-ins.
• Automatic Switch On: GoPro cameras are engineered to capture the thrill of your adventures immediately. However, this functionality can become a disadvantage when used as a dashcam. GoPro cameras are programmed to turn on automatically when they detect movement or vibration. As a result, the camera might activate when you start your car or encounter minor road bumps, leading to unnecessary footage or potential privacy concerns.
• Limited Field of View: While GoPro cameras offer wide-angle views that are ideal for capturing action shots, they might need to provide the best field of view for a dashcam. This could result in a narrower perspective of the road ahead and less coverage of your surroundings than dedicated dashcams explicitly designed for optimal road coverage.

What Useful Dash Cam Features Is a GoPro Missing?

Here are the helpful dash cam features that a GoPro is missing:

2 Channel Functionality:

Most dash cams offer dual-channel recording, capturing both the front and rear views simultaneously. GoPro lacks this feature, which is valuable for comprehensive coverage and evidence collection.

Simpler Wiring:

Dedicated dash cams are designed with easy and discreet wiring setups, often seamlessly integrating into the car’s interior. GoPro’s design might not prioritize the streamlined wiring that traditional dash cams offer.

Storage:

Dash cams are optimized for continuous loop recording and efficient storage management, ensuring that critical footage is not overwritten too quickly. A GoPro may lack these optimizations, leading to potential storage issues.

Battery Life:

Dash cams are designed to operate on a car’s power supply, allowing them to record indefinitely. GoPro relies on internal batteries, which might not be sufficient for long recording periods.

Parking Mode:

Many dash cams offer a parking mode that can detect motion or impacts when the car is parked, and the engine is off. This is a crucial feature for monitoring potential incidents when the vehicle is unattended, which GoPro doesn’t typically provide.

Safety Alerts:

Dash cams often have built-in safety features like lane departure warnings and forward collision alerts. These features enhance driver safety and are absent in a GoPro.

These features are commonly found in dedicated dash cams and are tailored to the specific recording needs while driving. While GoPro is versatile and known for its action camera capabilities, it may provide different functionality and convenience than purpose-built dash cams for vehicular use.

Final Thoughts: Can I Use A Gopro As A Dash Cam?

While it is technically possible to use a GoPro as a dash cam, there are several reasons why there might be better choices than this, particularly for long-haul drivers or those seeking comprehensive driving monitoring. The absence of specific dash cam features such as dual-channel functionality, streamlined wiring, efficient storage management, and extended battery life could impact the effectiveness and convenience of using a GoPro in this context. 

For those looking to explore this option further, we have compiled a detailed article that delves into the pros and cons, assisting you in making an informed decision tailored to your specific needs.