Dashcams

To eliminate blind spots in your car and ensure your safety while parking and maneuvering, we recommend purchasing a dashcam. This affordable gadget will come in handy in even the most challenging situations, whether it’s a rearview or front-facing camera. In our online store, you can buy car cameras from AudioSources, Incar, Abyss Audio, Prime-X, Swat, and Phantom at the most affordable prices.

How to Choose a Dash Cam

Manufacturers of car gadgets offer a wide variety of cameras. Finding the right features will be easy. But beyond that, the camera must be installed in a suitable location on the car and provide high-quality footage in any weather and at any time of day.

To choose the right dashcam, consider the following factors:

1. Installation location.

The type of camera you choose depends on the purpose for which you decided to buy it. These can be front, rear, side, universal, and 360-degree cameras. Some types help you park in tight spots, others improve safety, and others eliminate blind spots for the driver.

2. Installation method.

The most popular type is one that is installed in the car’s standard mounting locations. This ensures quick and reliable installation of the device. However, there are also flush-mounted cameras and those on brackets that do not require a dedicated space on the vehicle for installation.

3. Connection method.

The device can be connected to the multimedia center via a cable or wirelessly. The second type of connection is supported by modern Android head units: AudioSources, Abyss Audio, InCar, Phantom, Smarty Trend, and others. However, a wired connection, unlike a wireless one, ensures completely interference-free data transmission.

4. Camera sensor.

The type of sensor installed in the dashcam determines the quality of the image it transmits to the screen. Today, two technologies are used that provide virtually the same image quality: CCD and CMOS. Although for a long time, CCD technology was considered to be of higher quality than CMOS.

5. Field of view.

A wide field of view makes a dashcam more useful by capturing as many objects as possible along the vehicle’s path and to the side of it. However, an angle of view that is too wide, as in panoramic equipment, can distort the image. The ideal option is 170°.

6. Light sensitivity.

To ensure the device is equally useful day and night, manufacturers are constantly improving the sensors. For example, modern dashcams from AudioSources, Incar, Prime-X, and others have a light sensitivity of 0.1 lux, ensuring excellent visibility at night.

8. Manufacturer and price.

Once you’ve decided on all the features, it’s time to choose the device’s manufacturer, taking into account the technical specifications and price of the car camera.

Rearview camera for cars

A car rearview camera helps you park in the most awkward spots. The device transmits the image to the screen, so the driver can immediately see obstacles behind the car and determine the distance to them. This way, you’ll definitely keep your rear bumper in perfect condition, avoiding minor bumps against poles, cars, and road signs while parking.

Modern camera equipment combined with a powerful car stereo will be even more useful. Multimedia devices can display adaptive parking lines on the screen. These lines show the car’s path of travel based on the steering angle. This makes parking convenient even in the tightest of spaces.

Two types of rearview cameras:

• Factory-installed.

Such devices help you quickly replace a low-quality original camera system by purchasing a special video interface separately. But you can also buy a rearview camera for a car without factory equipment, which is installed in the license plate light housing, the trunk handle, the brake light, or the logo. The selection is made for a specific car make and model.

• Universal.

If you decide to buy a universal rearview camera for your car, the specific make and model of the car is not important. These are primarily flush-mounted devices that are installed in the license plate frame, the bumper, or the trunk lid.

Front-facing car camera

Although front-facing car cameras aren’t as popular as rear-view ones, they can be even more useful. It can also have a wider field of view. A front-facing car camera helps you park in tight spots by getting as close as possible to an obstacle in front of you. This way, you won’t hit the curb, a sign, or a car parked nearby with your bumper.

But more than that, a front-view car camera will help you exit spots with limited visibility in all directions. For example, when exiting an archway or gate, you’ll see the road conditions as soon as the tip of your bumper passes the obstacle. If, after parking, a car parked in front of you along the road blocks your view of traffic, simply pull out slightly to the side.

You can purchase one of two types of front cameras:

• OEM.

The device is installed in a space specifically designated for it, which does not require modifying the body or cutting into the vehicle. They are usually mounted in or below the logo, in the grille, or in the factory-designated spot on the bumper. OEM front-view cameras are only available for specific car makes and models.

• Universal.

Universal devices can be installed in any convenient location. This is usually the bumper or the radiator grille. Universal front-view cameras for cars can be recessed or surface-mounted.

Side-view camera for cars

If you’ve decided to eliminate blind spots in your car, we recommend purchasing a side-view camera. Such devices usually have a swivel mechanism that allows you to set the desired viewing angle. With their help, you can set up a 360-degree view system for your car, which will make parking as easy as possible under any circumstances.

There are two main types of side-view cameras:

• For side mirrors.

These devices have a special shape that allows for quick installation into the side mirror housing. The gadget can be universal and suitable for any car brand.

• Universal.

These are devices that can be mounted in any location convenient for the driver. The main thing is not to spoil the car’s appearance or damage its body. Universal side-view cameras are most often mounted in the side molding or on the door sill trim.

Universal car camera

Universal rearview cameras for cars are in high demand. However, such cameras are also often installed for front or side view. As the name suggests, the device can be installed anywhere. Drivers are attracted by the ease of installation and the affordable price of universal devices.

But even these devices come in different varieties:

• Built-in.

The device can be mounted flush with the body, trunk lid, bumper, or other parts of the car. This is the most reliable mounting method, offering additional protection against moisture and dust.

• Surface-mounted.

These are devices on brackets that are secured with screws. They can also be installed anywhere on the vehicle body. A common choice among minivan drivers who mount new equipment on the roof.

• In the license plate frame.

The simplest option in terms of installation. Simply replace the license plate frame with a new, more functional one. The dashcam is built into the frame, which is attached to the body with bolts.

Which sensor to choose when buying a dashcam

The sensor determines the quality of the image the camera transmits to the screen—resolution and detail. There are two technologies, each of which fills and digitizes pixels, but they do so in different ways.

• CCD sensor.

This technology is more complex; consequently, for a long time it remained the undisputed leader in image quality. However, CMOS technology has evolved significantly today and also delivers excellent results.

• CMOS sensor.

A cheaper-to-produce technology with low power consumption. It delivers high-quality images, although drivers tend to believe that CCD sensors are better.

Dashcam manufacturers and prices

Virtually all dashcams are compatible with Android car stereos. The most popular devices are those from Chinese manufacturers, which offer affordable prices and high quality.

Top dashcam manufacturers:

• AudioSources.

A leading electronics manufacturer offering high-quality products for VAG Group vehicles (Volkswagen, Skoda, etc.). These include front and rear-view dashcams that mount in the interior light, trunk handle, or logo, as well as universal devices. For a higher price, you can purchase a pop-up dashcam that mounts in the logo. CCD sensor.

• Abyss Audio.

The company manufactures premium-quality automotive electronics. These include rear-view (brake light) and front-view (logo) dash cams. The company offers a wide range of products for various car brands. The products are relatively expensive, but this is 100% justified by high-quality video recording and discreet installation. CCD sensor.

• Incar.

One of the most popular options is Incar cameras. These are standard and versatile devices at a price accessible to everyone. They are mounted in the brake light or license plate light. HCCD sensor (an advanced version of CCD).

• Swat.

Swat car cameras are even more affordable. Model-specific devices are designed for installation in the license plate light housing, while universal models can be mounted in the license plate frame or on brackets. Despite the low price, the equipment provides a fairly high-quality image. CMOS sensor.

• Prime-X.

The Prime-X brand offers the widest range of model-specific rear, front, and side-view dashcams, as well as universal devices. The devices are affordable and feature excellent technical specifications. CCD sensor.

• Phantom.

Phantom dashcams are models designed for hidden installation. You can purchase a device with high-quality video at an affordable price, although Phantom products do not have the highest light sensitivity. CMOS sensor.

Car cameras in the Surround.ua online store

The Surround.ua online store offers the best car cameras with a minimal markup on the manufacturer’s price. Choose from dash cams by AudioSources, Sigma, Fors Auto, Teyes, Prime-x, and Abyss Audio. Compare the specs and prices of dash cams to make the right choice.

Our advantages include:

• Official manufacturer’s warranty.
• Fast delivery to all cities in Ukraine.
• Wide selection of dashcams.
• Professional installation available.
• Purchase on credit or in installments.

Place your order using the online form on the website, or contact a sales representative by phone to place an order.