Dash cams have become a necessity in vehicles. Whether you’re a regular driver or quite the expert, it’s recommended you install a dash cam in your car. The best Dash Cam with Motion Detector will be a great asset as it can detect movement around your car. If you hear about dash cam with motion sensor, it’s just the same.
Accidents and other unexpected incidents may occur at any time. Either when parking or driving your car. You’ll worry less if you have recorded footage in place to put you in the clear.
Let’s dive into our awesome options for the best motion-sensing dash cam.
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Dash cameras with motion detectors have proved useful in arresting car vandals. They’re also vital in ensuring you’re well covered by insurance. While there are several dash cams on the market, most of them come with limited features.
Ensuring you choose the right cam for your car is important but a tough one to make. You happen to be in the right place. I have culled the best dash cams with motion detectors you should buy.
Dash cam motion-activated sensors allow these cameras to really shine in some situations.
Bear in mind each of these motion sensor dash cam products includes a pack of essential features. I’m referring to loop recording and auto-start and stop.
Comparison table:
| Product Name | Resolution and Frame Rate | Storage and Memory Partitioning | Wi-Fi and GPS | Camera Mounts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| APEMAN C450 Series A | 1080p@30fps | Supports 32GB; Can be Partitioned | No / No | Suction / Adhesive mounts |
| Garmin Dash Cam 55 | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@30fps | Supports 64GB; Can be Partitioned | Yes / Yes | Magnetic mount |
| BlackVue DR590 | 1080p@30fps | Supports 128GB; Can be Partitioned | No / Yes | Adhesive mount |
| Z-Edge Z4 | 2K@30fps, 1296p@30fps, 1080p@45fps, 1080p@30fps | Supports 64GB; Can be Partitioned | No / No | Suction cup |
| TaoTronics TT-CD06 | 2K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@60fps, 720p@30fps | Supports 64GB; Can be Partitioned | No / No | Suction cup |
| Garmin Dash Cam 66W | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 1080p@60fps | Supports 265GB; Can be Partitioned | Yes / Yes | Suction cup |
| Garmin Dash Cam Mini | 1080p@30fps | Supports 64GB; Can be Partitioned | No / Yes | Suction cup |
| Crosstour CR300 | 1080p@30fps | Supports 32GB; Can be Partitioned | No / No | Suction cup |
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APEMAN C450 Series A Dash Cam
Main highlights:
- 3-inch LCD screen
- 1080p at 30 fps
- 12MP image resolution
- Parking mode
- Night Vision
- 170° Wide Recording
- Supports up to 32GB SD card
The Apeman C450 series A dash cam is a sleek and decent device that you should consider. Released in mid-2018, this dash cam comes with many basic features.
It features a 3-inch LCD screen with a full HD capacity of 1080p at 30 fps. It is also capable of capturing photos with its 12MP camera lens.
This allows it to capture and record what is in front of your car in real-time. It also features a 170° ultra-wide field of view. This helps to capture everything in front of you and the cross-traffic as well.
The C450 features a big aperture. When combined with the wide dynamic range will ensure a fair clarity of visuals, even in low light conditions. It starts recording immediately after the car’s ignition is on and shut off when it is parked.
The dash cam features a parking mode that allows it to record visuals even when the car is immobile. Loop recording is also enabled; as it will record footage. It’ll overwrite old files when the storage is full.
The internal battery of the dash cam is not suitable for recording. You can either hardwire the device to an external power source. You can also plug in a power bank.
The cam is simple to install on your windshield with either a suction cup or an adhesive mount. In 10 minutes, you’re all set.
It also comes with a motion impact detector and an emergency accident lock. These features will make the cam capture and protect collision footage. The protected footage cannot be overwritten even when the storage fills up.
The Apeman C450 series A dash cam supports up to 32GB class 10 external SD card. It can capture close to 12 hours of drive time. It’s advisable to format the card every two weeks.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Parking mode
Cons:
- Does not support GPS or WiFi
- The menu isn’t easy to use
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Garmin Dash Cam 55
Main highlights:
- 2-inch LCD screen
- 1440p at 30 fps
- 3.7MP image resolution
- Parking mode
- Night Vision
- 180° Wide Recording
- Supports up to 64GB SD card
- GPS/WiFi
- Voice Control
It sure looks like a matchbox. But don’t let its size fool you.
The Garmin Dash Cam 55 packs in a lot of surprising features for its size. Featuring a 2-inch LED screen, this dash comes with a 1440p resolution running at 30 fps.
That’s not all. You can also choose to capture visuals with either 1080p at 60/30 fps or 720p at 30 fps HD resolution. This makes the video quality of the 55 pretty impressive whatever the choice you decide on.
This device comes with an 8GB microSD card but you can replace it with one of a larger capacity, up to 64GB. It also features a magnetic mount for you to hang or remove the device with ease.
It also features a 3.7 MP camera that can capture great pictures, even when the car is in motion. Its equipped with a removable polarizing filter. It typically makes your recorded media files look good. Even at night.
It’s equipped with GPS which can pinpoint your actual location, direction, speed, and time. This is quite useful if you plan on submitting your footage as evidence. Travel-lapse is a feature that helps to condense hours of driving into highlights.
This dash cam is notable for its safe driving features. As you veer off your lane it will alert you. In case your car gets too close to the car up ahead you’ll also get a warning.
It also features an impact detection sensor. This allows it to record and protect clips when an accident has occurred. Protected clips cannot be overwritten.
Parking mode allows you to record footage even when the car is idle. However, the dash cam needs to be hardwired to the car’s electrical system. You don’t have to buy anything else since it includes the hardware and installation kit.
With the built-in Wi-Fi, you can sync and send recorded videos to your smartphone. Well, this only works if you download the free Garmin Drive app on your phone.
This dash cam also comes with voice control. By saying ‘Okay Garmin’ and a few other phrases, you gain full control of the dash without lifting a finger.
Pros:
- GPS and Wi-Fi
- Smart warnings
- Voice Control
Cons:
- Limited smartphone app features
- A bit pricey
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BlackVue DR590
Main highlights:
- Front and Rear camera
- 1080p at 30 fps
- 138° Wide Recording
- Parking mode
- Night Vision
- Supports SD cards up to 128GB
- GPS
The BlackVue DR590 dashcam stands out from the others for one thing. It features Dual-cameras to mount at the front and rear of your car.
You’ll have the opportunity to watch simultaneous footage from both views. It also has an auto-on and off feature.
When you unpack, you’ll find a power cord that can connect the rear cam to the one in front.
This BlackVue dash cam features a 1080p Full HD resolution running at 30 fps. It will do video recording at 60 fps, but only on one channel. These dash cams have a Sony STARVIS image sensor.
That sensor helps to produce the best image and video quality. You’ll have a fair cross-section of the road since it has a 138° wide-angle recording.
You have the option to turn off the mic if you prefer to keep it from recording audio. With the adjustable exposure, you can get the best and sharp video quality even at night.
The BlackVue DR590 is GPS-enabled, tracking your location and including timestamp. Beware that you need an external antenna for that.
The cams come with impact and motion detectors. It’ll record and protect any collision footage from being overwritten from loop recording.
It comes with a 16GB SD card with a card reader but it will work with SD cards up to 128GB. This will ensure that both cams enjoy a longer recording time before storage fills up.
Parking mode is also enabled, with the cams acting as security cams. In parking mode, the cams only record videos when it detects motion near the car.
You’d have to hardwire the device to the car’s battery or connect a power bank. This will ensure the cams are operational even when the car isn’t.
Pros:
- Front and rear cams
- Sharp video quality at night
Cons:
- No Wi-Fi
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Z-Edge Z4
Main highlights:
- 2.7-inch LCD screen
- 2K HD resolution
- 150° Wide Recording
- Parking mode
- Night Vision
- Supports up to 128GB SD card
The Z-Edge Z4 dash cam is another wonderful selection you should consider for your car. Small in size, it comes with some ‘wow’ features.
You can record videos with the 2K Super HD (2560x1080p) resolution running at 30 fps. You can also capture videos in 1296p and 1080p with 45/30 fps combined. Audio recording is optional with this device.
This dash cam features a high-end Ambarella A7 processor. It ensures video stability when the cam is recording. It includes the OV4689 Color CMOS image sensor that enhances image quality. The sensor also balances exposure to produce good footage when driving at night.
Its 12MP camera is appropriate for taking quality pictures. You can detach the cam from the suction cup, take pictures of an incident and affix it when you’re done. The camera lens offers a 150° wide recording, displaying enough portions of the road.
It has auto-on and off features. Loop recording is also enabled for this dash cam. Its built-in G-sensors will immediately protect footage when a collision occurs.
It is also Parking mode-enabled. In this mode, the dash cam will switch from recording to energy saving. The recording will start when it detects a vibration near the car.
This ensures the storage is not filled with idle footage. 30 seconds after the vibration has subsided it will switch back to standby mode.
While it comes with a 16TF card it will take advantage of microSD cards up to 64GB.
To be able to use parking mode, hardwiring the dash cam or using a power bank is a necessity.
Pros:
- 2K Super HD resolution
- High-end processor
Cons:
- No Wi-Fi or GPS
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TaoTronics TT-CD06
Main highlights:
- 2.7-inch LCD screen
- 2K HD resolution
- 160° Wide Recording
- Parking mode
- Night Vision
- Supports up to 64GB SD card
The TaoTronics TT-CD06 dash cam is another excellent selection you should check out. It comes with a 2.7-inch LCD that can record discreetly at the top of your windshield. In simple steps, you can mount it on your windshield with a suction cup. It is a sleek device with menu navigation that is easy to understand.
It’s capable of recording footages in 2K (2304 x 1080p and 2560 x 1080p) HD resolution at 30 fps. But, you have the option of choosing HD 720p at 30/60 fps, and Full HD 1080p at 30/45 fps. You can decide to mute or unmute audio.
A 160° wide-angle lens catches the image of a large section of the road. It also features an AmbarellaA7LA50 image sensor. Even in low-light conditions, you get the best image quality. Its noise reduction feature helps to limit unnecessary noise when recording.
The TT-CD06 starts recording as soon as the car’s ignition is on. A continuous loop recording of 3 minutes is also present. It’ll begin to overwrite old unprotected when the storage (not included) is full. It’s able to take SD cards up to 64GB.
It also comes with built-in high-sensitivity impact and motion detection sensors. The dash cam will also record and protect accident footage from being overwritten. It also features an emergency record.
This allows you to only record a 30 seconds clip while loop recording is on. The footage will start 10 seconds before you press the button and 20 seconds after.
In parking mode, motion detection will activate the recording. While the dash comes with a built-in battery, it only allows saving files when its power feed goes off. Its recommended to hardwire the device or connect an external power source.
Pros:
- Small/Portable
- Budget price
- Emergency record
Cons:
- No Wi-Fi or GPS
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Garmin Dash Cam 66W
Main highlights:
- 2-inch LCD screen
- 1440p HD resolution
- 180° Wide Recording
- Parking mode
- Night Vision
- SupportsSD cards up to 256 GB
- GPS/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth
- Voice control
The 66W, another product from Garmin, is a great choice to consider. It is a compact and sleek device with a 2-inch LCD display.
You can capture and record visuals with the 1440p resolution with 30 fps. You can also opt to record with 1080p with either 30 or 60 fps.
It comes with auto-on and off features with continuous loop recording. It’ll record over unprotected when the storage capacity is full.
It should be interesting to know that this device can support SD cards up to an impressive 256 GB.
With a suction cup, it is also easy to install. It will also be easy to install it in another vehicle.
It also offers a 180° wide-angle lens which displays the entire cross-section of the road up ahead. It’s equipped with night vision. The camera reduces exposure and catches more details when moving. You can also tinker with the brightness and contrast option in the dash cam.
Its motion and impact detection sensors will record and protect files on impact. While in parking mode, the detected motion makes the cam start recording immediately. Its built-in battery can last up to 30 minutes but for parking mode, you have to hardwire the device.
It also comes with safety features to encourage safe driving. You’ll get an alert as soon as you drive out of your lane or when you’re too close to a car. You’ll also get an alert at a red or green traffic light sign. It is GPS-enabled, displaying the time stamp and location on its screen. You can opt to remove it, though.
It has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities. Hence, connecting your smartphone to the device is possible. You can download the Garmin Drive app for Android and iOS. Using the app, you can download the saved footage from the cam. You can also align the camera and edit basic settings using the app.
This cam also offers the Travelapse feature. It helps to condense long hours of driving into highlights in minutes.
The 66W cam is also voice-activated, giving you more control. You can command it to record and take pictures with your voice.
Pros:
- Safe driving alerts
- Voice control
- Wi-Fi connection to a smartphone
Cons:
- None
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Garmin Dash Cam Mini
Main highlights
- 1080p Full HD resolution
- 140° Wide Recording
- Night Vision
- Supports up to 64GB SD card
- Wi-Fi/Bluetooth
The Garmin mini dash cam is another product worth mentioning. It is a compact and discreet device that is barely seen when mounted. Quite small and has no screen but packs in the basic features. It is simple to install with a suction cup, and you can remove it at any time.
It offers Full HD 1080p resolution running at 30 fps to record very good footage. With a 140° wide-angle lens for capturing fair footage. It features a button that you mute and unmutes audio.
It has an auto-on feature that begins recording as soon as the car’s ignition is on. With the absence of GPS, it is Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled. You can connect your smartphone to the cam through the Garmin Drive app. You can watch a live video feed over the Wi-Fi connection.
If you plan on purchasing many Garmin mini cams, you can auto-sync them and watch live feeds at once.
Incident recording will save and lock the footage when it detects a crash. Parking mode is enabled for this dash cam. Albeit, you’d need to purchase an optional cable to hardwire the dash cam. It doesn’t feature an in-built battery.
Pros:
- Discreet
- Wi-Fi/Bluetooth-enabled
Cons:
- No GPS
- No parking mode
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Crosstour CR300
Main highlights:
- 3-inch LCD screen
- 1080p Full HD resolution
- 12 MP
- 170° Wide Recording
- Night Vision
- Supports up to 32GB SD card
The Crosstour CR300 is another device you should consider for your vehicle. It comes with a 3-inch LCD display screen. With a Full HD 1080p resolution running at 30 fps, it delivers very good footage in real-time.
This device is simple to install with a suction cup included in the package.
As you turn on the car’s engine the dash cam will auto-start. Infinite loop recording is also enabled for this device. It will overwrite old and unprotected files when the storage’s filled up. It can support up to 32GB microSD cards.
The battery of the cam is meant only for emergency file backup so an external power source is necessary.
Most of the front view is captured by a 170° wide-angle lens. WDR technology is also featured. The tech enhances footage and image quality in low-light environments. With a 12 MP camera resolution, you can take high-quality images with the cam.
The CR300 dash comes with a built-in motion detection sensor. This allows it to record and lock accidents or sudden vibrations near the car. The lock file will be tucked away and cannot be overwritten.
It has a timestamp feature, despite not having Wi-Fi or GPS. This will help to properly document a video in the unlikely event of an accident. The parking mode is not enabled for this device.
When the screensaver is activated the screen goes blank. Despite that, it’ll continue to record in the background. It is a perfect choice for recording surveillance footage.
Pros:
- Cheap
- Simple setup steps
- WDR technology
Cons:
- No GPS or Wi-Fi
- No parking mode
Wrap-up
A Dashboard camera with a motion sensor is not just an excellent accessory that should be in your car; they’re now a necessity. Make the wise decision to get one today.
If these options are not exactly what you’re looking for, I have the solution. Check out this article: Best Dash Cam with Speed Recording.
If you’re new to dash cams check my Dash Cam Buying Guide to know what to look for. You’ll also learn more about why you should get one.
