Imagine this: you’re driving along, enjoying the scenery, when suddenly… an accident happens! Or maybe you just want to capture a beautiful sunset on your road trip. In moments like these, having a reliable witness on your dashboard is a game-changer. But with so many GPS units and dash cams out there, how do you pick the perfect one for your needs?
Choosing a GPS with a built-in dash cam can feel like navigating a maze. You want clear video to prove your innocence in an accident, but you also need accurate directions to get you where you’re going. The confusion comes from understanding all the different features, like video quality, storage space, and how well the GPS works. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the technical jargon.
Don’t worry, we’re here to help! This blog post will break down everything you need to know. We’ll explore what makes a great GPS dash cam combo and guide you through the key features to look for. By the end, you’ll feel confident choosing a device that keeps you safe, informed, and ready to capture any moment on the road.
Our Top 5 Gps With Dash Cam Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Gps With Dash Cam Detailed Reviews
1. Garmin DriveCam™ 76
Rating: 8.7/10
Meet the Garmin DriveCam™ 76, your new co-pilot for safer and smarter journeys. This large, 7-inch GPS navigator makes finding your way a breeze with its bright, easy-to-read screen. Plus, it has a built-in dash cam to be your eyes on the road, capturing important moments automatically.
What We Like:
- The big 7-inch screen is super clear and easy to see, even in bright sunlight.
- The built-in dash cam acts as a witness, automatically saving video if it detects an accident.
- Recorded videos easily upload to a secure online vault so you can view and share them using the Garmin Drive app.
- You can make hands-free calls and ask for directions using your voice with Garmin Voice Assist.
- It gives you helpful warnings like forward collision and lane departure alerts to keep you safe.
- You get useful alerts for school zones, sharp turns, and speed changes.
- It includes fun road trip features like a national parks directory and traveler ratings.
- You can get live traffic, gas prices, and weather updates when you connect it to your smartphone.
- Map and software updates are a snap thanks to built-in Wi-Fi, no computer needed.
- It covers North America, including the U.S., Mexico, Canada, and more.
What Could Be Improved:
- Remember to check your local laws about using dash cams, as some places have rules about them.
The Garmin DriveCam™ 76 offers a great combination of navigation and safety features. It’s a smart investment for anyone who spends a lot of time on the road.
2. Garmin RV Cam 795
Rating: 9.3/10
Hit the road with confidence in your RV with the Garmin RV Cam 795 (Renewed). This large 7-inch navigator is packed with features to make your travels smoother and safer. It’s more than just a GPS; it’s your co-pilot, eyewitness, and travel planner all in one!
What We Like:
- The big 7-inch screen is super easy to see, even in bright sunlight.
- Custom routing helps you find the best roads for your RV’s size and weight.
- The built-in dash cam records your journeys and automatically saves important moments.
- Safety features like forward collision and lane departure warnings keep you alert.
- You get tons of helpful RV park directories and points of interest.
- BirdsEye Satellite Imagery makes arriving at your campsite a breeze.
- Voice assist lets you control the navigator with your voice.
What Could Be Improved:
- Remember to check local laws about using the dash cam.
- Custom routing isn’t perfect everywhere and always follow road signs.
- Some warning features might not work perfectly in all conditions.
This renewed Garmin RV Cam 795 offers fantastic value for any RVer. It’s a reliable tool that helps you navigate, stay safe, and discover new places on your adventures.
3. TECXERLLON 9” HD Portable Carplay Screen for Car with 4K Dash Cam & 1080P Backup Camera DVR
Rating: 9.3/10
Upgrade your driving experience with the TECXERLLON 9” HD Portable Carplay Screen! This all-in-one device brings your smartphone’s features to your car’s dashboard, making every trip safer and more enjoyable. It’s packed with advanced technology to keep you connected and protected on the road.
What We Like:
- The 4K dash cam records everything in super clear detail, and the G-sensor saves important footage if you have an accident.
- The 1080P backup camera gives you a wide view when parking, with helpful lines to guide you.
- Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto connect automatically, making it super easy to use your phone apps like maps and music.
- You get great sound quality, either through your car’s speakers via Bluetooth, FM, or AUX, or through the screen’s built-in speakers.
- Real-time GPS navigation uses your phone’s latest map data, so you always have the most up-to-date directions.
- The screen adjusts its brightness automatically, so you can see it clearly in any light.
- You can mirror your phone’s screen to watch videos or play games on the big 9-inch display.
- Installation is a breeze, and it comes with everything you need to mount it securely on your dashboard or windshield.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it comes with a 64GB TF card, the maximum storage capacity isn’t specified, which might be a concern for some users needing more space for dash cam footage.
- The description mentions “upgraded chip” for faster performance, but a specific chip model isn’t provided, making it hard to compare its power to other devices.
This TECXERLLON Carplay Screen is a fantastic addition to any car, offering a blend of safety, entertainment, and convenience. It truly modernizes your vehicle’s tech capabilities.
4. Garmin dēzlCam™ OTR725 High-Res 7” GPS Truck Navigator with Built-in 1080P HD Dash Cam
Rating: 8.6/10
The Garmin dēzlCam™ OTR725 is a powerful GPS navigator built for truck drivers. It has a big, clear 7-inch screen that makes it easy to see your route. Plus, it has a built-in dash cam that records in high definition. This device helps you find the best routes for your truck and even shows you where to park.
What We Like:
- The 7-inch screen is large and bright, making it easy to see all the details.
- The built-in 1080p HD dash cam records everything with a wide view, and it automatically saves videos of accidents.
- Custom truck routing considers your truck’s size and weight, helping you avoid low bridges or tight turns.
- BirdsEye Direct Satellite Imagery gives you overhead views of your destination, making it easier to find entrances and docks.
- You can find and share truck parking spots with other drivers using the dēzl app.
- It helps you find nearby CAT Scale locations to check your truck’s weight.
- Wind speed alerts warn you about potentially dangerous high winds when used with the dēzl app.
- PrePass notifications help you bypass weigh stations, saving time.
- It offers easy break planning and a directory of truck services.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some areas might have rules or bans on using dash cams, so check local laws.
- Custom truck routing isn’t available everywhere and you should always follow posted signs.
- Some features require the dēzl app and a compatible smartphone.
This Garmin navigator is a fantastic tool for any professional driver. It offers great features to make your long hauls safer and more efficient.
5. REDTIGER Dash Cam Front Rear
Rating: 9.2/10
Capture every detail on the road with the REDTIGER F7NP Dash Cam. This powerful dual-camera system records in stunning 4K resolution for the front camera and 1080P for the rear, ensuring you can clearly see license plates and road signs. Its wide-angle lenses reduce blind spots, giving you a clear view of your surroundings. Plus, with built-in Wi-Fi, GPS, and a bright 3.18” IPS screen, it’s packed with features to make your driving safer and your recordings more informative.
What We Like:
- Records in super clear 4K and 1080P, so you don’t miss important details like license plates.
- Wide-angle lenses (170° front, 140° rear) help you see more of the road and reduce blind spots.
- Great night vision makes it easy to see even when it’s dark.
- Built-in Wi-Fi lets you easily connect to your phone to view and save videos using the Redtiger app.
- GPS records your speed and location, which can be helpful evidence if you have an accident.
- Loop recording ensures you never run out of space, and the G-sensor saves important crash videos.
- 24-hour parking mode keeps an eye on your car even when it’s parked.
- Comes with a 32GB memory card, so it’s ready to use right away.
- The company offers a good 18-month warranty and satisfaction guarantee.
What Could Be Improved:
- To use the 24-hour parking mode, you need to buy a separate hardwire kit.
- If your car doesn’t have a cigarette lighter, you’ll need to buy a different power cable.
This REDTIGER dash cam offers excellent video quality and useful features for any driver. It’s a smart investment for safety and peace of mind on the road.
Your Guide to GPS Dash Cams: Drive Smarter, Record Safer
Why You Need a GPS Dash Cam
A GPS dash cam is more than just a camera for your car. It’s a smart tool that records your driving, helps you find your way, and can even protect you in case of an accident. Think of it as an extra set of eyes on the road.
Key Features to Look For
Sharp Video Quality
Look for dash cams that record in high definition, like 1080p or even 4K. This means you’ll get clear pictures of license plates, road signs, and everything happening around your car. Clear video is super important if you need to show evidence.
Built-in GPS
This is the “GPS” part! A GPS tracker records your car’s speed and location. This data can be very helpful if you need to prove where you were or how fast you were driving. Some GPS dash cams even show your route on a map.
Wide-Angle Lens
A wide-angle lens captures more of the road. It can see more of what’s happening in front of and to the sides of your car. This gives you a better view of the entire scene.
Night Vision
Driving at night can be tricky. Dash cams with good night vision use special sensors or infrared lights to record clearly even in low light. This means you’ll still get good footage after dark.
Loop Recording
This feature lets the dash cam keep recording even when its memory card is full. It automatically overwrites the oldest video clips with new ones. This way, you never miss a moment.
G-Sensor (Gravity Sensor)
A G-sensor detects sudden movements, like crashes or hard braking. When it senses an impact, it automatically saves the current video clip. This protects important footage from being overwritten.
Parking Mode
When your car is parked, a parking mode can still record if it detects motion or impact. This helps catch hit-and-run drivers or vandalism.
Important Materials and Build Quality
Most dash cams are made of durable plastic. Look for cams that feel solid and well-built. Good materials mean the camera can handle bumps and vibrations from the road. Some cameras also have metal casings for extra toughness.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Resolution and Frame Rate
Higher resolution (like 4K) and a good frame rate (like 30 frames per second) make videos clearer and smoother. Low resolution or choppy video can make it hard to see important details.
Lens Quality
A good quality lens, often made of glass, captures sharper images. Plastic lenses can sometimes be blurry or scratch easily.
Processor Speed
A faster processor helps the camera record smoothly, especially at high resolutions. A slow processor can cause videos to lag or freeze.
Storage Capacity
Dash cams need memory cards to save videos. Make sure the dash cam supports large memory cards (like 128GB or more) so you can store lots of footage. A card that’s too small will fill up quickly.
User Experience and Use Cases
Setting up a dash cam is usually simple. Most attach to your windshield with a suction cup or adhesive mount. You can often connect them to your car’s power adapter. Using them is easy; they start recording when you start your car.
Dash cams are great for:
- Recording your daily commute.
- Capturing scenic drives and road trips.
- Providing evidence in case of accidents.
- Protecting your car from vandalism while parked.
- Tracking your driving habits and routes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main benefit of a GPS dash cam?
A: The main benefit is that it records your driving and also tracks your location and speed, which can be useful for evidence or navigation.
Q: Do all dash cams have GPS?
A: No, not all dash cams have GPS. Some only record video. You need to check the product description to make sure it includes GPS.
Q: How do I install a GPS dash cam?
A: Most dash cams attach to your windshield with a suction cup or adhesive mount and plug into your car’s cigarette lighter or USB port.
Q: Will a dash cam drain my car battery?
A: If you use the parking mode feature, it might drain the battery over time. However, when just driving, it uses power from the car and doesn’t drain the battery.
Q: What is loop recording?
A: Loop recording means the dash cam keeps recording by overwriting the oldest video files when the memory card is full.
Q: What does a G-sensor do?
A: A G-sensor detects impacts and automatically saves the video recording to prevent it from being deleted.
Q: Can I use any memory card with a dash cam?
A: It’s best to use high-quality, high-endurance microSD cards. Check the dash cam’s manual for the recommended card type and size.
Q: How clear is the video at night?
A: Video clarity at night depends on the dash cam’s night vision features. Models with better night vision will provide clearer footage.
Q: Can a GPS dash cam help me if I get into an accident?
A: Yes, the video footage can be used as evidence. The GPS data can also show your speed and location at the time of the accident.
Q: Is a dash cam legal to use?
A: In most places, dash cams are legal. However, it’s a good idea to check your local laws regarding recording conversations or other people without consent.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Sean Kernan, the voice behind esteeringwheel.com.. With a passion for all things automotive, I created this platform to share my journey, insights, and expertise about cars. From the latest tech to timeless driving tips, my goal is to help fellow enthusiasts and everyday drivers navigate the fascinating world of automobiles. Welcome to my corner of the road—let’s steer toward knowledge and discovery together!