Tesla's Integrated Vehicle Dashcam Adds a Layer of Security for Drivers

Dash cameras have become indispensable tools for modern drivers, offering a layer of security, convenience and practicality. These compact devices, typically mounted on the windshield or dashboard, record real-time footage of your driving. Equipped with advanced lenses, many dash cameras capture high-resolution video and excel in various conditions, including low-light or nighttime scenarios, thanks to features like infrared sensors and wide dynamic range (WDR) technology.

Beyond capturing scenic drives, dash cameras are crucial for providing video evidence in insurance claims, disputes, and legal cases. They can be used to document an accident, capture road rage incidents, or monitor parked vehicles for theft or vandalism. Many models also come with built-in GPS for tracking location and speed, further bolstering their utility in collision investigations.

There are many options for dash cameras, with options ranging from budget-friendly single-lens models to feature-rich, multi-channel setups with capabilities like parking mode, collision detection, and cloud storage. Some automakers have taken this a step further by integrating dashcams into their vehicles, providing seamless functionality without the need for aftermarket installation. Tesla has this standard integration across all its vehicles, enabled by its suite of cameras that also allow for Full Self-Driving (Supervised), Sentry Mode remote monitoring and standard Autopilot driver assistance features. This article will cover some popular dash cameras that exist on the market and compare the features against Tesla’s integrated offering.

Dashcams on the Market: Features and Limitations

The aftermarket dashcam market has many products - popular models include:

• Vantrue N4: A three-channel dash cam, recording the front, interior, and rear at 1440p for front and interior, and 1080p for the rear. It features night vision for low-light conditions, a supercapacitor for reliable power, and a 24-hour parking mode with motion and collision detection, supporting microSD cards up to 512GB.

• Garmin Mini 2: A compact dash cam recording in 1080p with a 140-degree field of view. It offers voice control, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, a built-in microphone, and a G-sensor for automatic incident detection. It includes parking mode for monitoring and recording incidents when parked, with optional smartphone alerts, and supports microSD cards up to 512GB.

• Escort MAXcam 360c: A premium dash cam that integrates radar detection with a QHD 1440p dash cam, offering 360-degree radar protection. It is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, includes a 16GB SD card, and has Wi-Fi for updates and app integration.

Some automakers have also begun integrating dashcams directly into their vehicles. However, these systems often have limitations, such as restricted recording angles or the need for subscriptions. 

Tesla's Integrated Dashcam Compared to Aftermarket Options

Tesla’s Integrated Dashcam

Tesla’s integrated dashcam system comes standard in all models. Key benefits include:

1. Multiple Camera Feeds: Tesla captures video from four angles—front, rear, and both sides—providing comprehensive coverage. This is an effective field of view that exceeds most solutions on the market today.

2. Event-Triggered Recording: Automatic recording is activated when a collision is detected or when the horn is honked. Manual recording is also an option. 

3. Sentry Mode: This feature extends functionality by monitoring the surroundings when the vehicle is parked, recording any suspicious activity​. 

4. On-Screen & Mobile App Playback: View footage directly on Tesla's central display, making it more convenient than competitors that require external devices. In a recent app update, Tesla owners can now play back dash camera and sentry mode clips on their mobile devices and save/share the file for easier usage.

The Tesla integrated dash camera is one of the most comprehensive and seamless dash camera offerings compared to integrated options from other automakers or aftermarket options. This is primarily because while other automakers retrofit dash cameras and monitoring technology as an afterthought, the Tesla vehicle platform is engineered from the ground up with vision-based autonomy in mind. The cameras are therefore an integral part of the vehicle package, making the dash camera and remote monitoring highly performant features that are byproducts of a meticulously engineered vehicle vision and camera system.

With integrated dashcam a standard feature in all its vehicles, Tesla continues to demonstrate that it leads the industry for in-vehicle innovation and technology.

Try out the Tesla vehicle dash camera functions at a Tesla location near you.

The video below further illustrates how to use the Dash Cam features in the vehicle.