In-car Cameras Tested

Relive the action of a favourite driving road with an in-car video camera. We pick from nine of the best

Auto Express Car Reviews

August 2011

Whether you want to relive an amazing holiday tour or record yourself driving on a favourite road, an in-car camera is the answer.

You can pick from standard or high-definition devices, some with two lenses to capture the action inside and outside the car.

Plus, many also offer data logging to keep track of where you are. But which is best? We hit the road with nine to bring you our verdict.

The Test

We looked for hassle-free filming – you don’t want to spend ages fixing the camera in place, only to struggle to start recording. Suction cup mounts were preferred over those requiring tape, as this allows you to adjust the position and switch between cars.

Preview screens scored more points than in our last test, as you want to be able to look at what the lens sees before you hit the record button. We also wanted a wide-angle opening to capture the action, and rated data logging software on the devices offering it.

With the cameras set up, we recorded a four-mile drive on a country road with changing light conditions. We looked at how easy it was to download the footage to our computer, before rating video and audio quality. Price was our final criteria, taking into account extras such as the mount and memory included.

Verdict

The same names are at the top, but this time they're in a different order. With the BacPac preview screen, the Go Pro Motorsports Hero HD Wide is all the camera you could ever need. Drivers wanting data logging should go for the Contour HD GPS, while in third place is the HDMax Extreme.

Top 3

Go Pro Motorsports Hero HD Wide
Contour HD GPS
HDMax Extreme

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3 Comments

Waste of money

Why spend two hundred or more on one of these when you can get a phone app to do it for 79p? These apps can do everything that these cameras can - G-forces, GPS tracking, etc, etc. Save yourself a small fortune!

By Pulse326 on 20 August, 2011, 3:01pm

Expensive Gadgets

Similar gadgets are available for £39 from a Channel Islands supplier. These are way overpriced.

By roverv6 on 1 September, 2011, 2:33pm

How much ?????????????????

In car cameras start at £30 on Ebay all you do is add your SD card £5 on Ebay, why have you just gone to the top price cameras are thy realy that good or are you not doing a real test ??

By patrickporter on 24 November, 2011, 6:57pm

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