A dashcam or dashboard-mounted camera is a device that records video while you drive. Many people use dashcams to capture footage of accidents or interesting events they see while on the road. Some dashcams even offer features like GPS tracking and night vision.
But did you know that you can also use a dashcam as a webcam? That’s right – with the right setup, you can use your dashcam to live stream or record video footage of your travels for others to see.
In this article, we’ll show you how to do it, including what equipment you need and how to set everything up. We’ll also share some tips on getting the best video quality and minimizing lag.
Set Up Your Dashcam as a Webcam
You’ll need a few things to do so. Now let’s see what are these things:
A dashcam with HDMI output. Not all dashcams have this feature, so be sure to check before you buy.
An HDMI cable. This will connect your dashcam to your computer.
A computer with an HDMI input. Most laptops have this, but you may need an adapter for desktop computers.
Once you have all the necessary equipment, setting up your dashcam is relatively easy. Just follow these steps:
- Connect your dashcam to your computer using an HDMI cable.
- Open your dashcam’s settings menu and enable HDMI output.
- On your computer, open the video capture software you’ll be using (more on that later).
- In the software, select your dashcam as the video input source.
And that’s it! You’re now ready to start live streaming or recording video from your dashcam.
Tips for Getting the Best Video Quality
To get the best video quality from your dashcam-turned-webcam, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Frame rate: Most dashcams record at 30 frames per second (fps). However, some cheaper models may only record at 15fps. If you want smooth, high-quality video, be sure to get a dashcam that records at 30fps.
Resolution: Most dashcams record in HD (1280×720) or Full HD (1920×1080). Again, cheaper models may only record in SD (640×480). To get the best video quality, look for a dashcam that records in HD or Full HD.
Bit rate: This is a measure of how much data is compressed in each frame of video. A higher bit rate means better video quality but also larger file sizes. For best results, look for a dashcam with a high bit rate (at least 10Mbps).
Keep in mind that even if your dashcam records video in high quality, the quality of the live stream or recorded footage will also depend on your internet connection and computer. If you have a slow internet connection or an older computer, you may not be able to stream or record in high quality.
Minimizing Lag
One of the biggest challenges of using a dashcam as a webcam is minimizing lag. Lag is the delay between when something happens and when you see it on your screen.
There are a few things you can do to minimize lag:
Reduce the resolution: If you’re live streaming, you can reduce the resolution of the video to make it easier for your computer to process.
Use a wired connection: If your dashcam has Wi-Fi, you may be tempted to use it to connect to your computer. However, Wi-Fi connections are often slower and less reliable than wired connections. So, if possible, connect your dashcam to your computer using an HDMI cable.
Stop other processes: If you’re live streaming, make sure you close any other programs or tabs you have open on your computer. These can slow down your computer and cause lag.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a Dashcam as a Webcam
There are several advantages that include:
- You can live stream or record videos of your travels.
- Dashcams usually have wide-angle lenses, so you can capture more of the scene.
- Many dashcams offer features like GPS tracking and night vision.
- Dashcams are designed to record video in high quality.
Conversely, there are also several disadvantages that include:
- Dashcams can be expensive.
- Dashcams can be difficult to set up.
- You may not be able to use all the features of a dashcam when using it as a webcam.
- The video quality from a dashcam may not be as good as a dedicated webcam.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you can use a dashcam as a webcam with the right setup. All you need is a dashcam with HDMI output, an HDMI cable, and a computer with an HDMI input.
To get the best video quality, look for a dashcam with a high frame rate, resolution, and bit rate. And to minimize lag, reduce the resolution of the video, use a wired connection, and close any other programs or tabs you have open on your computer.
