In this day and age where road safety is becoming increasingly important, dual dashcams offer an effective way to record both the front and rear views of your vehicle. With such a camera, you can record all traffic situations and refer back to them if necessary. In this test comparison, we analyze three car cameras from different providers in terms of their features, image quality and user-friendliness to help you find the best dashcam for your needs.
Dual Dashcam Test: The best cameras for your car
Below we introduce you to three outstanding dashcam models: the Vantrue E3, the Viofo and the Z3D. Each of these models has its own cool features that are worth taking a closer look at. We'll show you the special functions and highlights of each model so you can make the right choice.
1. Vantrue Element 3 - E3: Best value for money
The Vantrue E3 3 Lens Dashcam takes first place as the price-performance winner in our comparison. Particularly noteworthy is the impressive viewing angle of 165° for the front camera and 160° for the rear camera, which enables comprehensive recording of traffic events. This far-reaching perspective ensures that even lateral movements and events that are outside the direct field of vision are reliably recorded.
The integrated GPS system enables precise tracking of route and driving speed, while the 2.45-inch display ensures excellent readability. The E3 also impresses with a generous 512 GB memory, which offers enough space for extensive recordings. With the Sony IMX335 sensor and an F1.55 aperture, the dashcam records in Super HD up to 2596 x 1944P at 30 FPS.
The loop recording function ensures that older recordings are automatically overwritten to make room for new ones. The unique High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology also automatically balances exposures to capture more detail in the dark and significantly improves night vision in traffic, while the dual motion detection parking mode provides additional protection against vandalism when the vehicle is parked.
Installing the dashcam is straightforward: simply attach it to the windshield. The Vantrue app allows you to adjust the settings and transfer recordings directly to your mobile device. Wireless hotkeys and voice control make it easy to use and ensure that important moments are not missed.
2. VIOFO A129 Plus Duo: Wide temperature tolerance
The VIOFO A129 Plus Duo has established itself as one of the best dashcams in the test comparison and deservedly takes second place. Compared to the Vantrue E3 (160°), the viewing angle of this camera is slightly smaller at 140° for front and rear recording. The A129 Plus Duo supports micro SD cards with a capacity of up to 256 GB, which is sufficient for most users, but again falls short of the generous storage of the Vantrue E3, which offers up to 512 GB. However, both cameras have an integrated GPS system that precisely records the route and driving speed.
A particular strength of the VIOFO A129 Plus Duo is its operating temperature range, which extends from -10 °C to 65 °C. This wide temperature tolerance makes the camera ideal for use in various weather conditions, be it on frosty winter nights or in hot summer temperatures.
Another highlight is the buffered parking mode, which, in combination with a hardwire cable or an external power bank, protects your car around the clock. When movements or collisions are detected, the dashcam automatically creates recordings that capture a few seconds before and after the event.
The video recordings of the VIOFO A129 Plus Duo are saved in MP4 format, with the front camera delivering impressive 2K Quad HD quality at 60 frames per second. The rear camera also impresses with razor-sharp 1080p Full HD images. Thanks to the 5 MP Sony STARVIS image sensor, the recordings are of high quality day and night. In addition, the 2.0-inch HD screen ensures user-friendly operation and enables immediate playback of the recorded videos.
Attaching the A129 Plus Duo is also easy as it is attached to the windshield with a self-adhesive mount.
3. Z3D Dashcam
The Z3D Dashcam has secured third place in our top dashcams . With a viewing angle of 150° for both the front and rear cameras, the Z3D Dashcam is positioned between the VIOFO A129 Plus Duo with 140° and the Vantrue E3 with 160°.
The Z3D Dash Cam records in Full HD 1920 x 1080p at 30 frames per second with both the front and rear cameras. When the rear camera is not connected, the front camera can even film in impressive WQHD 2560 x 1440p at 30 fps. This high resolution ensures that even fine details, such as license plates, are clearly captured.
Like the other two cameras, the Z3D dash cam is equipped with an integrated GPS module that accurately records the vehicle's location, speed and route. This GPS data can then be easily visualized on Google Maps using the Windows and Mac compatible software, allowing detailed tracking of journeys.
Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) technology ensures excellent night vision by balancing bright and dark areas and optimizing exposure. The powerful image processor and 6-layer glass lens help the camera deliver clear and detailed images even in low-light conditions.
What sets the other two cameras apart from the Z3D dash cam is the shock sensor, which is unfortunately missing here. This sensor reacts to sudden impacts or vibrations, which can improve recording in the event of an accident. In addition, the storage capacity is limited to 128 GB, which is rather low compared to models such as the Vantrue E3 with 512 GB or the VIOFO A129 Plus Duo with 256 GB. The Z3D dash cam also lacks a Wi-Fi function, which would allow users to transfer recordings wirelessly or control the camera via an app.
Nevertheless, the camera remains a recommendable choice if you are looking for a solid and cost-effective solution.
