Reviews
Short answer: if you read one review first, make it the VIOFO A229 Pro 2CH, our first pick for front-and-rear footage with STARVIS 2 sensors at both ends. There are 14 cameras here, including 2026 models from Vantrue, Miofive and Nextbase, all graded from published specs, since we haven't driven with them ourselves.
Start with the guide if you haven't decided between front-only and dual yet, or whether you're happy to hardwire. For a van cab, see best dash cam for a van. If you want buffered parking once the engine's off, see parking mode and hardwire kits. And if you're wondering what the letters mean, it's all on /method.
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Of the small cameras we cover, we'd pick the VIOFO A119 Mini 2, because it's got a STARVIS 2 sensor and buffered parking once you've hardwired it. If you want the smallest, most discreet camera and can live with 1080p, the Garmin Mini 3 is the one to look at. And if you want 4K in a small front camera, the Vantrue E1 Pro names a STARVIS 2 IMX678.
Illustrative imageCompact front-only camera with a STARVIS 2 sensor
If you don't need a rear camera, this is a pocketable front camera with a Sony STARVIS 2 sensor. The catch: parking mode's off the table until you've fitted a hardwire kit.
Spec grades
Illustrative imageVery discreet 1080p camera for day-to-day use
If you'd like the camera tucked out of sight, the Mini 3 is a key-fob sized 1080p Garmin that's easy to live with day to day. The catch: it's limited as evidence after dark.
Spec grades
Illustrative imageMid-range Nextbase dual with a screen
If you want a 1440p UK dual kit with a touchscreen that's easy to buy on the high street, the 422GW Front + Rear fits. You'll still need a hardwire kit if you want parking mode once the car's locked.
Spec grades
Illustrative imageA more affordable 4K front and rear setup
If you'd like 4K-class STARVIS 2 cameras front and rear without paying Thinkware money, this one's the value route. Parking modes are listed, but they only work once a hardwire kit keeps the power on after you've locked the car.
Spec grades
Illustrative imageFront and rear kit when footage quality comes first
If footage quality is what you care about, this front-and-rear kit is built around it: 4K and 2K STARVIS 2 cameras, with buffered parking once you've fitted a hardwire kit.
Spec grades
Illustrative image622GW with rear camera included
If you want the 4K 622GW with a rear camera from day one, this kit pairs it with a 1080p rear in the box. Parking mode only works once you've fitted a hardwire kit.
Spec grades
Illustrative imageBest when overnight parking is the priority
If parking mode's the big reason you want a dash cam, the U3000 PRO pairs a 4K front with a 2K rear, both on Sony STARVIS 2 sensors, and has radar built into both cameras. You'll need to hardwire it before it can keep recording while you're parked. This Amazon kit includes a hardwire lead.
Spec grades
Illustrative imageThinkware 2K dual with optional radar
If you want Thinkware's parking modes on a matched 2K dual, the Q1000 has STARVIS sensors front and rear. The catch: radar is an optional puck, not something in the box.
Spec grades
Illustrative imageLTE dual with phone alerts
If you'd like cloud alerts and live view on your phone, the DR970X-2CH LTE can do both once a SIM's fitted, and it records front and rear. You'll need a hardwire kit or battery pack if you want parking mode once the ignition's off.
Spec grades
Illustrative imageThree cameras with STARVIS 2 sensors on every channel
If you want the road ahead, the cabin and the back of your car all on record, this is VIOFO's three-camera kit with STARVIS 2 sensors on every channel. The catch: parking mode needs a hardwire kit, and the HK6 if you want the clever voltage features.
Spec grades
Illustrative image4K front and 4K rear with a 3-inch screen
If you want 4K on the back of your car as well as the front, plus a big 3-inch screen, the S1 Ultra is built around that. The catch: Miofive doesn't name its sensors, and parking mode is an impact wake rather than a buffer.
Spec grades
Illustrative imageSmall 4K front camera with a STARVIS 2 sensor
If you want sharp front footage from a camera that hides behind your mirror, the E1 Pro is a small 4K front cam with a STARVIS 2 IMX678. The catch: it's front only, and you can't add a rear camera later.
Spec grades
Illustrative imageThree-camera kit with a 2.5K waterproof rear
If you carry passengers or want the cabin on record, the N4 Pro S films the road ahead in 4K, the cabin in 1080p and the rear in 1440p, all on STARVIS 2 sensors. The catch: parking needs a hardwire kit.
Spec grades
Illustrative image4G smart camera with live view and a cabin camera
If you want to check on your car from your phone, the iQ 1K is Nextbase's always-connected 4G camera, with a 1080p front camera and an infrared cabin camera in one unit. The catch: live view, Smart Sense Parking and cloud storage need a monthly subscription.
Spec grades