For the best part of a decade now, dash cams have grown exponentially in popularity.
Every year, more cars are on the road (approx. 209.8 million vehicles in 2022), resulting in a higher percentage of unforeseen incidents. We know car accidents do happen, and we know the consequences this can have. In a best-case scenario, a collision or accident will be expensive. However, the worst-case scenario doesn’t even bear thinking about.
Dash cams like the M6 and M7, have helped track countless accidents and collisions, and get to the bottom of precisely what happened. But why are dash cams so crucial on the road nowadays?
What is a dash cam?
A dash cam, or dash camera, is a security device that works as a small yet powerful witness for you and your vehicle. As the name implies, dash cams are often installed on a dashboard or front windshield and watch the activity around your car 24/7.
The primary purpose of dash cams is to accurately record video and audio evidence in the event of an accident. Unfortunately, an accident can occur in the blink of an eye, making it difficult to remember in detail everything that happened. But, you can trust your dash cam to provide impartial evidence to act as proof of a collision or any other events on the road.
What about when I’m parked?
A key benefit to owning a premium dash cam like the Momento M6 or M7 is the parking mode that provides continuous surveillance around the clock for your vehicle. Under parking mode, a dash camera remains awake in the background until triggered to record a video by either motion or impact sensitivity.
Suppose you are fortunate not to have experienced a break-in, catalytic converter theft, or other vandalism. In that case, you probably know someone who has. Dash cameras have security LEDs to alert the surroundings and deter theft. However, if there’s vandalism, theft, or a hit-and-run, your dash camera will record all you need to know.
Firstech’s history in dash cam
Firstech’s range of premium dashcams has taken the automobile world by storm since the launch of Compustar Dash back in 2015. Its two-channel, hard-wired solution with an innovative design was a game-changer for consumers.
In 2017, Firstech launched “Momento,” the all-new brand of dash camera solutions that consisted of two camera systems upon launch: the M4 and the M5. Both solutions have a front and rear camera that provides up to 270º surveillance coverage for a vehicle.
Additionally, the Momento M5 features a full HD (1080p) front camera with a Sony Exmor-R sensor for improved low-light visibility and image stability.
In 2019, Firstech announced the release of the Momento M6 (MD-6200) FHD dash camera system, the smallest of the Momento dashcams. The M6 is Momento’s first “smart” dash cam that connects to your smartphone by creating a small and secure Wi-Fi hotspot, making it easier to review, edit, and share video footage using the Momento app. With the app, users can gain all manner of useful insights into their driving, including location, speed, and trip data.
The M6 also features a Sony STARVIS Image Sensor on the front camera for improved backlighting and provides excellent low-light performance.
That brings us to 2022, and the M7. The Momento M7 is a flagship dash cam that records sharp 2K QHD footage with unmatched detail and embedded GPS tracking. The M7 is Momento’s first 3-channel setup to record the front, rear, and interior cabin view as a ride-sharing and commercial solution. You can easily set up the M7 using the quick-release mount and view the footage on the 2-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen built into the camera.
The M7 highlights “Eco Mode” – the new battery-saving technology. Under Eco Mode, the M7 employs the radar sensor to detect motion instead of the image sensor. In doing so, the M7 can reduce battery consumption by 90%. The Eco Mode not only protects the vehicle battery but also extends the duration of parking recording as unnecessary parking footage won’t take up the memory storage.
The future of driver and vehicle safety
In the U.S., the National Safety Council estimate of total motor-vehicle deaths for 2021 is 46,020, a 9% increase from 2020 and an 18% increase from 2019. As the country continues to re-open from the COVID-19 pandemic, that number forecasts to be higher in 2022.
Unfortunately, other dangers lurk when vehicles are off the road.
According to a National Insurance Crime Bureau report, catalytic converter theft claims increased significantly by 325% in 2020 compared to 2019. Also, cities like San Francisco experience 75 car break-ins per day.
It’s a daunting task to solve the leading factors affecting the increase in vehicle collisions and crime. However, there are still ways you can protect yourself, your loved ones, and your vehicle.
Here at Firstech, we believe in safety being the number one priority when driving. We have therefore made it our mission to increase the safety and security of every car owner’s driving experience. In-vehicle camera solutions, such as M7, are integral to achieving this mission.
We aim to continue developing and expanding our in-vehicle camera range, embracing modern technology changes.