Alpine dash cams

Dash cams let you download your camera's recordings to another device, like your laptop or phone, to do with as you please. Download options include using a USB cable, a removeable micro SD card, or a Wi-Fi connection.

Some cameras feature low-light enhancements, such as LED or infrared illumination, that really do let the camera and you see what's going on better at night.

Most dashcams feature a parking mode that triggers the camera to record after sudden movements and impacts are detected while the vehicle is off. The camera system must be internally battery-powered or have a constant, non-switched power connection to your car. However, you should note that some newer vehicles, like BMWs, do not work well with constantly-on accessories, and might throw out computer trouble codes and experience system malfunctions when such devices are installed.

These systems come with two separate cameras — one dash-mounted pointing forward; and the other aimed to record your vehicle's interior and its inhabitants and what they're doing, or out the back window to see and record what's behind you.

Some dash cams can display and record time and GPS data as well as sound, so you'll have a record of your speed, location, and the conversations and music going on in the background.