Dashboard cameras are a popular addition to many vehicles. They record traffic, and any accidents that may occur, which is always helpful when you are filing an insurance claim.
Some come with additional safety features that can help prevent collisions. Some come with additional features that can map out your trip and even help you create a shareable image of your road trips.
Finding the best dashboard camera isn’t always easy. If you are looking for one with plenty of features and a durable build, check out the Lukas LK-7950 WD dash camera. Chances are it has everything you are looking for and more.
Lukas LK-7950 WD Features
The Lucas LK-7950 WD hit the markets in 2015. It is a dual channel dashboard camera by Qrontech, a Taiwanese company. It can support GPS/GLONASS, OBD-II and has built-in Wi-Fi capabilities.
One thing this dash camera is known for is its ability to tolerate hot and cold temperatures. For some other dash cams, this can interfere with performance.
There is a downside to the dashboard camera. It is larger than many others. It measures 11cm x 10cm and it can block a little bit of the windshield. Unfortunately, this does not mean that the LK-7950 WD comes with a larger display screen.
When it comes to the rear camera, size isn’t a problem. It is actually discreet when mounted on the rear window.
Video Quality
With Exmor IMX322 sensors by Sony in the front and rear cameras, image quality is crisp and clear. You have 1080p in both cameras for clear day and night videos. Rear images at night may be a little murky, it will depend on the lighting. Glare from headlights and streetlamps can affect picture quality.
The front camera can record up to 30 frames per second, and the rear 24 fps. You still get smooth video with the rear camera, even at its slower rate. The main difference you will notice between the front and rear cameras is video quality. There is usually less light in the back so videos taken at nighttime will have a noticeable difference in quality.
Night visibility can be improved with the addition of HDR. LD-7950 WD does support high dynamic range and adding it will make a difference in image quality at night.
Build and Design
Front and rear cameras are designed to be durable and lightweight. The cameras are encased in sturdy plastic and the lens is resistant to scratches. Both cameras are also designed to be resistant to heat and cold and come with a UV filter.
The adapter for the Wi-Fi connection can be easily removed. This can make the dash cameras less attractive to thieves. Adding to its design is the USB interface. This allows you to easily upgrade the cameras or link them to a computer.
Buffered Parking Mode
A feature that not all dashboard cameras have is buffered parking mode. This allows the camera to keep recording when the vehicle is turned off. This can be an especially helpful feature if your vehicle is constantly getting dinged in parking lots. You can see if it is stray shopping carts or other drivers.
Since the dashboard cameras are powered off your car battery, you probably don’t want continuous recording. To prevent draining battery life, you have two recording options when the car is parked and turned off.
The cameras are equipped with motion sensors that record incidents ten seconds before and 20 seconds after. This gives you a better chance of seeing what dinged or hit your vehicle.
Another option is activating the battery discharge prevention. This automatically turns the dash cameras off when your vehicle’s battery drops below the preset voltage. You can set this yourself.
OBD-II Interface
This feature is helpful if you want to keep track of your vehicle’s operating data. You can record your speed, whether you hit the brake or accelerator, and the positions of the gears. This information, along with saved video footage, could be extremely helpful if you are ever in an accident. Some of this information is exactly what law enforcement and insurance companies look for.
Easy to Upgrade
New upgrades are always coming out, and it is easy with the Lucas LK-7950 WD dashboard cameras. It comes with built-in Wi-Fi, so all you need to do is connect to the internet and download the latest app.
This can all be done from your smartphone or another mobile device. You don’t even need to be in your vehicle to upgrade the front and rear cameras.
Pros
- Priced for most consumer budgets.
- You have both front and rear cameras covering your vehicle.
- High-quality images from both cameras.
- Since it uses your vehicle’s battery, you do not have to worry about replacing the cameras’ power supply.
- Everything you need for installation is included with your purchase.
Cons
- Nighttime images from the rear camera can be dark and muddy.
What Other Consumers Are Saying
Reviews from manufacturers are helpful, but sometimes it is better to know what other buyers are saying. Consumers tend to be more honest about their experiences with a product. Here is what other buyers think about Lukas LK-7950 WD dual cameras.
The quality of the video has been mentioned. During the day, it is crystal clear but does have problems at night. This is true for the front and rear cameras. Though, the one in the back does have the most problems. Adding a small light in the back of the vehicle will improve image clarity, but this is an added expense that many car owners don’t want to deal with.
Some consumers have mentioned the size of the front camera. It is larger than other models. It is not big enough to pose a significant risk to a driver’s overall field of vision but it can be distracting until you get used to it.
Other consumers love the features that you get for the dual camera price. Both are easy to mount and connect to your Wi-Fi. They also mention the reliability of the cameras, even when the vehicle is turned off. The dual cameras still capture every movement near and around the vehicle.
A Few Things to Consider Before Buying a Dashboard Camera
There are a few aspects to consider before you buy dual dashboard cameras. The first is your budget. Do not spend more than you can afford. Usually, you do not need the most expensive model on the market, only one that fits your needs.
Once you have settled on a budget, think about what you want the dash cameras to do.
Obviously, you want the cameras to record clear images. But there are other features to consider.
Do you want built-in Wi-Fi so you can watch the recorded images from any device, even when you’re not in the vehicle?
What about recording capabilities? Accidents can still happen when your vehicle is parked. Do you want to be able to record these images, without running out of battery power? Some dashboard cameras are run off their own batteries, which means you have to spend money and time replacing them. Some others use the vehicle’s battery.
Dashcams that use the vehicle’s battery can often be programmed to shut down before completely draining it. This way you have video from when your car was parked and it will still start when you’re ready to go.
You also want to look at how easy the dashcams are to set up and mount. You don’t want to spend hours trying to install a dashboard camera. Most come with magnetic adhesive strips that will firmly hold the dash camera in place. Whether it is on the dashboard, windshield or attached to a visor.
Conclusion
The LK-7950 WD dashboard camera from Lukas meets most of the criteria consumers are looking for. It is priced for most budgets, especially considering this is a dual-camera system. You get one for the front and a smaller one for the rear.
The cameras are simple to install, it generally only takes a few minutes. Everything you need is included.
While the front camera is larger than many consumers would like, both come with plenty of features that compensate for its size. This includes built-in Wi-Fi so you can watch images recorded from the cameras on any compatible device.
Looking for other Scan tool? Check out of full review guide on the best Automotive Scan tool.