Over the past few weeks, I have been driving around my town with a dash camera and I have to admit, it takes some time getting used to. Depending on where you live, driving can either be the best or the worst time of your daily routine. As an automotive journalist, my job is to judge how fun and functional a particular vehicle is and report it.
Since pictures are worth a thousand words, videos must be worth at least a million. The dash cam enables me to record my emotions while I am behind the wheel. It also works as a second set of eyes to keep me pointing in the right direction, in order to stay out of trouble.
The dash cam I evaluated is the Polaroid PD-G55H. For the past six years, I have been doing all my driving without any electronic visual aids. After I mounted the dash camera onto to my windshield, it took some time for me to get used to its presence and its functions.
However, I have to admit, having this camera has made some of my driving a bit more enjoyable and a lot safer.
Polaroid PD-G55H Features
The camera is a lightweight unit, quickly mounts to the windshield and captures all the details with continuous recording. Don’t be fooled by its compact size because this dash camera comes loaded with a host of safety features.
For starters, the Polaroid PD-G55H includes a GPS system, which helps keep track of the recent locations you have visited. The camera records FULL HD videos in 1080P, allowing you to capture crisp videos with a lot of details.
Continuously recorded video loops include time and date stamping, so that you can easily archive your videos and know exactly when and at what time it was recorded. The camera also features an auto record function, which turns the camera on and off with the vehicle’s power.
The Polaroid PD-G55H includes a G sensor, which automatically saves events when a collision is detected. The unit also includes a 2.5 inch LED screen which provides easy access to menus and video playbacks. The GPS software provides an easy playback option with GPS information like latitude, longitude, and other parameters.
During long highway driving, the Polaroid PD-G55H proved to be a good companion thanks to safety features like Lane Departure Warning System, which helps distracted drivers maintain their lanes by sending voice alerts. It sounds an alarm on the screen when the vehicle deviates from its current lane.
The camera screen also displays a speed limit warning and a voice alert is triggered when the vehicle exceeds the max speed limit set by the driver.
Polaroid PD-G55H Specifications
- Sensor (CCD/CMOS): CMOS
- Lens: f2.4
- Resolution: 3 megapixels
- LED Display: 2.5 inch TFT LED screen
- Wide Angle: 156 degrees
- Movie Size and Frame Size: 1080P (30 frames per second), 720P (30 frames per second)
- File Format: Still Images (JPG) and Movie Clips: MOV
- External Media Storage: Micro SD (up to 32 GB)
- Interface: Micro USB to USB 2.0
- Power Supply: Built-In Li-polymer rechargeable battery
- Operating Temperature: 14 degrees Fahrenheit to 140 degree Fahrenheit
What’s Included
Each Polaroid PD-G55H packaging contains these units:
- Camera
- Mount
- Car charger with USB cable
- User manual
- Quick start guide
- Software CD
Where to Buy
The Polaroid PD-G55H is available on Amazon.com.
Conclusion
Having a dash camera in your car has a lot of advantages. It helps you drive safely by keeping you in your lane and under the speed limit. It also works as a safety tool by constantly recording videos in a loop or automatically turning on during an accident.
Overall, I enjoyed having the Polaroid PD-G55H in my car and I would highly recommend it to anyone who likes to record their road trips. It can also be used a protection device to deter bad guys from approaching your vehicle.
A complete history of the dash cam here.
*Special Thanks: Kyle Kappmeier – R & J Public Relations
