When choosing a Dash Cam, you’ll need to consider the features of each model to ensure it meets your preferences. Dash Cam features like wide viewing angle, night vision and image stabilisation are all essential to ensure Dash Cams capture clear footage on every journey.
Another element that works to improve footage is WDR. But what is WDR on a Dash Cam? Find out more about Wide Dynamic Range and how it enhances footage captured on your Dash Cam below.
How does Wide Dynamic Range work?
Wide Dynamic Range, also known as WDR, processes images to ensure clear recordings, whether driving in bright or low light.
When recording, WDR captures multiple frames with different light levels and contrasts into one image, combining them to create enhanced footage. Whether you’re driving at night under street lights, or in the bright summer sun when reflections and glare might be at their highest, the WDR feature of your Dash Cam will ensure footage is not obscured.
At Nextbase, all of our Dash Cams have a WDR feature. Our models have advanced sensors that allow them to record a higher depth of light for clearer, crisp images no matter how challenging the conditions.
What are the benefits of WDR on a Dash Cam?
Why should you choose a Dash Cam with a wide dynamic range? Here are some of the benefits:
Improved high visibility
Choosing a WDR Dash Cam ensures you’ll be able to capture details in both shadowed and brightly lit areas. You won’t miss a thing, even in circumstances with extreme contrasts, like driving through a dark tunnel into bright daylight.
Enhanced clarity
WDR balances the exposure levels over the footage captured. This helps drivers capture critical details like registration numbers, road signs and car make and model. Greater image quality means footage can be used for evidence should you need it.
Better image quality
Not only will a WDR Dash Cam improve image quality, but it will also minimise under and over-exposure for sharper, brighter footage. This is beneficial should you need to review footage, for insurance claims or legal proceedings.
Increased safety
A WDR Dash Cam can improve safety and security on the roads. Knowing that your Dash Cam can capture sharp, clear images means you’ll have peace of mind that you can establish liability should you need to.
How to choose a WDR Dash Cam to suit you
When choosing the right Dash Cam for you, considering Wide Dynamic Range is essential, but there are other features you should keep in mind to help you make your decision. When looking for a Dash Cam, you should consider:
●Wide Viewing Angle: The wider the angle, the more your Dash Cam can pick up in front and to each side of your car. Our 222 models and up have a viewing angle of 140 degrees meaning you’ll be able to capture footage of the pavements and road signs.
●Reflection-Free Lens: Higher-spec Dash Cams come with reflection-free lenses that will reduce glare and bright contrast levels to help enhance details in the footage. This can be a great addition when used with WDR.
●Enhanced Night Vision: Our 322GW, 422GW, 522GW and 622GW Dash Cams all feature enhanced night vision. This means they can pick up fine details like number plates and road signs in the dark. The latest light sensor technology is used to capture and process high-quality images.
●G-Sensor: As well as capturing high-quality images, storing footage that may prove crucial if you’re involved in an incident is also essential. The G-Sensor in your Dash Cam will store any footage recorded before a bump, crash or scrape so you can use it as evidence.
When choosing a Dash Cam, there are a few factors to consider. Wide Dynamic Range is essential for clear footage in various surroundings and ever-changing conditions, while other features like viewing angle, type of lens and night vision can improve the overall quality of footage captured by your Dash Cam.
WDR Dash Cam FAQs
If you still have questions about the WDR feature of your dashcam, find answers to some of our frequently asked questions below:
Can WDR be turned on or off?
Most Dash Cams will allow you to turn WDR on and off depending on your preferences and driving conditions. Depending on the model, you can adjust WDR settings to a level that suits you.
Does WDR on a Dash Cam affect performance in low-light conditions?
Yes. Wide Dynamic Range is designed to be used when there’s a noticeable light difference in the foreground and background. This is useful for driving at night, allowing drivers to capture number plates even when reflecting light. Whilst it’s mainly used to record detail in areas with contrasting light, it can be helpful in lower light conditions and at night.
Are there any drawbacks to using WDR on Dash Cams?
Wide Dynamic Range is beneficial in Dash Cams as it helps drivers capture clear images when the light is not great. While there’s a range of benefits, one aspect that could be considered a drawback is that it may increase the power consumption of your Dash Cam. This will be minimal but should be considered on longer journeys.
Do all Dash Cams have WDR?
Most Dash Cams will have WDR as it can significantly improve the quality of footage recorded. When purchasing a Dash Cam, WDR is generally a great feature, especially for those who frequently drive in a range of conditions, including low light.
Can WDR be disabled to conserve Dash Cam battery?
Most Dash Cams can disable WDR to conserve a Dash Cam’s battery life and reduce the storage space used. It’s best to have the WDR function on your Dash Cam, but if it’s using excess battery power, or you only drive in well-lit environments, you may be able to turn it off.
