Benefits of Nexar Beam Dash Cam

Dashcams are compact cameras that record footage via a moving vehicle's windshield. The Beam is a model that falls in the center of Nexar's lineup of available dashcams. A more expensive model sits above it. It has a second camera facing the other direction, pointing back into the cabin, to capture video similar to that shown in Carpool Karaoke. The model below it is a more affordable option that does not have a built-in GPS. The Nexar Beam, much like Goldilocks' porridge, has a perfect consistency. You will need to register an account for the phone before you can upload any videos or other media to it.

The Owlcam was the first dash cam to be able to upload footage to the cloud. The Nexar Beam is not the first dash cam to be able to do so, but it is almost as elegant as the Owl, and it can be purchased from Amazon for just $90. Be aware that without the phone, GPS and other perks are no longer available (video is still captured). That is not a major problem for most users in today's phone-centric environment.

Design and Features

The Beam is a compact and square-shaped camera that is all black. It is just as compact as the Garmin Dash Cam 66W that we tested a year ago (which sells for $200 on Amazon at the moment), but it does not have a display; rather, the display is on your phone. Additionally, the lens enclosure is more protruding. Whether or not it is recognizable, it gets the job done. Note that the G-sensor is not located in the phone but in the camera.

The Application and Connection

The Nexar phone app is well designed and executed overall. The connection between the camera and the phone is so simple a child could do it, and the user interface is spotless, well-organized, straightforward, and instructive. You will need to register an account for the phone before you can upload any videos or other media to it.

Capture Quality

The footage captured by the Beam in 1080p at 30 frames per second is amazing. Motion stabilization was one of the aspects that pleased me. The video does not rip up or hop despite traveling over rough local roads and the odd speed bump. Instead, it stays focused on the horizon the whole time. Even while the colors may not seem to have a high saturation level, this is because of the cloudy sky that prevails throughout the rainy summer months in San Francisco. The colors are true to life, the level of detail is impressive, and the overall picture quality is on par with what you would expect from 1080p. You may want to get a dash cam with a greater resolution if you plan to use it to record your trips; nevertheless, you won't find anything superior for regular usage.

The lighting causes some flare in this image, but a significant portion is due to the dirt and debris on my windshield. Take note of the current date and time. This occurs when you don't connect Beam to your phone for many days, which causes the battery to run down. Note that the nighttime pictures have the orange-ish tint characteristic of many sensors, yet they still expose quite a lot of information. There is hardly any headlight flare. It had been a week since the Beam had been removed, and the battery had run out. The auxiliary power adapter with two USB ports that Nexar offers is helpful.

Exceptional Ability Using the Mobile Device

When utilized as a dash cam in combination with your smartphone, the Nexar Beam provides an outstanding recording experience. User-friendly and elegantly crafted. It is an excellent option for folks who cannot go a single day without their phone and want simply frontal coverage. A more expensive model sits above it. It has a second camera facing the other direction, pointing back into the cabin, to capture video similar to that shown in Carpool Karaoke.

Alternatives

Dash Cam 57 from Garmin

With driver awareness, features like alerts for front collisions and lane departures are comparable specifications. If you are unaware that the traffic is moving, it will tell you to "go." If it is parked on a driveway, for example, and has Wi-Fi, it may send you an alert if it detects an issue.

Nextbase 622GW

This high-end, feature-packed, image-stabilized, 4K dashcam allows you to send SOS messages and what3words even when there is no data signal, allowing you to provide accurate position information to emergency personnel no matter where you are. It is compatible with Alexa.