6 next-gen dash cams that do more than just record

Accidents happen. And when they do, you're going to want a dash cam for a second pair of eyes. At the minimum, a decent dash cam can save you vast sums of time and money in case of an accident. But a really good dash cam can do a whole lot more. Here are six of our favorites.

U-Drive: DVR Dash Cam with Night Vision

With 1280 x 720 high-resolution video, this affordable cam boasts surprisingly clear images. And that's not just true during rush hour: 6 infrared LEDs activate after hours, providing night vision video that records automatically whenever your car is on the road. You can get the U-Drive: DVR Dash Cam with Night Vision for $19.99, down from the previous sale price of $24 and half off the original cost.

Papago GoSafe 366 Dash Cam

Even when your car is parked, the 366 has you covered from multiple angles. It records HD video in front and rear views, and you can easily view the footage on any phone with a Wi-Fi connection. The Papago GoSafe 366 Dash Cam is on sale for $249.99, a 16% break off the list price.

GoSafe S780 Dash Cam with Sony Image Sensor

The S780 comes with a sensor that automatically adjusts to compensate for low light levels, and also toggles between front and rear views if the car goes into reverse. Combine that with a stunning 150º field of view in the front  – and 180º in the back – and you won't miss a thing. Pick up the GoSafe S780 Dash Cam with Sony Image Sensor for $199.99, down 33% from the MSRP.

Black Box 1080p Dash Cam

With a compact design, you can install this budget model directly on your windshield without fear of interference. Once it's there, the g-sensor and motion detector stay on guard to record in case of collision, and you can even record your own audio with a built-in mic. The Black Box 1080p Dash Cam is now $29.99, a full 80% off retail.

GoSafe S37 1080P HD Sony Exmor Sensor Dash Cam

The S37 adjusts to the light to make the most out of its 1080p video, night or day. But it's not just a passive observer: The collision warning system will alert you if you're driving too close to another car, and you can take advantage of an array of other safety features like stop sign recognition and driver fatigue warnings. The GoSafe S37 1080P HD Sony Exmor Sensor Dash Cam is now $99.99, more than 40% off the original price.

Infiniview Lite Digital Rear View Mirror & Dash Cam

Get rid of blind spots with this versatile system. The Infiniview actually replaces your rearview mirror with a touch screen that projects video from a waterproof 1080p camera on the back of your car. Its 170-degree angle means you've got an eye on the entire road, and recorded video in the worst-case scenario. Get the Infiniview Lite Digital Rear View Mirror & Dash Cam for $249.99, down 10% from the MSRP.