Buying
Understanding Dash Cam Frame Rates (30 vs 60 fps)
Frame rate decides how smoothly motion is captured, which matters more at speed than people expect. Here is how to think about 30 versus 60 fps.
What frame rate does
Frame rate is how many images per second the camera records. Higher frame rates capture fast motion more smoothly and give you more still frames to pull a clear plate from.
When higher helps
At highway speed, oncoming and cross traffic move quickly through the frame. 60 fps can freeze that motion better, making a plate readable where 30 fps might blur it.
The catch
Higher frame rates increase file size and may only be available at lower resolutions on some cameras. Check whether your camera can do 4K and 60 fps together, or forces a choice.
This guide is general information to help you use your gear, not professional, legal, or insurance advice. Rules vary by region — check your local regulations where relevant.