If you’ve just started looking into dashcams, you might have noticed that they come with different numbers of cameras or “channels.” But what exactly is a dashcam, and why do you need one? Simply put, a dashcam is a small camera installed in your car that records everything happening while you drive. This can be incredibly helpful if you get into an accident, need proof for insurance, or just want to keep an eye on your vehicle for safety. In this article, we’ll explain the key differences between 2-channel (2CH) and 3-channel (3CH) dashcams, helping you choose the right one for your needs.

Understanding 2CH and 2CH Dashcams

When you hear “2CH” or “3CH” dashcams, the “CH” stands for “channel,” which means the number of camera feeds the dashcam records. A 2-channel (2CH) dashcam has two cameras: one facing the front of your car and another facing the rear. This setup captures what’s happening on the road ahead and behind your vehicle.

A 3-channel (3CH) dashcam adds a third camera inside the car, facing the cabin. This interior camera records what happens inside your vehicle, such as passenger activity or anything unusual that might occur in the back seat. So essentially, a 3CH dashcam provides a more complete view, covering front, rear, and inside.

How Do They Work?

Whether you go for a 2CH or 3CH dashcam, the basic setup is fairly straightforward—and once it’s installed, you won’t have to worry about it much. Here’s a quick breakdown of how these dashcams work behind the scenes:

The front camera is typically mounted on the windshield, just behind the rear-view mirror, while the rear camera is placed inside the car on the back window to capture what’s happening behind you. In 3CH models, an additional interior camera faces the cabin to record inside the vehicle.

All cameras connect to a main recording unit—usually integrated with the front camera—via slim, discreet cables that are tucked along the car’s interior for a clean look. Once connected, the dashcam saves all footage to a microSD memory card inserted into the main unit. Most systems use loop recording, which automatically overwrites old footage unless something important, like sudden braking or a collision, is detected.

As for power, dashcams can either plug into your car’s 12V outlet or be hardwired directly into the fuse box. The plug-in option is quicker and easier to set up, while hardwiring is more seamless and supports features like parking mode recording.