We have come across a lot of users whether a newbie or a professional confused over whether battery vs Capacitor debate. There are a lot of aspects to be considered before purchasing your next or even your first dash cam whether you should choose a lithium-ion battery or Supercapacitor powered Dash Camera.
By doing extensive research and reviewing some of the best capacitor Dash Cam as well other battery-powered cameras, we have listed down all the aspects that will help you determine which one might be perfect for you. Let us look at the detailed analysis of both these sources of power for the dash cams here.
What Are Batteries?
Batteries in general are used to power your device whether it is a dash cam or any other electronic device. When we speak of Dash Cams, we use lithium-ion batteries that are rechargeable. These are known to be highly inexpensive that makes them quite popular as well for all those not willing to invest too much money into buying dash cams.
Well, one of the biggest disadvantages of using a battery-powered dash cam is the fact that they cannot withstand the changes in temperature and thus leads to extensive damage. Such batteries cannot bear too hot or too cold temperature and thus makes it difficult in multiple situations.
What are Capacitors?
Capacitors or better say Supercapacitors that are used in Dash Cams are rechargeable capacitors in general. These have the capacity to store a lot more charge than any normal capacitors and also charge much faster than usual.
Moreover, they have the ability to withstand the extremes in temperature whether it is too hot or too cold outside. It will pose no harm to your dash cam as well as the capacitors. However, as compared to Batteries they do not hold the charge for long which means they discharge pretty quickly. Also, you will find that most of the capacitor-powered dash cams are quite expensive too.
Battery VS Capacitor- Charge Holding Capacity
If we talk about the difference between batteries and Capacitors, the major aspect to consider here is the energy density or the amount of charge the technology can hold.
To start with Batteries, this particular technology is known to be faster and superior than any capacitor or Supercapacitors. This means that if you are looking to go for battery-powered dash cams they are supposed to last longer in a single charge as compared to Capacitors. Speaking of the Supercapacitors, on the other hand, do have a lower energy density or charge holding capacity.
It does take a very short duration to charge which is one of its advantages, but also it does not have the capacity to hold that charge and thus discharge pretty quickly. In technical terms, as we know that batteries run on chemical reactions while capacitors run on electrical energy. And science itself speaks that Chemical reactions tend to store more energy than electrical storage.
Battery VS Capacitor- Charge and Discharge Time
Next up, we will be taking another very important factor into consideration for our comparison between capacitor vs battery. Well, since we already know now which technology can hold the charge for a longer time. Now, we need to look at the Power Density or the amount of time it takes between charging and discharging energy.
If you are looking for the best Battery Pack for dash cam, we can start with a Lithium-ion Battery, there is no doubt in admitting the fact that they have disappointing results when we mention the charging and discharging rates. Even though the charge can last longer, it takes approx 10-60 minutes in general to give it one single charge. It surely depends on the quality of the battery but the number speaks for itself.
For Dash Cams, you can make the best use of Capacitors in such a situation that can easily get charges within seconds of discharging. It only takes about 10 seconds to get full charges to run another cycle. Such supercapacitors work the best for electrical vehicles as well since they are entirely dependent on them.
Hence, as per our verdict, we would definitely consider going for Supercapacitors here. Even though it does discharge quickly, the incredible power density makes it highly favorable in the long run.
Battery VS Capacitor- Temperature Sensitivity
When we mean reliable, we consider mentioning the temperature sensitivity of these technologies. Another important reason why people prefer to go with Capacitors is the fact that they can bear extremes in temperature.
Well, Batteries as speak of running on chemical reactions and thus it makes them highly sensitive to any temperature change. They cannot withstand too hot or too cold temperatures outside, thus causing complications to your Dash Cams. In the worst-case scenario, your batteries may start to swell up and even explode if not taken care of properly. Dash Cams are installed on the windshield that gets direct sunlight causing the devices to heat up.
Similarly, as for the Capacitors they run on electrical storage and do not suffer from any such issues whatsoever. You need to monitor the temperature changes when it comes to capacitors. All of these factors make Capacitors 95% more efficient than batteries. Whereas, Batteries are known to be only around 60% efficient in similar situations.
Battery VS Capacitor- LifeSpan
If you are in for the long haul and looking for a reliable dash cam, here is a major aspect between batteries vs Capacitors that you need to look into.
Well, the lifespan of such technologies depends largely on their charge and discharge cycles. As for the lithium-ion batteries, they have approximately 300 to 500 cycles. Although it depends on the usage but as for the numbers, this is what you would get. We can say about 5-10 years of lifespan for such technology.
Capacitors on the other hand have infinite charge cycles. It can be any number of times ranging from 1000 to a Million. This makes it highly favorable while ignoring the disadvantages it brings on the plate. Furthermore, these supercapacitors easily have a lifespan of around 10-15 years.
Battery VS Capacitor- Cost
Lastly, we could not have left out the overall cost you need to spend on these technologies while we differentiate capacitors vs batteries.
There are multiple factors when we consider price as a factor to choose between a battery or a capacitor for dash cams. Initially, the capacitors are much more expensive than the batteries. Hence you will come across every dash cam in the highly expensive market that is powered by capacitors while the battery-powered ones are super cheap and affordable.
But if we consider the lifespan and performance overall, capacitors are much more worthy of the money spent as compared to batteries. If you have a small budget, there is no doubt that you will go for a battery powered Dash Cam. However, setting aside the price factors, capacitors are clearly the right choice on so many levels.
Final Verdict
Here are all the major factors in this guide that will help you understand the difference between Battery Vs Capacitor. It did take us multiple reviews and research that made us compile this guide both in terms of technicalities as well as general understanding when we speak of Dash Cameras. Both the technologies have advantages and disadvantages.
Now, it all depends on you which factors have more weightage for you that will lead you on to decide the right one. If you are in for the long haul, capacitors are the right choice to make. But if the budget is the major issue, batteries are a clear choice. Make sure you go through each factor and difference before making your decision.
