Dash cam marketing loves big numbers: 4K, 5K, even 8K. But resolution alone does not decide whether your footage is useful. We have seen 4K cameras produce unreadable night footage and 1440p cameras nail a plate two cars ahead. Here is what actually matters.

Resolution is only half the story More pixels help in good light by giving you detail to zoom into. But at night, the limiting factor is the sensor, not the pixel count. A camera that records 4K through a weak sensor just gives you a high-resolution image of noise and glare.

The sensor is what to look for The name to know is Sony STARVIS, and its newer STARVIS 2 version. These sensors are built for low light and are the single biggest reason some cameras read plates after dark while others fail. If a listing brags about resolution but won't name the sensor, be skeptical.

Why headlights ruin footage At night, oncoming headlights and your own reflections can blow out the image. Good cameras handle this with strong HDR or WDR, which balances bright and dark areas in the same frame so a glowing headlight doesn't erase the plate beside it.

A practical checklist - Look for a named Sony STARVIS or STARVIS 2 sensor - Prioritize HDR/WDR for headlight glare - 1440p with a great sensor beats 4K with a poor one at night - Check real owner night footage, not the brand's demo reel

Bottom line Buy the sensor, not the marketing number. If you mostly drive after dark, a strong low-light sensor with HDR will serve you far better than a higher resolution on cheap optics.