Let's talk Dash Cams

[Stinger305]

Full disclosure - I'm a dash cam noob. I don't even own one yet, but I'd like to.

Can anyone recommend dash cam setups? Do they monitor cars while they are parked? Is getting a rear-facing one difficult? I saw the other thread recommended a licensed auto electrician - that sounds like the way to go for me. How much can I expect installation to cost?

I'd like to have a thread where noobs like me can learn what to look out for and consider when making dash cam purchase decisions. Thanks.

 

[DaJackson]

Your best bet is to go to a dash cam forum that has collected all of this info already into FAQs.

DashCamTalk

 

[Fenweekooo]

So i put in a Thinkware f800 about a week ago, it has a parking mode so it will constantly record while the car is parked (it monitors the cars battery voltage and will stop recording if it gets too low) the video quality is pretty good you can read license plates about 50% of the time at a fairly close distance.

the mounting mechanism is really good, its just a slab of 3m take that sticks the mount to the window and the cam clips onto it so it will never fall off... im pretty sure the glass behind the mount would still be intact even if the car got crushed.

hard wiring it was pretty simple, two micro 2 add a fuse's ran to the fuse box under the drivers side and added to the door lock fuse for constant 12v and the power outlet fuse for acc power and the whole thing grounded to a bolt under the brake petal.

memory card compatibility is kinda shitty apparently as they sell there own thinkware branded memory cards but i have a lexar card that works fine.

some things are annoying like the in ability to mute the prompts asking you to connect it to wifi and telling you recording has started and that it's connected to gps. you can mute them but then you also mute any parking incidents that may have happened.

all in all a decent camera, that being said it's the only one i have ever had so i have nothing to compare it to

 

[Stinger305]

Thanks. Sounds like a lot to consider - I didn't even know some dashcams had GPS. I'll check out that forum.

 

[AV8R]

Thanks. Sounds like a lot to consider - I didn't even know some dashcams had GPS. I'll check out that forum.

I have a Navman mivue 730, it’s small compact and easy to use looks good in car. Hard to see in pic.

 

[Stinger305]

Got your own parking sign and everything!

 

[AV8R]

Ha yes lol

 

[Morky]

.

 

[bumble bee]

Why you need cameras? Like everything is being watched?

 

[Fenweekooo]

Why you need cameras? Like everything is being watched?

people around here drive like complete idiots, even if they dont hit you if they cause a wreck that injures someone else or others property, it is good to have evidence in case they say f*ck it and drive away. too many people get away with whatever they want on the roads.

plus im really just hoping to capture a squirrel landing on my windshield again after it falls out of a tree like what happened a few years ago but i had zero way to prove it. damn that was funny, stupid thing just falls out of the tree lands on my car, looks at me for a second then books it outa there, made my day.

 

[AV8R]

people around here drive like complete idiots, even if they dont hit you if they cause a wreck that injures someone else or others property, it is good to have evidence in case they say f*ck it and drive away. too many people get away with whatever they want on the roads.

plus im really just hoping to capture a squirrel landing on my windshield again after it falls out of a tree like what happened a few years ago but i had zero way to prove it. damn that was funny, stupid thing just falls out of the tree lands on my car, looks at me for a second then books it outa there, made my day.

They have got this for squirrels ...

 

[Stinger305]

So I assume the WiFi enabled cams are to make copying the video to your computer easier, but what's the GPS for?

 

[Fenweekooo]

So I assume the WiFi enabled cams are to make copying the video to your computer easier, but what's the GPS for?

i can only account for the f800 but the wifi allows you to connect to the camera to change settings with your phone. the best way to get files off is to just pull the sdcard and throw it in your computer . the gps allows for a speed overlay on you r video which unless you only ever go the speed limit and never over is a terrible idea because you are just incriminating yourself in case you need to use video off it. the f800 also lets you view a google map of your rout, i guess just in case you completely forgot where you were?

 

[Fenweekooo]

They have got this for squirrels ...
View attachment 9770

brb going to weld giant slingshot to my hood, will post instructions in the DIY section

 

[bumble bee]

That is whar i figured. Thanks Fenweekoo.

 

[Stinger305]

I agree about incriminating yourself with the GPS. Plus our Stingers have great nav systems so it's going overboard to have 2. I don't even understand why I'd want a big screen on the dash cam either. Makes it great for me because I can stick to a budget model and worry mainly about picture quality.

The most hilarious thing about that squirrel gif is that it was a DIY project. I love how you can see the hand with the scissors launching the trap.

 

[Volvowith18psi]

I think Id also like to get a cam, but only if we can tap into the mirror power. Ill be keeping an eye on this thread.

Edit: That squirrel thing was funny!

Ya agree with no GPS or speed info. That could absolutely be used against you. Further, I have been researching OBD2 port "locks" just in-case the worst happens. A "lock" would require a warrant to remove and search, and an open port would not. Much like a cell phone.

 

[DaJackson]

The speed information can be turned off so it’s not recorded on the video at least on the Thinkware 800 pro.

The GPS does allow the camera to know where you are and mine will call out redlight cameras. It will also do speed cameras but we don’t have any around here.

 

[max2382]

I just installed a Viofo A129Duo (dual channel) and so far so good. I was able to hide the cables pretty well, except the last bit that reach the rear cam (the cable is long just enough and could not hide it more). I stick the front camera on the black plastic cover of the sensors for LKA and this way I do not see it at all when driving. Hopefully it won't fall.