dandelos

I'm interested in getting a dash cam...anyone have any recommendations?

I don't really want to mess with the wiring in the car so I'd favor a cigarette-lighter-powered adapter, and also recording in the dark or at night is a must. Sound recording would be a plus.

I'd also be interested if anyone has any good mounting suggestions. I don't want anything permanently mounted to the ceiling or dash, so the only I can think of is a windshield suction cup at this point.

Thanks in advance!

clkwork

If you want quality video check out the gopro hd

ZAHANMA

GoPro is definitely the way to go for 99% of the applications of a camera. It may have a bit of trouble recording in the dark, or extreme dark, without an external light source.

Other than that, mine works great, and I use it all the time.

HERE is a link to one of the first video tests I did with mine, mounted to the front bumper.

dandelos

Thanks guys!

I am somewhat familiar with gopro from a bunch of sports etc. videos, but after looking into it a little further, it seems there is one main drawback, which is not having 'looping' recording (i.e. overwriting the oldest video file once the drive is full)? Or have you guys gotten around this somehow?

clkwork

A quick google search game up with this. I haven't tried it myself but it supposedly does loop recording

http://www.hoyttech.com/index.cfm/pr...met-camera.cfm

billvip

google "vico-DS1" or youtube it.

ZAHANMA

Loop recording really wasn't something I was looking for...I don't even have mine recording four 4 or 5 hours in a row so I don't really have to worry about that. I just transfer/remove all data from the SD Card once it hits the computer.

If I am away from a computer for an extended period of time (aka vacation), I have multiple SD Cards. I actually have them numbered 1-4, and always start with 1.

I'm not OCD about it, I promise.

CoolBDPhenom03

Check out Contour as well. Similar product to GoPro, but different styling. I bought one to mount to my motorcycle and was thinking about getting a dash mount for it.

Bobby4919

No problems with getting a full frame. The black banding around the window doesn't show up. I DO have window tinting on the back window but the picture is great during the day, and just a little bit 'underexposed' at night.

bowenxue98

I would recommend using a dedicated dashcam instead of a GoPro. Yes its true GoPro has better camera and sound quality, but it is not designed to be continually recording. I tried to use a GoPro, and the main issue was reliability. It would malfunction easily, especially when there's a little sun and it would overheat on the dashboard. Not to mention, you can't use it while your parked, as it does not have a parking feature. Dedicated dashcams have a parking mode where it would automatically turn on when it senses movement, impact, etc. Dedicated dashcams also have GPS recording, so you know the exact location of the incident and the speed you were going at, etc. I'm using the BlackVue DR650 GW front and back dashcam, you should give it a try.

Why don't you want to hardwire the dashcam? It doesn't void warranty and if you get a qualified shop to install it, you can set it and forget it.

W204Motorsports

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/SJ9000-Wifi-...t_qAImMvlc63eA

I've been using my SJ9000 for 2 years now and for the price, it paid for itself a long time ago, captures great quality videos.

Shimee

The only issue with GoPro cameras is the narrow field of view, which is typically around 140 degrees. Most dedicated dash cameras have a viewing angle of 170 degrees if not more. The Aukey DR02 that I use captures nearly the entire windshield.

benzdude

He said Dash Cam people!

I've had several dash cams in the past. It depends on how much you want to spend.

In any dash cam look for a good lens (Sony?), great night vision, high recording bit-rate, at least 1080p @ 30fps resolution and uses a capacitor (not battery) for safe shutdown. Do you/need want GPS?

Some also come with other built-in features like g-sensor (impact detection and recording), parking recording, motion detection and voltage cutoff (saves your battery from drain) or gimmicky features like lane departure warning, front collision warning. Also, do you want single channel (front camera only) or dual channel (front and back camera)?

A good starter cam is VIOFO A119S V2 GPS. around $100 (amazing features and image for the price).

Other good brands are Blackvue, Blacksys and Thinkware. I currently have the Thinkware F770 2-channel in my C300.

Lastly, Please research your local "one-party consent" law about recording audio without a person's consent. In some states this is illegal. (don't get sued or arrested)

Even a "friend" sitting in your car can sue you. Most good cameras have an external button to tun off audio recording.

Forums:
https://dashcamtalk.com/a119/
https://dashcamtalk.com/forum/

Good Retailer and Nice guys (fast shipping):
https://www.blackboxmycar.com/

dchar

wonutaleva

Any good reviews about garmin best front and rear dash cam

shotgun_banjo

I use a SJCAM I think mine is a SJ5000. Then have a suction mount + cellphone holder contraption to hold it in place. It is small hides perfectly behind the rear view mirror. The good part is that I can take it out easily and use it as a action cam. I have 2 for each of my rides front and back. Saved me countless of times from people who don't know how to drive.

benzdude

You bought $350 worth of action cams to use as dash cameras (wrong purpose), when you couldve just bought a single 2 channel dash camera? I don't get it.

shotgun_banjo

why is it crazy? Some action cameras has a dashcam feature on them? Also can you take out your resistor based dashcam out and use it for something else? I dont think so. If a device can function the same thing and was built to do exactly what it needs to be (ei a dashcam/action cam which my camera is) what is the problem when you use it exactly what it is designed for? Also my camera setup cost only $70 each. Here is the camera in my R56.