Dashcams - Anybody running one or thought of it?

[harrymaneuvers]

I have thought about it quite a bit over the last year and I wasnt sure if anybody is actually running one.


There are tons of different models on Amazon/ebay but I am not sure if anybody has any experience with one vs another.


Anybody know ANYBODY who runs a dashcam? They seem to be pretty popular in Russia and Asia.

[Navi271]

I've seriously thought of it, but I've never run into a situation where I thought I should have had one. Btw, I love watching those dash cam crashes on youtube.
Here's a site I found, lots of people run these in russia, I think... http://dashcamusa.com/

[harrymaneuvers]

I have ran into a few WTF moments over the years where a dash cam would be helpful.


I also like like taking pictures of exotic or unique cars that I happen to come across and this would be way safer than trying to get my camera phone out and snap a photo while driving.


You most likely wont get any warning when you will REALLY need the dash cam... so it really only serves its purpose if it is always running.

The ones I have been looking at have two cameras... one forward facing and one facing the driver. They self loop at different selected intervals, take up to 16GB (maybe more) SD card, are 1080 HD, and also have GPS logging with google maps.


Seems you can get a pretty decent set up for less than $100 or even less than $30.

This is the one I am leaning towards.

[Huffer]

I wouldn't do a driver-facing one. Footage of you during a crash serves no purpose unless it shows that you were negligent.

Dash cams also have the issue of polarization from the windshield and/or glass glare. Your dash needs to be non-reflective too.

However, a Go Pro mounted on the window during a rallycross or a mountain run is always good.

[harrymaneuvers]

I find it pretty useful to read the amazon reviews. On most all of these dash cams... users have submitted reviews along with sample video of various driving conditions.

http://www.amazon.com/2-5-inch-Vehicle- ... s=dash+cam (http://www.amazon.com/2-5-inch-Vehicle-Recorder-Dashboard-Camcorder/dp/B0053DDNW6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356112245&sr=8-1&keywords=dash+cam)

Video quality seems pretty good even for the $30 or less category.

This one is a higher quality one (10x the price):

https://www.google.com/search?q=BlackVu ... 66&bih=664 (https://www.google.com/search?q=BlackVue+DR400G-HD&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=WWn&tbo=u&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=fflb&source=univ&tbm=vid&sa=X&ei=FKPUUOK9G4qkiQK97IDIAQ&ved=0CF4QqwQ&biw=1366&bih=664)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSNnlaNW0D8

[Navi271]

Here's something to consider also. Depending on where you live and where you park your car, some people will get the great idea of trying to steal it. It does happen.

I'd probably spend more than less money on one of these, just better peace of mind.

[csbrat]

I use one that fits over my rear view mirror so that it's not that obvious to would be thieves. It's already bought me one car when a woman pulled a u-turn right in front of me and I showed the cop the video.

[series8217]

I have one like csbrat does. It is a mirror with an integrated camera and hidden screen. It was purchased in Taiwan but I think you can get them here now. Look up "carscam" (horrible name..).

Eavesdropping laws may prevent you from recording audio. Look into it, and disable the internal microphone if you need to.

[Yokosilver]

Living in a dual fault area, I have thought about it, but haven't followed through with it. I think one on the front mirror and even having a back up cam integrated into the recording circuit for getting rear ended might be nice. I've seen some nice license plate frame integrations.

[fireman2101]

I don't use a dedicated dash cam but I use a gopro if I'm going long distances. I either turn down the quality and record the whole way and if something happens just Stop and start afterwords to mark the spot. Now that you can delete files from your phone's it easier. If I'm going really far I do still shot ever half second to record everything.

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