Let’s talk Dash Cams

[Big-Foot]

Everyone talks about "features" but what are they? My $70.00 dash cam records -- isn't that enough? Just trying to understand what I may be missing

If the video quality is not good enough to read license plates, how much good will it do you in court?

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[DScruggs]

How do these get powered? Where is the video stored? How far back in time can I retrieve a video? Why did one example hook to the vehicle's data link connector? Som camera's have front an rear view in one camera.

 

[nbmav]

There are different ways to wire them in to the 12v system. The OBD2 adapter above is one of them. For mine I ran the wire down the pillar to the fusebox and used an unused fuse spot to power it. How long you can go back depends on what size memory card you put in it. I think I have a 128 or 256 GB (can't remember) in mine and I can go back months. Another option when you buy is if you want front only or front and rear. Wiring up the rear is usually a little more difficult as it plugs into the front camera so you need to run the wire the length of the cabin.

 

[MattTX]

Everyone talks about "features" but what are they? My $70.00 dash cam records -- isn't that enough? Just trying to understand what I may be missing

Almost any dashcam is good enough during the day, though even then some will have issues with balancing exposure when facing into the sun, and some may not have a high enough frame rate to capture license plates or other important info clearly when you or the other vehicle is moving. Where most cameras really differ is in their low light performance, which isn't just nighttime but also on a cloudy day, rainy day, or dusk / dawn. Many cameras claim to have HDR sensors but don't, and even some of those that do still aren't able to capture clear video at night and could suffer from too much contrast in their exposures (lit signs blown out and dark areas completely black).

Another feature that many dash cams have gone to but not all is using a super capacitor as a short term battery. The importance of this is if you are in a collision that kills power to the dash cam, the super capacitor will allow the camera to save the recording before it shuts down. Without the super capacitor there's a good chance you will lose the last recording and not have the evidence you need from the collision. And there are also reliability issues where cheaper electronics are more likely to fail, whether that is the device itself prematurely dying or it just being inconsistent on actually recording when you expect it to.

If all you care about is having a record of what happened and don't care to be able to make out license plates, company names, street signs, etc, and you rarely drive at night, then almost any dash cam will work for you.

 

[Aleks]

How do these get powered?

by electrons, usually siphoned via usb or 12v if it has a usb converter in it's wiring harness.

Where is the video stored?

on an sd card

How far back in time can I retrieve a video?

The bigger the SD card the more video you can store on it. obviously varies based on bitrate, resolution (720/1080/2160p aka 4k) whether you have 1 recording camera or a system with 2+ cameras.

Why did one example hook to the vehicle's data link connector?

probably for pulling power from the obd port.

Som camera's have front an rear view in one camera.

You can get separate systems that can do 3 cameras, or sometimes have a front unit that also has a 2nd camera on it that faces backwards so it's more of an interior cam.

 

[robbyrob]

this one has worked will for me for since 2023 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0742J69SQ

 

[Aleks]

What I will say after having a few dash cams over the past 10 years is get at least a 2 camera setup, yeah itll be more of a pain to run the rear camera, but if someone rear ends you and runs and the front camera doesn't catch it it's kind of hosed -- I had a front camera on my last vehicle and someone hit me pulling out of a busy drive thru line and my dash camera (garmin) didn't catch their plate was kind of annoying.

Don't get some chinesium no name brand $20 aliexpress special unless you absolutely do not plan on using your phone with it. Watch some youtube reviews and see how the app works with the camera if that is a feature that appeals to you. Get something with a good name brand sensor (sony starvis) - if you have the money, spring for something that can do 60fps (better chance of legibly making out the license plates if scrubbing through the footage frame by frame). Get something with 5Ghz wifi if you plan on pulling the footage to your phone, or keep a usb sd card reader that can hook up to your phone so you can do it that way. Keep an extra sd card in your glovebox or wherever just in case -- this might be on the edge of being a little TOO prepared but whatever theyre inexpensive.

I have a Viofo 3 channel system, I like it, if i were to go back I would probably get a 2 channel one since I'm not an uber driver so don't really need an interior view. The app is good, footage downloads quick, and using it doesn't make me want to put my head through the drywall.

It's something you want to install, and really not have to think about which is a good thing.

Link to what I have installed
Viofo 4k 3 channel

If I were buying now I would get this -- the new hotness.
Viofo 4K60 2 Channel

 

[MattTX]

HEAT PROBLEMS
One of the problems I seem to have with my Dash Cams is the heat.
I live in Texas and my vehicles are parked outside usually.
I have 3 Viofo A119 units that have all failed. They last about 6 months before they start randomly rebooting.
—
I suppose I could go through the effort of disconnecting and putting in glove box when not driving - but….
—
Do any of you have a Dash Cam that’s somewhat impervious to windshield heat?

I'm in Texas as well and also park outside. That's what killed the Rexing I had, the camera would still power on but the screen and lens both failed and it wouldn't record. I've had the Viofo A129 for about 18 months and (knock on wood) it's still working great. My best guess on your A119s failing is because that is a more compact unit, so even though Viofo is rated pretty well for handling heat, the unit itself just isn't able to dissipate heat very well. Here's a site with some tips and camera suggestions for those of us in high heat areas - https://www.blackboxmycar.com/pages/best-dash-cams-for-high-heat-environments

Unfortunately heat and UV exposure are just killers of all things. Without active cooling or some other direct shading (like using a sunscreen when parked), I'd expect most any device in a windshield that's outside will stop working sooner than if the vehicle was parked in a garage or under a carport.

 

[MavUnicorn]

I'm ashamed to say that I am still using a Ring Car Cam that I bought years ago, and was discontinued a few years ago. This thread is a good reminder for me to go ahead and replace with a newer model.

 

[Pointyears]

I have a Viofo 3 channel system, I like it, if i were to go back I would probably get a 2 channel one since I'm not an uber driver so don't really need an interior view. The app is good, footage downloads quick, and using it doesn't make me want to put my head through the drywall.

It's something you want to install, and really not have to think about which is a good thing.

Link to what I have installed
Viofo 4k 3 channel

If I were buying now I would get this -- the new hotness.
Viofo 4K60 2 Channel

I have the Escort in the Mustang (hate, the software sucks), a Rexing in the RV (awkward interface) and a Viofo 2 channel in the Mav, and the Viofo is head and shoulders above the other 2 in quality and ease of use.

 

[Big-Foot]

I'm in Texas as well and also park outside. That's what killed the Rexing I had, the camera would still power on but the screen and lens both failed and it wouldn't record. I've had the Viofo A129 for about 18 months and (knock on wood) it's still working great. My best guess on your A119s failing is because that is a more compact unit, so even though Viofo is rated pretty well for handling heat, the unit itself just isn't able to dissipate heat very well. Here's a site with some tips and camera suggestions for those of us in high heat areas - https://www.blackboxmycar.com/pages/best-dash-cams-for-high-heat-environments

Unfortunately heat and UV exposure are just killers of all things. Without active cooling or some other direct shading (like using a sunscreen when parked), I'd expect most any device in a windshield that's outside will stop working sooner than if the vehicle was parked in a garage or under a carport.

Thanks for this Matt!
I’m thinking that maybe a rear-view mirror mounted camera may be better because it’s back away from the windshield and would be shaded by the sun screen (which we have to use from beginning of June through September here..
Good tips!

 

[Toddman45]

I've used a few different brands Nextbase, Cobra, and Thinkware. I really like the Cobra and Thinkware dashcams. As both brands offer OBD2 hardwire kit options which really simplify the hardwiring setups and how they function and making sure all their functions work properly, if you go that route there's no worries of user air when installing a hardwire kit to your interior fuse panel.

My wife's car has the nextbase while my Maverick hass the Cobra and my teenagers has the thinkware setup with the OBD 11 port hardwire kit. All have good video resolution 2K or above but with my 47-year-old eyes the Cobra as well as the thinkware offer clear resolution day or night.

I've had no issues with heat on the Cobra or thinkware as my vehicle sits outside parked during the day at work and my son's vehicle is parked outside 24/7 here in the Midwest heat. Besides a quality camera I would also recommend 128 GB micro SD card are higher even though the prices have risen on those.

All have built-in GPS as well as your speed and location as well as app compatibility for video retrieval functions. I used hardwire kits for the next base and cobra to the vehicles interior fuse panel which allow all functions to work properly when the vehicle is in motion as well as off, whereas the thinkware uses the OBD2 port kit for hard wiring in all the functions work as well only differences but OBD2 port hardwire kit is such a breeze to install no laying under the dash or on your knees in the garage to install it it's just a simple plug-in and forget about it. No grabbing the multimeter to test which fuse are on or off with ignition or not takes a whole 5 seconds to plug in the OBD2 port but obviously that option usually cost more.

 

[mgr1001]

Good day, @Big-Foot

Your story and reasoning of young dip-sh☆☆☆....using age of other drivers as a get out of jail free card excuse, screw the truth, is believable. Old people can be douche-bags as well, just for the record... trust no one!

So, commiserating completed, here is what I have and like very much.

As well, I added a pic of how I plug it in, through my OBD port. Yes, I have an extra one just in case.

Perfect for me, simple and effective with no messing around with splicing, fuses etc. And easily removed or even moved, if needed.

I also recommend that on top of your cam wishes, add another....a 2nd rear (dual) camera!

Indispensable if you get rear-ended.

I have 2 Rove camera vehicles, my camper van only needs a fwd cam but my Mav has a forward and a rear facing cam in the rear window. If you look closely, at the first Pic, you can see where I found my preferred back cam location.

Good luck, and ask all your questions now to find what camera and system works best for you.

Andy

 

[mgr1001]

I've used a few different brands Nextbase, Cobra, and Thinkware. I really like the Cobra and Thinkware dashcams. As both brands offer OBD2 hardwire kit options which really simplify the hardwiring setups and how they function and making sure all their functions work properly, if you go that route there's no worries of user air when installing a hardwire kit to your interior fuse panel.

My wife's car has the nextbase while my Maverick hass the Cobra and my teenagers has the thinkware setup with the OBD 11 port hardwire kit. All have good video resolution 2K or above but with my 47-year-old eyes the Cobra as well as the thinkware offer clear resolution day or night.

I've had no issues with heat on the Cobra or thinkware as my vehicle sits outside parked during the day at work and my son's vehicle is parked outside 24/7 here in the Midwest heat. Besides a quality camera I would also recommend 128 GB micro SD card are higher even though the prices have risen on those.

All have built-in GPS as well as your speed and location as well as app compatibility for video retrieval functions. I used hardwire kits for the next base and cobra to the vehicles interior fuse panel which allow all functions to work properly when the vehicle is in motion as well as off, whereas the thinkware uses the OBD2 port kit for hard wiring in all the functions work as well only differences but OBD2 port hardwire kit is such a breeze to install no laying under the dash or on your knees in the garage to install it it's just a simple plug-in and forget about it. No grabbing the multimeter to test which fuse are on or off with ignition or not takes a whole 5 seconds to plug in the OBD2 port but obviously that option usually cost more.

Good day, @Big-Foot

Your story and reasoning of young dip-sh☆☆☆....using age of other drivers as a get out of jail free card excuse, screw the truth, is believable. Old people can be douche-bags as well, just for the record... trust no one!

So, commiserating completed, here is what I have and like very much.

As well, I added a pic of how I plug it in, through my OBD port. Yes, I have an extra one just in case.

Perfect for me, simple and effective with no messing around with splicing, fuses etc. And easily removed or even moved, if needed.

I also recommend that on top of your cam wishes, add another....a 2nd rear (dual) camera!

Indispensable if you get rear-ended.

I have 2 Rove camera vehicles, my camper van only needs a fwd cam but my Mav has a forward and a rear facing cam in the rear window. If you look closely, at the first Pic, you can see where I found my preferred back cam location.

Good luck, and ask all your questions now to find what camera and system works best for you.

Andy

Good day, @Big-Foot

Your story and reasoning of young dip-sh☆☆☆....using age of other drivers as a get out of jail free card excuse, screw the truth, is believable. Old people can be douche-bags as well, just for the record... trust no one!

So, commiserating completed, here is what I have and like very much.

As well, I added a pic of how I plug it in, through my OBD port. Yes, I have an extra one just in case.

Perfect for me, simple and effective with no messing around with splicing, fuses etc. And easily removed or even moved, if needed.

I also recommend that on top of your cam wishes, add another....a 2nd rear (dual) camera!

Indispensable if you get rear-ended.

I have 2 Rove camera vehicles, my camper van only needs a fwd cam but my Mav has a forward and a rear facing cam in the rear window. If you look closely, at the first Pic, you can see where I found my preferred back cam location.

Good luck, and ask all your questions now to find what camera and system works best for you.

Andy

I like the dash cam you recommend, but it's not clear to me how the installation works, particularly the OBD connection. How did you hide the wiring harness? Is there a problem if the battery voltage drops too low?

 

[Toddman45]

I like the dash cam you recommend, but it's not clear to me how the installation works, particularly the OBD connection. How did you hide the wiring harness? Is there a problem if the battery voltage drops too low?

The wiring harness just tucks behind the dash and with the OBD-2 port as does a standard hardwire kit as long as you buy a proper one if the battery drops too low it kills power to the dash cam.

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