Title says it all. Cannot trust Amazon reviews. Most “reviewing” sites are buggy and the links lead to things that make my anti-virus software crank into overload.
So I turn to the well-edumacated and trusty Dopers. Are you satisfied with your Dash Cam? Which type do you have?
Near as I can tell I can find one with more than 160º view/ Nightvision/ 4K and other features for around $ 150.00
I do not use one but you may find this comparison video from the very well regarded YouTube channel Project Farm informative (the channel tests and compares things):
ETA: Note this was seven months ago and there might be better ones out now (I have no idea but keep it in mind).
I have one of the Rexing V1 models, I think it’s this one. I’ve had it for quite a while now, probably close to 10 years and have been happy with it.
I get an error on that link, is this the same video? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLjGazIxjEA
OK, this is good research, but the speaker is absolutely maddening, sounds like Barney Fife on speed.
I didn’t watch the video, but I’m familiar with Project Farm and yes, his voice can be a bit grating. What I’ve found with that channel is that you really can’t sit down and binge through a bunch of his videos since it’s like one big high-speed data dump. I’m sure they’re great if you’re in the market for a new something or other, but, at least for me, it’s not really entertainment. At least Torque Test Channel isn’t yelling all the info at you.
I agree. If you are looking to buy some gizmo and he’s tested those gizmos it is well worth a watch. I have not seen Torque Test channel but I do like Project Farm’s meticulous methodology and clear description of how the test works. I like this one on dash cams since it clearly shows how much detail each camera picks up (and none are particularly good if I remember correctly).
I got this one last year when it dipped to $99. I love it.
Pick a random video and give it a watch. It’s the same idea as Project Farm, just dialed down a few notches.
This post is in a similar thread and contains a link to another similar thread. The OP might find some good info here.
I use a Viofo A119 which is like the Honda Civic of dashcams. Not necessarily the top of the line and there’s cheaper ones, but it’s a good all-around model that always gets recommended in dashcam discussions. I have a dimming/garage door opener rearview mirror so it’s wired directly into it. If you want to run wires down your trim you can usually put it into a fuse for always-on. Viofo also has dual-view models if you want the interior cammed like for Uber drivers.
Thanks- this is quite helpful. I’m watching a YooToobes video now about the newer model.
One question that’s agnostic- do people unplug and remove the dashcam when parking outside, parking in a public garage, etc? Or is it left in place and we hope for the best?
Of course, were an accident or vandalism to occur, the device would wind up in my pocket anyway. I do like the fact that it’s quite clear when voice recording is on or off. I’d leave it off be default.
I don’t. I have mine tucked up as high as I can, while making sure the windshield wipers still clear the windshield in front of it. I’ll have to look, but I don’t think it’s all that noticeable from the outside.
I had considered adding a small decal saying something like “3G Connected” or “Cloud Connected” with a small blinking LED so people would think it’s actively recording and uploading to the cloud, even when it’s parked, but I figured that would just add more attention.
Back when I had fuzz busters, I would take them down when I wasn’t in the car, but I think those were more likely to get stolen than dashcams.
A few years ago, when I walked away from an accident that, I assumed, would total my car (it didn’t), the dash cam was the first thing I grabbed since I was worried my car would end up in a lot somewhere and I’d never see it again.
I like your way of thinking and yeah- it’d draw more attention. The project box, blinking l.e.d., the decal. Nice !
From the video I watched, it appears that at least the model I was viewing records endless files every 3 minutes ( a length of time easily adjusted in the menu settings ). Does that mean that I need to link it to my phone and wipe out all of the useless files?
Was hoping for a webcam that over-writes automatically in segments of, say, 3 minutes.
Yes (edit: except the web part, dashcams aren’t usually online), the couple I’ve owned record x minute files, x is configured in a menu. My current cam is one minute, fwiw. The files get overwritten fifo BUT the cams also have a ‘something happened’/protect button to move the current file to a different directory that doesn’t get overwritten.
Ahh, good to know. I use a text message backup app. Periodically I have to go into my Google Drive and delete aaallllllll of those backed up sets of text messages. Small price to pay for having it all archived.
In the case of an accident, assuming the webcam survived, I’d immediately pull the “accident file” onto my cell phone and likely up onto my Google Drive.
Assuming again you mean dashcam, it’s only the storage card that needs to get pulled or otherwise survive. The USB power input connector appears as a mass storage drive when plugged to a PC, phone or other host so you can also leave everything in the car to pull a file.
My cam has a wifi modem built in and you can supposedly connect wireless but I haven’t tried that. I did install a fuseblock wiring dealie which is great. I’ve given serious thought, at stoplights and RR Xings, to cracking open the cam to wire an external input plug and run a microphone outside the car. I basically never want the cabin mic’d but exterior audio would be cool.
I misread the thread as "Do you use a Cash Dam?” and thought to myself, yeah I could use one, the way money is flowing out of here lately.
Oops! 
Thanks for the correct link (yes, that is what I was trying to link to).
You’re not wrong.
I do believe the unit I ordered today also allows for WiFi connection to the cell phone. Good point- all I need to do is connect and transfer the file to the phone.
Of course, if it’s an accident of some severity the odds are good that the battery will be dead or disconnected by force. One does hope not. I drive a Prius- the “regular battery” lives in the back corner of the trunk, not under the hood. Might still be feeding power into the car in the event of a front-end collision.
Or a fire. A few decades ago, I shot the “wrap-arounds” for CBS’ “48 Hours” with Dan Rather. We were doing a segment on a state of the art fire training facility in Bergen County, NJ. ( Northern end of the state ). The Producers had the creative idea that I ought to start next to a car that was just catching fire, watch it become engulfed, back up quickly to find… Dan Rather standing 20 feet away. He and I would then walk father away as the car really got going.
After 2 or 3 failed attempts to set the car on fire, the firefighting team standing there managed to get the back of a car seat going. I stood as close as they felt was safe, and watched and tried to time my backup accordingly. ( Yes, they’d removed the gas tank and neutralized any fuel in the lines. )
That thing went up horrifyingly fast. From first lick of flames on the back of the driver’s seat to the compartment fully engulfed was less than 60 seconds. To the car being on fire all over? 90 seconds tops.
Soooooo… if my car catches fire, I might or might NOT go for the dash cam. 