Ha!! I was careful with my wording and didnt say “I haven’t had an accident in XX years...”. Which cams did you go with? And are they hardwired? Always filming if car is running?
Dash Cam Recommendation
- Thread starter davester00
- Start date
Ha!! I was careful with my wording and didnt say “I haven’t had an accident in XX years...”. Which cams did you go with? And are they hardwired? Always filming if car is running?
nb rob
New member
3 years ago somebody t-boned me at an intersection because the jabroni on the other lane was stopped and waving for them to turn. We didn't see each other until he smashed the hell out of his sonata on my slider and back wheel.
The guy that caused the accident was giving a wild police statement, and I lost my temper and told him to take a f$%@ing walk. I showed the police officer the dash camera footage, and he asked if I could send it to him. Sure. I put it on dropbox and shared with the police constable, as well as my insurance agent. I didn't have to do anything else. My insurance premium did not go up. The other driver admitted fault, and I assume the guy that caused the accident is still in his own little world stopping at green lights and hand signalling people.
I had my dash camera for 2 months at that point. In the meanwhile, it's caught all sorts of near-misses with both vehicles and wildlife. Moose, bears, coyotes, deer x 1000. It's interesting, but the longer you have a dash camera, the less you review the 'near miss' stuff on your computer screen. I live in a town that is notorious for some of the worst drivers in Canada, and I've even had video of people going the wrong way around a rotary on two separate occasions. (!!!)
I've since switched to a garmin 55, which has been a great upgrade. The camera is VERY tiny and sleek, and the voice controls work surprisingly well.
I went with the parking mode cable, and now I am aware that my vehicle gets bumped in a parking lot at an alarming rate. In the 2 months I've had the garmin, I've also witnessed people try my doors when parked downtown, and wildlife in my driveway almost every other night.
I plan to put a garmin 45 looking out the rear window in the near future, to see the sad look on people's faces when they drive in to my recovery loop that occupies my trailer hitch receiver. I can tell from all the paint marks and the saved collision video that it happens often. I know I shouldn't leave it in there, but it's keeping these shitty drivers off of my bumper.
The guy that caused the accident was giving a wild police statement, and I lost my temper and told him to take a f$%@ing walk. I showed the police officer the dash camera footage, and he asked if I could send it to him. Sure. I put it on dropbox and shared with the police constable, as well as my insurance agent. I didn't have to do anything else. My insurance premium did not go up. The other driver admitted fault, and I assume the guy that caused the accident is still in his own little world stopping at green lights and hand signalling people.
I had my dash camera for 2 months at that point. In the meanwhile, it's caught all sorts of near-misses with both vehicles and wildlife. Moose, bears, coyotes, deer x 1000. It's interesting, but the longer you have a dash camera, the less you review the 'near miss' stuff on your computer screen. I live in a town that is notorious for some of the worst drivers in Canada, and I've even had video of people going the wrong way around a rotary on two separate occasions. (!!!)
I've since switched to a garmin 55, which has been a great upgrade. The camera is VERY tiny and sleek, and the voice controls work surprisingly well.
I went with the parking mode cable, and now I am aware that my vehicle gets bumped in a parking lot at an alarming rate. In the 2 months I've had the garmin, I've also witnessed people try my doors when parked downtown, and wildlife in my driveway almost every other night.
I plan to put a garmin 45 looking out the rear window in the near future, to see the sad look on people's faces when they drive in to my recovery loop that occupies my trailer hitch receiver. I can tell from all the paint marks and the saved collision video that it happens often. I know I shouldn't leave it in there, but it's keeping these shitty drivers off of my bumper.
Indeed - that is exactly the risk being mitigated by having a cam front and rear (other drivers providing a completely different set of events to law enforcement on arrival).
My niece had the whole front end / facia of her Corolla torn off by an Escalade this week turning into her lane to turn right all of a sudden. He circled around the block, came back and parked behind her. Cops arrived and sure enough - his statement was that she sped out of nowhere in to him, he was just driving straight down the road. Fortunately someone from a building happened to be looking down at street traffic and saw the whole thing, came down just in time to tell the police what they saw. Needless to say, front and rear units going into that car when it comes back from the shop. So thats the reason for me, I have one mounted front and rear, same model, very happy with them. LS470 model:
https://dod-tech.ca/new-dod-products/
My niece had the whole front end / facia of her Corolla torn off by an Escalade this week turning into her lane to turn right all of a sudden. He circled around the block, came back and parked behind her. Cops arrived and sure enough - his statement was that she sped out of nowhere in to him, he was just driving straight down the road. Fortunately someone from a building happened to be looking down at street traffic and saw the whole thing, came down just in time to tell the police what they saw. Needless to say, front and rear units going into that car when it comes back from the shop. So thats the reason for me, I have one mounted front and rear, same model, very happy with them. LS470 model:
https://dod-tech.ca/new-dod-products/
nb rob
New member
dod was on my short list as well. They're considered among the best.
the garmin's night video is much lower quality than the daytime video. My ancient papago seemed to even do better at nighttime. It's my only complaint with the garmin.(although a big one)
HerT4R
New member
you can also do what i did which is nice if i want to remove it for any reason and its an aluminum door sill (for under a door) with velcro on the back of it.
HerT4R
New member
I've got the blackvue dr-650 2ch in my 4runner and it is hardwired in with a powermagic pro. I have had 0 issues with it, through two texas summers and approaching number three. I love the piece of mind it gives me. The only issue that has happened and it was recently was that after two years of continuous recording the SD card needed to be replaced. That was a known when I entered the game though, just glad it lasted this long.
I got the dashcam bug after another driver pulled out like shown in [MENTION=113429]RysiuM[/MENTION] video except they had a yield and i had the right of way. needless to say they lied and then went radio silent. I had liability at the time (my old car was only worth about 3k blue book at the time) so I was left fighting their insurance. It was terrible and stressful, but eventually about 6 weeks later they let their driver assume all fault and paid for 100% of my repairs. After my car sat for about 6 weeks (during fighting with insurance to get them to foot the entire repair cost) it had some other issues (wheel bearing went out, battery needed replacing, etc.) I traded it on the first trail edition 4runner I could find for the price I wanted.
Then i installed a dashcam a few months later, and told myself if ever I witness an accident I will leave a business card with both parties and provide my dash cam footage if asked. I have since given some people my business card but never been called to date, still I sleep better at night knowing I have reached out as a witness to help if needed.
I already have some pretty good dashcam video of people running read lights, and me running a stop sign (ergh yes, we are all guilty sometimes of not paying enough attention while driving). To everyone out there considering it i would recommend it.
I am looking for one to put into my work truck that is easy to remove and put up and take down. you guys got any recommendations for one of those?
Dropzone
New member
Same set up I have in my 2nd gen. The features of the Dashcam 55 are great, the lane departure etc are outstanding.
I just need to wire the rear 45. your post reminded me I needed to do that:doh:. so just ordered a couple of these for the parking mode.
https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-010-1...421155&sr=8-3&keywords=garmin+dash+cam+wiring
debating about a smile for the camera sticker
My choice for the DOD was for the 64gb micro SD card support, and I like their software very much when you use that to play back your files (not required). I didn't do anything fancy with hard wiring or anything I use the 12V sockets and tucked the power cable around where needed (there is plenty of it). The front uses the OEM Suction Cup mount which is very strong and stable, for the rear I read a tip from another post and mounted it to a piece of plastic I had lying around ( I think it was the old mount for my Nintendo Wii LoL ).
The headliner plug holds it very secure and I used the 3M tape mount there. They both come out and go back very easily within their mounts, hope I never need them but feel it is a small price to pay up front if I do. We have some extreme temps out this way at both ends of the scale and they have never had an issue yet. :canada:
Attachments
RysiuM
New member
I wrote it on 02-26-2016, so my Novatek is almost 3 years old. Still working strong and on the same 32GB SD card. I don't remember exactly how any miles I did on that camera, but that is quite few (around 20k I think).
Year ago I have bought Rexing V1 for my Tacoma. That one got 128GB card. It worked for 6 months and then started freezing. Rexing sent me a new unit free of charge and after another 6 months it still works without a glitch.
I like Rexing V1 for picture quality and compact design. The only drawback I noticed, it does not like any of my USB power supplies (even 2A ones) - records a constant noise in audio. No noise when powered from original Rexing USB power. That is OK, as Rexing power supply has extra USB port I use for charging my phone at the same time.
nb rob
New member
I should update that my garmin 55 died after 4 months. It took 3 different days of one hour phonecalls to get a proper express RMA in Canada. I have had the replacement for about 2 months, and I've been taking it out of the windshield on the very hot days. I don't want to concern myself with that. That's a shitty design if it can't handle the heat in Canada. My web searching leads me to believe that this is relatively common.
The new (refurb) unit is also very touchy about heat. It's been shutting down daily due to the scorching september heat here in Canada
Not dying like the former one, but I will get in the 4runner and there will be a message that says it has shut down due to heat. This message is clear on the screen, and someone outside the vehicle could easily tell that the camera is disabled. Bad.
I love the size and the features (I have the parking mode cable) and especially the mounting. But I'm not very confident that this camera is going to last either. It gets unbelievably hot on its own. Garmin has fiddled with firmware, and I now have it set to only record 2 hours after I park.... I'd like this thing to be set and forget like my last dash camera, but it doesn't seem up to the challenge of 24 hour recording.
I wouldn't buy a garmin 55 again. I will get a DOD next time. Or something with a capacitor versus a battery.
Just my experience.
The new (refurb) unit is also very touchy about heat. It's been shutting down daily due to the scorching september heat here in Canada
Not dying like the former one, but I will get in the 4runner and there will be a message that says it has shut down due to heat. This message is clear on the screen, and someone outside the vehicle could easily tell that the camera is disabled. Bad.I love the size and the features (I have the parking mode cable) and especially the mounting. But I'm not very confident that this camera is going to last either. It gets unbelievably hot on its own. Garmin has fiddled with firmware, and I now have it set to only record 2 hours after I park.... I'd like this thing to be set and forget like my last dash camera, but it doesn't seem up to the challenge of 24 hour recording.
I wouldn't buy a garmin 55 again. I will get a DOD next time. Or something with a capacitor versus a battery.
Just my experience.
J.F. Sebastian
New member
Just put a BlackVue 900S 2-CH in my wagon and it is a lovely system.
Not using Parking Mode (hardwired, battery back-up, etc.) or Cloud Mode, just driving cam plugged into one of the rear 12v receptacles.
Super easy to install, aside from loosening the passenger A-pillar grip top bolt a bit for an easier time and better result, just some lifting and tucking with trim tools. Our vehicles are really easy to run cables in for this purpose. Used the headliner button mod on a 4" tab of plastic dremel'ed out of an Apple earbud package. Plug and Play.
The app works on my ancient Android tablet. Video is great (4K front, 1080p rear) once the brightness was dropped a bit for daylight operation. Despite being a new system, night vision is notoriously poor with this model and there is no Night Vision toggle in the options like the 750. The 750 has better night video quality due to different sensors. A bit pricy and not the best choice for night use but well worth it in this user's opinion.
Not using Parking Mode (hardwired, battery back-up, etc.) or Cloud Mode, just driving cam plugged into one of the rear 12v receptacles.
Super easy to install, aside from loosening the passenger A-pillar grip top bolt a bit for an easier time and better result, just some lifting and tucking with trim tools. Our vehicles are really easy to run cables in for this purpose. Used the headliner button mod on a 4" tab of plastic dremel'ed out of an Apple earbud package. Plug and Play.
The app works on my ancient Android tablet. Video is great (4K front, 1080p rear) once the brightness was dropped a bit for daylight operation. Despite being a new system, night vision is notoriously poor with this model and there is no Night Vision toggle in the options like the 750. The 750 has better night video quality due to different sensors. A bit pricy and not the best choice for night use but well worth it in this user's opinion.
rumblefishAZ
New member
has anyone figured a way to run the dash cam when parked? i'm looking to do some sort of battery that will charge while driving then allow the batter to run the camera when parked. looking for short periods of time time to run when parked, an hour or 2. not overnight.
J.F. Sebastian
New member
There are many cams that have this functionality (Thinkware, BlackVue, etc.) and requires hardwiring the system into your fuse panel, mounting and wiring a battery as you know. Just look around for install videos and look at a few manufacturers. The install is simple and inexpensive for a pro to do if you don't feel comfortable DIY. I think the battery packs are mainly LiFePo these days and are proprietary units, most 2-CH cams can run for at least 12++ hours in parking mode as far as I've seen.
I have the BlackVue 650 1 ch and it has been great. Live in Charlotte, so a lot of heat and sun. The camera has had no issues with the heat, and I don’t put a windshield cover up during the day, so it has direct exposure. A buddy in Ohio has had the Garmin for about a year and it already crapped out on him due to overheating. He liked that you could talk to it, but he is pretty pissed about the quality.
docsnavely
New member
Here's the link to my Rexing V1LG install I did just over a month ago.
I've been very pleased with it. My wife bought it for me before the truck was out of the port. The install was easy enough. The only challenge was that the hardwire kit I purchased separately had no instructions. I had to take a multimeter to the accessory fuse box to figure out which open spots were ignition hot or always hot.
If I had to pick any other camera, I would look for one with a g-sensor that kicks in while parked. That's the only thing I wish my setup had. Otherwise it works well one month in. I haven't set it off yet so that's a plus.
I've been very pleased with it. My wife bought it for me before the truck was out of the port. The install was easy enough. The only challenge was that the hardwire kit I purchased separately had no instructions. I had to take a multimeter to the accessory fuse box to figure out which open spots were ignition hot or always hot.
If I had to pick any other camera, I would look for one with a g-sensor that kicks in while parked. That's the only thing I wish my setup had. Otherwise it works well one month in. I haven't set it off yet so that's a plus.
J.F. Sebastian
New member
Don't know how good this is or for how long...
BlackboxMyCar.com deal on DoD RC500S
https://gallery.mailchimp.com/f02ee...ages/4bea169b-13f5-4f8f-884a-fa1ac2f06f1c.jpg
Edit: It's already discounted $40 and entering the code renders a few more bucks off. Not a bad deal especially if paying in US$.
BlackboxMyCar.com deal on DoD RC500S
https://gallery.mailchimp.com/f02ee...ages/4bea169b-13f5-4f8f-884a-fa1ac2f06f1c.jpg
Edit: It's already discounted $40 and entering the code renders a few more bucks off. Not a bad deal especially if paying in US$.
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scotty0196
New member
I used to run sj4000s front and back but after changing out cams twice within a year, I upgraded to the Falcon Zero F360. I appreciated the falcon until I negligently left my car unlocked overnight to find that some sticky finger took advantage and stole all that the could out of my truck.
I have since added the OWL cam to the mix now that it works with android phone. It uses an LTE network and records to a cloud.
This cam is more of a security cam that is continuously on and has sensors, triggered by the attempted opening of a door or even someone bumping on your vehicle.
It uses power via the diagnostic Port (OBD II).
You receive alerts to your phone when there is a suspected break in, albeit the timing of the alerts I have so far found to be inconsistent sometimes right away to 30 mins later. I want to think this may be because of network availability.
I am so far, still satisfied with this false sense of security
https://owlcam.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjw8...KPfdIEK_nQkFts-v45P2Jv7Nq6yMpbfRoCGT4QAvD_BwE
I have since added the OWL cam to the mix now that it works with android phone. It uses an LTE network and records to a cloud.
This cam is more of a security cam that is continuously on and has sensors, triggered by the attempted opening of a door or even someone bumping on your vehicle.
It uses power via the diagnostic Port (OBD II).
You receive alerts to your phone when there is a suspected break in, albeit the timing of the alerts I have so far found to be inconsistent sometimes right away to 30 mins later. I want to think this may be because of network availability.
I am so far, still satisfied with this false sense of security
https://owlcam.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjw8...KPfdIEK_nQkFts-v45P2Jv7Nq6yMpbfRoCGT4QAvD_BwE
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