Dashcam Recommendations
- Thread starter Jeffrey_VB
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i have a viofo 119 v3 for my wife's car. i also bought the oem cam for my 4runner. you can see the unboxing here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5J7XgC_D0yw
it looks like a viofo one but easier to operate if you want to record capture important event by just pressing a button. i like it actually.
it looks like a viofo one but easier to operate if you want to record capture important event by just pressing a button. i like it actually.
Cisco Kid
Member
Garmin 66W here as well.
GX4SEVEND
New member
You’ve posted twice saying you have two different cameras. But mentioned the shop both times. So which camera are you using actually?
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T4Rrunning
New member
I originally got the garmin mini and then then 56. I disliked the quality and it was hard to see license plates even in the day time in videos.
I ended up with the Viofo 119 V3 and I am quite happy with it
I ended up with the Viofo 119 V3 and I am quite happy with it
I bought the BlackVue DR900X-2CH IR; I've also got it linked to a third camera; Ride share, and have it mounted between the cargo and rear seat.
I figured it could be used should I ever get in an accident or anything; but my S/O says I'm probably going to end up filming porn with it.
I figured it could be used should I ever get in an accident or anything; but my S/O says I'm probably going to end up filming porn with it.
I have the Viofo 119 V3 I just installed. Works fine. Great resolution and just works. There are a lot of people that use this model as it is on some webcam reviewers best budget buy and regularly goes on sale for $100.
In my other car I have a blueskysea B1W which doesnt come with a screen but you wifi link to your phone. It has worked fine for 3 years. It used to be a top budget buy @ ~$50. The phone software can be buggy. I haven't had an issue but I also havent needed it.
In my other car I have a blueskysea B1W which doesnt come with a screen but you wifi link to your phone. It has worked fine for 3 years. It used to be a top budget buy @ ~$50. The phone software can be buggy. I haven't had an issue but I also havent needed it.
2021nightshade4x4
New member
Are there any cameras that are known to have GREAT software?
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BlackVue DR900X-2CH
I've been using a BlackVue DR900X-2CH for two months. No problems so far. I have it hardwired for the front and rear windows. It's programmed with a 12 hour parking mode. The only complaint is the front camera gets hot. I don't know if the heat will affect the life of the electronics.
I've been using a BlackVue DR900X-2CH for two months. No problems so far. I have it hardwired for the front and rear windows. It's programmed with a 12 hour parking mode. The only complaint is the front camera gets hot. I don't know if the heat will affect the life of the electronics.
My wife (engineer) did a stupid amount of research before buying one..
"Was originally going to get the Viofo A119 V3, but wanted wifi capability so I can adjust settings and view footage from my phone. So I was going to bump up to the Viofo A129. But then I watched a comparison video and the video quality of the A129 was slightly worse than the A119V3, but the next step up is the A129 Plus. It has wifi, really good video quality, and GPS to show speed & location. There is s an option for dual channel (from & rear cameras), but I only got the single.
Amazon.com: VIOFO A129 Plus Dash Cam 2K 1440P 60FPS with GPS Wi-Fi, 140deg Wide Angle, HDR, Parking Mode, Emergency Recording, Super Capacitor, Motion Detection
And the SD cards for dash cams need to be high endurance. The Samsung Pro Endurance is one of the best. Amazon.com: Samsung PRO Endurance 64GB 100MB/s (U1) MicroSDXC Memory Card with Adapter (MB-MJ64GA/AM): Computers & Accessories
"
"Was originally going to get the Viofo A119 V3, but wanted wifi capability so I can adjust settings and view footage from my phone. So I was going to bump up to the Viofo A129. But then I watched a comparison video and the video quality of the A129 was slightly worse than the A119V3, but the next step up is the A129 Plus. It has wifi, really good video quality, and GPS to show speed & location. There is s an option for dual channel (from & rear cameras), but I only got the single.
Amazon.com: VIOFO A129 Plus Dash Cam 2K 1440P 60FPS with GPS Wi-Fi, 140deg Wide Angle, HDR, Parking Mode, Emergency Recording, Super Capacitor, Motion Detection
And the SD cards for dash cams need to be high endurance. The Samsung Pro Endurance is one of the best. Amazon.com: Samsung PRO Endurance 64GB 100MB/s (U1) MicroSDXC Memory Card with Adapter (MB-MJ64GA/AM): Computers & Accessories
"
I've been using the Vivlink 2.5k 10" off of Amazon for about a month. I'd have to say that the front camera view is pretty good day or night. The rear camera not so much. Mine is mounted to the headliner so looking through the dark tinted rear window is pretty much a non-starter at night. The on screen display is grainy at best and black at worst. During the day it isn't too bad except for the dirt on my window :cowboy:. The other annoyance is that the backup guide lines are positioned wrong (IMO) and not adjustable (other than "tilting" the camera view.
The real problem is the glare. The Vivilink is a polished mirror vs. the black of the Wolfbox. As such, you wind up with two images, the regular mirror and the electronic mirror (camera). Sometimes, it isn't noticeable but most of the times it is super distracting.
Since my Limited came with a backup camera that works well enough, I disabled the backup sensor and wind up turning off the display as soon as it boots up.
What I really wish is that I could mount a camera in the grille and use the front and back cameras as a stealth dash cam. Just need something to record both feeds in a loop. The Pioneer in my Avy will show front or back camera view but doesn't record.
The real problem is the glare. The Vivilink is a polished mirror vs. the black of the Wolfbox. As such, you wind up with two images, the regular mirror and the electronic mirror (camera). Sometimes, it isn't noticeable but most of the times it is super distracting.
Since my Limited came with a backup camera that works well enough, I disabled the backup sensor and wind up turning off the display as soon as it boots up.
What I really wish is that I could mount a camera in the grille and use the front and back cameras as a stealth dash cam. Just need something to record both feeds in a loop. The Pioneer in my Avy will show front or back camera view but doesn't record.
I had a BlackVue DR750-2CH in my old car, which really worked well for me. So well I basically forgot about it most of the time; including when I sold the car - the dashcam went with it. So now I have a brand new 4runner, and a BlackVue DR900X-2CH to install in it ASAP.
Are there any detailed wiring suggestions online anywhere? And a good place to tap power? I'm new to 4runners, and this forum, basic searching hasn't turned up much (yet), I'm probably missing something.
Are there any detailed wiring suggestions online anywhere? And a good place to tap power? I'm new to 4runners, and this forum, basic searching hasn't turned up much (yet), I'm probably missing something.
2021nightshade4x4
New member
Gonna ask this very specific question here because the phrasing doesn’t produce much relevance on Google:
I am aware that “360 degree kits” of front + rear cameras are available, but the rear cam is always a lower resolution. 4K front comes with a 2K rear, etc.
Are there any kits that any of y’all know of that include identical clarity front and rear cameras?
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I am aware that “360 degree kits” of front + rear cameras are available, but the rear cam is always a lower resolution. 4K front comes with a 2K rear, etc.
Are there any kits that any of y’all know of that include identical clarity front and rear cameras?
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Clarifying this - most of the wiring is probably pretty easy. What I'd like to find out is which fuses (in which fusebox) to tap for reliable switched and unswitched power.
I tuck in the lining. There is a dongle that will split the power on your mirror (small covered area to the right of the camera) and provide a usb outlet there. I haven’t done that yet. I will.
I tuck the wire behind the rubber trim down the door and run it below the glove box. There is a trim piece you can push it into.
Then I run it out near the power. At some point I had most of the cable inside the console but forgot to put it back there when I pulled it all off and added the remote starter. Now it’s coild up and resting below the usb power supply.
Answering my own post, in case it helps someone in the future. It's all pretty easy, once you actually know what you're doing (which I didn't). For clarification, this is for a Blackvue 900x, with the included hardwiring power cable.
I was able to tap power - both switched and unswitched, from the fusebox under the dashboard. You need two fusetap devices in the Low Profile Mini (ATM-LP) size. In my 2021 ORP these is one unused fuse spot, that has always-on power, so use that for the BATT+ connection, And you can use just about any of the fuses on the other side for the switched (ACC+) connection. Definitely check with a DMM to make sure that the fuse socket is switched, and to make sure which side is live so you can orient the fuse correctly. Find instructions on how to use these fuse taps online if you're not sure. There is a large obvious bolt right behind the fusebox that you can use for the ground connection - you want a 10mm nut driver to remove and retighten it. Note that your fusebox cover won't fit back on after doing this - store it in a safe place until you decide to change this, or sell the car or whatever.
Running the wire is simple - attach the camera to the windshield, plug in the power cable, and start tucking it - first behind the headliners, then work your way around above the A pillar cover, then down behind the weatherstripping - use your spudger of choice to make it easier, although you probably won't need it for most of this. Then there's a little pocket to the side of the fusebox you can put your surplus wire into. Disconnect the wire from the camera before making the power connections. After making all the connections, tuck the remaining loose wires into that same pocket. Then plug in your camera and let it do it's thing - done!
I haven't wired in the back camera yet - still trying to figure out how to best attach the camera to the headliner.
