Dash Cam help?

[Rowdie]

I'm looking for a decent dash cam for the wife. She doesn't want one with an app. I know I don't know if they even make one nowadays without wifi and a app, but I see there are some with SDcards or sim cards. Anyone use them or know where to point me?

 

[Tikka280ai]

Garmin seems to be the go to for lots of companies that use them. I'd look at their options

 

[Allen]

I have put a dashcam in my primary vehicle and my two kids' vehicles. It is all up to what you want out of the camera. You can get ones with a forward and rear facing camera, or a single forward-facing camera.

In general, they are simple to install, the suction mounts are nice for positioning, but eventually the camera will fall and need to be remounted. I place mine behind the rearview mirror to help avoid a ticket from Johnny Law for "obstructing" my visibility. Probably the biggest issue is running the power cords as the adhesive clips supplied are never enough and I've never found any that adhere well to the interior plastics of a vehicle.

I have used a few different brands and styles over the past 12 years and they all have the same basic features. SD cards for recording video, G-sensor triggered protection of the video files to prevent them from being overwritten.

Since the camera needs to be plugged into a 12 V outlet that powers up and powers down with the vehicle, one thing that may be important is to get a camera whose power cord also has a USB outlet on it so you can charge your phone, etc.

One thing to remember is that you will want to pull the SD card every 9 months to a year and reformat it. Otherwise, there is a risk the card will get filled up with files and won't be actively recording when you actually need it.

Note, I don't think I've spent more than $50 through Amazon on any of the cameras I've used. Outside of the power cord, I haven't really had a favorite as they're all so similar. The only ones I've had to replace are those I've broken the swivel in the mounting bracket by over tightening it.

I have no advice on the wifi or bluetooth versions. The SD cards work just fine for me if I ever need to transfer a video file.

 

[luvcatchingbass]

I have a legit dumb question. What is the main reason people put dash camera's in their personal vehicles? I can see company vehicles to a point.

 

[johnr]

I have a legit dumb question. What is the main reason people put dash camera's in their personal vehicles? I can see company vehicles to a point.

Same.
I had an asshole a few months back that wouldnt let me get into the passing lane, about 20 miles he road tight next to the guy in the slow lane going 15 under the limit. The guy takes the off ramp, and I get up to speed and the fella in the fast lane is now racing up to the next vehicle to try to keep me in the slow lane.
Not sure WTF was going on with this idiot, but might have been nice to record so I could watch it and get myself all pissed off like just typing about it right now is doing.

 

[wslayer]

I could see in a very rare occasion it may save your ass in an accident.

 

[Rowdie]

That and it's video proof when encountering law enforcement. Plus I think they now activate when parked if vehicle is bumped. For me, it's a good Christmas gift and I struggle in that area. It doesn't help that her birthday is a few days before Christmas.

 

[Allen]

There are a few good reasons.

1. You never know what act of stupidity you will catch on it. There are entire tv shows now dedicated to dash cam footage. Accidents, road rage, you name it.

2. If, as Juan noted, you have some dillhole effing with you on the road, you have something to show Johnny Law, if need be.

3. Speaking of Johnny Law, I live close to a small community known for having a few B team members with a penchant for pulling people over for silly things. One headlight brighter than the other, driving out of the wheel tracks, not stopping before the stop sign, etc,etc. Having a dash cam may help keep one out of trouble if the newbie is kind of reaching on cause to pull you over. None of us do well in court when it comes to our word against the local LEO.

Anyway, I'm just surprised they aren't an option on modern vehicles straight from the manufacturer.

I hope everyone's driving goes safe and smoothly, but I also know a fair number of people that in hindsight wished they had a dashcam.

 

[Allen]

Oh, and of course, my kids have a total of 1 speeding ticket and a minor fender bender over a combined 5 years of teenage driving, so far. I've probably saved the cost in dash cams many times over by not having more accidents and tickets, just because they know I can review the footage.

The ex uses Life 360 with the kids and the only thing that has done is let her know when I'm speeding. Derp....