I might be taking a new job and will end up being on the road a lot. I was wondering if anyone knew much about them. I have never looked into them much and not sure where to start. At least if there ever was a accident or something along those lines and you were not at fault you would have some ability to prove what happened. When accidents happen from experience I have seen it sometimes becomes a he said she said where no one wants to be at fault. Anyone have a idea of a easy portable unit? Something I could take with to the company vehicle and remove everyday?
Yep that was the first thing I thought of but thought with all of us that are on the forums here maybe someone would have some ideas other than the GoPro. Like I don't really need it to be waterproof. Easy portability and turning on is a big factor I would bet. If its a pain in the butt someone might be less inclined to use it every day. But at least with a gopro I could use it out for auto cross maybe. I think about 95% of them don't get used so can usually find them used in new condition for cheaper.... Anybody have any recommendations on models or options for these? Which ones to keep a eye out for?
I'm interested in a more permanent solution. I'd like something that starts recording when the car starts, and loops the video. A go pro sounds like a hassle. Ideally, I'd like something like this: http://www.compustar.com/dash/
This is the one I have: http://www.amazon.com/Black-Box-Original-Dashboard-Dash/dp/B00FONBG1A It automatically comes on when the car comes on and records until the car is off. It loops if memory runs out. It records in 1080P and is fairly cheap. It was the best rated one in the ~$50 range when I got it a year or so ago. The price has actually gone up a bit since then. It can be found cheaper on eBay but be careful for fakes because they are common. Here are some sample videos. Daytime: Nighttime: Mounted for in-car video at the track:
https://dashcamtalk.com I too am thinking about one, but I am in no hurry as I'm not going to install it in the middle of winter.
Those all look pretty good. Lots more options then I had thought at lower prices. Some even have GPS and data like speed on the video. Might be useful if someone said you were going over the limit before a accident or incase of a ticket. When are our Russian members going to chime in? Need expert advise
I just ordered this: https://www.cobra.com/products/dash-cams/cdr-825e I like the idea of buying from a reputable company with actual support. We'll see how it goes though.
I've used the iSymDVR app on my iPhone - worth a try for sure. I also install Lytx DriveCam systems, but they're mainly designed for fleet vehicles.
How is it powered? Do you have to have a cable hanging from it or is there a battery that you have to keep charged?
I haven't received it yet, but it's powered by a hanging cable. It does have a battery, but it's only meant to power it during a shock to the car (I believe). I plan on purchasing and installing this power cable though: http://thedashcamstore.com/installation-kits/
Cool, I just hate stuff hanging from the windshield. I don't use my radar detector anymore because I don't like it in my face. Need to hard wire it with power from the rear view mirror. You could probably do something similar with the camera.
Ya, I thought about a MirrorTap (http://www.mirrortap.com) for the dash cam, but it runs 5V, not 12V. If I ever buy a radar detector, it's the MirrorTap all the way. I also can't stand to have wires running all over the place. I like clean, simple, and (relatively) permanent installs.
Lots of good ideas. I should be able to find something that will work for my situation. I wonder if taking it in and out of hot/cold cars will work with a lot of the suction cup mounts. Would a bean bag type mount be easier?
In 2009, Minnesota changed its laws regarding a GPS front windshield mount. Under the guidelines of the 2010 Minnesota Revised Statutes, GPS units can now be mounted on the lower portion of a driver's front windshield. Lawmakers in Minnesota have agreed that GPS units mounted on the bottom part of a front windshield will not cause enough of an obstruction to block a driver's view of the road.
That being said, the 2014 statutes state that "A person shall not drive or operate any motor vehicle with global positioning systems or navigation systems when mounted or located near the bottommost portion of the windshield." https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=169.71 So I guess we can mount them high, which is exactly where my dash cam is going.
I would think if the device is described as a "global positioning system" that a dash cam would not meet the intended spirit of the law even if it does contain GPS circuitry. But I am not a lawyer or a law enforcement officer.
I always used to put my GPS and/or phone mounted up high and to the left of the rear view mirror. A couple years ago I moved my phone (now used for GPS) to the lower left of the windshield. It is so much better. Down low it doesn't block any of my field of view at all. But still easy to see. I have my dash can mounted to the right of my rearview mirror but it is 90% hidden behind it. From the driver's view it is basically hidden from view.
I put my radar detector up high just under and to the right of my rearview mirror you can't see it without looking for it.
Speaking of dash cams, check out this douche canoe in the white Ford I caught last Thursday. Let's count the ways that he's an asshole.
Where were you going? I noticed that you were driving near where I live in the video haha. But in all seriousness, what goes through the heads of these idiots?
Yup. I sent the video to the Plymouth PD on Twitter and their iWatch reporting tool, and received this: "Thanks for letting us know. Our traffic unit was able to contact the owner of the truck and address the matter. #DriveSafe" So ya, win.
Also it says in the "other than" section I'd put a dashcam under "driver feedback" or "safety monitoring", myself...mount it around the rear view, and call it a day
