Looking for recommendations for a dash cam

blackangst1

Lifer
Feb 23, 2005
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Drivers suck here in AZ and Id like to get a decent dash cam for my wifes car. Any recommendations?
 

K1052

Elite Member
Aug 21, 2003
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After a lot of research I've recently decided on a Vantrue S1 which I need to get around to ordering. Has the features I want but without the cabin cam which I don't need or want since I'm not doing rideshare.
 
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Captante

Lifer
Oct 20, 2003
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I've had good results with Garmin dash-cams/GPS's personally although I haven't done any research lately to suggest a specific model.

I would do some reading and/or watching YT reviews of current options.
 
Dec 10, 2005
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Replying to keep an eye on this. I may also want to put a dash cam in, if only because Massachusetts drivers really suck too.
 

manly

Lifer
Jan 25, 2000
13,225
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VIOFO has been recommended for years. I have a meh Vantrue R2 from about 5 years ago that needs a new battery soldered in. I figured I'd rather spend $11 for a couple years rather than $110ish for a good VIOFO unit. :rolleyes:
 
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blackangst1

Lifer
Feb 23, 2005
22,902
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Man theres alot of options out there!

Question about the SD cards...when it gets full, will it just overwrite the oldest data first and keep recording?
 

Captante

Lifer
Oct 20, 2003
30,353
10,876
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That's the way most work.... when there's an "event" it will save the recording for a set amount of time.

Some units trigger the recording automatically, some use voice-commands (like newer Garmins) and the cheapest models usually have a manual save-button.
 

blackangst1

Lifer
Feb 23, 2005
22,902
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manly

Lifer
Jan 25, 2000
13,225
4,006
136
At a curiosity, did y'all install them yourselves or get someone else to do it?
Most of these dash cams are easily DIY, as they attach to your windshield by adhesive pad or suction cup.

I don't think pro install much applies except if you choose a high end unit, and are routing a rear-facing camera to the back of the cabin and want the wire tucked behind trim.
 
Dec 10, 2005
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Most of these dash cams are easily DIY, as they attach to your windshield by adhesive pad or suction cup.

I don't think pro install much applies except if you choose a high end unit, and are routing a rear-facing camera to the back of the cabin and want the wire tucked behind trim.
I was thinking for the hardwiring aspect. I figure the attach to windshield part is easy-peasy.
 

manly

Lifer
Jan 25, 2000
13,225
4,006
136
I was thinking for the hardwiring aspect. I figure the attach to windshield part is easy-peasy.
Most likely you can hop on YouTube and find a DIY video for that too. It really depends on how you feel about auto self service. I know very little about cars myself, so I'm less likely to be that "adventurous." But it's not all that difficult if you're willing to follow a YouTube video. My point is that it's not common to spend $140 on a commodity dash cam, and pay an installer a higher labor amount to install it. Unless one is a senior citizen. :)