I splurged and bought the thinkware f770, it wasn't cheap but for me it was worth it.

Very very clear video, built in wifi, parking mode, gps and both front and rear cameras are 1080p


Sure, it was double the price of two cameras, but nothing I could find that had wifi was less than $150/camera and discrete enough.

 

looking to buy a dashcam.

My last dashcam strapped over the mirror. This truck has a fancy mirror, and the strap on wont fit. both physically and appearance.

Just wondering what some of you found that looks good. I'd like it to look factory, so I'll tap 12v from the console.

I'm thinking of something like this one

https://www.amazon.com/Spy-Tec-A118...8B47W/ref=sr_1_74?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1484183159&sr=1-74&keywords=dash+cam

So this is the exact camera I had in my previous truck. For what it's worth, the plastic lens went out of focus in 3 months. If the vehicle is close, you could easily read the license plate, but at distance, not a chance.

Here are a few example videos for you, from the exact camera you're considering.

https://youtu.be/IiS49inpmKY

https://youtu.be/sKb4nUxoeSk

 

I don't use one, too many gadgets and junk in my truck as it is. But, what about just using your phone? Surely there is an app for a dashcam.

 

I have a Lukas and a Garmin,they both work OK,but neither is perfect.I like the Lukas a little more than the Garmin,the Lukas attaches to the windshield with some adhesive tape they include with the cam,the give you a couple of pieces.When the truck is parked in 110* degree temps the adhesive let go,and of course I misplaced the other piece...it held for a couple of years.I am using Gorilla tape now, it is not working that well.The Garmin secures with a suction cup,it will holds for a while,but it lets go from time to time.The Garmin has a screen the Lukas has a digital display and an announcement that tells you it is working. Both models have GPS,since my speedo is off due to tire size the GPS is handy for accurate MPH.

 

I have the garmin dash cam 20. I love it. The mounting can sometimes come loose as it uses the suction cup. But I just stick it back up and you are good. You can also use any mount that uses the garmin navigation 'ball' mount so there are lots of mounts you can use including the spring clip that goes on the visors.

There is a newer model than the 20 (or the 10 which just doesn't include gps, speedo, etc) but it was missing some features.

Amazon has the 20 as a refurb now for around $80.

 

I am running inexpensive A118C dash cams, front and rear in my truck and front only in my Dart. Get them for ~$50 from Gearbest.com. Excellent video quality. They feature an integrated mounting system that replicates the mirror mounting design. They are also have a capacitor and not a battery so if it is not powered for a while the date setting might be lost.

 

Same here. I use the capacitor model since AZ will cook a lithium battery with the inside temps we see in no time

 

I have the cam listed in the OP and it works fine. I pulled video from it early on and it looked fine. I'll have to check it again to see if it has the focus problem someone else mentioned.

I also use this one. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015DGMV4S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 And it works about the same. The menu/button setup isn't great, but it works.

I looked into getting a blackvue setup, but I just couldn't swallow the 4-500 bucks by the time it's all said and done. Drivers here are so terrible I just wanted basic evidence for a cop/judge when someone inevitably hits me.

 

I'm taking a little different route. Around cyber Monday, I bought a UltraProX Adventure Cam Elite (GoPro competitor) for $59.

UltraProX

This camera is advertised as having a "Driving Mode (Use as a Dash Cam)"


I have not used it yet, however this was one of the selling points for me, as I have been wanting a dash cam for a long time now. I follow a family of daily vloggers on YouTube that use these cameras and the video is always good.


The bonus with this is, you can pop it off your windshield and you've got a 'GoPro' with you wherever you (and your truck) are! :thumbsup:

 

This post cost me some money today....

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HMNFWYW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Works perfect and does everything I need it to.

 

This is what I got. works pretty good. Got it off Amazon


Vantrue R2 Dash Cam 2K Ultra HD 170 Wide Angle Car Dashboard Camera Recorder w/ 2.7" LCD, G-Sensor, WDR, Night Vision, Parking Monitor & Dual Charger

 

I have this one - https://dashcamtalk.com/b40-a118/ - I hardwired it and hid the wires. I like it, does what I want it do and can't hardly tell its even there.

 

How low do you have to mount it so that it is clear of the front windshield 'brow'? I have been looking at getting one myself but I am not sure if there is a camera that can mount as high as possible and still have clear view? Anyone care to show a pic of the camera installed so I can see how low/high it sits?

 

I'll try to get a pic of mine installed and post it. It's mounted as high up on the windshield as I can put it just to the left side of where the rear view mirror is attached and still have plenty of vision through the windshield. This is the camera I am using - https://dashcamtalk.com/b40-a118/.
One thing I really like about this camera is that I hardly even know it is there.

 

dieselboss sells db4. It is less than 100.

 

Roadmedic, which unit are you referring to?

 

I have used the dieselboss db4 for over 4 years. It saved me on a accident when the car driver tried to say I ran a stop sign. It proved she was wrong.

Mine stays on 24 hours a day.

http://www.dieselboss.com/camera_main.htm

 

I'm running a Street Guardian Panarama G, which is a couple year older version of this camera.

https://shop.pier28.com/index.php/dashcams/street-guardian-sgzc12sg-panorama-g-gps-deluxe-kit.html

 

ThinkWare 770 with front and back cameras. Works great.

 

You guys with the Longhorns and F770's, are you blocking your auto Highbeam sensor behind the mirror? I'm about to purchase a 770 or a blackvue but not sure where to mount because of sensor.

Thanks

 

Mine actually sits under my toll tag. I can see where it might. The auto high beam was one of the first things I disabled. Almost completely useless to me in city environment. Even noticed it would dim because of reflection off of signs or back reflectors on parked cars. That said, the ThinkWare is a great camera.

 

Definitely getting a 2ch one soon. Got hit at Walmart and left with a 3000$ dent. Been eyeballing the blackvue dr650s.

 

I bought a little Mini o806 Ambarella A7 for my '14. It's barrel shaped, mot much bigger than a D cell battery. I mounted it up high just to the left of the rear view mirror. Has very sharp detail, plenty of settings & mounting options. Color, sound, plenty of storage with two card ports. Has write protect on impacts, lots of other stuff. I routed the cord around under the front of the headliner, down the a-pillar to the fuse pane, so you can only see about an inch of it where it plugs into the back of the unit. Only pulled the card once, but it was fun to see if I remembered the event like I thought I did. When I traded the '14, I pulled it out and put it in the new truck.

 

Thanks, I like my highbeam sensor so figure I might offset to the side behind the mirror. While I agree the F770 is a better (newer) camera the blackvue has some perks over it still, it's a challenging purchase. Kinda surprised dashcams aren't more advanced by now to be honest.

 

Did any of you buy a hardwire kit separate from your camera? I just got the cig lighter plugins with mine, but want to hardwire it. The few cables I see on amazon get mixed reviews or are too short.

 

You can get a 12v plug at any auto parts store, hard wire it and then plug your camera in to it. It's what I did, I pulled power from the 12v adapter in the center console so it is only on when the key is on.

 

Blackvue it has a motion based sensor that records when the truck is parked. Has both front and rear facing cameras depending on which model you buy. It is low profile and streams to your phone for viewing or take out the chip to view on your pc.

 

which Blackvue did you get?

 

GoPro with suction cup

 

This is the one I use.

 

This is the one I use.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lKlLChYEtw

How do you like the Vantrue camera? How long have you used it? How does it do in heat? Any problems?

I need one of these soon.

Joe

 

For all those that want to hardwire, I wired it direct to a constant 12V in the overhead console area. I believe it feeds the HomeLink garage door openers. I took the charger case off/apart to reduce the size of the power supply, wrapped it in heatshrink, hardwired to the constant 12V and stuffed all of it under the cover. It's on 24/7. They draw very little current and with two batteries, it's never been an issue. Just an option to consider for those that want a truly stealth install with minimal wire run.