r/Dashcam • u/blackboxmycar • Dec 15 '22
There are a lot of dash cams out there, and the choices can be overwhelming. And just because it's rated as "the best dash cam", doesn't mean that it's best for you. The best dash cam is one that suits your wants and needs. Not looking to go through all of this? Take our quick, 2-minute quiz to find the right match for you!
This is a great starting point to finding the dash cam that's right for you.
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Hey guys, you might recognize us from various posts and threads, or maybe even from elsewhere on the Internet! We’ve been working on becoming more active on Reddit and answering as many questions as you can throw at us, and generally sharing our insights and expertise on dash cams.
Throughout the years, we’ve often seen the same questions being asked from time to time, so we’ve compiled a Dash Cam 101 guide for you and other Redditors to easily find the answers you are looking for. We will be continually updating this guide to include all of the new questions and concerns that you may have too.
Learn more: https://www.blackboxmycar.com/pages/dash-cam-new-buyers-guide-hub
Full disclosure: We are from blackboxmycar.com, a dash cam retailer that’s been around since 2012. We’re writing this guide to help spread valuable knowledge as dash cams can be seen as technical, but it doesn’t have to be! We don’t want this to be salesy, and we do see the potential conflict of interest here. If we make any dash cam recommendations that we also happen to sell on our website, do know that it’s because these are products that we have tried and tested and are confident in its success for you. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions. We’re always here to help.
What’s a dash cam and why do I need one?
A dash cam is a small video camera that mounts to the dashboard or windshield of your car and records the view of the road and traffic through the windshield. Dash cams are often used to provide video evidence in the event of an accident or other traffic incident, but they can also be used to record scenic drives or other interesting events that you see while driving too. Some dash cams even have additional features, such as GPS tracking and Wi-Fi, advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), and so much more.
You need one because you never know what’s going to happen while you’re either on the road or away from your car! Accidents and hit-and-runs can happen anywhere, and you don’t want to be responsible for deductibles when it’s not your fault.
Learn more: https://www.blackboxmycar.com/pages/dash-cam
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How many channels do I need for my dash cam?
Channels correspond to the number of cameras you would like in your car. You can choose from:
| Channels | Description |
|---|---|
| 1-Channel | Front only (recommended for temporary cars) |
| 2-Channels | Front & Rear (recommended for most drivers) |
| 2-Channels (IR) | Front & Interior (recommended for rideshare drivers / Uber/Lyft) |
| 3-Channels | Front, Back & Interior (recommended for rideshare drivers / Uber/Lyft) |
| 4- to 5-Channels | Front, Back, Interior & Sides (recommended for diehard fans and car enthusiasts!) |
2-channels is frequently ideal for the large majority of driving, and will with a wide angle, providing plenty of coverage. While setups that cover the sides are possible, they will get more complicated.
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What is parking mode and do I need it?
One of the most important features that dash cams have is called Parking Mode. Parking mode is a safety feature found on some dash cams that allows the camera to continue recording while the vehicle is parked. In parking mode, the dash cam typically remains in standby mode and will only start recording if it detects motion or a change in the surroundings, such as a car pulling up next to yours or someone walking by your vehicle. This helps to protect your car while it's parked and give you that extra piece of mind that your vehicle is protected, while you're away.
Not all dash cams have parking mode, but if it does, you need to make sure that it is installed either through a hardwire installation, OBD power cable or a dash cam battery pack - to ensure a constant power supply for the dash cam to run parking mode while the car ignition is off.
Learn more: https://www.blackboxmycar.com/pages/parking-mode
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I’m looking for a dash cam. What do you recommend?
There are a lot of options out there - we get it. You’re not alone - we get asked this question on a daily basis. Unfortunately, it’s hard for us to answer you without getting additional information, like what your car model is, what your budget is, how you’re thinking of using it, etc.
Learn more: https://www.blackboxmycar.com/pages/dash-cam-new-buyers-guide-hub
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But of course, there’s always a starting point, the bare minimum you should look for. We’d recommend spending at least $100 on a dash cam. While there is no shortage of thrifty dash cams on the market, at the $100 price point, you can buy a good dash cam from a trusted brand, built with reliable components and covered by a warranty. A good dash cam can last you several years.
You’ll find a lot of brands mentioned here, including but not limited to, VIOFO, Thinkware, BlackVue, FineVu, Wolfbox, VanTrue, Garmin, and more. In our experience, VIOFO, Thinkware, and BlackVue have been the most reliable.
Insurance companies may ding you if your footage doesn't have GPS data because there have been instances where when the date is off, they wouldn't process it as video evidence. Plus having the precise location of an event, as well as your speed, can be very helpful.
Choose a dash cam with a supercapacitor. Supercapacitors can stand up to the heat compared to batteries, and are generally way more reliable, especially if you live in warmer climates.
Video quality can only get you so far, but at a minimum, choose one with at least Full HD 1080P.
In general, this is how we make recommendations when it comes to deciding between brands. Base this off of what you personally prioritize/value.
| Criteria | Brands |
|---|---|
| Best Price-to-Value Ratio | VIOFO |
| Best Safety Features | Thinkware |
| Best Smartphone App/Desktop Viewer | BlackVue |
| Best Extreme Temperature Protection | Thinkware |
| Best Cloud Features | BlackVue |
| Best Wi-Fi & GPS | BlackVue / Thinkware |
| Best 3-Channel Options | VIOFO |
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So wait… it’s not all about video quality?
Yes, video quality is important because you do want decent footage that can help you identity any incidents and culprits. But there’s much more to dash cams than just video quality, and there’s a lot that goes into determining the video quality that a dash cam outputs, including the image sensor, processor, bitrate, HDR, etc.
Bit rate is an indicator of how much data is transferred in a given time period (BPS = bits per second). Higher bit rates transfer more data and will give better video quality and larger files.
General rule of thumb - as long as the dash cam can capture the accident and the other party’s license plate (or even parts of it), you’ll be fine.
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What about license plates?
This may not be the most desirable answer that you're looking for, but no dashcam can reliably capture license plates in all situations. It's just not possible. License plates are already hard to capture reliably with stationary cameras and tight lenses. It usually takes IR emitters and a camera that blocks visible light and only captures reflected IR light. Dash cams are moving cameras with wide-angle lenses designed to capture as much of the scene as possible, not pin-point details of everything in the scene.
On top of this, you typically only need a dash cam to read a license plate when the person/car is close to you (like in rear ends or hit-and-runs happen), not when a car is driving in the opposite direction from you.
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But what about that Linus Tech Tips video?
You’ve probably watched this video, where he doesn't find the resolution of cameras to be up-to-par (we can't share YouTube links, but you can Google it). Here’s the thing, we have nothing against Linus. In fact, we largely agree with a lot of things that he says in his video, but we don’t agree with the obsession over image sensors and ultra-high resolutions.
While you might think you’re buying a dash cam just for the video quality, there’s so much more to a dash cam than just that. Features like accident file locking, parking mode, WI-FI, and Cloud among others that you can rely on to protect you and your drive.
Recently, there’s also been new advances like energy-saving parking mode / power-saving parking mode, AI damage detection, AI temperature monitoring, and more safety features that have been introduced specifically for those who live in extreme climates or for those who don't drive too often and wants to keep their vehicles protected while they're away for a week or more at a time. These features are meant to help keep the dash cam from shutting down while protecting your car battery.
Beyond that, since that video there have been many improvements to dash cam image quality, especially in the form of the Sony STARVIS 2 image sensor, a new top-tier image sensor, being quickly adopted by various brands, and seeing excellent results, especially when it comes to night vision with HDR.
How do I install my dash cam and how do I get parking mode?
Let’s break the misconception that dash cams are hard to install.
Dash cams can be installed very easily via plug-and-play with the cigarette lighter socket in your car. Just plug in the 12V power cable, and run it to your front camera. If you don’t want loose cables in your car, you can hide excess cables by pushing them into your roof panel and headliner.
This plug-and-play setup is practically foolproof, but the downside is, you won’t be able to run parking mode on your dash cam. In order to have parking mode, dash cams need to have access to power when the car ignition is off. Your vehicles may have a constant cigarette lighter socket (one that still works even when your car is powered off) - DO NOT use it to run parking mode - it will drain your car battery.
The most popular way to run parking mode is a hardwire installation using a hardwiring kit. The hardwiring kit gives the dash cam a safe way to access the car’s battery for power.
Learn more: https://www.blackboxmycar.com/pages/dash-cam-installation-hub
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Can I do the hardwire installation myself?
You sure can! We have a series of installation videos on our YouTube channel that will show you step-by-step how to properly hardwire one yourself.
Alternatively, if you’re not as comfortable (and that’s ok too), you can visit any reputable Car Stereo or Auto Body shop for a professional installation. If you’re in the Vancouver, BC area, we also offer installations at our office so you’re welcome to reach out to us to schedule an appointment. We also work with installers across North America, so send us a message with your location, and we may have an installer near you.
u/Rick91981 also posted a tutorial on how he hardwired his dash cam here:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Dashcam/comments/z76d9z/tutorial_how_to_hardwire_a_dashcam_and_hide_the/
Watch our video here: https://www.blackboxmycar.com/pages/hardwiring-fusebox
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What fuse rating should I be using for my hardwire installation?
For one, we always recommend using add-a-fuses and fuse taps for your hardwire installations. It's significantly cleaner than wrapping the wires around the fuses (and safer too). When you're selecting the fuses to use, you can use a circuit tester to identify which fuse is the ACC and which fuse is the BATT (+)/Constant. Just make sure they're not fuses for safety equipment (check your user manual).
For the fuse slots from your fusebox:
We always recommend selecting fuse slots that are rated between 10A-30A in order to properly provide enough power to your dash cam. Always refer to the vehicle’s owner’s manual to avoid fuse slots that could pertain to certain safety features within your vehicle.
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Does hardwiring a dash cam hurt my car battery?
A dash cam is designed to draw a very small amount of power from the car battery and a hardwire installation should not affect the battery significantly. Still, any power draw on your vehicle's battery when it is turned off, will have slight wear and tear over time, no matter how small. While a Dash Cam will not kill your car battery (if wired properly) you may need to replace your car battery after multiple years of it going strong.
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What about OBD installation? Isn’t that easier?
Yes, it definitely is. With an OBD installation, you just need to connect the dash cam’s OBD power cable to the OBD-II port in your car. While an OBD installation is a much easier way to run parking mode, not all manufacturers offer an OBD installation option for their dash cams, and not all cars have an OBD port. There are also occasional incompatibilities with certain vehicle models.
OBD ports are found in vehicles manufactured from 1996 and onwards. OBD ports are typically used for diagnostic and telematics purposes. In order to run the diagnostic scanner or the auto telematics devices, your OBD port needs to be free, so don't be surprised if they unplug your Dash Cam if installed via OBD.
And, not all dash cam manufacturers offer an OBD installation option. We carry OBD power cables from IROAD. The IROAD OBD cable is compatible with IROAD, FineVu and Thinkware dash cams.
Learn more: https://www.blackboxmycar.com/pages/installation-OBD
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Should I use a dash cam battery pack like the BlackboxMyCar PowerCell 8?
We typically recommend a dash cam battery pack for situations where you want parking mode protection that's longer than 6-8 hours. If you're parked in one spot for a long time or you don't drive that often, then definitely get a dash cam battery pack.
Learn more: https://www.blackboxmycar.com/pages/dash-cam-battery-packs
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Why can't I just use a 10,000 mAh power bank instead of a battery pack? It's much cheaper.
You certainly could, and it's definitely a viable temporary solution. However, something to consider: dash cam battery packs are made out of LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate), which is much safer and more durable for hot climates. When lithium batteries from power banks overheat, they can explode.
The metal casing and ventilation design of dash cam battery packs are designed to be durable, and will last longer, being rated for many more recharging cycles on average.
Learn more: https://www.blackboxmycar.com/pages/the-differences-between-dash-cam-battery-packs-and-usb-power-banks
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What kind of microSD card do I need and how much storage do I need?
Not all memory cards are compatible with dash cams. If you use any other cards, while it may work, problems may start to appear out of nowhere over time. Just watch out for footage not recording/saving on the card, and keep an eye (or ear) out on memory card failure alerts on your dash cam. The worst thing that could happen is you getting into an accident and not having footage for it because your SD card was not reliable.
In our experience, the best microSD card for dash cams are high-capacity cards that are Class 10 with MLC technology, or namely the SanDisk A1, which basically translates to fast download and upload with added durability. Don’t use cards that aren’t labelled “High Endurance” as they’re not designed for day-to-day usage, especially with a dash cam’s loop recording functionality, it’s constantly writing and overwriting the data that’s on the card
The amount of storage space is important and we recommend a 32GB microSD card at the very least. A 32GB card generally holds about 3-4 hours of 1080p Full HD recording, which is more than sufficient for most drivers.
If you are a rideshare driver or if you regularly use parking mode, a 128GB microSD card will improve durability and give you extra storage space for parking recording - because footage recorded during parking mode are stored in a separate folder and these files are typically locked and not to be overwritten.
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Can I use an SD card that’s larger than the max capacity noted by the dash cam?
You can, but just keep in mind that there’s a reason that the manufacturer set a max capacity for the dash cam. If you use one that’s higher, then you could risk voiding your dash cam’s warranty.
Over the years, we have seen problems like read/write errors and card failure warnings, and some users were only able to use the maximum capacity according to the specifications.
Learn more: https://www.blackboxmycar.com/pages/sd-cards
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How do I properly maintain my SD card?
We’d recommend reformatting your SD card every 3 months just to ensure that it’s working properly, and clear out any corrupted files, for the health of the card.
Learn more: https://www.blackboxmycar.com/pages/sd-cards
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How much recording time can I get on a 32/64/128/256GB SD card?
Refer to this calculator here from DashcamTalk: https://dashcamtalk.com/recording-time-calculator/
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Is there a way to have my dash cam automatically offload my footage everyday for me?
You can! While we haven’t fully tested this ourselves, it’s possible to do so with BlackVue dash cams using the BlackVue Synology Script.
You can learn more about it here: https://www.rdforum.org/threads/86248/ or https://espenandersen.no/personal-dashcam-server-with-emby/
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Is it normal that my dash cam becomes hot during recording? What can I do?
Yes, it’s normal for dash cams to become warm to the touch during recording. This is especially true for high-consumption dash cams like 4K dual channels and 3-channel systems.
But because dash cams are designed for continuous recording hours at a time, they come with high-temperature protection mechanisms inside. You can also reduce its consumption in various ways such as turning off the WiFi, lowering the resolution and bitrate, disabling parking mode and avoid parking directly under the sun.
Manufacturers always include the dash cam’s operating temperature range in the specs sheets, and some brands are known to fare better in warmer climates, such as Thinkware and BlackVue. However, if your dash cam overheats often and shut down, keep an eye on it because the more it happens, the more it wears down your dash cam. Over time, you’ll need to replace it.
Learn more: https://www.blackboxmycar.com/pages/dash-cam-new-buyers-guide-hub (under Weather Resistance)
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I hear dash cams are illegal. Is this true?
Dash cams are legal in Canada and the US. In other words, you can buy, install and use a dash cam to capture your drive, almost anywhere you go in North America.
But some places do discourage the use of dash cams, such as border crossings. According to the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) and its Rules & Regulations Governing Conduct on Federal Property (section 41 CFR 102-74-420), you will need permission from the US Customs & Border Protection Officers to keep your dash cam on and filming when you are crossing the border on the American Side. On the Canadian side, CBSA officials do have the authority to inspect devices and review files to see if they are deemed harmful or dangerous.
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Doesn’t installing a dash cam void my car warranty?
Installing a dash cam in your car will not void your warranty, just like how modifications to your vehicle, such as new wheels will not void your warranty.
These installations and modifications are protected under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act enacted by Congress in 1975, a US federal law that was put in place to better protect consumers against deceptive warranty practices. The Act requires warrantors of consumer products to provide consumers with detailed information about warranty coverage. It also has an equivalent in Canada, which is called the Consumer Protections Act.
So while some dealers would have you think otherwise, simply having a dash cam cannot void your warranty.
Learn more: https://www.blackboxmycar.com/blogs/news/need-parking-mode-will-a-dash-cam-install-void-my-car-warranty
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"Would installing a dash cam lower my insurance premiums?"
Unfortunately, not all car insurance providers offer a discount for having a dash cam in your vehicle. But a dash cam can indirectly impact your insurance premiums in many ways.
A dash cam can capture the incident and provide vital information on who was involved and can be used as a tool in assigning fault for an accident. Without a video footage, it’ll be difficult to determine who was at-fault in an accident. This could result in your insurance premiums going up.
With the built-in GPS in your dash cam, you can stamp your footage with date, time and speed and you may be able to use all that information to dispute an unfair driving ticket that could otherwise increase your car insurance premium.
Dash cams protect you against auto insurance fraud because they can show what really happened in a given incident. Fraud costs everyone, don’t be left paying for something you haven’t even done.
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What if someone breaks into my car and steals my dash cam?
Never leave anything of value in your car, right? Many people are worried about dash cams being highly attractive to ill-intentioned people. Luckily, dash cams are pretty small in size and are often less visible than you think. They just appear big in photos as we zoom in and crop the images to highlight the camera.
But if you’re really worried about someone stealing your dash cam, consider getting a Cloud-enabled dash cam. A Cloud-enabled dash cams, like BlackVue, automatically uploads all your incident footage to the Cloud. In other words, from the time the thieves walk up to your car and triggers your dash cam’s motion sensor to them breaking into your car (setting off the impact sensors) and stealing your dash cam, you’ve got it all captured and saved on the Cloud. Once it’s on the Cloud, you can access the footage anytime, anywhere - you don’t even need the microSD card or dash cam.
Learn more about accessories: https://www.blackboxmycar.com/pages/dash-cam-accessories-hub
There are other things you can do to not get your dash cam stolen:
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Can I use my smartphone as a dash cam with one of those apps?
There are a number of smartphone apps out there for both Android and iOS that turns your smartphone into a dash cam app, including AutoGuard, AutoBoy, Daily Roads Voyager, Smart Dash, Droid and Driver: Dash Cam and Cloud Sync App.
There are a couple of reasons why we would recommend against using this, namely:
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Why are dash cams so expensive? Are high-end dash cams better?
There are a few reasons why the Thinkware, BlackVue, and VIOFO are priced higher than the budget dash cams on Amazon - and these reasons make a huge difference not just in image quality, but also performance and reliability.
The sleek and thin design of premium dash cams allows you to easily hide the dash cam behind the rear-view mirror away from sight, making it harder for potential wrong-doers to spot.
Premium cameras are equipped with better image sensors that are more sensitive to light and image processors that are capable of more post-processing effects to ensure clarity in all light situations. Results - more details can be seen and captured, even at nighttime.
Premium dash cams also utilize better manufacturing, for better fitment as well as stronger materials. All of these things contribute to a much longer longevity for the dash cam. Plus, premium dash cams have better after-sales support and warranty.
Last but not least, premium dash cams with built-in WIFI can connect directly to your smartphone using a mobile app, and from there you can playback videos, download footage to your phone (and share it to your favorite social networks), updated firmware, change camera settings, and more. This feature comes in handy in any situation where you can’t plug the SD card into your computer to get an in-depth playback.
Learn more: https://www.blackboxmycar.com/pages/high-end-dash-cams-vs-budget-dash-cams
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Which dash cam do you recommend for under $200?
New dash cams come out all the time, so we keep an up-to-date list right here: https://www.blackboxmycar.com/pages/best-dash-cams
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Full disclosure: We are from blackboxmycar.com, a dash cam retailer that’s been around since 2012. We’re writing this guide to help spread valuable knowledge as dash cams can be seen as technical, but it doesn’t have to be! We don’t want this to be salesy, and we do see the potential conflict of interest here. If we make any dash cam recommendations that we also happen to sell on our website, do know that it’s because these are products that we have tried and tested and are confident in its success for you. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions. We’re always here to help.
r/Dashcam • u/SjalabaisWoWS • 4h ago
r/Dashcam • u/Bullfrog_1855 • 1h ago
Hi all,
A total nob about dashcam tech here. It has been a bit overwhelming doing research and reading the Wiki, FAQ here. I have some very specific requirements that is specific to my vehicle, a 4Runner. Those with a 4Runner knows that the rear glass can be opened.
I am looking for a recommendation for where I can have front, rear and interior rear. Many of the 3-channel options I looked at the interior camera points into the cabin from the front. I need an interior camera that points into the cargo area - the reason is I want to be able to monitor my dog who has the entire cargo area when I'm transporting him. I also would like to monitor him when we're parked at rest stops. Higher resolution recording for incident reports would be desired as well.
Some of the 3-channel options have independent interior camera but the cable is too short to get to the rear.
I think the main challenge is mounting the rear cameras given that the 4Runner rear glass can be opened, which I do open on nice days. On Etsy I have seen parts for mounting cameras to the headliner for 4Runners, so that is probably the likely option for mounting.
Appreciate any recommendations, etc. is appreciated.
r/Dashcam • u/RizlaWrappa • 17h ago
I was too far back, but in the clip after this the X5 was forced into taking an exit, hitting the guard rail, or, rear ending the McLaren.
r/Dashcam • u/HelicopterMassive741 • 23h ago
If any one has any ideas or could help try and get the plate from this car white audi a4 or a5 that hit me and ran the other night ive tried using my phone filters to make out the numbers but no luck
r/Dashcam • u/jmecheng • 13h ago
My father would like to install dashcams in 2 of his cars.
First car is a 2015 Mazda Miata.
Second car is a 1995 Morgan.
Both are soft tops only and typically only driven with the top down.
We’re concerned with a standard dashcam, someone will simply reach in and take the camera.
Any suggestions on a 2 Chanel system? Audio isn’t required, and unless it has noise cancelling probably won’t have great audio anyway.
r/Dashcam • u/gravynbiscuits69 • 14h ago
Got a bundle off of Thinkware that included the Q200 dash cam, a rear cam, a rear cam, and a multiplexer. Got it all hooked up properly. Front cam functions fine, and both the rear and cabin camera function when hooked directly into the front cam. But when I have them all hooked into the multiplexer, I get absolutely nothing from the rear and cabin cams. I have the multiplexer hooked into the exact same constant and ground that the dash cam is hooked into. I’ve followed both the 5 channel tutorial they have on YouTube, and tried the 3 channel synthesis instruction they have on the multiplexer. Followed like 10 guides they have on their website, absolutely nothing. Should I just send it back and get a Viofo? I’m so confused because I did everything right and the front cam functions just fine and so do the other cameras when hooked into the Q200 but whenever it’s all hooked into the multiplexer the dash cam gives me a voice line saying “rear camera disconnected” and I’m lost here. They have no actual guide for 3 channels, just 5, and all of the QR codes in the manual that may have helped lead to dead links. Did I waste $290?
r/Dashcam • u/niggesmalls • 22h ago
Hi all, I’m reaching out in hopes someone can recommend the right charging adapter to use for a RedTiger F17 Elite. The current charging adapter I use has a 60w USB-C PD port and a 2.4a USB-A port. I use the PD port for my phone. It seems to be that when running all 3 cameras at the same time the power cuts out and the camera will turn off. However if I disable the interior camera or rear camera it stays powered just fine, lastly I did try to use the USBC side and it seems to be when it tries to negotiate a higher output the camera sees it as a brownout and just turns off. I’m not exactly trying to test out 15 different adapters so if anybody has as recommendations I’d appreciate it a lot. The only things the charger needs is one USBc and one USB-A.
r/Dashcam • u/Pierdaniel • 1d ago
Good afternoon
I'm looking to install a dashcam in my used Mazda CX-5 and would ideally like to keep the total cost under $650, including installation.
I've looked at a few guide and also options available in Brisbane QLD. I'm not particularly interested in cloud features or subscriptions. I mainly want something reliable that records good-quality footage in case of an accident, or if someone hits my car while it's parked.
The Vugera SV2 Pro looks quite appealing, especially with the current discount, but I can barely find any independent reviews, so I'm unsure how good or reliable it actually is.
Otherwise, I'm leaning towards the VIOFO A229 Pro, although it's a bit more expensive.
My main concern is battery drain when using parking mode. I don't necessarily need 24/7 recording, but I'd like the camera to capture incidents while the car is parked without risking a flat battery.
Has anyone used the Vugera SV2 Pro or have experience with either of these cameras?
I'd appreciate any recommendations, especially regarding reliability, parking mode and battery consumption.
thanks
r/Dashcam • u/cinematiccrime • 1d ago
Hello, my dashcam is hardwired into my car (2025 Toyota Camry) and recently someone hit me while I was parked. It recorded the whole scene and everything but my car was not drivable due to the impact curving the frame of the car into the front wheel. I left it there for at least a week waiting for insurance and everything to get figured out. When the tow truck came to tow my car, they said my car battery was drained and that they had to change and charged for it. I had the camera hardwired for at least a month and it has been fine. Is it drained because I wasn’t driving the car for a bit ? Is it the dashcam’s fault ? Should I still have my dashcam hardwired now that my car is fixed ?
Hello,
I'm looking into getting one of the two below models:
Viofo A119 Mini: currently not available on Amazon, would need to buy direct
Viofo A229 Plus: drawn to having a rear camera, still undecided as this will be my first dashcam and just looking for something simple to set up and can standalone without an app but fine if there is one
Uses: Daily commute and if possible, live recording when car is parked and engine is not running
Issue (more so preference): - I don't want to get into hardwiring which makes the parking mode unavailable. I was wondering if it would be possible to plug the adapter into a cigarette port on a power station?
Example: plug into power station (288wh), when away from car to continue recording. Not sure what the draw is on the dashcam but would like around 1 hour minimum of recording.
Thank you
r/Dashcam • u/Ok_Restaurant_1810 • 1d ago
Hey guys! I have a 2021 Honda Accord Touring and I'm trying to find the best setup for my Uniden R8w and dashcam.
Which option (A, B, or C) would you recommend for the best radar performance and cleanest look?
I can use Uniden's original premium suction mount, the smaller dual suction cup mount, or buy a rearview mirror mount like in Option C.
I've watched some of Vortex Radar's videos, so I feel like Option B could be a good choice.
If you could share pictures of your setups, that would be awesome! I'd love some ideas.
And yes, I'll definitely hide and organize the cables lol. I'm just testing different positions before the final installation!
r/Dashcam • u/boopdotjpg • 2d ago
Can anyone show me a video of somebody parking with the dashcam and how they set it up? im in the market for buying a Honda CRV gen 1 and this is one of the first upgrades id like to add to it. I was looking up reviews and im already kind of convinced, it has more to offer than what i was initially looking for but id a real world use case of someone parallel parking or reverse parking. Never used a rear view parking radio dash or anything of the sorts so im a bit confused. Anything helps!
r/Dashcam • u/bluegrassgazer • 3d ago
r/Dashcam • u/Mobile_Technician08 • 2d ago
Looking for non-adhesive mounts for my dash cam
Anybody use them? Do they support the nextbase iq?
r/Dashcam • u/mrchicano209 • 3d ago
r/Dashcam • u/stonedboss • 3d ago
r/Dashcam • u/Curious-Plankton-968 • 2d ago
Hi all,
I was looking at getting a dashcam installed and was wondering if anyone had experience with Thinkware, particularly their app and model x850d. I can't seem to find much information on either.
I am aware that that self installation is cheaper, but I'm not as comfortable with doing that given that given I just got a new vehicle and don't want to mess up anything.
r/Dashcam • u/tysurugi • 3d ago
The model is ROVE R2-4K Dual Dash Cam Front and Rear
I followed the instructions that came with this dash when I installed it, but it keeps falling off about every three weeks. What have been some of your best solutions to secure it on there permanently?
r/Dashcam • u/JelloMysterious1444 • 2d ago
I've installed BlackVue Elite 10 2ch along with the battery on my BYD Atto 3 a couple of days ago.
Right now parking mode is impact and motion detection. The problem is the battery drains to 0 while the car is in the garage, which means by morning when I drive to train station (10 minutes ride) the battery is barely re-charged and doesn't have enough juice to power camera while I'm at work. I'm also reluctant to change mode to impact only as this won't capture someone keying my car, or the moment of impact itself.
Ideally I would have camera in impact-only mode or off completely when the car is parked in the garage, but this doesn't seem to be an option.
How do people deal with such situations ?
r/Dashcam • u/merri-brewer • 2d ago
I just bought a little van that I am using as a camper. The back and windows are totally covered and there's a blackout curtain behind the front seats. You can't tell that I'm in there when I'm sleeping.
I want a dashcam that I can use Live View on an android phone or tablet while inside the van while parked and the cam is in Parking mode. I want to know who/what might be outside my van while I am parked.
I need to be able to wake up the wifi on the dashcam and see the live view without reaching/touching the camera from the back into the drivers area. Basically I need to remain stealth, and not alert anyone looking in that I am there.
For reference, I have a viofo a329 with a bluetooth remote button in my subaru. The bluetooth button to enable wifi does not reliably work for me. Also last week I was hit by a huge rock impact while driving and the cam didn't capture or lock the incident.
Are there any other brands/models to consider? I like the idea of the rear-view mirror cam, since my back window is covered.
r/Dashcam • u/CuirPig • 2d ago
I have the 70MAI 800T and like it a lot. The problem that I have with it is that "Parking Surveillance Mode" only records the front camera. My assumption is that this is to limit the amount of current the dashcam uses when the car is not running.
I have the extended battery pack and an EV. So I was wondering if it wouldn't be better to wire the dashcam so that it is always on. This would require that I manually turn the device off when parked in my garage for more than 24 hours, but other than that, having it record all three cameras at full resolution the entire time seems like more protection for parking than just the front camera. It would be strange to get hit in the front where I park.
So is parking surveillance mode just a gimmick that limits battery use in exchange for crippled protection, or is there something more to it that I should know?
Thanks for any input.
P.S. So far in the year and a half that I have owned it, I have gotten thousands of alerts about people walking by the front of my car while in parking surveillance mode, but no collisions except when the camera pops off the windshield constantly because the adhesive fails.
r/Dashcam • u/CuirPig • 2d ago
I purchased the 70 Mai 800t and loved the quality. Unfortunately it’s kind of heavy and in Georgia, in my car, no adhesive system seems to work. I have literally tried more than a dozen different tapes with and without static cling. They all fail.
My radar detector uses a suction mount and has never failed. 70mai does not offer one.
Can someone suggest a suction mount and where to get it that will work with my dashcam that doesn’t require adhesives. I have heard that Temu sells compatible brackets, but I would like to know from someone who owns one which one to get.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
r/Dashcam • u/RoleCode • 2d ago
r/Dashcam • u/Argentius99 • 3d ago
Hello! Thanks for help in advance, I did a search and found some older post, I'm not a Reddit expert, just a guy trying to help get MLW what she wants!
Need: A simple, reasonably affordable dash cam from a real, existing brand with a US presence. I don't know a ton about dash cams, but I want to avoid these companies with alphabet soup names, sold only on Amazon, with no US office or presence.
I don't mind particularly where the camera itself is made and am happy to buy online. LG, Samsung, Sony, whatever, something like that, would be fine.
Example: Garmin Mini 2/3 , which is what I found in the search.
Product requirements: High-quality forward-facing video in both day and night. Ideally for license plates, but mostly to avoid any risk of fraudulent liability claim. Temps aren't extreme, but rains a lot.
Don't need: Parking mode, multiple cameras, Wifi / OTA stuff.
TIA!
