rat123

Hi
We are looking to get a dash cam so we can record our trips
any suggestion and why
thanks

PbPedis

This is a good starting place:

https://dashcamtalk.com/

formula1nut

The OP and the site above started me to consider buying one. Lots of questions though:
- do all cameras require memory cards?
- I know it is card dependant but how many days of storage can you expect?
- do all require a power cord? Seems that some have very long life batteries that you can charge when needed.
- some are said to turn on and off with the car. How?
- what is a reasonable price to pay here in Canada?

Thanks!

Sam Kalmuk

A lot depends on "how long you want to video".....
I used my Lumix Camera, with an adaptor (from Henry's) to secure onto the Window. Use a larger Camera Card and a Freshly re-charged Battery on the Camera, and you can record for quite some time...
By using your Camera, you may not need a Dash Cam....
I used it on the "Tail of the Dragon" a few month's ago. Worked Great.
Sam

Strake

Has anyone tried either the 720p or 1080p dash cams from Security Systems in Quincy, MA???

They have an extensive website, tons of video's sent in from customers, hundreds of testimonials from folks who have used them at least 10 days, etc..... I called and spoke with the owner, Bill today and he promptly answered all my questions. They offer a "Lifetime" warranty. I spent about 2 hours or more on their website today.

Seems like a REALLY good choice of either the 720, or 1080. My concern is that they don't seem to show up on any generic "Reviews", or on Dash Cam Talk forum, etc. They are the sole distribution site for the US.

The units do about everything I would want, but are a bit pricey. The 720p is $189 and the 1080p is $259. Those prices don't include a 32 Gigabit Micro SD Class 10 memory card.

Anyone familiar with these?

thanks,

getfunky

I picked up the Mini 0805 from that list in the above link 2 yrs ago. Still works fine. Good quality, discreet as I have it behind the rear view mirror. The wire running to the cig-outlet is hidden in the headliner. I have it go around the headliner, down the a-pillar, under the matt and into the outlet. No special tools required...just used my hands to tuck it in. No one notices till I point it out.

One memory card that records on loop and overwrites old data. You can record in 1/3/5 min length before it makes a new file. No gaps in recording. I picked a 32gb card - plenty of space. It automatically starts and records when you plug in and stops when you unplug. Only caution is don't forget to unplug when you leave your car as it will still run and record even if the car is switched off. I did that once but my car battery didn't die so i guess the power drain is low.

EDIT: I checked my model and its the older one 0801. Its now discontinued as we have the 0805 which is the better newer one.

formula1nut

Great info. I was about to order an 0805 today! I do have a question/ clarification. Am I right in understanding that best case you store 5 minute of recording? What about with the 32gb card?
Thanks a lot!

CDN_Wolf_eh

I think what he meant, is that you can select the length of file sizes 1 minute, 3 minute or 5 minutes ... that way if an incident occurs, you can quickly isolate the file to show to the police.

Depending on the video quality, and 5 minute file sizes, on a 32gb card, you could record a great deal of files, before it starts writing over the card again.

Strake

The other unit I've narrowed it down to is the Street Guardian SG9665GC V2..... about $200 including a 32Gig micro SD card and GPS.... which isn't that important to me. This seems to get very good write ups.

After seeing the above posting about the Mini 805 I spent some time looking at it, and it's reviews. Looks really decent too, ESPECIALLY for the price. My only concern with this is that as I will be moving the unit between the Vette and our other car, is that the gold contacts (connector) are built into the mounting bracket. After repeated connecting and dis connecting I would be concerned about how sturdy it is, and if it will hold up for awhile.

getfunky

This is exactly what I meant.

And as for Strake's comment - I have disconnected the camera from the mount on a few occasions to take a look at footage or save some cool footage and its still tight as ever. I can't speak to how it hold up after many many more removals but from my limited experience, it feels like it may hold up well.

At the time I purchased this, it was the best bang for money. There might be newer better ones now (don't know as I haven't researched since I bought this) but I'm very happy with this purchase. Plan to buy another for the wife's car.

Bonus feature - once you detach, you can use it as a camera to take pics of an accident scene or something in the event your cell phone is dead

EDIT: I checked my model and its the older one 0801. Its now discontinued as we have the 0805 which is the better newer one.

formula1nut

Thanks all! Got it.
Strake; I too was thinking of moving from car to car but when you think about it you can get two of the Mini 0805 cameras for what you were going to be paying originally, give or take. The 0805 is $100 shipping included on Amazon.ca

LarryMow

I recently bought the Falcon Zero F170 and I love it....they were on sale for $140 when I got mine but they currently are still only $150. It's made with a nice metal housing, color lcd backscreen, comes with all of the cables, wire clips, software cd, suction cup mount, memory card....everything that you need to run it. Now if you choose to hardwire it directly to the fuse box instead of getting power from the cigarette lighter, then the hardwire kit is an extra $30....but it'st still a good deal. Their customer service is OUTSTANDING and very professional. When the box arrived to the house, I opened it up and found the the suction cup mount was busted, I called them early the next day and explained why I was calling....within a week, they had sent me not one but 2 replacement mounts....for free!!!! They currently have 3 different models available, check them out, I think that anyone buying from them would be very very happy, I have been. The website is www.falconzero.com

Airwilf

Spent a fair bit of time on this site .TONS of tests & comparisons. Panorama was highly rated, but I haven't purchased yet. They informed me (last year) that shipping to Niagara would be only $3 more than to CBI. That may have changed by now, but not by much. Great customer service, & camera reviews. Definitely worth a look.