When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I'm ready to install a dash cam, but wanted to know which brand you would recommend. I'm planning on hard wiring it. Also which radar detector would you get?
I'm ready to install a dash cam, but wanted to know which brand you would recommend. I'm planning on hard wiring it. Also which radar detector would you get?
I can't say but I'd watch this before you buy one.
I recently bought a dash cam but not for my 17 GS it’s going in my GMC Sierra. My search started with me knowing I wanted a small / mini cam and didn’t care if it had a screen in dash cam or not. I was down to two VIOFO VS1 and the Garmin mini I choose to go with the VIOFO. This camera is wi-fi, Stravis 2 for good night videos , voice commands , Parking mode. A lot of features for a lower cost compared to most cam I saw. This camera has no screen so when I want to view videos I use their app and wifi to view videos on iPhone ! As I’m not going to view and post videos I only will view if there something I protected /saved because of something weird going on etc. I been using it for about 1 1/2 months . So far so good . Been using usb port for power supply and just received the hardwire kit the other day so I will be hooking up the cam thru hardwire kit and will be able to use the Parking mode as that feature needs power when vehicle is off . One thing I liked about VIOFO hard wire kit it has a battery drain protection were you can set 4 different battery levels that will turn off dash cam parking mode if battery drops to the set level of battery power you choose. A lot of features so check out this VIOFO VS1 cam on the internet and YouTube lots of videos. My second choice was a screened model Redtiger model F7NT Touch . Good luck on your search there’s a lot to choose from features and price wise !
I paid 100.00 for VIOFO dash cam it included a VIOFO SD card and a polarizing filter for lens ! Cam video quality and cost works out great for my needs !
Last edited by Borntorun04/17; Apr 14, 2025 at 07:54 PM.
Viofo cams are the best ones for the money and they stick to the windshield so you won't have any camera shake. I've bought like 4 for different vehicles over the years.
Originally Posted by Macleod52
I can't say but I'd watch this before you buy one.
In regards to this video, I would say dash cams are more of a protection for fault in collisions and attempted insurance fraud than being able to clearly identify every license plate in various lighting and weather conditions. I wouldn't expect a dash cam to hunt down someone who hit your car but its great evidence to provide to your insurance company or law enforcement to protect yourself from being at fault.
If at some point you are involved in a collision or incident, I would advise you do not tell anyone besides law enforcement on site. Some people will run from the scene when you tell them you have them recorded. Keep your cards to the chest.
Last edited by jaxcam02; Apr 14, 2025 at 02:31 PM.
I'm ready to install a dash cam, but wanted to know which brand you would recommend. I'm planning on hard wiring it. Also which radar detector would you get?
Viofo cams are the best ones for the money and they stick to the windshield so you won't have any camera shake. I've bought like 4 for different vehicles over the years.
In regards to this video, I would say dash cams are more of a protection for fault in collisions and attempted insurance fraud than being able to clearly identify every license plate in various lighting and weather conditions. I wouldn't expect a dash cam to hunt down someone who hit your car but its great evidence to provide to your insurance company or law enforcement to protect yourself from being at fault.
If at some point you are involved in a collision or incident, I would advise you do not tell anyone besides law enforcement on site. Some people will run from the scene when you tell them you have them recorded. Keep your cards to the chest.
Right, but the point of the video is that many dash cams share the same innards and can't even do basic things like capture a legible license plate. Your best bet is to go to tech websites and see the reviews and pick the best based off that. My reason for sharing the video is that going off reviews/opinions may not be the best option as per the video many cameras are sharing the same chipsets and therefore suffer from the same image quality issues.
Try not to get a USB-C powered one. It's a PITA to hard wire. I can't tap into the 2 wires in the mirror with my RD. It needs "special" power. I resorted to the 12V plug & it looks like crap.
Try not to get a USB-C powered one. It's a PITA to hard wire. I can't tap into the 2 wires in the mirror with my RD. It needs "special" power. I resorted to the 12V plug & it looks like crap.
I have a friend who runs a dash cam & a radar detector. He uses this adapter for a power source. It allows two different power connection with one adapter. He likes the clean look . He mounted it in plastic housing for power rear view mirror. Not sure if they make it for your vehicle and tossing it out there in case you didn’t know about this adapter. I choose not to go with that adapter as there’s obviously no constant power source so I couldn’t use the Parking Mode feature. VIOFO in a live chat recommended me to use there cigarette adapter plug if not using hardwire kit only problem my 24 GMC Sierra doesn’t come with a cigarette charging port so VIOFO sent me a free hardwire kit. Plus with the hardwire kit that will allow me to use the Parking Mode feature. I used the usb port plug/cable in the mean time to make sure I liked camera while hardwire kit was being delivered. Powered camera good and just let wire hang down during that time . Here’s a picture of adapter I mentioned.
Last edited by Borntorun04/17; Apr 15, 2025 at 10:53 AM.
I would stay away from the Escort M2. I liked the fact that it was aet-up to share power with the Escort 360C, and combined into a small package.
The problem is their software and customer service is horrible.
Most of the time it tells me the camera is out of range, when, I am sitting in the drivers seat, and the camera is mounted on the rear view mirror. It has done this with two different brand phones and two different M2's.
When, you make contact with customer support, they send you a message, that since you have not responded, they are closing out the ticket.
I responded, and we went through the same dance, five times.
I'm ready to install a dash cam, but wanted to know which brand you would recommend. I'm planning on hard wiring it. Also which radar detector would you get?
Narrow your search by first listing the features desired. For example, do you require a two channel dashcam for front and rear facing? Do you require parking mode? Do you require real-time impact notification during parking mode? In my case I wanted a two channel dashcam solution with parking mode. Therefore, that narrowed the list for me.
For a one channel front facing dashcam, the Viofo A119 Mini 2 is a great dashcam that will not break the bank. It includes the latest Sony STARVIS 2 sensor. It is an excellent dashcam for only $140. It supports parking mode. A parking mode battery pack is an extra cost as it is for all dashcams.
I just installed a Garmin Dash Cam X110, about $200 from Best Buy. quick install, wired to power outlet. I used it with great success during a recent track day. Recent track day at National Corvette Museum Motorsports Park, in the rain...
I just installed a Garmin Dash Cam X110, about $200 from Best Buy. quick install, wired to power outlet. I used it with great success during a recent track day. Recent track day at National Corvette Museum Motorsports Park, in the rain...
Are you still liking the Garmin ? I am thinking about getting one.
Watching this as I'm also considering adding one. I currently run the Escort Max 360c radar detector with a Blendmount and am considering upgrading to their Escort Max 360c Laser and Dash Cam combo. (Pic below) I'm want one mostly to protect against insurance fraud and the overdevelopment of roundabouts in our area so I don't need all the bells and whistles, just something functional and something that doesn't further clutter up the dash or windshield. Last I checked, Florida still in the top three states in automotive insurance fraud....