Dash cams: install/review/how to/dashcam/traffic circles

Okay TW, so the city I live in took a large 4-way stop intersection by my house and turned it into a giant round-about/"traffic circle". People DO NOT know how to use this thing! Everyday, on my way home, I'm waiting to plow into someone, get rear-ended, or flat out destroy my tacoma because other drivers are stupid! I've spent plenty of time in other countries where traffic circles are common and know the US laws regarding traffic rules. This town doesn't know what a round about is...or how to drive for that matter.

I want a nice plate bumper but cannot afford it. If someone else decided to "buy" me one by destroying my front or rear bumper; so be it...But I would like to get it on video should that happen.
My budget is around $150. I want something that will automatically come on and record when the truck is on. I have a GoPro and a head injury so remembering to turn it on/mount it/keep it charged is out of the question. I'm a tall guy so keeping the size down is also a factor. I would like to keep as much viewing angle out the window/windscreen a possible. Something that tucks in front of or integrates into the rear view morrow would be great. (My taco is a '13 TRD/OR DCSB)
I'm handy and can wire things up with little issue. (Already did bed lights/map lights on with dome/rock and accent lighting on a switch or key fob mods so I believe I can wire this. Any advise/guidance/assistance is greatly appreciated. Please keep this post to dash cams and the wiring therof clean and without the BS. Thanks TW.

 

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I'm definitely buying one myself. I was in an accident in december and if it wasn't for the fact that 1 of the insurance employees had said on the phone that it wasn't my fault I wouldn't have gotten my deductible back because the insurance company couldn't 100% prove who was at fault. If I'd had a dash cam I could have just emailed the footage to them and wouldn't have had to worry about paying the deductible.

From the little I've looked it seems like $100 is a reasonable amount to pay for a decent quality cam, on Amazon they are as low as $40 but those cheap ones only have 3 stars.

 

This is what I'm running. It's been great.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wmIyD1fM4M

And a picture in my truck

 

We have a round about at the end of our street, and I understand the frustration with drivers. Our neighborhood asked the police to do a day or two of driver education patrols on it and it got alot better, not perfect, but better.

 

A dash cam/rear view cam is starting to look more and more like a worth investment in today's litigious society.

 

You might as well. Video doesn't lie

 

Nope. But it could also be used against you lol.

 

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I am just trying out a GoPro for now, it works.
I will upgrade later.

 

This is something I've been looking at getting for quite a while as well. Found this article and it's been updated recently...

http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-dash-cam/

The G1W gets their top ratings as far as offering only what's needed and no useless features:

Spytec G1W 1080P HD Car Dash Camera with Loop Recording - Includes Suction Mount

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JJ3L84G

Not too bad of a price.

More reviews here, G1W also mentioned:

http://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/best-dash-cams/

 

Update: I ordered the G1WH dash cam, which is a newer version of the G1W with a wider angle (140 degrees) and is all black.

More info here: http://dashboardcamerareviews.com/g1w-gs108/

Video review here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSFu1H2GgKk

Will update once I get it and take it for a spin. Also ordered a 32GB Class 10 Micro SD card to put in it.

 

Looks like a good camera. You'll have to let me know what you think of it. I didn't go with that one because of the size. It was just a little too bulky for me.

 

Yeah, the mini 0803 and recently released 0805 look to be great options for small cameras but hard to beat the price on the G1W's. We shall see.

 

You guys that have cameras, does your camera record on a loop, or no? I know some do, and some require you to clear the memory card.

 

I was wondering how you extract the footage. Do you just plug it into a laptop after, or is there an app you download where everything gets stored? That would be awesome.

 

The one I ordered (the G1WH) does loop recording and you can set the interval.

 

Mine loops over everything. It's just an option you choose in the setting software.

I know there's one that has an app and uses wifi to tranfer everything over.

BlackVue Wi-Fi DR500GW-HD 16GB Car Black Box/DVR Recorder

http://www.amazon.com/BlackVue-Wi-F...blackvue&pebp=1422161761812&peasin=B00B4E9764

It's a little pricey though. Mine just has a micro SD card that I can put in my phone or computer. I really don't access the footage that much, so the wifi feature isn't necessary for me.

 

Is there a correlation of price and quality?

I'm debating whether or not I even need GPS or an Accelerometer in my unit. Seems like a greater opportunity for parts to malfunction.

 

I opted for one without either. Realistically, I just need it to film. To me those features are cool but very unnecessary. The way I see it, it's a camera. I just need it to film effectively.