Dash Cam Reviews

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So looks like from my perspective the best options are:

Best 1ch image quality in compact camera with parking mode Vicovation Opia2.
Best 1ch image quality in discrete cam without* parking mode Viofo A119s (*have to manually select it).
Best 2ch image quality with full features Thinkware F770.

I was looking for good resolution, capacitor, parking mode, and compact package. Wound up going with Opia2. As a 1 channel the opia2 seems like a better value than Thinkware. Downside is no buffered parking but that's due to ambarella a12 chipset not supporting it yet. Black box my car had sale for $220 on opia2 with 16gb card. Figured I could use this as back up for 128GB card.

Vicovation recommended Samsung evo or adata premier for 128GB microsd card.

 

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Added this video to my original post:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sj6G7YDdeaY

 

@USDashCamera what hard wiring kit do you recommend for the power cord?

I don't like having something plugged in my power socket at all times. It's an OCD

By hard wiring it, will it be constantly on? Will I have to power off/on every time?

I am looking into the A118C

Maybe TacoCat can provide input?

 

Hmm..

I found this:

EDO Tech Compact 5V Mini USB Direct Hardwire Car Charger Power Cord Cable Kit for Rexing V1 Blackbox G1W DVR Garmin Dash Cam 10 20 30 35 GDR 33 43 Vantrue R2 N1 N2 X1 X2 Vehicle Camera Recorder DVR

https://www.amazon.com/Compact-Hard...+Kit+for+DVR+Dash+Cam+Vehicle+Camera+Recorder

I probably would have to wire it to an ignition powered only wire..

 

I have the cig lighter plug. I looked at the hard wire kit you linked in the following post, but decided to keep it on the lighter socket. I actually have two (front and rear windows) so I use a lighter hub sort of thing. Works well.

 

I am guessing your cig plug only turns on when the truck is on?

Mine is constantly on.

 

Correct. I have two plugs in the lower portion below the hvac controls. Both turn on when the truck is set to ACC or higher. I wonder why they would have changed that on the newer model trucks.

 

I modded it to be that way

 

Ohhhh ok gotcha. I have had vehicles in the past that had always hot cig lighter plugs. Most have not though. Wasn't sure if it was a new feature on the newer models.

 

if you are just getting something like the A118C, I would just go with this:

SpyTec Dash Cam Hardwire Kit with Mini USB for Dashboard Camera Power Supply - Low Voltage Protection for Dash Cams

https://www.amazon.com/Spy-Tec-Dash-Camera-Vehicle/dp/B00MH4ZVHO/

It's cheap, and spytec seems to have a good record. when you connect it, you just have to make sure the red wire is a fuse that is only one when the vehicle is on (but make sure its something that wouldnt cause an issue, only connect it to fuses like the radio or accessory port fuse and not something that is a safety feature). its recommended you use it with an add-a-fuse although there are some kits that are a little higher quality that don't need add-a-fuses or anything extra:

http://www.thedashcamstore.com/installation-kits/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yW45vkOfx8E

 

Thank you.

I have four vehicles, I see a full day mod day coming up soon.

 

Anyone have any input on the suction cups while offroading? Tons of vibration I assume?
Maybe I missed it but does anyone know of a hard mounting solution specifically for Tacoma's? Or is suction cups the only realistic way?

 

Mine are constantly falling off. I've considered wiping some silicone on the cup before applying to help. Maybe some good double sided tape? I've been licking the cup before applying and that seems to last a while.

 

often times it depends on the quality of the suction cup. Many use really cheap rubber that is not that sticky, where as I have bought this one:

COOCHEER GPS Dashboard Mount, 360° Anti-Slip Portable Friction Car Mount Holder for Phone, GPS Dash Bracket Ball Bag Mounting Kits (Suction Cup Mount, Black)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0105P4FDC and it is great. the rubber actually is sticky so its like it has an added level of suction on top of the actual cup suction.

many dash cams come with sorta cheap/low quality suction cups.

 

I added this video to the original post showing how I installed my 2 channel F770 with a truck topper:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uCq2oh9HAs&feature=youtu.be

 

Added my A119 review to the original post:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4S9iZgC9o7s

 

Sub'd so I can see what I want for the front and rear dash cam setup

 

added a few new reviews to my original 2 posts, added an A119S vs A119 review, the new G1W-S, and also a budget Street Guardian model.