Dash cam recs?

I have pictures and day/night footage of my Garmin Mini here (at #14): https://marcamos.com/2021-tacoma/log/

 

I have always wanted to install a dash cam but I am not sure they would hold up to the intense summer heat here. Anyone have any input on this matter?

The video below by Linus was also a bit discouraging.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AnyhHl3_tE

 

I’ve had my Blackvue DR590 2ch for four years now. Makes good videos, I’ve emailed clips to a few people after witnessing accidents, parking mode works great. Runs with a PMP to cut off voltage if it gets too low.
No complaints.

 

This 1000%

Best dash cam ever. Takes 2 minutes to install, looks OEM, and no wires hanging everywhere to hide. You’ll forget it’s even there.

 

While video quality in dashcams aren't spectacular, it is better to have one than not.

I personally run a Blackvue DR750S-2CH, for 4 years now with little issues. My area is summer all year round, and have only had overheating warnings a few times.

 

I love mine

 

I think if I got a dash cam I would start a YouTube channel! The channel would just be weekly highlight videos of local driving techniques! I don’t think anyone would watch it. I just want to tell everyone in my family to like and subscribe. That could keep me going for years!

 

i got the fitcamx. works great. still need to install the rear view camera but no issues with the integrated front camera. got the 1080p version and looks great. checked the settings and it actually is recording in 1440p even though they only advertise it as 1080. they do have a 4k version as well.

 

I have the Viofo A129 Duo. Unfortunately, my main cam now crashes when the rear cam is plugged in and the image quality isn't as clear as I'd like. It can't always read plates, but it is more than good enough to show vehicle position and movement in case of insurance claim.

 

Do these capture license plates well?

 

Well that's subjective. This model does a pretty good job, but that depends on a few factors:

1) Lighting or lack there of. If it's cloudy, dark, rainy, etc... You will have a harder time reading license plates.
2) How fast the car is driving. If they're doing 120MPH, even an 8K camera wouldn't help you.
3) If the plate is dirty or bent.

 

With any cam always state the license plate out loud.

The Linus video above is pretty discouraging. What you can do is to run an old cell phone. The downside is they usually don't have a very wide lens, the upside is the resolution is usually pretty good and is known to be accurate

 

the FITCAMX is barely noticeable

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/fit-cam-x-dash-camera.774259/

 

Vortex Radar covered the topic about dashcam quality and license plate capture in response to Linus's video.

The ultrawide lens used by a lot of consumer dashcams is one of the main reasons for the lack of details on license plates. Police camera systems dedicated to taking plates have two cameras, one ultrawide for surrounding and other being a telephoto to zoom in on plates.

 

I have a Garmin Mini 2 with the adapter. Works great, zero issues thus far.

 

Those of you with the Garmin Mini 2...

Tell me about the app, please.

I've seen the permision list. Am at a loss as to why they would need permission to one's contacts.

Does it run in the background all the time? The one I had to use for my garmin watch would continually turn itself on and run in the background.

Does one have to have it running for the cam to work with all functions, or is it only required for downloading saved video's?

Does the app track your speed and location? It was my understanding that the mini 2 does not do GPS, but seems to me the app would do it, whether it's something you want oor not?

Any other pro's or cons to the app, in your opinions?

Thanks.

 

NOT Garmin Mini. Mine froze uncounted times. It was a joke and waste of money at best.

 

Just got VIOFO A129 Plus Duo for the wife's car and the taco. Have it in my taco and it's great so far.
Had a ROAV S1 in there before with zero issues, only changed because I wanted a dual-channel.

Note: With both of these, as with most other dash cams. Don't use the app to get videos if you don't have to. Take the SD card out and put it in your computer to get the full quality.
That being said, the VIOFO app is pretty handy to adjust settings instead of having to button your way through them on the camera itself.. I never really used the ROAV app, so I'm not sure how it is.

 

Garmin Mini 2?