Dash Cam Reviews

A few posts above i posted my recent top 10 list that includes cameras from $55-500. Dash Cam Reviews is the link to the youtube video.

The camera in the clip you commented on is a Yi dash cam. I just got the yi mini dash cam for $24 shipped on a lightning deal with a 10% off coupon on top of the regular price too. I haven't tested it but from my understanding they are pretty cheap but decent quality.

Currently my two favorite budget cams would be the Blueskysea B1W which I have used and have a review coming soon, and the Viofo A119 v2 or A119 Pro. all of these you can just use the 12v socket and not worry about hard wiring.

Parking mode can be done with just a front camera, but IMHO its not that useful unless you always back into parking spots as you're more likely to be hit in the side facing out of the parking spot.

 

I thought I read on blackvue site they will come out with a power connection plug new for 2019 that uses the OBD-II socket under the dash which would seem to have a much cleaner installation. I cant find it anymore, but thought I seen it just last month.

Perhaps my imagination is going wild, but thought there were cheaper dash cams coming out that were also going to this power connection method using the OBD-II socket versus tapping into the fuse box.

I'm looking for a dual dash cam and trying to determine which way to go.

 

Do any of these dashcams have any luck with license plates at night? Ive had 3 different ones where the headlights always wash out the reflective license plates and you cant read the letters/numbers.

 

So I have a 2019 4 dr and am interested in a dashcam....specifically I'd like to mount it to the factory installed Go-Pro mount...the cams I'm looking at have the adhesive pad attachment....is there a thingamagig to where I can use it....like a Go-Pro shoe but with an attachment with a pad for the adhesive mount?

 

really depends on your lights, the height or your lights or the height of the car in front of you. US license plates really suck ass and I find most of the time they show up all white because of how reflective they are and they are FLAT now instead of having stamped letters like they used to. Only thing I can say is use one that is known to have good night quality like the A119 V3 because at least in darker areas or times when your headlights arent relecting it will have a better chance at least.

 

Majority of the high end or better quality cams don't support anything like that. Theres a few cams like the mobius dash cam that have gopro mount adapters but they aren't that great of dash cams. Some chinese action cameras have gopro mounts and have dash cam modes. Although those aren't ideal because they use batteries which can have issues in extreme heat or cold, the better dash cams have super capacitors instead of batteries.

Off the top of my head I can't think of any decent dash cams that could be fitted with a gopro mount that I would recommend. More than likely you would have to mix parts or use a 3rd party 3d printed mount. Something I have done before when I didn't like that the Anker Dashcam Duo came with 2 adhesive mounts but no suction cup mount is I removed the mounting pieces from the adhesive mount and swapped it onto an SJCAM suction cup mount because they both used similar sized screws connecting the two pieces. If you can find a dash cam that uses a connector piece that can be swapped with a gopro buckle that could work, I just can't think of any. Personally I would just recommend getting a good dash cam and placing it behind your mirror out of sight. I know tacoma users always want to make use of the gopro mount but you're gonna get a much better dash cam that won't use the mount, and can just be installed behind the mirror out of sight.

then you can always use the gopro mount for a gopro on adventures.

 

USDC: Good information, and some of which I had already resigned myself to....in order to better access the memory chip etc, I'm thinking of attaching it to the existing windshield camera case, or grinding down the gopro phanges to better fit my adhesive landing pad, I'm trying to minimize windshield attachments thanks for the response
leev

 

USDC...just breezed through this thread and most of your posts, first off nice job on the reviews you are giving us tones of great stuff
I just ordered my 2020 Limited and so while I’m waiting for it I thought I’d look for a good dash cam, I started by looking at the one Toyota offers but it doesn’t give much info on it and I haven’t seen anyone mention it on here (unless I missed it)...anyway, I would like to know what you’re personal favourite is at this point.
Thank and keep up the good work
Tim

 

I decided I did not want to spend too much on a dashcam and was not interested in a dual (front and rear) setup. The cloud service some provide makes me uncomfortable and I do not want my speed and location 'on tape'.

So I ordered and installed a Blackvue DR590W-1CH WiFi Dash Cam and hardwired it with the Power Magic Pro so that I have the parking mode function. I prefer not to use my OBD2 port for this.
I was surprised to find out that the Power Magic Pro did not come with the 'Add a Fuse' Low Profile wires and you need two for an easy install. Blackboxmycar charges $10 per wire (lol) so I found a

$7 Gebildet 12V-24V Low Profile Add-a-Circuit Fuse Tap, Miniature Piggy Back Blade Fuse Holder with Wire Harness, 6 pcs Fuse (3A 5A 7.5A 10A 15A 20A) and Fuse Puller (Pack of 4)

cheaper alternative here, making the install a breeze.

 

guru, wondering how your dashcam is working for you? Does it fit nice up behind the mirror? Still don’t have my truck but still watching for a decent cam.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Tim

 

Hey Tim, the cam works great. It hides nicely behind the mirror, in fact I am unable to see it when driving. You can move the mirror vertically btw, so if you prefer to see it while driving, you can. I have played with it a bit when I just installed it but now I pretty much forget it's there. I swapped out the memory card for a bigger one (64 gb).
You can use the phone app to change the settings and check the view. When it's in default, you hear a voice telling what it does and if there are any occurrences, I have turned that off.
The truck had been parked at the airport for almost 3 weeks in Montreal (which was crazy expensive btw) and the Power Magic Pro seemed to have worked fine, the battery wasn't drained and everything seemed normal. I haven't checked the recordings but I had no dings.
All in all, I can recommend the cam, especially if you want a stealthy setup.

I was quite happy to be back into the truck after driving around in an Opel Mokka X Turbo for a couple of weeks haha
Best wishes to you too. If you have more questions, let me know.

 

So, I recently installed a Street Guardian dash cam, front and rear with parking monitor. Been looking through footage from it today, after a few tweaks, couldn't be happier with it. It is more expensive than I'd initially planned to spend, but I think the quality is worth it. Super easy to zoom footage upon playback and read license plates. Also everything I've read online says their customer service is second to none. They also update their firmware regularly which is a huge plus.

 

Thanks guru for the update, Looks like a good setup and I found it on Amazon so I saved it to compare later.
I’m surprised you still had a truck to drive home after being parked in Montreal for so long! Back in 2010 when I bought my Tundra I bought a set of used tires and rims from a guy who had his new truck stolen from there, he wasn’t a happy camper but at least I got a good deal on some nice wheels

Ozzy_Bear, I just checked out the Street Guardian SG9665GC dash cam on amazon, this camera resembles the one offered by Toyota but at a much higher price, of course! Did you get the one with the rear camera? Not sure if I want the rear view but the price is good. If you get a chance a picture of how it looks mounted would be great, thanks.

Happy New Year guys

 

Hi Tim,
I bought the Street Guardian SG9663DCPRO on Amazon, front and rear, the parking mode requires the extra harness for $20 or so. Super happy with the install, barely notice it behind the mirror, probably should have spaced it a little further to the driver side to make the install easier (you can also see some of the mirror in the front playback - lower right), but very happy otherwise, back is nice and low profile too. Also super happy with the software that shows GPS location, speed and other things. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Here is a short front and rear clip - https://imgur.com/BB6Clbx - https://imgur.com/e3Nt3ZG

 

I need a dash camera that films all the time for a least 24 hrs in high quality. Is there something like that available ?

 

Thanks for the awesome reply! This looks like a good camera with high quality video. I found it on Amazon for about $320 cdn, not a bad price considering Toyota’s camera is almost identical for double the price!
I just received notice that my truck is now built and in transit from Texas WOOOOHOOO!! So I’m beginning to purchase the additions that I’ll be installing in a few weeks.

thanks again and Happy New Year
Tim

 

No worries at all. Let me know if you end up choosing it and have any questions about the install. Enjoy the new truck!!

 

I bought the same camera as you, Street Guardian and installed it, I purchased the extra hook up kit so I could take power directly from the fuse box. After opening the fuse box I noticed the cover is rather small and if I use the kit I’ll need to leave the cover off, is that what you did? Or did you splice the wires into the harness somewhere? I don’t mind splicing wires but I don’t have a wiring diagram. Any help would be great
...I love this camera too, I mounted it behind the mirror like you but lower as I didn’t think it would adhere properly to the dotted area of the windshield.
Tim

 

I got the Blackview 900s and used the 2017 GoPro mount. I 3d printed an adapter if you want it for free, the link is below. Works well and camera is 4K with up to 12-24 hour recording on park.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/blackvue-gopro-mount-for-dr900s-dashcam.584373/#post-21090121