Looking for a Dash Cam recommendation

@OP, looks like you got it figured out already, so good on you.
FWIW, I run a Thinkware F800, with the front and rear cameras, in my Tacoma. I set and basically forget it. The only annoying thing is it talks to me and I don't know how to make the talking quieter. I liked the Thinkware's ability to adjust what the system does when my truck is parked. Right now, it'll record when the truck is hit or moves and record the number of instances. Keeping it on motion recording would just drain my battery all the way.

 

I think I do! haha. I'm hoping to forget it's there and be so happy I had it when something bad happens.

 

No problem, I think you'll be much happier that you got the 2CH. It can be pretty useful to be able to see what drivers are doing behind you at times.

 

Another vote for BlackVue. I’ve had my 650 for nearly 4 years and it’s still working well. Decent quality videos and great features.


If this one ever does give up the ghost, I will get one of their newer 4K models.

 

their 4k model is pretty awesome and I use it in my prius (thinkware q800 pro in my tacoma), but there are some issues with it. It is more prone to overheating than the 750 series (which replaced the 650 series). It has high temperature cut off so it will just shut off until it cools back down. Although my 650 overheated more than my 900, the 750s are apparently best in terms of running without over heating.

the 750 cams also have better night quality because the 4k sensors are the same size as the 1080p sensors but with smaller pixels, so they don't pick up light as well, giving you a slightly noticeable darker image.

Overall the benefits of the 900 series I think are worth it, the 4k footage during the day looks great. It is my favorite cam, but obviously way expensive. starting around $500 its really out of the price range of wha tmost people are willing to pay. hopefully within 2 years it becomes the mid tier model.

 

are you using the energy saver mode then? I wish thinkware would allow you to use the standard buffered parking mode, but turn off motion detection. The energy saver mode is not buffered.

Blackvue lets you set motion to 0, or you can also set which areas of the screen motion deteection works on in a 4x4 grid.

 

I think I am using that mode. I have to go back into my settings to check. I mean, I've literally set it and forgot it and only get reminded when that voice comes on telling me it recognized movement.
That's a cool feature on the Blackvue though to set areas of detection. I'd probably use that in place of my current setting.
Sometimes I almost want a camera facing inwards into the cab in case someone unwanted gets in.

 

One thing that very few people realize and fewer companies address is the dashcams ability to withstand heat. I've had several and when they are on and sitting in the sun all day in the windshield (depending on where you mount it) they can overheat. Consider making sure you really look at their temp range.

 

@USDashCamera I’m debating between Blackvue DR900S and Thinkware Q800. One thing I recently read is that on the Blackvue, when reviewing video in the cloud, you have to watch a 15 second commercial from Blackvue every time and not able to skip. Is there truth to that?

 

This video is torture to watch. OMG...

 

I have the Viofo A129 Duo in my taco and I love it. A few months back they updated the firmware to support parking mode with several options on how it will record.

 

last time i used it i didn't have to watch a commercial but maybe they added that. I will tell you tho, if you want cloud support, the dr900s is the way to go without a doubt. thinkware still does not have parking mode cloud features. the cloud feature for the q800 only works while your car is driving, so it really only benefits company fleet cars or parents who want to track their kids (which seems very weird and controlling). blackvue allows you to get notifications of impacts or watch live feeds while it is in parking mode.

part of the issue tho either way is both models only connect to hotspots not 4g. if you really want cloud feature, you might want to wait until blackvue releases their DR750X model. it will have a monthly fee, but it will connect to verizons 4g network directly so you don't have to worry about keeping a mobile hotspot in your car that is hardwired and powered all the time.

 

New member here... and I'm completely clueless...

I'm looking for a high quality and inexpensive dash/backup cam and instructions on how to install it on a 23 Taco SR5 with a topper on it. The impetus for this purchase is an upcoming 1900 mile trip with a bed full of 'stuff.' We want to be able to see what's going on behind us.

Thanks

 

Monitoring for accidents and theft?

Viofo A129 plus duo is acceptable, the A229 plus would be the preferred budget model. Both will record on motion detection. The 229 will have buffered parking - meaning it goes back in time and starts recording 30 seconds prior to an event.




Monitoring for cargo breaking loose? Buy some plastic storage containers and better ratchet straps. For me, it doesn't go down the road unless the straps stay tight through tornado, automatic car wash, and rollover accident alike.

 

Thanks, Rock Lobster.