Car Dashboard Cameras

[Wookie_66]

I went to a local car electronic specialist to inquire about getting one of these fitted.

Apparently as my car has DAB i have to go for the more expensive camera that costs c£300 (i dont recall the manufacturer AV.. something), the person at the shop said some of the cheaper cameras can interfere with the DAB radio. Anyone heard this?

They also wanted £100 for fitting, i notice Halfords charge £35, but most of the cameras they sold were too large for my liking.

It can happen with expensive ones as well. If it happens make sure the wires are run the other side of the car and wrap them in the silver heat tape.

[mikiejack]

That's a good price - can you please post a link to the supplier?

Did you buy the ddpai m6 in the end? I thought I would update that I'm quite happy with mine. It is discrete without a screen, and easy to detach from the mount, (magnet) if needs be.

Other than the window adhesive pad, there's no real install work. The power wire fit between the windscreen and headlining with ease.

Setup is easy via a mobile phone. The recordings can be viewed via mobile phone or by taking the memory card out of the camera.

The only thing I hate is the power ok greeting, which I cannot turn off. Rather odd to be greeted by a Chinese voice saying D-d-pia-hello.

[Spy]

Just seen this thread and thought I would chip in my thoughts.

I was looking at buying my first dash cam a few weeks ago. After doing a lot of reading, I plumped for the Viofo A109S. The newer version with a Sony sensor for better night time video.

The main reason for going with the Viofo, other than picture quality, over something like a ddpai, was its size and shape that means it is for the most part, hidden from the outside and the inside.

It also uses a capacitor so no worries about exploding batteries in the heat.

So far, I have been pleased with it. The picture quality is really good and it works well.

I went for the non GPS version as I didn't want that info recorded but it is modular, so can always be added.


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[W44NNE]

I created a thread a while back but ended up buying this on Amazon. I can't do anything but recommend it. For £60, you have both front and rear cameras, and you can purchase a separate GPS module if you like for £12. Video quality appears to be excellent and the front camera's shape allows it to look very discreet. I wired it in myself and it looks factory OEM spec.

Camera:http://amzn.to/2rGixTK
GPS: http://amzn.to/2rBtues

[mikiejack]

W44nne, that does seem excellent value to have front and rear.
My car is a lease, so I don't technically own it. I needed something I could install with ease and minimum "mess/modification". Ddpai fitted my needs perfectly.

[W44NNE]

W44nne, that does seem excellent value to have front and rear.
My car is a lease, so I don't technically own it. I needed something I could install with ease and minimum "mess/modification". Ddpai fitted my needs perfectly.

I'm hopeless at anything technical when it comes to cars but this is the third dashcam I've owned and installed. It's better than any of my previous ones and could easily be removed.

[ach5]

I'm hopeless at anything technical when it comes to cars but this is the third dashcam I've owned and installed. It's better than any of my previous ones and could easily be removed.

I'm interested in this but the reviews say the rear camera is very poor quality - what have you found?

I have also never been someone to fiddle with my cars, but would want to hide the wires behind the upholstery - does that require any special skill / tools / knowledge?

Finally, can the camera unit be very easily detached for when the car is parked up, to reduce risk of theft?

Oh, one more (sorry!), does it automatically power up and start recording on ignition?

[soundood]

I do not understand why these are not standard fit in cars.

THere are cameras of sorts in most of the modern cars for headlight management and more expensive options such as night vision.

At a manufacturer volume these would be a very cheap option to fit and integrate.

yes, you would think this, I think the main reason they are not fitted as standard is that a lot of people dont want them as they do not lie, if you know what I mean, if they do something wrong they are bang to rights,

I have a MiVu with 32 gig card in there, had it a year and its been flawless, and as a tradesman driving daily around london it has been invaluable to look back at near misses to see if it was me causing the issue.

thankfully no knocks or hits, touch wood.



and no touching Morning Wood for luck ;-)

[W44NNE]

I'm interested in this but the reviews say the rear camera is very poor quality - what have you found?

I have also never been someone to fiddle with my cars, but would want to hide the wires behind the upholstery - does that require any special skill / tools / knowledge?

Finally, can the camera unit be very easily detached for when the car is parked up, to reduce risk of theft?

Oh, one more (sorry!), does it automatically power up and start recording on ignition?

Hi adrian, I'd be happy to help you as long as its on the premise I'm not a professional, but I've done a very good job with mine :-)

I've got mine to start with the car and power off when I lock it, and I've set it to loop record every 3 mins. I haven't found fault with the rear camera quality but you're welcome to have a look at mine anyway.

[ach5]

Thanks Wayne, might take you up on that

[JasonM]

Another great example of why having a dash cam is a good idea.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...ance-scam.html

[ralphy]

Another great example of why having a dash cam is a good idea.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...ance-scam.html

These 'crash for cash' scammers seem to be getting more and more prevalent nowadays. :-(

R

[JasonM]

Just thought I would share this here:
M25 this morning near Heathrow.
Poor confused thing.

[Michael B]

Thanks for that. I`ll get one tomorrow.

[Rod]

I've had Halfords fit a Nextbase 312GW ... very pleased with it and their service. Buying the same for Liz's car.

[Tahiti]

Hi Rod - when they fitted it, did they have to remove much trim to do the job? I'm presuming the wiring is hidden away?

[Rod]

Hi Rod - when they fitted it, did they have to remove much trim to do the job? I'm presuming the wiring is hidden away?

I didn't watch the chap much as I was browsing in store, but I dont think so. He had all the tools for the job and was very neatly done (no wires showing) took about 20 mins. No marks left anywhere and he even showed me how to use the camera... top marks. (Car is a Honda Civic 1.8S)

[emgee]

Hi, I use a Nextbase 212, £60+ off Amazon, easy to use, no glitches. Easy file transfer, great picture quality, even at night.

[MB2]

I recently fitted a BlackVue 650 to my car. I hard wired it with a timer device so it stays active for 2 hours after turning off as that way provides parking protection too. It does seem good and unobtrusive. I removed the A pillar trim to fit it and tucked the wire into the head lining I removed the sun visor to loosen it. If you google your car and trim removal or “remove A pillar trim” will probably find some You Tube guides were plenty for my car (Audi A4) which really helped.


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[dizz]

I seem to be on the road for work more and more these days in hire cars and vans.
After a near miss on the motorway when a van came to a compleat stop from 70mph in front of me because he had missed his junction!,, I'm thinking I might get one but it needs to be portable as I'm swopping cars on a daily basis, what should I be looking at?


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[thieuster]

Two days ago, a German Court ruled that dash cams are not allowed because they (can) invade privacy of other road users

A german lady recorded another car bumping into her car when a motorist tried to parallel park her car. Her dash cam recorded this and she went to the police with the evidence. There she was fined for invading privacy of other road users. She took it took court (last Monday) and lost. The judge stated: "It's not preferable when 80 million Germans start driving around with dash cams.

German privacy rules are strict. It was already prohibited to publish data (footage) from a dash cam, but this judge has made it ever more strictly... The lady was fined 150 euros because her monthly income is less than 1500 euros. However... fines can be up to 300,000 euros for privacy invasion..

Here's an link to the case in English http://https://dashcamtalk.com/forum...germany.31009/

The Dutch ANWB (AA in the UK) has a list with European countries about the rules / use of a dash cam. I was surprised to learn that it's not allowed in a handful of countries!!! I am sure that there's an equivalent written in English somewhere on a UK website as well. If not, let me know and I will translate and publish the Dutch list.

[sweetpea]

I seem to be on the road for work more and more these days in hire cars and vans.
After a near miss on the motorway when a van came to a compleat stop from 70mph in front of me because he had missed his junction!,, I'm thinking I might get one but it needs to be portable as I'm swopping cars on a daily basis, what should I be looking at?


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Another vote for Nextbase cameras.... I have one as well and my wife and daughter. They're not going to stop accidents happening - but they are a worthwhile tool to support your argument if you are the victim of one.

They are discreet and easily transferred from vehicle to vehicle if required.

Mike

[PJdB]

Do the ones with parked motion detectors drain your battery?

[Brian]

I've had Halfords fit a Nextbase 312GW ... very pleased with it and their service. Buying the same for Liz's car.

Can you buy two mounts and swap the camera whenever required for each car ?

B

[emgee]

regarding legal use overseas, as I understand it, the sharing of and retention of footage is the main concern, that's why most of the dash cams have 1, 3 or 5min record time and re-write once your SD card is full, therefore there should be no issues in record retention (unless you down load all your footage), also potential issues with sharing-even to the Police, the Data Protection Act (here in the UK at least) is not interested in dash cams-as I understand it, as they do not monitor a fixed place. someone else on here may be able to clarify or if I've got that wrong?

[Brian]

Another vote for Nextbase cameras.... I have one as well and my wife and daughter. They're not going to stop accidents happening - but they are a worthwhile tool to support your argument if you are the victim of one.

They are discreet and easily transferred from vehicle to vehicle if required.

Mike

Which model is that please ??

B

[DeepThought]

Just thought I would share this here:
M25 this morning near Heathrow.
Poor confused thing.

Any idea if it was ok after ?

[Tahiti]

I didn't watch the chap much as I was browsing in store, but I dont think so. He had all the tools for the job and was very neatly done (no wires showing) took about 20 mins. No marks left anywhere and he even showed me how to use the camera... top marks. (Car is a Honda Civic 1.8S)

Thanks Rod.

[sweetpea]

Which model is that please ??

B

Mine is the Nextbase 412 .... very happy with it.

Mike

[JasonM]

Any idea if it was ok after ?

No idea, it was up and walking ok, cars had stopped so I am hopeful it made it.

[jukeboxs]

Just thought I would share this here:
M25 this morning near Heathrow.
Poor confused thing.

Potentially stupid question: weren't you undertaking there? If yes, isn't that illegal? Now, I'm not being critical here, but my wife goes ape if I do this on the motorway (if someone is hogging a middle lane), but I like to think it makes the lane hoggers think twice about their own road manners (another alternative, the legal one, of course is overtake on the outside and then move into the inside lane).

Thanks.

[MB2]

Do the ones with parked motion detectors drain your battery?

Yes as they use the car battery to power them.

There are 3 solutions -

1 A lithium battery pack that powers the camera and re-charges from the car battery this is the “simplest” solution but they are expensive as need to be 12 volt.

2 A timer cut off device which kills the power to the camera after so many hours.

3 A low voltage cut off device (similar to the above but triggered on voltage).

I bought a combined volts/timer and have set it to cut off at 2 hours as I think will cover me for most parking scenarios. It can easily switch to volts if I want to leave longer when I tested it I found no voltage drop at the battery in 2 hours but left it as that as thought was all I really needed.


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[jaytip]

Potentially stupid question: weren't you undertaking there? If yes, isn't that illegal? Now, I'm not being critical here, but my wife goes ape if I do this on the motorway (if someone is hogging a middle lane), but I like to think it makes the lane hoggers think twice about their own road manners (another alternative, the legal one, of course is overtake on the outside and then move into the inside lane).

Thanks.

It's the M25. Typical motorway rules don't seem to apply. Not a dig at the poster of the video, it's just that sooo many people hog the second lane from the right (what would be the middle lane on a three lane motorway) that most people just undercut them. I've done it myself numerous times.

[JasonM]

Potentially stupid question: weren't you undertaking there? If yes, isn't that illegal? Now, I'm not being critical here, but my wife goes ape if I do this on the motorway (if someone is hogging a middle lane), but I like to think it makes the lane hoggers think twice about their own road manners (another alternative, the legal one, of course is overtake on the outside and then move into the inside lane).

Thanks.

I think there ( to me anyway ) there is a distinction to passing on the inside lane and undertaking, if I’m in a lane at a constant speed and the traffic in my lane is moving faster than the outer lane ( common on M25 ) then I’m happy to pass on the inside, undertaking is where I would come up to a slower car in my lane and deliberately move to a inside lane to get past, not something I would do usually, like you I would overtake and then move left 2 lanes to try to show the slower car there is a empty lane he could use, the reason I was in lane 2 with a empty lane 1 was I could see the fire engine coming up in lane 1 from a way back and moved to L2 to let him through.

[IAmATeaf]

It's the M25. Typical motorway rules don't seem to apply. Not a dig at the poster of the video, it's just that sooo many people hog the second lane from the right (what would be the middle lane on a three lane motorway) that most people just undercut them. I've done it myself numerous times.

In variable speed limit or average speed limit controlled zones I just move between the first and second lanes and if that means I slowly inch forward and undertake then so be it. There are way too many idiots out there to worry about overtaking in these controlled zones.

[Rod]

Can you buy two mounts and swap the camera whenever required for each car ?

B

Not sure Brian, I'm buying a complete one for Liz. Might be worth a call to Nextbase and see if you can get it as a spare one.

[tredders]

Just to add my input on this. Three weeks ago I got a new car, and wanted a dash cam. I bought a Nextbase 512GW from Halfords, and paid for their professional fitting. I was impressed by their fitter - he met with me up front and asked me where I wanted the camera positioned. I told him I wanted it as hidden as possible, so mine is mounted behind the rearview mirror. Nice job, with very tidy wiring - almost looks factory fitted. Took him about an hour at the store to fit. The reason I chose the 512GW is that Nextbase are apparently soon launching a rear camera, which connects to the 512GW.

Picture quality really is amazing. The new 512GW has an anti-reflection lens, so even in bright sunshine, the picture is great. There are various options you choose - whether to record sound as well as picture, whether you want to stamp your speed on the video etc. Being hardwired, the camera starts and stops automatically, so you don't have to faff around with the touch screen. Not only did I want this as peace of mind from insurance scammers, I also fly every week from Heathrow and leave my car with valet parking, so I wanted to keep an eye on how well my car is looked after there... Funnily enough, pointing out that the car has a hardwired dash cam fitted has resulted in the car being driven very carefully and cautiously by the valet parking staff ;)

The camera does have a 'parking' mode, where it'll automatically record based on whether any movement or impact is registered. However, you have to manually select this mode when you park, and also remember to put it back into 'record' mode when you start up again the next day... Not ideal, and so not something I've used. Everything else with the camera is excellent, though.

[sweetpea]

Not sure Brian, I'm buying a complete one for Liz. Might be worth a call to Nextbase and see if you can get it as a spare one.

My 412 came with two mounts.... one 3m stickered mount and one suction cup for windscreen.

Mike

[Jimmcb]

Can you buy two mounts and swap the camera whenever required for each car ?

B

I believe so. Another plus for nextbase.

[Saint-Just]

Has anyone tried thinkware?

[Jimmcb]

Just to add my input on this. Three weeks ago I got a new car, and wanted a dash cam. I bought a Nextbase 512GW from Halfords, and paid for their professional fitting. I was impressed by their fitter - he met with me up front and asked me where I wanted the camera positioned. I told him I wanted it as hidden as possible, so mine is mounted behind the rearview mirror. Nice job, with very tidy wiring - almost looks factory fitted. Took him about an hour at the store to fit. The reason I chose the 512GW is that Nextbase are apparently soon launching a rear camera, which connects to the 512GW.

Picture quality really is amazing. The new 512GW has an anti-reflection lens, so even in bright sunshine, the picture is great. There are various options you choose - whether to record sound as well as picture, whether you want to stamp your speed on the video etc. Being hardwired, the camera starts and stops automatically, so you don't have to faff around with the touch screen. Not only did I want this as peace of mind from insurance scammers, I also fly every week from Heathrow and leave my car with valet parking, so I wanted to keep an eye on how well my car is looked after there... Funnily enough, pointing out that the car has a hardwired dash cam fitted has resulted in the car being driven very carefully and cautiously by the valet parking staff ;)

The camera does have a 'parking' mode, where it'll automatically record based on whether any movement or impact is registered. However, you have to manually select this mode when you park, and also remember to put it back into 'record' mode when you start up again the next day... Not ideal, and so not something I've used. Everything else with the camera is excellent, though.

I too got a 512GW from Halfords. Great kit and it’s simply plug and play.

Jim

[Nigel306]

I'm just looking into a dashcam and wanted decent video quality, discrete, and to work while parked, there are some that trigger a photo every second after 5 mins of engine stopping, also some go into camera motion detection mode after turning engine off, all good I think. Also feeding wires for hard wiring along the head lining, down the side pillars etc etc. Why not just wire into interior light, that's normally only a few inches away from where the cam is mounted.
I've narrowed it down to a few but still checking reviews

[Beanie]

I have the Thinkware F770 which I have just put in my current car. It has the movement/motion detection facility when parked and is quite discrete. There is a function that allows you to set the car battery voltage level below which it switches the unit off, preventing a flat battery. I have it set at the highest, and have not a switch off yet.
As it has the parking recording feature, it needs permanent live, as well as a switched live with the ignition for recording while driving. You may find that the interior light won't give you the permanent live. Having done it twice, on different cars, fitting took me about half an hour. Rather than cutting into any wires, it is easier to use piggy-back fuse connectors directly into the fuse box.

[Nigel306]

I have the Thinkware F770 which I have just put in my current car. It has the movement/motion detection facility when parked and is quite discrete. There is a function that allows you to set the car battery voltage level below which it switches the unit off, preventing a flat battery. I have it set at the highest, and have not a switch off yet.
As it has the parking recording feature, it needs permanent live, as well as a switched live with the ignition for recording while driving. You may find that the interior light won't give you the permanent live. Having done it twice, on different cars, fitting took me about half an hour. Rather than cutting into any wires, it is easier to use piggy-back fuse connectors directly into the fuse box.

Thanks for that, I've checked my interior light but it goes off about 10 mins after stopping engine so you are correct it's not usable.
My manual only shows fuses and amps, not whether they are switched or permanent.
The hunt continues....

[Enoch]

I'm also a Thinkware F770 user, front and rear cameras fitted, and wired in permanently....

Picture quality is brilliant with 1080HD front and rear... sound quality is quite poor though, but good enough for the job...

You really need a 64GB card to as it does use a lot of memory. Parking mode and motion detection are excellent features.

[Nigel306]

I'm also a Thinkware F770 user, front and rear cameras fitted, and wired in permanently....

Picture quality is brilliant with 1080HD front and rear... sound quality is quite poor though, but good enough for the job...

You really need a 64GB card to as it does use a lot of memory. Parking mode and motion detection are excellent features.

Thanks. Do you need to set the parking mode each time engine switched off, or is it automatic?
And is motion detection like CCTV where it detects changes in camera pixels as opposed to an actual bump to activate?

[Beanie]

Thanks for that, I've checked my interior light but it goes off about 10 mins after stopping engine so you are correct it's not usable.
My manual only shows fuses and amps, not whether they are switched or permanent.
The hunt continues....

Have a google for marque specific car forums, that's how I found out which fuses to piggy-back on my previous and current cars. You will probably find a detailed "how to" install a dashcam as well. Failing that, your car horn will probably be a permanent live (easily checked), cigarette lighter/usb possibly a switched live. One thing to bear in mind is that some cars with CanBus systems may take 10-15 minuets to go to sleep, during which time your switched live will still be live and may fool you into thinking it's actually a permanent supply.

[Enoch]

Thanks. Do you need to set the parking mode each time engine switched off, or is it automatic?
And is motion detection like CCTV where it detects changes in camera pixels as opposed to an actual bump to activate?

Parking mode is automatic. It switches itself off if there is no activity around the car. So for example, my car is garaged, so when in the garage, parking mode is on, but dormant if that makes sense....i.e. It only starts recording when I open the garage door, or if I'm working in there. When the garage door is closed it's at rest.

Re, motion detection, I believe it works off both pixel changes and bump detection. The bump detection sensitivity can be set in the App...

Another useful feature is that, parking mode footage and "incident" footage are recorded in separate folders so easy to access....

Shutting the door or boot on leaving the car is recorded as an incident.

Even driving down a bumpy road on the least sensitive settings, will be recorded as incidents. And the camera beeps at you every time it records an incident.... (Due to our crappy roads I've turned the beeping off) but it still records..

You can also switch off the internal mike, in case you or passengers are discussing stuff you might not want others to hear...

All in all it's a good piece of kit.... I found it difficult to choose between this and the Blackview, and it was the 1080 rear camera that swung it for me....

[Falcata]

These are some reasons why having one is essential !

1) https://youtu.be/SbqRKI5sq24

2) https://youtu.be/UnP7-1-W4VQ

[Nigel306]

Parking mode is automatic. It switches itself off if there is no activity around the car. So for example, my car is garaged, so when in the garage, parking mode is on, but dormant if that makes sense....i.e. It only starts recording when I open the garage door, or if I'm working in there. When the garage door is closed it's at rest.

Re, motion detection, I believe it works off both pixel changes and bump detection. The bump detection sensitivity can be set in the App...

Another useful feature is that, parking mode footage and "incident" footage are recorded in separate folders so easy to access....

Shutting the door or boot on leaving the car is recorded as an incident.

Even driving down a bumpy road on the least sensitive settings, will be recorded as incidents. And the camera beeps at you every time it records an incident.... (Due to our crappy roads I've turned the beeping off) but it still records..

You can also switch off the internal mike, in case you or passengers are discussing stuff you might not want others to hear...

All in all it's a good piece of kit.... I found it difficult to choose between this and the Blackview, and it was the 1080 rear camera that swung it for me....

Very useful, thanks for the detailed explanation.