(Part 2) Top products from r/Dashcam

• B1W ($47-55 USD) - Has wifi/cellphone app, Good video, Fair build quality, Lackluster parking mode: Automatic, Not buffered, Requires hardwire kit with low voltage cut off feature to enable parking mode. - No GPS
  
  
• A119 v2 ($79-105 USD) - Excellent video quality, Fair build quality, Lackluster parking mode: Automatic, Not buffered, Requires hardwire kit with low voltage cut off feature to enable parking mode. No wifi/cellphone app. Lacks Cloud feature. - Has GPS
  
  
• A119S v2 ($90-119 USD) - Good video quality, Fair build quality, Lackluster parking mode: Automatic, Not buffered, Requires hardwire kit with low voltage cut off feature to enable parking mode. No wifi/cellphone app. - This dash cam was supposed to surpass the A119 v2 in video quality. It never did. Firmware updates were supposed to make it better video quality. Only surpasses A119 v2 in Extremely dark conditions, lesser video quality in all other conditions. Lacks Cloud feature. - Has GPS
  
  
• A119 Pro ($90-124 USD) - Good video quality, Fair build quality, Lackluster parking mode: Automatic, Not buffered, Requires hardwire kit with low voltage cut off feature to enable parking mode. No wifi/cellphone app. - This dash cam is supposed to surpass the A119 v2 in video quality. Waiting on firmware updates. Same hope as A119S v2. Lacks Cloud feature. - Has GPS
  
  
• Street Guardian SGGCX2 (Includes memory card and CPL filter) ($160-290 USD) - Good video quality, Good build quality, Lackluster parking mode: Automatic, Not buffered, Requires hardwire kit with low voltage cut off feature to enable parking mode. No wifi/cellphone app. - This dash cam is similar to the A119 variants in video quality. Lacks Cloud feature. - Has GPS
  
  
  Versatile: Mobius ($70-100 USD) (Requires separate purchase: Power cable or hardwire kit + Micro SD card + adhesive Mount) + recommended purchase Super capacitor - Good video quality, Fair build quality, Lackluster parking mode: Automatic, Not buffered, Requires hardwire kit with low voltage cut off feature to enable parking mode. No wifi/cellphone app. - This isn't the best dash cam in the world, but it is one of the smaller ones. It was made for the drone world, and repurposed for the dash cam world. Lacks Cloud feature. - No GPS - Lacks G sensor (because it is part of the drone world)
  
  
  Budget Dual Cams:
  
  
• Mini 0906 ($130 USD) - I would avoid this dash cam. ??? I have no idea GPS
  
  
• A129 ($160 USD) - Good video quality, Fair build quality, Lackluster parking mode: Automatic, Not buffered, Requires hardwire kit with low voltage cut off feature to enable parking mode. Has wifi/cellphone app. - This is a 2 Channel (Front/Rear) or (Front/interior) dashcam similar to the A119 variants. It is new, and people like it. Lacks Cloud feature. - Has GPS
  
  
  Last year's Flagship Dual Cams:
  
  
• BlackSys CH-100B 2CH ($200-270 USD) - Excellent build quality, Excellent parking mode, Good/Fair video quality. Has wifi/cellphone app. Good/Fair video quality is a far step down from Excellent A119 v2 video quality, you should compare sample footage. This dash cam's strong point is it is simply a good dash cam, user friendly wifi/cellphone app. Lacks Cloud feature. Has partitioned normal/Parking recording. - Has GPS
  
  
• BlackVue DR650S 2CH ($298-370 USD) - Excellent build quality, Excellent parking mode, Good/Fair video quality. Has wifi/cellphone app. People complain about this dash cam's video quality. It is similar to the CH-100B 2CH but for some reason people have higher than average expectations for video quality from this one. First of the Cloud feature dash cams. Lacks partitioned normal/Parking recording. - Has GPS
  
  
• Thinkware F770 2CH ($330-390 USD) - Excellent build quality, Excellent parking mode, Good video quality. Has wifi/cellphone app. Lacks Cloud feature. Has partitioned normal/Parking recording. This dashcam has improved video quality over the CH-100B 2CH/BlackVue DR650S 2CH, and it shows. - Has GPS
  
  
  This year's Flagship Dual Cams:
  
  
• BlackSys Ch-200 2CH ($300-320 USD) - Excellent build quality, Excellent parking mode, Good video quality. Has wifi/cellphone app. Lacks Cloud feature. Has partitioned normal/Parking recording. - Similar to the BlackSys CH-100B 2CH, with improved video quality. - Has GPS
  
  
• BlackVue DR750S 2CH ($380-510 USD) - Excellent build quality, Excellent parking mode, Good video quality. Has wifi/cellphone app. Has Cloud feature. Has partitioned normal/Parking recording. - Improved video quality over the BlackVue DR650S 2CH, added partitioned normal/parking recording. - Has GPS
  
  
• Street Guardian SG9663DC (Includes memory card and CPL filter) ($290-490 USD) - Similar to the A129 2CH dash cam, missing wifi/cellphone app. - Has GPS
  
  
• BlackVue DR900S 2CH (4K) ($480-591 USD) - Excellent build quality, Excellent parking mode, Excellent video quality. Has wifi/cellphone app. Has Cloud feature. Has partitioned normal/Parking recording. - One of the few dash cams that is similar/surpasses the A119 v2. - Has GPS
  
  
• Thinkware F800 2CH ($380-430 USD) - Excellent build quality, Excellent parking mode, Good video quality. Has wifi/cellphone app. Has Cloud feature. Has partitioned normal/Parking recording. - The first of the Thinkware Cloud dash cams. - Has GPS
  
  
• Thinkware F800 Pro 2CH ($380-460 USD) - Excellent build quality, Excellent parking mode, Good video quality. Has wifi/cellphone app. Has Cloud feature. Has partitioned normal/Parking recording. - The 2nd of the Thinkware Cloud dash cams. - Has GPS
  
  ---
  
  Just to complicate things a bit more: BlackVue 1CH dash cams can not be upgraded to 2 CH. They will lack the rear camera port, as the 1CH dash cams are physically different than the 2CH versions.
  
  Thinkware dash cams which have 1CH/2CH versions can be upgraded from 1 CH -> 2CH.
  
  
• Thinkware FA200 IRC 2CH ($240 USD) - Includes Dashcam/IR cam + Micro SD card + Hardwire kit.
  
  
• Thinkware FA200 WiFi ($130-190 USD) - Lacks IR cam, has Micro SD card option, Hardwire kit option.
  
  
• BlackVue DR590W-2CH WiFi ($240-260 USD)
  
  
• BlackVue DR590W-2CH IR WiFi ($280-300 USD)
  
  Look around for the best price. - Standard copy pasta.
  
  ---
  
  In the dashcam world there are two very specific types of dash cams.
  
  
• Excellent video quality, Fair build quality, Lackluster parking mode dash cams: These are built for new dash cam buyers wants. Lackluster parking mode isn't bad, it just lacks one or more of the features of Excellent parking mode. Fair build quality, minor bugs/errors to be expected - keep up with firmware updates expected.
  
  
• Excellent build quality, Excellent parking mode, Good/Fair video quality dash cams: These are built for veteran dash cam buyers wants. Excellent build quality, few if any flaws/bugs, maintenance is largely optional, and more functional bells and whistles. Excellent parking mode: Automatic Engage/Disengage; Buffered - able to record a few seconds before and after G sensor and/or Motion sensor activation (like a time machine;) Built in (or Recommended hardwire kit) Low voltage cut off feature (Adjustable) Voltage/Time based. Good/Fair video quality is far from Excellent, you should check it. Good video quality does exist in this dash cam type. Excellent video quality does exist in this dash cam type (expensive though.)
  
  Both types can be good dash cams, depending upon what you want them to do.
  
  ---
  
  What are your values?
  
  
• Video quality?
  
  
• Build quality?
  
  
• Parking mode?
  
  ---
  
  I really suggest fully researching the dash cam you want, and several dash cams you don't. Buyers remorse is real in the dash cam world, it is partially due to buyers value shift after owning/using the dash cam after a while.

I have a Viofo Compact A119 V2 which is front cam only. I use this in my work truck with it powered by the cigarette lighter socket. Turns on and off with the truck. Does everything I need it to do and the video quality is great. I bought the CPL filter for it as well, to lessen the interior reflection. The dashcam’s $96 I think, filter was like $10. Highly recommend. Easy to self install as well, which I did.

My personal car I have a Street Guardian SG9663DCPRO. This is a front and rear cam. This is pricier, it was about $280, and I bought the hardwire kit for it as well which was another $30. The front cam model is very similar to the A119 V2, they’re practically the same except for a few extra ports on this model. Installation is a bit more involved on this one, but there are YouTube vids you can watch that make it easy. Also depends on your car. FYI the cables are pretty thick, except for the external GPS cord. I was still able to hide them all, but again this depends on the vehicle you’d be installing it in. Video quality is great on this as well, crystal clear picture and readability. This model comes with a lot of extra items and whatnot, where the Viofo is very basic and just the essentials. I highly recommend the SG as well.

For both cams I have the highest possible card it can take, which is 128gb for the Viofo and 400gb for the Street Guardian. You can get these pretty cheap on Amazon, they go on sale very often.

If you have any questions feel free to ask, I’ll answer to the best of my knowledge.

I've only had mine for a few weeks, but I love it so far. I purchased mine as an upgrade from a [G1W] (www.amazon.com/dp/B00HMNFWYW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_3CWQyb06CKB1G) I had before. I'm not too knowledgeable on specs and whatnot, But I wanted something reliable that wouldn't break the bank. The reviews were good, the price was right and it serves my purpose perfectly. I hardwired mine and it sits up and out of the way but within arms reach if I need to snap a picture for any reason. [Here] (http://imgur.com/q2iV9n2) it is if you're interested. I can also upload couple of clips when I get home if you'd like. Cheers!!

I would not get one that cheap with some of the reviews indicating it stopped working so quickly. Below is a link to what I've been using for almost a year (purchased last June), in Texas where it is about as hot as Florida. It has worked great for me so far and it keeps the date & settings saved even if I don't use my car for a few days (losing the date and settings was a problem with other capacitor based cameras I'd used). It is less expensive than the Guardian brand models, night footage might not be as good as those but it is adequate for me. I feel this one was a good deal. But there are plenty of good cameras out there.

http://www.amazon.com/AUTO-VOX-Dashboard-Capacitor-Internal-Recording/dp/B00UUQD9L6?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

EDIT: So, while that above link is what I am using in one of my cars and I've been happy with it so far, there are also other options such as this one just under 100 bucks that seem to have overall better reviews and more reviews. So, this might be even better, but I have no experience with it: http://www.amazon.com/Rexing-Dashboard-Recorder-G-Sensor-Recording/dp/B00X528FNE/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_sims?ie=UTF8

The camera is an alright camera, but the price is way too high for what you seem like you need.

Will you set up the speed camera alerts through your wifes phone? Does she speed?

If you're only looking for video as the main feature, save yourself the $$ and get one of these Rexings. You can go even cheaper with this Aukey, which has good quality video and it is discrete.

Also, you can easily hardwire it into your wife's car using a kit like this,

My response is probably tl;dr, lol. But I made the response more detailed because of your continued interest and because I wish I had this info available to me prior to purchasing dashcams.

Have you had any overheating issues? No, never had this issue with the 55's and I used to drive rideshare on average of 30+ hrs per week in the scorching summer months of LA. Although, I don't know for certain if the dashcam 25's had a notification that states "overheating" or something like that; however, my 25's did fail repeatedly and may/may not have been as a result of me not using the original manufacturer charging cables. Having a dashcam from a reputable manufacturer, like I commented before, has its advantages like customer service, firmware updates, replacements, reputation etc.

Example: When my 25's failed, Garmin stiffed me by sending out refurbs and those had the same issues. So, I played my hand by going through the Dept of Consumer Affairs and the District Attorney's office because they would fail mid-drive and so I stated this was due to poor manufacturing and dangerous as it is a distraction and failure to record in case an incident did occur. They contacted Garmin and I got a call from a personal number of a Garmin rep that does damage control. I sent them the failed 25's and after they tested them, they sent me brand new 55's free of charge. Of course, I had to show them proofs of purchase of the 25's.

Do you have lane departure and forward collision turned off because of false readings? I do not have it switched off. Whatever helps keep me focused on the road is helpful. You may think, "well, it takes your focus off the road", but I don't really look at those notifications; I only listen for them. I use them to let me know that something of crucial importance is happening in front of or around me and so I focus more acutely on the road rather than the notifications themselves.

I've never tried other dashcams outide og the Garmin 25 and 55, but, whatever dashcam you are going to go with, make sure you do not plug them into the basic usb charging ports. I've personally had issues with those ports not providing enough power and the dashcams failing as a result. My '14 corolla has only 1 lighter port, but I have 2 dashcams and my phone plugged in and passengers phones when I used to drive rideshare, so I bought this to remedy the issue and haven't had problems since: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078HMYV7G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I haven't tried hardwiring them into the car's fuse box. Maybe i will, maybe I won't. Don't know as of yet.

Also, dashcams have a high overwrite frequency that lends to reduced life spans/reduced memory of sd cards causing them to suddenly stop recording mid-drive, so go with these and they should remedy that problem: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07B9KTLJZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Imo, as driver distractions have increased over the past 5 years with smart phones, in-car apps, etc, dashcams are crucial for everyone. Think about it, as driver accidents go up, insurance companies profits go down as a result of them having to fork over money for repairs, so they are constantly trying to absolve themselves of financial responsibility by concluding that both parties are responsible for collisions, therefore, reducing their expenses as a result of insured parties paying their deductibles. If drivers had video evidence, i.e. dashcams, drivers would instantly save on the cost of their dashcams in case of collisions. Car manufacturers may eventually build dashcams into cars as a result of consumer demand, but they'd face some backlash from insurance companies because of potential collusion. I think I'll post about this just for fun.

That is a good dashcam, I have the A118C and the video image quality is excellent during the day but is mediocre at night.

In my honest opinion, I would go for the Viofo A119 dashcam which is a kind of upgraded version of the A118C and has superior video image quality. It is one of the most popular dashcams on the market just now.

You can buy the dashcam without GPS here: https://www.amazon.com/Viofo-A119-1440P-30fps-Camera/dp/B01HVWNFF6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1480310505&sr=8-1&keywords=viofo+a118c+dash+cam

and with GPS here: https://www.amazon.ca/SpyTec-A119-1440p-Dash-Camera/dp/B01HN0HBFG/ref=sr_1_19?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1480310185&sr=1-19&keywords=a118c%2Bdash%2Bcam&th=1

I live in Canada also, I have never considered my options to be limited.

I also have a tinted rear window that's pretty dark and the rear camera still works great. Also, I have a long wagon and recently install the new A129 Pro Duo. Works great. After installation and set up, they are hands off until something happens.

I recommend a A129 Pro Duo after it was recommended to me on /r/dashcam

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RXQJ148?ref=myi_title_dp

got mine for $100 off Amazon. records both front and rear, love it!

AUKEY Dual Dash Cam HD 1080P Front and Rear Camera
It was $97 when i bought it in July but looks like it's $130 now. still a great camera for the money.

> Anyone know why SanDisk (Or Transcend as well) doesn't offer a 128gb High Endurance card?

> Blackvue has a 128gb card but it is crazy overpriced.

I believe you answered your own question. Large capacity MLC cards are very expensive. A good alternative that has had a good success rate with dash cams is Samsung Evo Select.

The Viofo A129 Pro Duo w/ GPS is available right now for $191.95 w/ free shipping, sold by OCD Tronic but it's fulfilled by Amazon.

If you're interested in one I'd hurry, there's only 7 left at the moment.

No reason you can’t do that, but why not get a dual system like this?
AUKEY Dual Dash Cam, 1080P HD Front and Rear Camera, 6-Lane 170° Wide-Angle Lens, Night Vision, G-Sensor, Dual-Port Car Charger https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075S7W6FR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_jA9bBlKhLaB7q

I have this one in my tundra and only have to press 1 button to save the front and rear view.

Many dashcams run fine on USB power - the 12V lead just converts the voltage down to 5V.

So you could conceivably use more or less any dashcam, paired with a mobile phone power bank (like this one), which would also be useful for other things.

The hot weather requirement makes me think something with a capacitor (e.g. G1W-CB) might be ideal.

I bought a toll transponder suction cup mount when we rented a vehicle while on vacation. I bought some double sided mounting tape and adhered the dash cam mount to the suction cup mount. Worked great.

ARKON BT010 Windshield Suction Mount for EZ Pass Toll Transponders Bluetooth GPS Receivers and Radar Detectors https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FGI9R0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_iLIsDb43H0T9S

This is a better deal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072FGL63X/ref=emc_b_5_t

I have the dual cam version installed in one of my vehicles and it works great.

I'd personally go 64gb since you can record continously for up to 30 hours before overwriting (depending on fps settings). See this link for breakdown on recording times:

https://www.blackvue.com/video-quality-settings-and-recording-time/

I have these two and they are great. I prefer the Samsung though since I believe they make better cards than Sandisk. Also, you will need to use the blackvue windows viewer app to format to FAT32 before using.

https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Endurance-64GB-Micro-Adapter/dp/B07B9KTLJZ/

https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-Endurance-Monitoring-Adapter-SDSDQQ-064G-G46A/dp/B00V5Q1N1I/

You're not wrong, but there are specific SD cards designed specifically for write endurance as they're intended to be used in equipment like dashcams. I'm a fan of the Samsung PRO Endurance 128GB SD card.

cc /u/charbel1011

https://www.amazon.com/Street-Guardian-SG9663DC-Channel-MicroSD/dp/B072HNKJ45

Looks like a different memory card for a little cheaper.

I'm still looking for a dash cam today, not having much much finding the perfect one.

It's not the G1W-CB but rather the G1W-C in that Amazon link, as it has the silver ring around the lens, I think it's legit because the seller has decent reviews and the price adds up, and since it's sold by Amazon you can return it if you must, so you don't really risk much by trying.

Spytec also sells the G1W-C on Amazon if that's what you were looking for.

I do seem to have a hard time finding the G1W-CB on Amazon, but it is on eBay

Here is a link to amazon my_search. I'm thinking of getting it myself. Reading up on this subreddit, this model seems like a good bang-for-your-buck buy.

The Samsung EVO Select (white and green) have been solid so far in dash cameras and are a good value.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XWZWYVP/ref=twister_B071R715MZ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Oh okay. I actually just realized that I have a $12 Gift Card, and the G1W itself is only $50 on Amazon, and since it is directly from Black Box, it would have to be legit, no? I am now thinking that maybe I want to try one before I go ahead and buy a bunch all at once, even if I pay full price on all of them I guess... Here is one of the capcitor versions that I found on Amazon as well, which also seems to be from Black Box.

sorry for going back and forth with this, kind of experiencing information overload all at once haha

G1W-C has good quality, full HD and you can read licence plates. In daylight you could read ones of the cars going the opposite way at city speeds. At night it's obviously a bit trickier due to headlights of other cars blinding the camera. Reading number plates of cars going the same way is not too hard.


It also has a capacitor instead of a battery, so no dangers of overheating.
The downside is that the capacitor has just enough charge to save the last file and shut down properly, so just a few seconds.

Amazon link is just an example, there are lots of stores selling this camera. I got mine from China via Ebay, paid $45 in total.

I have the Aukley cam, and hardwired it to be always one. It's been a few months so far and Haven't had a problem. The low voltage cutoff seems to work. Only issue would be if you have a short commute, you might not be able to charge the battery back to 100% after it being on all night. It works for me but I'm cheap and willing to be inconvenienced to degree to save money

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072FGL63X/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078T5T21G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I will also put a plug for the A129 Pro Duo. Also came with the little trim tool which was really helpful for running the cables to the rear cam. Has GPS tracking as well, though I keep the speed turned off the display. Still logs it in a separate file or metadata I believe.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RXQJ148?ref=myi_title_dp

That one or the newer model of the same name should work fine. SanDisk and Samsung (their high endurance card here) are pretty trustworthy, unless you get a fake from Amazon :/

I got the 16GB version and bought 128GB sd cards separately for $45 a piece, and they're working great. Here's what I got: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XWZWYVP/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You need something like this to prevent the battery from draining.
Disclaimer: I have not used any of these. Maybe someone can recommend one?

https://www.amazon.com/Power-Magic-Pro-Discharge-Prevention/dp/B008B8ERIO

https://www.amazon.com/CELLPOWER-CPUSB01-Discharge-Prevention-Guardian/dp/B00VLAEPJ0

https://www.amazon.com/Battery-Discharge-Prevention-Device-Parking/dp/B01B8HI4U6

I have an A118C & like it. Good picture & fits all requirements you listed.
EDIT: Although, the rear cam is of lower quality come to think of it.
I may spend 29 bucks on amazon for a replacement= hd cam for the rear

Thank you!

Is this the correct hardware kit?

https://www.amazon.com/Viofo-3-Wire-Hardwire-A129-Camera/dp/B07KZGM9LS/ref=sr_1_2?crid=QK7O5MVGQXYV&keywords=viofo+3+wire+acc+hardwire+kit&qid=1569346851&sprefix=Viofo+3-wire+hardwire+kit%2Caps%2C227&sr=8-2

Is this the correct tap-a-fuse kit?

https://www.amazon.com/Uriveusa-Circuit-Adapter-Holder-Upgraded/dp/B01LFXA5YQ/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=tap-a-fuse+wire&qid=1569346818&sr=8-1

The versions are very similar at a glance. I just purchased this one with the polarized filter. Excellent image quality.

I've been using this SanDisk 128GB card for the last year or so without any issues. My sister got me this Samsung 128GB card for Christmas last year as a backup card, and every time I try and use it I have nothing but problems. The camera (650S-2CH) continuously exclaims, "Check SD card," every five seconds after the first video tries to save.

I've been looking to upgrade to a 256GB card because since I drive 100+ miles per day and can only capture about a weeks' worth of footage. Is this the Samsung card you're talking about? I just don't want to get the wrong one.

Here’s the amazon link. There’s some footage in the reviews if you want to see how it looks. AUKEY Dash Cam, Dashboard Camera Recorder with Full HD 1080P, 6-Lane 170° Wide Angle Lens, Supercapacitor, G-Sensor and Clear Nighttime Recording https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072FGL63X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_75jACbMEJ6GNQ

Which would you suggest of the two models?
The Black Box G1W-C

Or the Black Box G1W

Thanks

No "A1", just a "10", looks like this one:

https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-microSDXC-Standard-Packaging-SDSQUNC-128G-GN6MA/dp/B010Q57S62

​

Nope, not loose, it feels pretty firmly mounted; i have the little padded mat that it comes with underneath it too, with the metal contacts unobstructed