Dash Cams

[Sootchucker]

Sorry if this topic has been covered before, but I've been considering getting a dash cam.

From what I've seen they seem to be divided into two main camps. Those without a LCD screen (such as Black-Vue) and those with (nearly everyone else).

Whilst the ability to look at the footage immediately does appeal, I think I would like a more stealth approach so the smaller the better. My car has the camera for auto high beam (not lane assist) mounted behind the rear view mirror, so would appreciate anyone's thoughts on brands etc. but more importantly if anyone has any photos of their camera installed (both inside the car and outside preferably), so I can see what they look like.

If I did go for one with a screen (for instance the Nextbase ones from Curry's), it must have the ability to shut the screen off during driving as I'd image that would be a big distraction (especially at night). Also I would want GPS built in (not via a dongle), audio is optional (not sure I would have this on anyway), and obviously good quality night and day video quality. Oh, lastly the ability to hard-wire (I hate have wires dangling everywhere).

Thanks in advance.

[I wanted a GTi]

Sorry if this topic has been covered before, but I've been considering getting a dash cam.

From what I've seen they seem to be divided into two main camps. Those without a LCD screen (such as Black-Vue) and those with (nearly everyone else).

Whilst the ability to look at the footage immediately does appeal, I think I would like a more stealth approach so the smaller the better. My car has the camera for auto high beam (not lane assist) mounted behind the rear view mirror, so would appreciate anyone's thoughts on brands etc. but more importantly if anyone has any photos of their camera installed (both inside the car and outside preferably), so I can see what they look like.

If I did go for one with a screen (for instance the Nextbase ones from Curry's), it must have the ability to shut the screen off during driving as I'd image that would be a big distraction (especially at night). Also I would want GPS built in (not via a dongle), audio is optional (not sure I would have this on anyway), and obviously good quality night and day video quality. Oh, lastly the ability to hard-wire (I hate have wires dangling everywhere).

Thanks in advance.

I think Booth11 has a fairly nice and somewhat unobtrusive system front and rear.

[thebear29uk]

I had a Nextbase Duo with front and rear. I liked it and it provided good field of view for front and had a zoom lens for the rear so you weren't focussing on the rear passengers.  The biggest problem I had with it was that I got lots of "card errors" and that made it unreliable. Nextbase did say it was a firmware update and this was 6 months ago so may be fine again now.

I haven't replaced it since but would definitely consider one again in the future.

[vidman2]

I have a Blackview front and rear for several years, very unobtrusive but very good quality.  Easy to fit, no large sucker mount to get in the way just a sticky pad.

These are separate units not the twin ones that you can buy now but they require a cable connection between front and rear which is a pain. Separate units are easy to fit, front can be wired into the fuse box - or see link below - rear just plugs into the power socket in the boot.

Quality units and highly recommended.

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=261543.0

[AndyG]

Ive fitted a transcend unit which I stuck on with velcro to the front facing side of my rear view mirror.Its totally unobtrusive as I didn't want anything stuck to the window.The cable is run behind the window trim down behind the rubber door trim into the car to pick a supply up.


I'm sure I posted this previously but anyway this is what I did.The only advise is use proper Velcro from Halfords,the cheap stuff from Tesco is naff.

[Finglonga]

I have been using a Finevue CR500HD for nearly 10 years and the Wife has a Blackvue for the same time. Hate driving without the added security now. Neither have screens, bothe have permanent sticky pad mounts not the theif attracting sucker cup. Both have parking mode so they are basically on permanently.

[matchboy]

Sootchucker, in short - get one.

I got one for Xmas (Nextbase 512G) - 6 weeks ago some little scroat basically veered into my TTS as I overtook him on a dual carriage way, causing 5 grand's worth of damage.  I've only just got my car back.  As the two little (unts got out of the car they started to have a go and the passenger started saying "my neck hurts" - I told them to stop right there, you're on dashcam, so you can stop with the bullsh!t as I've got the whole thing on camera, and it's all your fault.

Long story short, after he refused to contact the insurance company and ignored all their calls & letters, they settled in my favour as it was 100% his fault as he was driving like a proper c0ck, and they had it all on video.  If it wasn't for the dashcam, it would have been my word against his, and we all know how those situations pan out.  It's the best £150 I've spent in years, and has already paid for itself in this one situation proving my innocence and his guilt.  Get one asap.

If you want to see the quality of mine, go onto my instagram (matchboy1976) as I posted it on there.  Really, they're a life saver.

[Eccie]

Just viewed your footage matchboy, Its good quality and a very good advert for a dash cam - you've all got me thinking now.....

[matchboy]

Just viewed your footage matchboy, Its good quality and a very good advert for a dash cam - you've all got me thinking now.....

I'm no techy, but I assume that the quality is downgraded when you upload to instagram - and it still looks great.  Honestly, after what happened to me I will never be without a dashcam ever again.

[I wanted a GTi]

The Nextbase 512g are £137.95 on Amazon.