Dash cameras

[Wanders from Glos]

I was thinking of getting a dash camera. Partly as evidence in the event of an insurance claim but mainly because we drive some scenic routes l, particularly in Europe, and we thought it might be nice to record them.

When I had a quick look there seems to be a plethora of them with a range of prices. Does anyone know much about them, or have experience of using them.

I know the law varies in different countries.

 

[stuartholmes]

The information within your comment is of tremendous value, thank you for bothering to be so precise.

Thanks, you're totally welcome. I believe when able to do so we all like to add value as well as extract it!

 

[Widge]

That's clearer, should have guessed. Pity the screen can't also have an input for a camera mounted in the front, maybe poking through the radiator grille?

I bought mine last year, but isn't any of the main brands, but it was the only one that actually had a seperate front camera, most have the front camera built into the back of the screen facing forward, but the black hashing on the screen would have blocked it. The front camera only has a short lead, but I guess you could put an extension lead on it, but in the front you realy need it behind glass with a wiper, or you probably not see much.

The screen displays front, rear or split screen, also the screen is slightly mirrored, so just touching the off button, turns the screen off so you can see into the back of the van as you would a conventional mirror, handy if you are talking to someone, or want to see what the kids are doing etc. Lastly the rear camera changes its view and reversing marks pop up for reversing.

I have just looked on ebay but cannot find one the same.

 

[Odd-no-more]

I have had a dash cam in the car for years, on the last trip to London I drove into a box junction my exit was clear but before I could drive across, a car shot from the left hand lane to turn right, blocking me in. So when I got home.I checked the footage, first problem, the time was not set so I struggled to find the incident, then the second problem the picture quality is terrible. I have given up trying to find the clip but I have saved the whole trip in case I get a letter. I've also bought a new dash cam with good quality and GPS cost £50. I have already used it as I thought I may have gone through a red light so I checked, with the date and time stamp the clip was easy to find and great quality, I could see the light changed to amber just as I drove through it so I'm in the clear

 

[stuartholmes]

I bought mine last year, but isn't any of the main brands, but it was the only one that actually had a seperate front camera, most have the front camera built into the back of the screen facing forward, but the black hashing on the screen would have blocked it. The front camera only has a short lead, but I guess you could put an extension lead on it, but in the front you realy need it behind glass with a wiper, or you probably not see much.

The screen displays front, rear or split screen, also the screen is slightly mirrored, so just touching the off button, turns the screen off so you can see into the back of the van as you would a conventional mirror, handy if you are talking to someone, or want to see what the kids are doing etc. Lastly the rear camera changes its view and reversing marks pop up for reversing.

I have just looked on ebay but cannot find one the same.

It sounds practically perfect in every way. ☺

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[Coolcats]

I'm having difficulty in finding a dash cam that actually fits to the dash. A windscreen sucker type is no good with our Remiss type blinds, if fitted to the dash these cameras are then "upside down" .

Has anyone found a camera to meet my needs. Apologies for piggy backing on this post.

I have the Remus type blinds and have a Road Angel I placed it at the bottom of the screen and there is space enough

May be worth a look

Road Angel Halo Drive 1440p QHD Dash Cam

FEATURES Parking mode, Auto start, Microphone, Auto Overwrite RECORDING RESOLUTION Full HD 1920 x 1080p (30 fps) HD 1280 x 720p (30 fps) VIEWING ANGLE 140° MEMORY Up to 128gb SDHC (sold separately) SOUND Mono Speaker CONNECTIVITY Micro USB / USB-C, WiFi IMAGE SENSOR CMOS POWER INPUT 12v USB-C

www.roadangelgroup.com

 

[gus-lopez]

That's clearer, should have guessed. Pity the screen can't also have an input for a camera mounted in the front, maybe poking through the radiator grille?

Easy enough to do if you put your mind to it. I have a forward facing dash cam. I have a number plate light reversing camera & I have a high level rear view camera .All can be operated on the move. On the last van the forward facing dash cam also had a rear facing camera + I had a forward facing camera installed at the rear of the van inside at the back.

 

[Sasbo]

I'll be interested to know what you change to. How old is your Blackvue?

To be fair the Blackvue is about 8 years old so it doesn't owe my anything and hasn't had a single issue until it decided to give up the ghost.

Not sure what to get as a replacement but fitted one of these to daughters car a few weeks ago and am impressed so far.

Xiaomi 70mai A800S 4k Dashcam - TechPunt

Shoot razor-sharp images with the first 4k Dashcam from Xiaomi 70Mai, now including RC06 rear view camera! Guarantee your safety and that of your car!

www.techpunt.nl

 

[stuartholmes]

Easy enough to do if you put your mind to it. I have a forward facing dash cam. I have a number plate light reversing camera & I have a high level rear view camera .All can be operated on the move. On the last van the forward facing dash cam also had a rear facing camera + I had a forward facing camera installed at the rear of the van inside at the back.

That's a good collection! I have the nextbase dashcam tucked behind the rearview mirror but my favourit 'toy' is the high level rearview camera that functions as alternative to the mirror (& does so better than the mirror in my wife's car) but has a button I can press to give a vertical downward view for close quarters reversing. I expect many people here have them but after a year's ownership it's still a novelty & a daily delight to me.
My next wish though is for a camera on the front of the bonnet, or maybe one on each front corner so I can have an equally good view when getting up close & personal with obstacles at the front. Has anyone got that & if so please send details!!!

 

[Widge]

It sounds practically perfect in every way. ☺

My only criticism, is headlight glare at night on the rear camera, the image can get washed out.

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[stuartholmes]

My only criticism, is headlight glare at night on the rear camera, the image can get washed out.

I wonder whether a polarising filter over the camera might solve that without dimming the image too much?

 

[Widge]

I wonder whether a polarising filter over the camera might solve that without dimming the image too much?

I did wonder about trying that.

 

[GMLS]

That's a good collection! I have the nextbase dashcam tucked behind the rearview mirror but my favourit 'toy' is the high level rearview camera that functions as alternative to the mirror (& does so better than the mirror in my wife's car) but has a button I can press to give a vertical downward view for close quarters reversing. I expect many people here have them but after a year's ownership it's still a novelty & a daily delight to me.
My next wish though is for a camera on the front of the bonnet, or maybe one on each front corner so I can have an equally good view when getting up close & personal with obstacles at the front. Has anyone got that & if so please send details!!!

On your last point, I think getting a neat diy install might be a challenge but Motorhome Retrofits on Youtube do this sort of thing a lot

 

[daventess]

I've taken to setting the cruise control at about 56 on motorways

60 for me, and I tend to find a lorry to sit behind (though not too closely) unless it's raining. I also use the CC lever to slow down a bit to let joining lanes merge instead of moving to the middle lane.

I find the whole journey so much more relaxing in the slow lane and not playing the overtaking game. I used to be a country-wide engineer, so a big change from the somewhat frantic dashes from one city to another.

 

[Two on Tour]

Dashcams are great for recording what's going on in front of you, but what about behind you?
I use one of our twin reversing cameras as a rearview mirror, and I fitted a DVR that records the footage from these two cameras.
The recording is not great quality as it is only VGA, but it does give a reasonable view if you needed to prove fault if someone runs into the back of you or clips you.

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[stuartholmes]

On your last point, I think getting a neat diy install might be a challenge but Motorhome Retrofits on Youtube do this sort of thing a lot

Not heard of them so thank you very much, I'll go & look right now!! Cheers.

 

[stuartholmes]

60 for me, and I tend to find a lorry to sit behind (though not too closely) unless it's raining. I also use the CC lever to slow down a bit to let joining lanes merge instead of moving to the middle lane.

I find the whole journey so much more relaxing in the slow lane and not playing the overtaking game. I used to be a country-wide engineer, so a big change from the somewhat frantic dashes from one city to another.

Excellent approach in my view. I also used to rush about, not always on business but just to get there before my brakes fail. ☺

I go a bit below lorry speed for the variety, I used to find when I followed your plan it didn't take long before I wanted to get past whereas if I let them do the passing there's a bit more variety, but chacun a son gout...

 

[stuartholmes]

Dashcams are great for recording what's going on in front of you, but what about behind you?
I use one of our twin reversing cameras as a rearview mirror, and I fitted a DVR that records the footage from these two cameras.
The recording is not great quality as it is only VGA, but it does give a reasonable view if you needed to prove fault if someone runs into the back of you or clips you.

View attachment 746022

I like that idea but is it easier than a conventional dashcam mounted at the back?
Although I can answer that question for myself if you're one of those people with a vehicle that has no back window....

 

[Jacasino]

My Blackvue camera (hardwired in professionally) has suddenly started asking me to login in order to view any of the clips. If I try to do so it tells me that my password is incorrect. It isn't. Then it asks me to connect the phone to the camera. It's already connected, and has been working fine for months. Up to now I've always been able to just connect immediately via the app on my phone, and see all the clips. But not any more (unless I remove the card from the camera). This is a right PITA, frankly, and I'm not very thrilled about it.

That’s interesting I was set on buying a Black Vue and joined the Facebook BV owners community, it sounds as though BV has updated its app and the group is full of disgruntled previously happy users. It’s enough to put me off Black Vue.

 

[flyboyprowler]

Just swopped our Nextbase for an Aguri as, after getting two speeding tickets from cameras I didn't even see in France and Spain, this gives a warning on known cameras and radars. NOT a detector but uses the same database as Nextbase.

Speed Trap & Speed Limit Alert Dash Cam Aguri DX4000

Aguri High Definition Dash Cam and GPS speed trap and speed limit alert system made specifically for UK & Europe. Buy Online.

aguriworld.co.uk

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[RayD]

I have a Bailey Autograph 111 79-4t and am having difficulty in getting both my Garmin satnav and a Nextbase dashcam to work at the same time as there’s only one 12v cigarette socket to attatch cable to.

Other than paying to get dashcam fully wired in to moho has anyone any idea how to operate both units simultaneously?

We strongly believe in dashcam for moho, but have had to leave in glovebox on our travels!!

Thanks in advance.

 

[Wickenman]

I was thinking of getting a dash camera. Partly as evidence in the event of an insurance claim but mainly because we drive some scenic routes l, particularly in Europe, and we thought it might be nice to record them.

When I had a quick look there seems to be a plethora of them with a range of prices. Does anyone know much about them, or have experience of using them.

I know the law varies in different countries.

I have Thinkware dash cans fitted front & rear in my car and my motorhome. I’ve had several unwanted incidents where they’ve proved invaluable with offenders denying all responsibility until I show them the indisputable evidence on my phone. There are loads of different names available but the Thinkware is unbeatable. Whatever make you eventually go for but the largest memory card that is compatible to allow long recording times. Mine have saved me thousands in claims.

 

[Widge]

Just swopped our Nextbase for an Aguri as, after getting two speeding tickets from cameras I didn't even see in France and Spain, this gives a warning on known cameras and radars. NOT a detector but uses the same database as Nextbase.

Speed Trap & Speed Limit Alert Dash Cam Aguri DX4000

Aguri High Definition Dash Cam and GPS speed trap and speed limit alert system made specifically for UK & Europe. Buy Online.

aguriworld.co.uk

If it actually tells you of speed cameras it is illegal in france, tomtom apear to get around this by warning you of a hazard ahead without actually specifying it is a speed camera.

 

[Wee Bold Davy]

I gave dash cam footage to the police almost 2 weeks ago after a high powered sports car overtook me and the car behind me on a bend with double white lines. If I or the car coming the opposite direction hadn't braked I dread to think what would have happened as he must have been doing over 90mph.
The things that made it worse was that he'd only been behind us for a half mile and turned off the road only a mile further on
Police said that they will let me know the outcome of their enquiries within 14 days

 

[Wickenman]

I'm having difficulty in finding a dash cam that actually fits to the dash. A windscreen sucker type is no good with our Remiss type blinds, if fitted to the dash these cameras are then "upside down" .

Has anyone found a camera to meet my needs. Apologies for piggy backing on this post.

Most models allow you to invert the camera in their settings

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[TR5]

I fitted Nextbase 622GW cams and rear cams to all our vehicles (no dashcam rear camera on Motorhome as no rear window), and two or three weeks later we witnessed two older males getting hit by a car in a residential road, so hard that one had his forearm literally torn off.
The police were very grateful for the footage.
Personally, the better the picture quality (4K) and stabilisation of the image makes number plates clear, whereas a lower quality image may not, especially at speed.

 

[Captain Birdseye]

I was thinking of getting a dash camera. Partly as evidence in the event of an insurance claim but mainly because we drive some scenic routes l, particularly in Europe, and we thought it might be nice to record them.

When I had a quick look there seems to be a plethora of them with a range of prices. Does anyone know much about them, or have experience of using them.

I know the law varies in different countries.

We have three NextBase full HD dash cams (my car, Rosemarie's car & the camper).
They are excellent and have a polarising filter in front of the lens which you rotate to get rid of reflections in the windscreen.

 

[LesW]

I have a Bailey Autograph 111 79-4t and am having difficulty in getting both my Garmin satnav and a Nextbase dashcam to work at the same time as there’s only one 12v cigarette socket to attatch cable to.

Other than paying to get dashcam fully wired in to moho has anyone any idea how to operate both units simultaneously?

We strongly believe in dashcam for moho, but have had to leave in glovebox on our travels!!

Thanks in advance.

I use something like this..

12V Dual Way cigarette lighter car Lighter Charger Socket Splitter Cigar Lighter | eBay

Double the output of the cigarette lighter socket. Simply plug into car's cigarette lighter socket. Convert and increase your car cigarette lighter from 1 to 2 sockets. LED indicator of formal function.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Bgrr]

To get over the Remis blinds problem I bought this dashcam

A119v3 1 Channel Front Dashcam | Viofo UK

A119v3 1 Channel Front Dashcam. Features include: G-sensor, motion detection, loop recording, support up to 256GB SD card, built-in microphone, auto start/stop, Easy to install and with a 1 year warranty, it's the ideal choice.

viofouk.co.uk

I bought it with GPS Mount which is the part that uses a 3M pad to place on the window. The cam simply clips on and can easily removed when I close the blinds. The power lead plugs into either the GPS mount or the camera itself. It also comes with two other mounts to use in other vehicles but they don’t have GPS. I have hardwired it with their special kit that stops the vehicle battery being drained. The image quality is extremely good. Plenty of reviews online.

 

[Newfie]

People with nextbase dash cams
Be aware they also need to be kept at the latest software version check yours is up to date here

How to update your firmware

Click here for step by step video tutorials in updating firmware to keep your Nextbase dash cams in tip top condition.

nextbase.co.uk

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[RayD]

I use something like this..

12V Dual Way cigarette lighter car Lighter Charger Socket Splitter Cigar Lighter | eBay

Double the output of the cigarette lighter socket. Simply plug into car's cigarette lighter socket. Convert and increase your car cigarette lighter from 1 to 2 sockets. LED indicator of formal function.

www.ebay.co.uk

Great. Thanks for this, I’ve now purchased one. I’ll give it try next outing.