Help with Advice Re: Dual Dash Cameras & Parking Assist Systems

dscott85 on 02/02/2020 - 21:07
Last edited 02/02/2020 - 21:08

My car is a Mazda 3, currently with a non-wired cheap Ausdom forward facing dash camera. Thinking to upgrade as I recently had the car repaired after a not at fault insurance claim. I would like the parking assist ideally included with the dual dash camera, as I’ve had spinal surgery which restricts my neck movement somewhat & this would be most helpful for reverse parking.

Ideally I’d be looking for a dual cam system with in-built parking assistance, in addition to getting some parking sensors. But I don’t know if that is possible & what sort of costs I should expect. My own web searching so far has found either one or the other, but not both in one system.

Any insights anyone could offer or answers to one or more of the queries I have would be great.

Can you get systems which work well for both (both as duel dash cameras & as parking assist system)?
Any ideas regarding ballpark figures for pricing?
Recommendations on what I should consider?
How much should I expect to be paying to install?

Thanks in advance for any advice people can offer.

Automotive Dash Camera

Comments

  • Richardc on 02/02/2020 - 21:16
    +1

    reverse camera suually install at the top of the rear number plate, and the rear dash cam usually install at the top of the rear glass.

    • dscott85 on 02/02/2020 - 21:19

      Thanks for the information chenrenchun. That makes sense now that you mention it, as they'd be for different perspectives I guess. Appreciate it. Looks like I'll probably need to look into separate devices.

  • PinzVidz on 02/02/2020 - 22:50
    +1

    What's the year/model code and variant of your Mazda3? So I can determine and recommend what reverse cam would suit…

    As above, keep dual dashcam and reverse cam separate. Viofo A129 4K when on special with eBay coupon would be my pick for a dual dashcam setup, if your budget allows it.

    • dscott85 on 03/02/2020 - 09:47
      +1

      Thanks for the helpful reply PinzVidz. I'll look into the Viofo A129 4K dual cam setup you suggested and keep an eye out for good prices, definitely will checkout out eBay.

      Regarding the year model code for my Mazda, this is the information I have:

      Make: MAZDA 3
      Model: BK10F2 MAXX SEDAN 4DR SA 4SP 2.01
      Year: 2007
      Body Type: SEDAN

      Hopefully this is right, automotive related things aren't my forte.
      Thanks again for your advice so far.

      • PinzVidz on 03/02/2020 - 13:52
        +1

        Thanks for the info, perfect. The factory audio system can easily be replaced with a decent aftermarket head unit (Kenwood, Sony etc) with large touch screen for a reverse camera. Fascias are available to suit. Fit something with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto to bring your Mazda3 up to date.

        • dscott85 on 03/02/2020 - 16:47
          +1

          Thanks for the followup information PinzVidz.
          I can do some more research now that I have a better idea of what I need to look at.

          Outside of the dual dash cam and a suitable hardwire kit; looks like I need to look at (1) a head unit, (2) a fascia to suit & (3) reverse cameras compatible with the head unit.

          Appreciate you taking the time to help a novice understand.

          • PinzVidz on 03/02/2020 - 16:54
            +1

            @dscott85: A bit of further info for you. These are the part listings for your generation Mazda3 from Stinger Australia and Aerpro. Generally these parts are available on eBay or at Super Cheap, Autobarn etc.

            If you're looking at Kenwood units, they have built-in SWC (Steering Wheel Control) capability, so a separate SWC interface won't be required. That's providing you have steering wheel controls.

            • dscott85 on 03/02/2020 - 17:14
              +1

              @PinzVidz: Thanks a lot for the Mazda 3 compatible part links PinzVidz.

              Also, really appreciate the heads up regarding the Kenwood units & the native support for steering wheel control capability. That's something I hadn't considered either and I enjoy being able to change the radio station from my wheel, appreciate your help.

  • HeWhoKnows on 03/02/2020 - 09:21

    Buy a new car
    They have it all

    • dscott85 on 03/02/2020 - 09:32

      Whilst I applaud your out of the box thinking, I don’t really have the money to be purchasing another vehicle. Plus my current car has excellent km’s & drives well, so I’m actually very happy with it - despite the lack of parking assist & dual dash cameras.

  • Snake 4 on 03/02/2020 - 10:54
    -2

    Seems like a drivers licence is first prize in a lucky dip these days.

    May I suggest you learn to drive and park.

    • dscott85 on 03/02/2020 - 13:25
      +1

      I injured my neck at work.

      As a result I’ve required an operation called a cervical fusion - basically two vertebrae in my neck were fused together with a titanium plate & screws, after a disc was previously removed & a piece of cadaver bone replaced the removed disc.

      This means this area of my neck that previously moved more freely is less mobile. I can not perform the same range of movement as before, as a result I thought it might be prudent to invest in a parking aid as suggested by my surgeon. I want to continue being a safe driver aware of any potential obstacles behind my vehicle. Is this compulsory no. But I don’t want to be too proud & potentially injure someone because of my limitations.

      • Snake 4 on 03/02/2020 - 13:30

        Gotcha and a very wise decision.

  • bobbified on 03/02/2020 - 12:34
    +1

    I've never seen a dashcam system that is used as both a dashcam and a parking aid. I've always seem them sold as separate products.

    I personally use a hardwired dual camera BlackVue setup. Total cost was just under $1000 installed. The image quality is pretty good both day and night.

  • dscott85 on 03/02/2020 - 13:13

    Yeah, that makes sense in hindsight. As chenrenchun pointed out by their very nature dash cameras & parking cameras would want to be at different heights/perspectives. So having a device that did both would probably mean it did one of those things poorly, sorry newbie question.

    BlackVue was probably the only dash cam setup I had heard about prior to starting my research (as it gets an OzBargain post every now & again), will keep it in mind; thanks for help bobbified. Was the installation expensive or was that included in the camera price?

    Thanks for the advice.

    • bobbified on 03/02/2020 - 13:39
      +1

      I paid $500 for the dual camera system (DR750 model) with the voltage monitor for parking mode (20% off ebay sale last year), $120 for a compatible micro sd card and $300 for installation. I normally would have installed it myself and saved the $300, but I had a major health issue so I had to get someone else to do it and didn't mind paying a little more for a reputable place. It's not cheap, but I don't need to worry about turning the camera on and off when I get in and out of the car.

      I definitely wouldn't get the type you have to turn on each time. The day you don't bother turning it on is going to be the day you wish you did! haha

      • dscott85 on 03/02/2020 - 17:04
        +1

        Thanks for the insight bobbified. Looks like you got a good deal on the BlackVue DR750 setup. I hope whatever major health issues you had are improving, $300 for installation seems pretty reasonable for piece of mind.

        Yep, I'll definitely be looking at getting a hardwired system. I'm the kind of person that would forget to turn the camera on and end up being rear ended, which would be a awfully sad state to be in after buying a brand new dash cam!

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