Dashcam Recommendations - First Time User

virhlpool on 04/09/2023 - 00:42

Hi.. I have never had a dashcam earlier but thinking of buying one now, so please be kind as I have very limited knowledge about them. Can you please recommend one? Not looking for a very high end model but some 'value for money' that most OzBargainers go for typically would do (I trust this community for their pick). I couldn't find any recent popular deal for a dashcam. Also, which SD card should I go for? Thanks in advance for your recommendations.

PS: I came across a recent post that flagged the need of an ability to switch off the dashcam from draining car battery when the car is parked for long. I would prefer if the model address this issue with an in-built function.

Automotive Dash Camera

Comments

  • Richardc on 04/09/2023 - 01:10
    -1

    there is a power button on the dashcam.

    • tebbybabes on 04/09/2023 - 02:44

      Excellent links! Thanks.

    • virhlpool on 04/09/2023 - 11:37

      Thank you.

  • doperst on 04/09/2023 - 02:18
    +1

    Most dashcams would switch off automatically when the car is parked, if wired correctly.

    I got 70mai Pro Plus+ A500S front+rear with parking monitoring and very happy with it.

  • geekcohen on 04/09/2023 - 05:49

    I have a Navman MiVue™145 GPS TAG for my front camera (I have a ute with canopy, so different camera for the rear) and it is pretty good. Not expensive and pretty reliable. As for an SD Card, I would recommend a 128GB which gives you heaps of time should you need to go back (especially for long trips). Something like this for an SD card. There are often heaps of SD card deals on OzBargin.

    Example videos:

    PS: I came across a recent post that flagged the need of an ability to switch off the dashcam from draining car battery when the car is parked for long. I would prefer if the model address this issue with an in-built function.

    You just need to use the 12V socket and it'll turn off automatically when you turn the card off. What people are referring to there is hard wired solutions to the battery for other functionality (which means a higher model and more cost)

    • BewareOfThe Dog on 04/09/2023 - 10:41
      +3

      Make sure the microsd is a high endurance samsung or sandisk.

      • geekcohen on 04/09/2023 - 11:34

        Yes, I linked that in my comment. SanDisk Extreme PLUS microSDXC 128GB 200MB/s Memory Card [2022]

        • BewareOfThe Dog on 04/09/2023 - 13:18
          +1

          Good stuff. I missed that skimming through.

      • virhlpool on 04/09/2023 - 20:59

        So does this cam not work in parking when car is off? Also, do you recommend rear cam too? I assume this cam only records the front. Please clarify.

        • BewareOfThe Dog on 05/09/2023 - 12:50
          +1

          Definitely get the Viofo that has a rear camera. There is a hardwire kit available that works with parking mode, but you will need some fuse taps (unless you have an auto electician installing it).

          • virhlpool on 05/09/2023 - 13:13

            @BewareOfThe Dog: Thanks heaps! Will need to wait for the Viofo deal then. They aren't at discount at present. Also, can you please link a reasonably priced hardwire kit that would work, so that I don't pick a wrong one?

    • virhlpool on 04/09/2023 - 11:58

      Thanks. Does the model you shared have promotions? Currently it's for $99. I wonder if it gets cheaper.

      • geekcohen on 04/09/2023 - 15:19

        It is already on promotion, it was in the JB Catalogue. Its pretty good value, most other places are $128 or more.

        • virhlpool on 04/09/2023 - 17:35

          A naive question but do most people use dashcam for back (i.e. back camera) too or should just the front be enough? Honda CR-V..

          • geekcohen on 05/09/2023 - 07:50

            @virhlpool: Entirely up to you. Rear cameras are becoming the norm and the easy all in one units are great. With more and more rear endings, it is handy. I got one for my wife's Hyundai Tucson (all in one unit) and it has been pretty good.

            I've got a separate rear because I have a ute, and it has been pretty handy to have.

        • virhlpool on 04/09/2023 - 21:45

          Tried hard but can't find any reviews on this model on Amazon etc. No review on JB Hi Fi too.. is it not popular at all? Thanks.

          • geekcohen on 05/09/2023 - 07:50

            @virhlpool: Not sure, I personally have one and have no complaints. I posted video exams in my first comment.

  • Emphasise on 04/09/2023 - 09:26
    +2

    You should take a look at LTT's dashcam roundup.

    You can skip to around 15:00 for the tl;dr but pretty much all the high end dashcams perform about the same or even worse than a mid priced one.
    Budget: Thinkware F70
    Everyone else: Viofo A119 or A129 plus if you want a rear cam as well

    • Save Medicare on 04/09/2023 - 16:37

      This video is outdated now that viofo a119 mini v2 is out. Sony starvis 2 sensor is new.

  • haroldmac on 04/09/2023 - 09:54
    +2

    Viofo A119

    • BewareOfThe Dog on 04/09/2023 - 10:40

      Also, peel the lens protector off. ;)

      • haroldmac on 04/09/2023 - 11:07

        Is that a thing?

        • BewareOfThe Dog on 04/09/2023 - 11:16
          +1

          My rear camera image was very dark, and I contacted the seller. They sent a full replacement, and it did the same thing. I then discovered the thin dark film.

          I felt s a bit stupid, but the front camera started playing up. It wouldn't recognise a card, if I took it out and put it in my PC etc.

  • Fredfloresjr on 04/09/2023 - 13:35

    Blackvue

  • billy72 on 06/09/2023 - 12:18
    1. Choose one with wide-angle lens
    2. Have a warning sound when not recording or having any issues (faulty card etc.). Sometimes, the dashcam is not recording but you think it is and end up not have the footage when something happens
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