[wrenrj1]

For those who have installed dash cams, do you have any suggestions, recommendations etc.? Wanting to keep the price below $100.00. The brief searches I've done kinda seems like "buyer beware." The "As Seen On TV" Dash Cam gave me the itch to get one... Thanks.

 

[csimo]

I use and am very happy with the Blackvue DR600GW-HD, but I'm pretty sure I pad more than $100. There are people upgrading all the time and you might be able to find one on eBay, etc. lightly used.

The Blackvue is essentially invisible unless someone specifically looks pretty hard for it. I didn't want to give anyone an excuse to break in and steal anything. Additionally I end up going thru a DWI checkpoint about every other week and although I've never had any problems I've seen some abuse. I'd prefer they not know I'm recording everything (both audio and video). The video is excellent HD both night and day. I have a couple of accidents caught on video that are pretty dramatic.

I know you have a budget, but sometimes paying more is worth it. A few weeks ago I had to make an emergency stop when a driver completely ignored a red light. It was close, and had there been an accident it would have been my word against the other driver regarding the light (not many witnesses want to get involved).

 

[Highboy90]

Take a look here for a dashcam I use. While more than you want to spend, it will give you some info specific to the Ridgeline. Support is fantastic should problems arise.

That being said, there are cheaper versions that may interest you such as the Spy Tec A118-C.

 

[speedlever]

I have a GW1-C that cost ~ $50-ish. I bought 2, but found 1 had audio issues and returned it. The other one has been great. I hardwired it so I don't have power cords visible. I had it running when a guy ran a stop sign last year and hit me. Fortunately, he owned up to the mistake and I didn't need to use my dashcam footage, but I told the cop and he noted it in the report that dashcam footage was available.

http://www.amazon.com/Black-Box-Original-Dashboard-Dash/dp/B00FONBG1A

This is a cheapo version and does not have GPS, etc that the Blackvue model Joe mentions above has.

 

[Rich M.]

I have the GW1 CB. Runs between $70 and $80.

It has been in my truck for about a year with no issues. Mine is attached to the rearview mirror ( mirror attachment comes separately) and hangs just below the mirror. Not a fan of attaching anything to the winshield.

I got this model based on other forum member's recommendations.

 

[Flyboy]

My rear view mirror glass is showing signs of age. (edges deteriorating) For about the same price of a replacement mirror, I see there are dash cam rear views. Such as this Falcon Link. Has anyone ever used one of these or similar?

 

[speedlever]

My rear view mirror glass is showing signs of age. (edges deteriorating) For about the same price of a replacement mirror, I see there are dash cam rear views. Such as this Falcon Link. Has anyone ever used one of these or similar?

I get a 404 error on that link.

Here's an interesting article on dash cams that came out in February 2016.

The Best Dash Cam | The Wirecutter

Also, I mount my GW1-C the same as Rich M... from the rear view mirror via the mirror mount that came with mine.

I note that since I hardwired it, it seems to lose the date and time info for some reason. I don't know if that's related to my RL being parked most of the time or if that is somehow a function of being hardwired and only getting power when the ignition is on.

I don't recall having that issue when I powered it from the 12v socket... and Honda doesn't power those either until the acc or ignition is on.

 

[Flyboy]

I get a 404 error on that link.

.

Link is fixed

 

[Pghfan]

I had searched high and low for Dash Cams... I finally decided to buy one at Best buy - it was on sale $249.00 ( Thinkware F750) I bought the permanent mount hardware for $29.00 best buy installed it for $40.00 ( it was easy, but for $40.00 - it's warranted for lifetime, and I figured that is cheap insurance for something that is stuck to the windshield and sits in the sun) It is mounted behind the mirror and completely invisible to the occupants of the Ridgeline, even though it is a little bigger than others I have seen. It has an option for a rear camera which I haven't purchased, but the camera is HD with Excellent night time and daytime recording. it has GPS and lane change / collision warning ( I turned those features off after heavy rush hour driving) it records to a micro SD card - I currently have a 32g card and it will take 64 but I already had the 32. videos can be downloaded to a smartphone or the card can be pulled and inserted into an SD card reader. What I like... the camera records constantly while re-writing as necessary. if a collision occurs it will store on the card and on internal memory just in case you have an issue .. its a built in back up drive. it also has a parking option so that if your car is hit, it will trigger the camera and catch any activity. ( i've been hit twice while parked -- both times Before the camera installation) to get the parking option, the hard wire kit must be used.

knowing that the budget is $100 Thinkware has several options - one is the H50 for $79. it isn't as feature laden, but as Cismo said, sometimes you may want to spend a bit more. For me, I wanted the features so I spent a few more dollars. I am going to buy one for my wife's Pilot once it goes back on sale.

Happy shopping.
http://www.amazon.com/THINKWARE-Sen...qid=1458609211&sr=1-1&keywords=thinkware+f750

 

[wrenrj1]

I'm considering the Z edge Z3, but a general question I have is how those with a camera have hung it and run the cable to the USB/12v port. I'd like to hide as much wiring as I can. Pghfan, never thought of getting it installed! My budget is a personal limit, to try to find a cam at an affordable price. I like the idea of paying someone to do an install though. Thanks.

 

[Elkhunter]

I'll second the black box. Cheap, and no problems

 

[speedlever]

I paid a car audio guy $25-$30 to do the hardwire for me. He took it from the overhead power in the overhead console. I had him hardwire my Valentine V1 too.

Be careful what power you use. The GW1-C I have uses 5V power, not 12V. So I bought an inexpensive step down converter from Amazon and the installer put it all together for me in the overhead console area. If you run 12V to a 5V device, expect your device to be fried.

 

[boobai]

To make the balckvue invisible, did you place it somewhere strategically, like down low? Or it just mixes in with the mirror?

 

[Elkhunter]

I paid a car audio guy $25-$30 to do the hardwire for me. He took it from the overhead power in the overhead console. I had him hardwire my Valentine V1 too.

Be careful what power you use. The GW1-C I have uses 5V power, not 12V. So I bought an inexpensive step down converter from Amazon and the installer put it all together for me in the overhead console area. If you run 12V to a 5V device, expect your device to be fried.

True I believe with all dash cams. The hardware kits come with a step down transformer to reduce the voltage. The kits run about $9 from spytech off of amazon.

 

[wrenrj1]

I'm starting to lean towards professional installation as some have done. Ya, it'll blow my budget, but that's not an issue if I want it done right. Any pics of personal or professional installs would be appreciated.

 

[tlr1000]

I have been using a Blackvue DR500-GW HD for over a year. I also have their PowerMagic Pro accessory which feeds the camera power when the ignition is off - it can be programmed to turn off after a specified amount of time or if battery drops to certain voltage. Great for any potential parking lot hit & runs.

 

[csimo]

To make the balckvue invisible, did you place it somewhere strategically, like down low? Or it just mixes in with the mirror?

I placed mine directly in front of the rear view mirror. I can't see it from the driver's seat and you would have to look closely to notice it thru the windshield.

 

[feetdry]

I gotta say I really like my Garmin NuviCam LMTHD. It records everything in 1080, has GPS coordinates and time stamps. Plus I can have a conversation with it.

 

[wrenrj1]

I have either a dumb question or good idea. Is there an app out there for the iPhone to use its camera as a dash cam? Using the iPhone and my Google work phone, they tend to time out and quit recording meaning I have to unlock the screen. Seems that an app could use the video cam and loop/erase as needed like most of the dash cams...

 

[schwejo]

I am happy with the Geko dashcam.

E100 - GEKO

GEKO E1008G Full HD 1080p Dash Cam

MEGATech Reviews: Geko E100 Dashcam - MEGATechNews

Its a basic cam but looks to be manufactured by Papago. Its very small and concealable.

There was an original model with some issues that have been fixed.

No GPS, but some general reviews suggest you turn it off anyway if you ever speed because that may ultimately work against you if your speed can be determined in an accident.

Also available at costco online if you want a little purchase protection