Talk to me about dash cams

[Monty]

My older brother is interested in getting one but doesn’t know where to find the most reliable information to help him choose the right unit.

His biggest priorities are reliability and ease of use.

Any helpful info would be greatly appreciated.

[stitchdup]

first check with your insurer as some give discount for certain specs. i think its cameras that give a 360 view that get the discount but that might be only this side of the pond. i suspect the same deals will be available as its all the same companies. if he wants to be able to use it outside th vehicle too, theres always go-pro cameras as another option.

[iamsuperdan]

I use a Thinkware F200 in all of our vehicles. Has a rear camera and a GPS module too. Super easy to use. Once wired up and running, it's basically one button. A sudden jolt or bump (as in an accident) will get it to save the previous 30 seconds of video and data. Or just push the button on the side. Info goes to the Thinkware app, which can then be downloaded or emailed. No need to remove a memory card and transfer files or anything.

Video quality is at least 1080p.

Have used this model for a couple of years now, with no issues.

Readily available on Amazon, and not a budget breaker either.

 

 

Of course, since installing them, I haven't really had anything worthy of recording or sharing. I guess that's a good thing!

 

 

[espo]

On 3/6/2025 at 12:59 PM, Monty said:

My older brother is interested in getting one but doesn’t know where to find the most reliable information to help him choose the right unit.

His biggest priorities are reliability and ease of use.

Any helpful info would be greatly appreciated.

Love watching dash cam videos on You Tube. Sometimes you just know what's coming. 

[iamsuperdan]

On 3/8/2025 at 10:45 AM, espo said:

Love watching dash cam videos on You Tube. Sometimes you just know what's coming. 

 

Would just like to say that I have a dashcam, but I an NOT a cammer.

 

Rules for being a cammer:

1. Horn before brakes, steering inputs, or any other reaction.

2. do not under any circumstance try to make life easier for another driver. Ever.

3. after any sort of infraction or incident, mash the throttle like you're drag racing.

4. Repeatedly yell that you "have a dashcam."

5. When using the horn, either use it for a minimum of 20 seconds, or start using the horn well after the incident.

6. when tailgating, remember that the camera makes it look like you are further away than you really are.

7. When being followed, remember that the camera makes the vehicle behind you look closer than it really is.

8. When submitting your video to any of the YouTube cam channels, make sure your spelling is incorrect. 

[stitchdup]

18 minutes ago, iamsuperdan said:

 

Would just like to say that I have a dashcam, but I an NOT a cammer.

 

Rules for being a cammer:

1. Horn before brakes, steering inputs, or any other reaction.

2. do not under any circumstance try to make life easier for another driver. Ever.

3. after any sort of infraction or incident, mash the throttle like you're drag racing.

4. Repeatedly yell that you "have a dashcam."

5. When using the horn, either use it for a minimum of 20 seconds, or start using the horn well after the incident.

6. when tailgating, remember that the camera makes it look like you are further away than you really are.

7. When being followed, remember that the camera makes the vehicle behind you look closer than it really is.

8. When submitting your video to any of the YouTube cam channels, make sure your spelling is incorrect. 

OK Karen

[espo]

On 3/10/2025 at 1:04 PM, iamsuperdan said:

 

Would just like to say that I have a dashcam, but I an NOT a cammer.

 

Rules for being a cammer:

1. Horn before brakes, steering inputs, or any other reaction.

2. do not under any circumstance try to make life easier for another driver. Ever.

3. after any sort of infraction or incident, mash the throttle like you're drag racing.

4. Repeatedly yell that you "have a dashcam."

5. When using the horn, either use it for a minimum of 20 seconds, or start using the horn well after the incident.

6. when tailgating, remember that the camera makes it look like you are further away than you really are.

7. When being followed, remember that the camera makes the vehicle behind you look closer than it really is.

8. When submitting your video to any of the YouTube cam channels, make sure your spelling is incorrect. 

All true from what I have seen. That said often the guy with the dash cam is just waiting for traffic to move or just gets rear ended because the other driver is doing something other than driving their car. 

[webestang]

I bought a cheapy $40 unit from Walmart (front view only) and it has worked fine for 2 1/2 years now. Uses a micro SD card that I re-format once a month. All I have ever got on cam is the many many red light/stop sign runners we have here in St. Lou. 

[89AKurt]

I really should get one, but every time I read the box at Best Buy my eyes glaze over.  Lurking....

[Bugatti Fan]

Sound rules for cammers from Dan in his post.

His encouragement to be polite, understanding and courteous to other road users is to be commended !   LOL !

He forgot one thing to recommend in consideration for other road users. Attach a plate to the rear of your vehicle that says 'Horn broken. Watch for finger !'

Edited April 2 by Bugatti Fan