Dash cams

[jon123]

Hi all

I have a 2015 (65 plate) e class coupe. Having owned for a short while now, I’m looking for a front and rear dash cam

can anyone please advise something reasonably priced along with fitting by somewhere competent/ reputable?

thanks

Jon

 

[Liam.Moran]

I had a front/rear BlackVue DR750s-2ch along with a blackvue magic pro to allow the camera to work with motion activation.

I had it fitted by an auto electrician at tyremarks in Tavistock, one wire wired into ignition for switched power and the other into the fuse box for always live power (magic pro box switches off if battery voltage gets too low) all hidden away with no wires hanging around.

The app is really easy to use, the quality is great even at night they’re not the cheapest but they are one of the best.


The magic pro box

Front camera can’t be seen from behind the wheel

Rear camera

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[Jimbo1959]

Like you Jon, I'd like to install dash cams in my Coupé however, I am looking for recommendations as to the best one(s) to buy.

There are so many options available that it would take weeks to research them all, plus one would never know how reliable the reviews on the particular website actually were.

The good thing about getting other owners opinions on our forum is that I feel they are more trustworthy with no hidden or even blatant agenda, ie, selling rubbish.

 

[NBurns]

Dash cams are now becoming an essential tool to have in our cars now. Especially with driving becoming more lazy by some drivers out there.
I will be looking at a budget set early next year to start with.



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[Conor]

Hi Guys,

I think that the there is a huge variety in dash cams out there and some a lot more expensive than others.

I recently purchased a Huawei 70mai unit for about $35 from Dx.com (Deal Extreme)

Not installed yet, but the quality is not bad and I think it will work well for my biggest concern which is accidents when driving. (I don't think it covers motion detection for parked car however).

 

[NBurns]

Why do some dash cams have a screen on them? Surely the idea is to be inconspicuous so other drivers cannot see it. And surely the only time you need to view what's been recorded is when you have something that needs looking into. And then just an external screen, mobile, tablet or laptop will suffice? Or am I completely wrong on that one?



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[Blobcat]

Why do some dash cams have a screen on them? Surely the idea is to be inconspicuous so other drivers cannot see it. And surely the only time you need to view what's been recorded is when you have something that needs looking into. And then just an external screen, mobile, tablet or laptop will suffice? Or am I completely wrong on that one?



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Having a screen means you can review easily and check that it's looking in the right direction, they should be set to turn off after a few seconds however I see loads that are glaring away at full intensity blinding the drivers or their night-vision.
Still it will be a record of the accident they have because they can't see...

 

[Gazwould]

You don't need a screen , just your phone with their app .

 

[Srdl]

Having the screen certainly helps line everything up and, on the Nextbase, makes using the various menus much easier. Mine goes blank after 20 seconds or so. As for visibility of the cameras, I did read that the crash-for-cash scammers actively avoid cars with DashCams so it helps for them to be seen.

Going back to the OP's question, we have a Nextbase 412GW in both our cars and I’m happy with them and would buy another if necessary. I fitted mine in the last Merc and Mrs L's Mini but got the guys at Comand at Lightwater (J3 M3) to refit it into the GLC.

If the OP can tell us where he lives, someone can perhaps recommend a local fitter if he is not near Surrey.

 

[Gazwould]

One time line up , no screen needed .

My dad's Nextbase glaring all the time .

 

[NBurns]

Having a screen means you can review easily and check that it's looking in the right direction, they should be set to turn off after a few seconds however I see loads that are glaring away at full intensity blinding the drivers or their night-vision.
Still it will be a record of the accident they have because they can't see...

That's very true and fair enough. I have noticed the Blackvue system doesn't have a screen but is connectable wirelessly to another device. Sounds good.


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[NBurns]

You don't need a screen , just your phone with their app .

Which system is this Gazwould?


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[Gazwould]

Loads have them .

Along with batteries and the wrong memory card !

 

[00slk]

We had an insurance quote last week on one of our spares vehicles and they are asking now if there is a camera fitted.
I asked will this make a difference to the premiums? Yes so asked for two quotes, both came back the same price.
A bit like having a tracker fitted then, no reduction in the premiums and you get fleeced £168 for the privilege of having a tracker per year cost. Whats the point in that.
However not to thread drift....................We have had 2 different types of dash camera's and after a couple of weeks have taken both back to the stores for a refund.
We will eventually find a good quality unit to buy and have installed but like Liam.Moran I want one that is the same design and style as yours

 

[rorywquin]

Viofo are poplar low budget cameras. Some of the guys on the SLK forum swear by them.

 

[EmilysDad]

I've been happy with the ddpai mini. The night time vision on the mini 1 could be better but for the money have been OK

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_....H0.Xddpai+mini.TRS0&_nkw=ddpai+mini&_sacat=0

 

[jon123]

Having the screen certainly helps line everything up and, on the Nextbase, makes using the various menus much easier. Mine goes blank after 20 seconds or so. As for visibility of the cameras, I did read that the crash-for-cash scammers actively avoid cars with DashCams so it helps for them to be seen.

Going back to the OP's question, we have a Nextbase 412GW in both our cars and I’m happy with them and would buy another if necessary. I fitted mine in the last Merc and Mrs L's Mini but got the guys at Comand at Lightwater (J3 M3) to refit it into the GLC.

If the OP can tell us where he lives, someone can perhaps recommend a local fitter if he is not near Surrey.

Hello all and thank you for your replies so far. I live close to Pinner , Middlesex so if there are any places locally and reasonably priced, this would be ideal.
Having read the replies, I guess I’m looking for something with parking mode ? Basically records when car is off and activated via any movement....

So I guess my question is .. would the BlackVue cameras be the best option or are there any others I should be looking at?

thanks again for your help

 

[davemercedes]

jon: We used to live in Pinner (30 years back).
- Happy days... still think it's a lovely place.

 

[Srdl]

Lightwater is only 30 miles from Pinner so a nice outing for you (or perhaps not as it is mostly M25!). The guys at Comand are very highly regarded on here and forum sponsors so they could fit whatever you eventually choose although I think they also used to sell Nextbase as their recommended product.
http://www.comand.co.uk/
https://www.commandonline.co.uk/
https://www.uniquecarsound.com/ (Their sister company, same people)

 

[S500 Pete]

I got a Nextbase fitted at Halfords. Tucked away nicely behind the mirror and no wires showing. If you use halfords and are in the AA you can download a 10% voucher