Dashboard cameras - recommendations?

[Logan]

I got myself a Mobius dash cam for Christmas - I didn't want to spend too much money (< £70) as I didn't want all the features of the GoPro. http://joovuu.com/gb/home/79-mobius-standard-lens-car-camera-pack.html
I've had one drive out with it so far and it has recorded the trip with good results. It has an internal battery that is good for about 80 mins of recording.
One of my requirements was "discrete". I am hoping to fit it and leave it in the car. I want to switch it on and off myself rather than it goes on with the ignition - although that might change.
Bought it from Joovuu.com with out any hassle.
It does do time lapse as well. Takes 32Gb mini SD. It's about the size of a match box. I opted for the suction mount, but they do a 3M adhesive mount as well for £5.50.
It has a big following with the remote control "helicopter/Quadcopter" guys.
I'm pleased with it so far. Just need to decide on the "permanent" fixing location. I am thinking about getting some dark tint for the upper screen and cutting out a circle for it to look through. A. Hides the camera from thieves. B. would cut out the sun blinding me between the rear view mirror and the sunshade - why is the sun always just in that position?
It has a mode selection which I have set to: just switch it on, select mode and press start.1. video 30 fps 1920x1080 large angle of view
2. video 60 fps 1280x720 small angle of view
3. time lapse photos at 0.25 seconds at 2304x1536

There is some software that you can make all the settings changes with and it seems fairly straight forward.

 

[Swiftly]

I got myself a Mobius dash cam for Christmas - I didn't want to spend too much money (< £70) as I didn't want all the features of the GoPro. http://joovuu.com/gb/home/79-mobius-standard-lens-car-camera-pack.html
I've had one drive out with it so far and it has recorded the trip with good results. It has an internal battery that is good for about 80 mins of recording.
One of my requirements was "discrete". I am hoping to fit it and leave it in the car. I want to switch it on and off myself rather than it goes on with the ignition - although that might change.
Bought it from Joovuu.com with out any hassle.
It does do time lapse as well. Takes 32Gb mini SD. It's about the size of a match box. I opted for the suction mount, but they do a 3M adhesive mount as well for £5.50.
It has a big following with the remote control "helicopter/Quadcopter" guys.
I'm pleased with it so far. Just need to decide on the "permanent" fixing location. I am thinking about getting some dark tint for the upper screen and cutting out a circle for it to look through. A. Hides the camera from thieves. B. would cut out the sun blinding me between the rear view mirror and the sunshade - why is the sun always just in that position?
It has a mode selection which I have set to: just switch it on, select mode and press start.1. video 30 fps 1920x1080 large angle of view
2. video 60 fps 1280x720 small angle of view
3. time lapse photos at 0.25 seconds at 2304x1536

There is some software that you can make all the settings changes with and it seems fairly straight forward.

That camera is tiny and I was really impressed with the quality of the video it produces. It gets a good write up too, but the only thing missing for me is an LCD screen but that might not be an issue for others though. For value for money it would certainly be a contender

I am still very tempted by the mini 0801 camera with GPS

 

[Swiftly]

I keep looking at these and would only go for a small discrete one that could be hard wired and automatically switch itself on to record and off.

For forum runs I borrow works GoPro when I can find it.

Just finished testing and installing mine this afternoon. Found an ignition live to the wiper sensor behind the mirror, so spliced into that. Mounted a 12v in to 5v usb out in the roof void above the interior light cluster, so now the camera starts recording each time I turn the ignition on and ends when I switch off. Set to run on a 32gb sim so should be good for 15 hours before the oldest video get deleted.

All I need to do is finalise the position of the camera behind the mirror and change from sucker mount to 3m pad mount for neatness and all done

I was wondering if there is enough room to site and hide a small 12v to 5 v converter in the roof void. I was thinking of using something like this one http://www.amazon.co.uk/Vktech-Charger-Converter-Module-Cable/dp/B00CXK520I/ref=sr_1_fkmr3_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388490082&sr=8-1-fkmr3&keywords=3A%2F15W+Power+Converter+DC+8-22V+12V+to+5V+USB+FEMALE+Connector+Adapter+Car+Charger unless you can recommend a suitable alternative

 

[cj10jeeper]

I keep looking at these and would only go for a small discrete one that could be hard wired and automatically switch itself on to record and off.

For forum runs I borrow works GoPro when I can find it.

Just finished testing and installing mine this afternoon. Found an ignition live to the wiper sensor behind the mirror, so spliced into that. Mounted a 12v in to 5v usb out in the roof void above the interior light cluster, so now the camera starts recording each time I turn the ignition on and ends when I switch off. Set to run on a 32gb sim so should be good for 15 hours before the oldest video get deleted.

All I need to do is finalise the position of the camera behind the mirror and change from sucker mount to 3m pad mount for neatness and all done

I was wondering if there is enough room to site and hide a small 12v to 5 v converter in the roof void. I was thinking of using something like this one http://www.amazon.co.uk/Vktech-Charger-Converter-Module-Cable/dp/B00CXK520I/ref=sr_1_fkmr3_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388490082&sr=8-1-fkmr3&keywords=3A%2F15W+Power+Converter+DC+8-22V+12V+to+5V+USB+FEMALE+Connector+Adapter+Car+Charger unless you can recommend a suitable alternative

I purchased the exact same but with a mini USB output that plugs direct into the camera. Check what your camera needs. £1.30 on eBay.
Easy fit as the unit will fit onto a bracket above the light unit. You can get an ignition feed off the lead running to the wiper sensor. Splice in but don't use a scotch lock as there's no room. Earth is easy by adding a connector to the earth wire and using a screw they holds a bracket to the roof bar.
Light unit then goes back flush and output lead routed to the camera.

Tested this morning and worked well on 2 20 mile runs. Switches in and off automatically

 

[Swiftly]

I purchased the exact same but with a mini USB output that plugs direct into the camera. Check what your camera needs. £1.30 on eBay.
Easy fit as the unit will fit onto a bracket above the light unit. You can get an ignition feed off the lead running to the wiper sensor. Splice in but don't use a scotch lock as there's no room. Earth is easy by adding a connector to the earth wire and using a screw they holds a bracket to the roof bar.
Light unit then goes back flush and output lead routed to the camera.

Tested this morning and worked well on 2 20 mile runs. Switches in and off automatically

Nice job

I never thought about getting a converter with a mini USB , obviously this will save room as well.

Did you get a 90 degree right angled mini USB plug by any chance as that would stick out less?

I have a digital meter so should be able to locate the ignition feed to the wiper sensor without too much trouble.

How did you insulate the wires when you spliced them? I assume that you wouldn't be able to slide any heat shrink tubing onto the two cables

 

[cj10jeeper]

I purchased the exact same but with a mini USB output that plugs direct into the camera. Check what your camera needs. £1.30 on eBay.
Easy fit as the unit will fit onto a bracket above the light unit. You can get an ignition feed off the lead running to the wiper sensor. Splice in but don't use a scotch lock as there's no room. Earth is easy by adding a connector to the earth wire and using a screw they holds a bracket to the roof bar.
Light unit then goes back flush and output lead routed to the camera.

Tested this morning and worked well on 2 20 mile runs. Switches in and off automatically

Nice job

I never thought about getting a converter with a mini USB , obviously this will save room as well.

Did you get a 90 degree right angled mini USB plug by any chance as that would stick out less?


I have a digital meter so should be able to locate the ignition feed to the wiper sensor without too much trouble.

How did you insulate the wires when you spliced them? I assume that you wouldn't be able to slide any heat shrink tubing onto the two cables

The one I have is straight, but works perfectly as the wire comes out of the side of the moulding that fits around the mirror and sensor and direct into the camera.
My camera is placed behind the passenger side of the mirror which is perfect as 1) I cannot see it from the driver seat and 2) because the mirror is twisted to the driver there's more room behind it to place it.

Here's the one I purchased:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/141051703938
No idea how they can sell it for £1.22??

I cut the loom, slid shrink wrap over 1 end, soldered together 3 wired and shrunk the wrap. Neat and tidy

 

[Swiftly]

I purchased the exact same but with a mini USB output that plugs direct into the camera. Check what your camera needs. £1.30 on eBay.
Easy fit as the unit will fit onto a bracket above the light unit. You can get an ignition feed off the lead running to the wiper sensor. Splice in but don't use a scotch lock as there's no room. Earth is easy by adding a connector to the earth wire and using a screw they holds a bracket to the roof bar.
Light unit then goes back flush and output lead routed to the camera.

Tested this morning and worked well on 2 20 mile runs. Switches in and off automatically

Nice job

I never thought about getting a converter with a mini USB , obviously this will save room as well.

Did you get a 90 degree right angled mini USB plug by any chance as that would stick out less?


I have a digital meter so should be able to locate the ignition feed to the wiper sensor without too much trouble.

How did you insulate the wires when you spliced them? I assume that you wouldn't be able to slide any heat shrink tubing onto the two cables

The one I have is straight, but works perfectly as the wire comes out of the side of the moulding that fits around the mirror and sensor and direct into the camera.
My camera is placed behind the passenger side of the mirror which is perfect as 1) I cannot see it from the driver seat and 2) because the mirror is twisted to the driver there's more room behind it to place it.

Here's the one I purchased:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/141051703938
No idea how they can sell it for £1.22??

I cut the loom, slid shrink wrap over 1 end, soldered together 3 wired and shrunk the wrap. Neat and tidy

Thanks for the link the best position to position camera and for clarifying that you used heat shrink as well. I haven't had the interior light unit out so not sure what to expect. From the wiring diagram it would appear the ignition feed to the wiper sensor looks to be a violet-white wire which is a fused switched +12v (ignition position 1)??? I will need to confirm this though to be sure.

 

[cj10jeeper]

From memory violet-white seems correct. In fairness I just traced it down with a meter. You can lift the cover on BMW connectors to reach the electrodes, so easy job to do.

Here's an alternative I was toying with, but in the end chose ignition fed:

The 2 map reading lights have full time 12v feed. It would be easy enough to take the passenger bulb out and solder onto the light unit and create a 12v switched feed for the 12v to 5v unit. That would give the ability to simply press the light switch to activate or shutdown the unit. Useful if you only want to run from time to time.

 

[Swiftly]

Here's an alternative I was toying with, but in the end chose ignition fed:

The 2 map reading lights have full time 12v feed. It would be easy enough to take the passenger bulb out and solder onto the light unit and create a 12v switched feed for the 12v to 5v unit. That would give the ability to simply press the light switch to activate or shutdown the unit. Useful if you only want to run from time to time.

An interesting alternative, although I think I will probably stick with the ignition feed.

 

[Beetlegav]

would be interesting in some pictures of the wiring for this please if anyone whos doing/done it could assist

 

[Swiftly]

would be interesting in some pictures of the wiring for this please if anyone whos doing/done it could assist

I will take some pictures when I do mine, unless someone beats me to it.

 

[BrianD]

Some photos would be great if possible, this is something I am interested in doing this, but I aint that handy with the old electrics, but always keen to try if I have some good instructions

SWMBO keeps reminding me that letting me loose on electrics is like giving a kid dynamite to play with :lol:

God loves a trier

 

[cj10jeeper]

OK - some pretty poor photos from the iPhone, but hope they give the idea:

Firstly the lead I spliced into can be seen running down the screen to the rain sensor module. cable sheathed in shrink wrap and then all wrapped in self amalgamating tape to protect it.

Second shot in the roof void with the light unit removed showing 1 screw holding the tiny voltage module and 2nd acting as the earth point:

View from the drivers seat. When I'm happy the suction mount will be replaced with 3m fixed mount and it will 'vanish' from view. I'll also route the USB lead down the inside of the mirror mount housing and make a cut-out adjacent to the camera usb.

 

[cj10jeeper]

Here's a short clip for those who've asked.

Appalling weather conditions and almost dark, but gives an idea of how well it picks stuff up.

Remember my desire is to have these cameras running automatically front and rear in both main cars, primarily for accidents type stuff and no desire to ever take them in and out of the car so, <£100 for both sets needs to be considered.

http://s200.photobucket.com/user/cj10jeeper/media/20131231_111354A.mp4.html

 

[Swiftly]

Thanks for posting the photos, I was actually wondering how you secured the 12v converter, looks like it was made to fit to the bracket.

Will check the video out later as I can't get it to play on my notepad

 

[BrianD]

OK - some pretty poor photos from the iPhone, but hope they give the idea:

Firstly the lead I spliced into can be seen running down the screen to the rain sensor module. cable sheathed in shrink wrap and then all wrapped in self amalgamating tape to protect it.

Second shot in the roof void with the light unit removed showing 1 screw holding the tiny voltage module and 2nd acting as the earth point:

View from the drivers seat. When I'm happy the suction mount will be replaced with 3m fixed mount and it will 'vanish' from view. I'll also route the USB lead down the inside of the mirror mount housing and make a cut-out adjacent to the camera usb.

You make it appear so easy, guess its only difficult for us oldies :lol:

I hope to attempt to do this, not going to guarantee it work turn out as expected, so an auto electrician will be on speed dial

 

[BrianD]

I was wondering if anybody has any experience of The mini 0801 camera. Reviews and the price look very tempting. I also like the fact the camera is small so won't be so noticable. http://www.techmoan.com/blog/2013/8/31/the-mini-0801-tiny-1080p-gps-car-camera-with-an-lcd-screen.html

The sample clips also look very good.

I do like the look of this camera Swiftly, there are plenty of good reviews

The guy from Techmoan has actually chosen this camera to fit to his car and use on a daily basis, so the camera can't be that bad. I might do some more research before I splash the cash.

 

[srhutch]

I was wondering if anybody has any experience of The mini 0801 camera. Reviews and the price look very tempting. I also like the fact the camera is small so won't be so noticable. http://www.techmoan.com/blog/2013/8/31/the-mini-0801-tiny-1080p-gps-car-camera-with-an-lcd-screen.html

The sample clips also look very good.

I do like the look of this camera Swiftly, there are plenty of good reviews

The guy from Techmoan has actually chosen this camera to fit to his car and use on a daily basis, so the camera can't be that bad. I might do some more research before I splash the cash.

Think this is the type of camera I will be going for. There seems to be a few models with the same case.

 

[pvr]

Think this is the type of camera I will be going for. There seems to be a few models with the same case.

Fancy a joined fitting session?

 

[PerryGunn]

Here's the one I purchased:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/141051703938
No idea how they can sell it for £1.22??

Thanks for posting that link, the seller does another version of the module with a usb socket rather than a plug. It should be simple to connect to a switched live in the fuse box and provide a very useful usb charging point in the glovebox