Dashboard cameras - recommendations?

[markeg]

I have the Blackhawk HD (720) installed - very nice, small and unobtrusive (to the left of the rear view mirror in the pic below). It has a 16Gb card in it, and is switched on and off with the ignition.

However the quality of the footage isn't much better than CJ's.

 

[Swiftly]

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

My major concern would be the routing of the cable around the windscreen and pillar and being able to conceal it, hence why I will choose to hard wire the mini USB cable to an ignition live cable behind the interior roof lights.

Would be interested to see how successful it is to hide the cable though

 

[Swiftly]

I have the Blackhawk HD (720) installed - very nice, small and unobtrusive (to the left of the rear view mirror in the pic below). It has a 16Gb card in it, and is switched on and off with the ignition.

However the quality of the footage isn't much better than CJ's.

Very discreet you can hardly see your camera, nice one

Did you hard wire yours cable behind the roof lights or did you route the cable around the windscreen and down the pillar?

 

[markeg]

The latter, Swiftly. It came with a long power lead, and a video out so I fed it under the windscreen and behind the side pillar. I have the power taken from behind the roof switches, and the video out is secured behind the OBDC port just in case I want to connect it up later.

 

[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

My major concern would be the routing of the cable around the windscreen and pillar and being able to conceal it, hence why I will choose to hard wire the mini USB cable to an ignition live cable behind the interior roof lights.

Would be interested to see how successful it is to hide the cable though

Sorry, I was slightly OT as I meant that I'd like a usb charging point in the glovebox so I can have my phone etc on charge without using a lighter adapter and having cables trailing around the cabin - the socket version is more useful to me as I'll be able to charge things that plug into a usb socket but have their own style of plug on the other end e.g. Samsung tablets (although I doubt if a 10" tablet would fit in the glovebox)

 

[Swiftly]

The latter, Swiftly. It came with a long power lead, and a video out so I fed it under the windscreen and behind the side pillar. I have the power taken from behind the roof switches, and the video out is secured behind the OBDC port just in case I want to connect it up later.

I wasn't sure how easy it would be or if the cable would be noticable, as I hate cables that can be seen as it's just one of my pet hates. I was thinking of replacing the double sided tape that attaches the camera mount to the windscreen with a 3M Dual Lock clear tape, that way I can easily attach the mount on and off the screen as required without having to keep replacing the adhesive pads everytime.

 

[markeg]

The latter, Swiftly. It came with a long power lead, and a video out so I fed it under the windscreen and behind the side pillar. I have the power taken from behind the roof switches, and the video out is secured behind the OBDC port just in case I want to connect it up later.

I wasn't sure how easy it would be or if the cable would be noticable, as I hate cables that can be seen as it's just one of my pet hates. I was thinking of replacing the double sided tape that attaches the camera mount to the windscreen with a 3M Dual Lock clear tape, that way I can easily attach the mount on and off the screen as required without having to keep replacing the adhesive pads everytime.

It was pretty straight forward, just removed a few screws from the sun visor and the side pillar slots upwards and out. The windscreen/roof joins gave a lot of space for feeding the cable in. The rest of the cable feed is behind the footwell panels which can also be easily removed. ( I also hate cables to be on show )

 

[Swiftly]

The latter, Swiftly. It came with a long power lead, and a video out so I fed it under the windscreen and behind the side pillar. I have the power taken from behind the roof switches, and the video out is secured behind the OBDC port just in case I want to connect it up later.

I wasn't sure how easy it would be or if the cable would be noticable, as I hate cables that can be seen as it's just one of my pet hates. I was thinking of replacing the double sided tape that attaches the camera mount to the windscreen with a 3M Dual Lock clear tape, that way I can easily attach the mount on and off the screen as required without having to keep replacing the adhesive pads everytime.

It was pretty straight forward, just removed a few screws from the sun visor and the side pillar slots upwards and out. The windscreen/roof joins gave a lot of space for feeding the cable in. The rest of the cable feed is behind the footwell panels which can also be easily removed. ( I also hate cables to be on show )

Nice job, so now there are two options

 

[srhutch]

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?

Of course, have to be March onwards though, and non or your pretending to be on the phone to Russia this time

 

[pvr]

Don't remind me of that project ... not fun ...

March is fine, rather a full schedule before than with another project

 

[Redzedfour]

Not sure if this cam would be any good as a dash cam but for the price it might be worth a punt

http://www.tmart.com/2.0-Touch-Screen-720P-Diving-Sport-Digital-Camera-Black_p208944.html

They also have this one which also has a remote
http://www.tmart.com/5M-Waterproof-HD-1080P-Sport-Digital-Camera-with-Remote-Control-Recorder-Black-Silver_p230465.html

 

[Mick70]

Sorry, just found this "better" thread - so the same post here again:

I went for a "no name" VF300W (obviously the same camera as DOD/Tiotech LS300W/GT300W, just without label). I have imported it directly from China to Germany, paid 107€, including German import tax, 3 day express delivery and 32GB class 10 Sandisk µSD-card at foxoffer (http://bit.ly/1b6mQZh).

Here you can see the cam's place in my E89, I have made its own small bracket: I http://bit.ly/K0Ozns
Here some pictures and videos with license plates visible (speed difference 100kph + 100kph): http://bit.ly/K0PJiP
(you should go for the attached files on uploaded.to for full size pics and videos)
Here the thread at dashcamtalk with a cam comparison that made me buy the cam: http://bit.ly/1iHvfGD

I can only say that I am really happy with picture quality also at night, with its reliability and its usability - even compared with much more expensive dashcams like Lukas or Blackvue that I could try out.

Drawback: The cam appears to (sometimes!) interfere with GPS reception of our E89's CIC - the GPS antenna is located only 10cm left to the cam. Shortly after mounting the cam I had issues with GPS lock, the issues disappeared as soon as I switched off the cam. However, the issues have not reappeared for 1 month now, so I think that I could live with it.

Nonetheless, I tend to replace the cam with a LS430W (practically the same cam, but with GPS and better internal shielding). Advantage: This cam is also available in the EU (e.g. http://amzn.to/K0RY5C); caveat: its higher price (154GBP + delivery + µSD card).

Best regards

Mick

 

[Swiftly]

Sorry, just found this "better" thread - so the same post here again:

I went for a "no name" VF300W (obviously the same camera as DOD/Tiotech LS300W/GT300W, just without label). I have imported it directly from China to Germany, paid 107€, including German import tax, 3 day express delivery and 32GB class 10 Sandisk µSD-card at foxoffer (http://bit.ly/1b6mQZh).

Here you can see the cam's place in my E89, I have made its own small bracket: I http://bit.ly/K0Ozns
Here some pictures and videos with license plates visible (speed difference 100kph + 100kph): http://bit.ly/K0PJiP
(you should go for the attached files on uploaded.to for full size pics and videos)
Here the thread at dashcamtalk with a cam comparison that made me buy the cam: http://bit.ly/1iHvfGD

I can only say that I am really happy with picture quality also at night, with its reliability and its usability - even compared with much more expensive dashcams like Lukas or Blackvue that I could try out.

Drawback: The cam appears to (sometimes!) interfere with GPS reception of our E89's CIC - the GPS antenna is located only 10cm left to the cam. Shortly after mounting the cam I had issues with GPS lock, the issues disappeared as soon as I switched off the cam. However, the issues have not reappeared for 1 month now, so I think that I could live with it.

Nonetheless, I tend to replace the cam with a LS430W (practically the same cam, but with GPS and better internal shielding). Advantage: This cam is also available in the EU (e.g. http://amzn.to/K0RY5C); caveat: its higher price (154GBP + delivery + µSD card).

Best regards

Mick

Nice write up Mick and looks like a decent camera too

There is also a good review of the LS430W camera if you haven't already seen it http://www.techmoan.com/blog/2013/12/8/dod-ls430w-gps-dashcam-review.html

 

[Swiftly]

I have decided to go for the smaller more discreet Mini 0801 GPS http://www.techmoan.com/blog/2013/8/31/the-mini-0801-tiny-1080p-gps-car-camera-with-an-lcd-screen.html

I have ordered the camera off Amazon as E-Prance are selling them and the units are being fulfilled by Amazon. Also latest units from E-Prance are being shipping with the latest firmware which is a more stable release and that fixes a number of minor issues. I selected the GPS option minus the 8GB internal memory + 32GB Class 6 Micro SD Card. I will let you know how it performs once I get it installed and tested for a few days

 

[Mick70]

I have decided to go for the smaller more discreet Mini 0801 GPS http://www.techmoan.com/blog/2013/8/31/the-mini-0801-tiny-1080p-gps-car-camera-with-an-lcd-screen.html

I always liked the 0801 with its small size. What I did not like are the quite mediocre reviews in particular regarding reliability and (at least on the pictures) the quite bulky base mount with GPS antenna that supposedly won't allow a similar sleek mount that I made for my E89.

Nonetheless - please report, maybe this is a good alternative as a rear view camera

Best regards

Mick

Edit: Haha, just found this size comparison: http://bit.ly/1ig7c3k - even with the bulkier mount the 0801 is still way smaller than my LS/VF300W...

 

[Swiftly]

I have decided to go for the smaller more discreet Mini 0801 GPS http://www.techmoan.com/blog/2013/8/31/the-mini-0801-tiny-1080p-gps-car-camera-with-an-lcd-screen.html

I always liked the 0801 with its small size. What I did not like are the quite mediocre reviews in particular regarding reliability and (at least on the pictures) the quite bulky base mount with GPS antenna that supposedly won't allow a similar sleek mount that I made for my E89.

Nonetheless - please report, maybe this is a good alternative as a rear view camera

Best regards

Mick

Edit: Haha, just found this size comparison: http://bit.ly/1ig7c3k - even with the bulkier mount the 0801 is still way smaller than my LS/VF300W...

Interesting video on the size comparison

 

[BRC]

I have the 0801 in my Z and whilst it does a reasonably good job, I have had concerns about its inclination to freeze up. It tends to do this when it has filled half its 32 gb memory card. I've changed this for a known good card with the same result. Other than that, it is a very capable unit with a very small footprint. Wiring it in was a doddle.
For my money I would however buy the V1000gps. This is extremely reliable and again has a small footprint. This resides in my co car, produces very clear footage, good sound, and in 9 months of ownership hasn't missed a beat.

 

[Swiftly]

I have the 0801 in my Z and whilst it does a reasonably good job, I have had concerns about its inclination to freeze up. It tends to do this when it has filled half its 32 gb memory card. I've changed this for a known good card with the same result. Other than that, it is a very capable unit with a very small footprint. Wiring it in was a doddle.
For my money I would however buy the V1000gps. This is extremely reliable and again has a small footprint. This resides in my co car, produces very clear footage, good sound, and in 9 months of ownership hasn't missed a beat.

That was my concern, I ordered a 32 gb class 6 memory card as class 10 can give the symptons mentioned. The latest firmware update fixes fixes the files recycle issues and has the MPH/KMH switch setting. You can disable audio by changing the setting "VIDEO RECORD MODE" from "VIDEO + AUDIO" to "VIDEO" http://dashcamtalk.com/forum/threads/firmware-20131202-is-out-e-prance.3424/page-5

 

[Swiftly]

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.

I was already this morning to wire my voltage converter this morning and then hit a snag. In picture 2 there is a bracket which and one of the screws is used to act as a ground point and the other to secure the module. I have a facelift E85 and mine doesn't have this bracket, but what it does have is just two holes where the screws that hold the bracket would locate. This is a long shot but does anyone know off hand what size screws they are by any chance? Without a screw to provide me a good earth point, I am left struggling to find an alternative earth point. I have been through my gash box and can't find anything close, but I am assuming it is metric, possible M4 but no way of knowing and don't want to knacker the thread. I have also checked realoem but not had any joy there either

I can’t believe that I have wasted all morning on something so stupid as a poxy screw so any advice would be much appreciated

 

[Mick70]

Sorry, have an E89 and there is no similar bracket behind the mirror trim :idunno:

Nonetheless, my best guess is indeed M4: At least in my E89 I have found several unused holes at other places with such thread that I could use for funny things. Would also suit good to the screw heads in the picture, in comparison with the voltage module (presume I have the same with another brand).

Best regards

Mick