I REALLY Need A New Dash Cam...

"vdubyajohn" (vdubyajohn)
08/27/2018 at 10:34 • Filed to: None

C an anyone recommend a decent dash cam? The suction cup on my garmin is deteriorating from the sun, but it’s not removable. It’s “built in” so it’s either replace the whole thing or keep having it fall off the windshield.

What’s a good camera, one with a really good picture, GPS isn’t necessary, but I need definition. The garmin isn’t great at readable license plates either. Thanks

DISCUSSION (18)

deekster_caddy > vdubyajohn
08/27/2018 at 10:58

I follow /r/dashcam on reddit. People seem to love the “A-129" based cameras. I haven’t bought one yet but it’s on my list.

Can you cut the suction cup off your Garmin and use some of the 3M wind sh ie ld strips like what comes with the EZpass type things?

facw > vdubyajohn
08/27/2018 at 11:18

I use an A118, but that’s a bit outdated these days.

Looks like the A129 would be the updated model, though personally I’d rather have something with higher than 1080p resolution (note that resolution isn’t everything though, consensus seems to be that the 1080p A119S takes better video than the 1440p A119 for example).

Getting something with wireless (wifi or bluetooth) transfer options would be nice, and that seems to be becoming a more common feature.

I do highly recommend getting wedge-shaped one that attaches to the windshield with adhesive, so much better than the suction cup route.

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > vdubyajohn
08/27/2018 at 11:18

I user the Aukey flush mount type dash cams and I like them overall. The white balance is a little overactive, but other than that no complaints.

As for your existing one, I believe polishing the suction cup should help. Something like plastic polish or toothpaste should work? I’m sure you can find something on refurbishing them on teh google.

Kinja'd!!!

404 - User No Longer Available > facw
08/27/2018 at 12:07

Can vouch for the A119S. That’s what I got for my F30, and eventually pulling it to use in my Sol as well because the G1W is starting to get annoying (in the way for a low windshield, USB plug wobbly)

404 - User No Longer Available > vdubyajohn
08/27/2018 at 12:21

Tempted to pick one of these as a toy on my next trip to Asia.

http://en.ddpai.com/mini3.php

The gyroscope/accelerometer stuff sounds gimmicky, but I like its low profile and the remote snapshot button.

https://www.amazon.com/Built-Recorder-Aperture-Recording-G-Sensor/dp/B078N51Q8Y/

US $139 on Amazon but I can get the 64GB version for US $115. Storage is built in eMMC so there is no card slot.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > vdubyajohn
08/27/2018 at 12:42

https://dashcamtalk.com/a119/ - My #1 recommendation. Head over to https://dashcamtalk.com/ and check out their Bets bang for your Buck section

I tried out this cheap Yi Mini Dashcam on my wife’s car. Seems to be good for the price, also has App support so you can see and download videos instantly. SOme people have reported overheating problems but so far it’s been fine over the summer

https://dashcameras.net/yi-mini/

450X_FTW > 404 - User No Longer Available
08/27/2018 at 12:45

I have the A119s as well, and only annoying thing is on occasion it will stop functioning all together without giving you much if any indication that it has stopped, and that’s when you find out they released a new firmware to flash.

His Stigness > vdubyajohn
08/27/2018 at 12:45

This is a little pricey but having HD all around could really come in handy. I use this in both if my e-Golfs and have never had an issue.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0746BCFBF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_YPcHBb0SG8R3C

404 - User No Longer Available > 450X_FTW
08/27/2018 at 12:46

I only updated my firmware once and that never happened to me.

My G1W on the other hand.... it just randomly bootloops because of a loose cable, then everything is corrupted.

450X_FTW > 404 - User No Longer Available
08/27/2018 at 14:53

I had to upgrade mine from the V1 to the V2, as after about 7 or 8 months the V1 would just keep power cycling every 30 seconds. It’s almost like it’s made to stop working the day the new firmware is released

404 - User No Longer Available > 450X_FTW
08/27/2018 at 15:05

Yup, that’s a known hardware issue. It’s actually due to the pogo pins between the GPS module and the camera itself. I sent mine back and the seller sent me a brand new V2 unit.

If you plug the mini USB directly into the camera it bypasses the issue.

450X_FTW > 404 - User No Longer Available
08/27/2018 at 15:09

I contacted the company directly and they said that for $15 they’ll send me an upgraded camera for the V2. I thought great, this was awesome. Well I think it was slightly lost in translation because they sent the parts needed to upgrade the V1 camera to a V2 which was not easy to do, as all the interal components, pogo pins, etc, are very very tiny. But hey it works again so I’m happy with it.

404 - User No Longer Available > 450X_FTW
08/27/2018 at 15:27

I did have to pay for return shipping to Vancouver, but I did end up with a brand new unit.

vdubyajohn > deekster_caddy
08/27/2018 at 17:45

Thank you, I’look into A-129 dash cams.
I plan on doing something like that with it, but for the rear window, and only temporarily. It really doesn’t have grea t resolution.

vdubyajohn > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo
08/27/2018 at 17:47

Thank you. I’ll add Aukey to my list of potential new cameras. .

vdubyajohn > 404 - User No Longer Available
08/27/2018 at 17:48

Thank you. My list of candidates is growing.

vdubyajohn > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
08/27/2018 at 17:49

Thank you. I’m following all the links Oppos are giving me. I like to have a few choices and whittle the list down.

vdubyajohn > His Stigness
08/27/2018 at 17:52

Thank you.