Car scratched again! What is the best dashcam to catch vandals

[MAC72]

Hello all. Please can someone guide me to the best camera that actually catches vandals scratching the car rather than recording their back going away after the event? Thank you.

 

[Chuck McCoy]

Whatever dashcam you choose, placement of left & right side cameras should be considered.
I’ve tried three different side camera set ups, and waterproof cameras mounted under the side view “wing mirrors” are my favorite POV.
Another consideration is mounting an IR Interior camera on the rear window “looking forward” to capture what the side cameras miss.

 

[MAC72]

Thanks Chuck thats helpful. I was looking at the thinkware u3000 but that doesn't mention any side cameras just front and back. I have not come accross any cameras with side cameras not sure if they are readily available here. I am in England, UK.

 

[Chuck McCoy]

I was looking at the thinkware u3000 but that doesn't mention any side cameras just front and back. I have not come accross any cameras with side cameras

You can mount any dashcam’s “rear camera” anywhere you want.
If you wanted to go with Thinkware you could buy (2) U3000 2CH units, and mount the main / front cameras on the front windshield, and rear window.
Then mount the “rear cameras” to cover the sides of your car.
Have a look at this video.

 

[BlackboxMyCar]

The new U3000 Pro has an additional port that supports an optional third camera. This camera is primarily intended for in-cabin recording, but its angle is wide enough that it can capture out the side windows if positioned correctly. The benefit of this setup is that you won't have to worry about what is essentially two separate systems in the same vehicle, nor would you have to mount anything outside that might be vulnerable to damage or vandalism. You could also consider a 4-channel system like the Vantrue N5S, where the front and rear units have built-in interior-facing cameras that can record inside the vehicle and out the side windows from two different points.

 

[MAC72]

Thank you for the update. I looked into the cabin camera for the thinkware u3000 pro and their website states this cannot be used for parking mode.
I will look i to the Vantru N5S. Thanks for the help really appreciated.

 

[kamkar]

Welcome to the forum MAC72


Also.

You really have to consider what parking mode you use, i don’t think any dashcam in G sensor mode can pick up a keying event as its not really a G force event.
This are one of the reasons i myself prefer the always recording low bitrate mode, though this of course also have its limitations not least in power consumption.
Also i will have G-sensor on while parked to at least act like a marker for any actual events that might have happened.

The Vantrue N5 i tested, sure it can often see a little out of the side windows, but as the cameras are right up there high on the front / rear windows, getting a identifying shot on those are probably limited.

I will have to admit the Tesla style down the side cameras are growing on me, as these often get a good shot of vandals.
A regular rear dashcam aimed strait out the side of a car, it is struggling a little up very close to the car, but at a distance otherwise there will be a overlap with front / rear cameras and so a good chance you get a identifying shot before the deed.
I think in this case what is also important is to have audio so you can hear the time the vandalism happen. low bitrate also have this though some will also add time lapse to this mode and so they have no sound.

I am in general OK if someone by accident would make a door ding on my car, but if i would hear " it is Okay i know the guy he is a asshole " then i would for damn sure bee seeking revenge.

Fortunately i just use parking guard on a timer ( 3 hours ) at home i have CCTV on my car parked in the back yard ( camera on 2 floor balcony door )