Looking for first Dash Cam

esox07

esox07

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Location
Wisconsin
Country
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Dash Cam
Looking
OK, I have read a ton of threads and researched a ton of cameras. I am looking for a cam that that fits these criteria:
$125 or less shipped
Wide angle >130 degrees
HD 1080p or better
G-Sensor so it saves clip when there is an accident
Loop recording

Optional but desired:
Parking monitoring (Important, will record if it detects movement in the field of view and pre-buffering would be awesome)
GPS (important but not required)
WiFi (would be nice but not required)
Discreetness is desired but not a big deal

I don't need a big screen, just something that allows the camera to be positioned correctly. I figure I can see what is going on with my own two eyes as I drive.

I have a 2013 Chevy Silverado PU if that matters.
I have been considering the Mini 0806, the G1W and B40/A118 and BlackSYS CF-100

The 0806 seems to be the best fit but it sounds like the parking monitor function is flaky at best on them. I don't see it offered on the other models at all. It sounds like they are planning a roll out of one or more newer versions of the Mini o80X series. Would it be better to wait to see if they are more refined than the 0806?
I like the price of the G1W but it has more limitations than the 0806. The big problem I have with the B40/A118 is that it doesn't look like it can be rotated to view sideways such as the drivers side window. BUt that isn't a deal breaker.
Also, the Blacksys CF100 dual cam looks really intriguing at under $70

I am looking for thoughts on these cameras, the best places to look to buy them and if anyone one knows of any really good deals on any of them. I am hoping for a Black Friday or Holiday Shopping season score.
Thanks for any input.
 
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GPS may not do what you think it will, as well as the various parking modes.

The Ausdom A261 is OK, has good video, GPS, not sure the parking mode works.
(Not tried it) The price varies, but I think it's around $90, at the cheapest.
You can't swivel it easily, but I guess it's possible.

The B40 is decent.

There are a lot of options. If you are limiting your purchase to US suppliers, you may miss some options, and cheaper prices/sales.
Order from China? Cheaper, a few week wait for the package, or more, and problems with returns.
 
russ331 said:
Welcome to DCT. Also consider the 2 channel BlackSys CF-100 ...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/B00LBQGKX8
Review...

https://dashcamtalk.com/forum/threa...p-sony-exmor-cmos-720p-gps-24-7-parking.7441/

Don't be misled by the low price. This is a $200 Korean camera being sold off at a bargain price, as it's been superceded by a newer model. At $70 there's nothing on the market that can compete with it's blend of quality & value for money.
Click to expand...

I took a close look at the CF100 after you recommended it recently. I agree that it seems to be a great cam at an unbelievable price but apart from having ascertained that it won't fit neatly in my car anyway (due to large mirror/sensor block), I'm still a bit sceptical of several things:

1. The seller is based in Germany and specialises in re-selling returned or surplus items. Can we be confident the cams are truly new, untouched and genuine?
2. No screen - and buttons are multi-purpose.
3. Manual not always easy to understand.
4. It seems that the manufacturer will not respond to consumer requests for information or support.
5. A handful of CF100 seem to have melted their casing due to heat.
6. The mount seems to suffer from slack and droop, requiring improvisation.
7. The mount is an unusual design which won't be easy to replace and severely limits mounting options.
8. Firmware updates probably required, but without a screen it needs to be done very carefully.
 
Hmmm, that CF100 does look intriuging. At $70 it fits most of my wishes and for an extra $10 for the GPS module, it even has that.
But the dual camera thing poses additional questions. Like, how does it store two video feeds on one SD card? How long is the cord for the second camera?
How do you aim the camera without a view finder?
 
esox07 said:
.....How do you aim the camera without a view finder?.....
Click to expand...

Just look at it from both sides (to see if it's looking horizontally), underneath (to check it's looking straight ahead), and look into the windscreen with a quick walk-round the outside the car. You'll be pleasantly surprised how you can get it close enough just 'by eye'.
Even if it's several degrees off the ideal position it won't have much adverse effect on the recording.
 
200rpm:
OK, and then after you eyeball the alignment, I guess you just watch some of the recording and go from there?
Thanks.
 
yeah its pretty simple, unless you are horrible at eyeballing stuff.
All my cameras i have just eyeballed, works pretty good but may be a couple of degrees off, but as its wide angle i can live with that.
 
2000rpm said:
Just look at it from both sides (to see if it's looking horizontally), underneath (to check it's looking straight ahead), and look into the windscreen with a quick walk-round the outside the car. You'll be pleasantly surprised how you can get it close enough just 'by eye'.
Even if it's several degrees off the ideal position it won't have much adverse effect on the recording.
Click to expand...
+1
 
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