Does anyone run a dash cam? I'd like to get one but I really don't know what would be a decent buy. Any suggestions?

Does anyone run a dash cam? I'd like to get one but I really don't know what would be a decent buy. Any suggestions?

For less than $100, you can get a single lens model with great quality HD video, decent audio, and GPS location & speed (good for fighting a ticket if you actually were driving the speed limit!!).

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-Ambarella-A7LA50D-Super-HD-1296P-Mini-0805-Dash-Car-DVR-Camera-w-GPS-/281397197839?hash=item4184947c0f

I like it, and I have it wired up directly to the fuse box with this optional wire: 

www.ebay.com/itm/2-7m-12v-to-5v-hard-wire-adapter-cable-Micro-USB-Jack-for-0803-car-dash-camera-/281397212113?hash=item418494b3d1

And a fuse splice item that adds a new fused circuit to an existing fused circuit without risking a voided automobile warranty:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B007D5DB88/?tag=2ahawaii-20

If you want a dual camera, I have tried a couple, and it's the old adage, "you get what you pay for".

This is the one that actually didn't cause problems.  Another one I spent less for was similar in design, but was just too flaky -- intermittent problems with cameras only working now and then unless I turned it off and on for 15 minutes, and eventually both cameras started:

Review: 

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00DC3KRZA/?tag=2ahawaii-20

Apparently, Kim Komando no longer sells this item on her website.  She has another dashcam with builtin collision warning instead.

For the money, it's almost a better option to get two single cameras for the same price as a dual lens model.  then you have the flexibility of mounting it in front, in the rear window, or where it can pickup the interior if that's desired.  Lots of people with teens who drive like the inside video option.  So do companies with fleet drivers.  Always good to see what the driver is up to when the bad things happen (texting, dozing off, ....).

The infrared lights on most of these things are very weak and don't illuminate well.  You can get separate IR lights and mount where they can be useful if that's something you need when videoing the interior.

Hope that helps. 

Hey,

I run a dash cam on both of my vehicles. I use an ION 3 wifi, it records when I flip the switch on, and is not powered by the car, I charge it every 2 days and have a 64g micro sd card, I erase the footage of nothing happens, as far as the rear of my car, I have an innovv C1 that is plugged into my cigarette port and records when I turn on my car (be careful as some cars have an always on cig port) the IOn 3 also clicks off easily and I have it placed on the handle bar mount on my motorcycle when I ride it to cover the front. For the rear of my bike I am currently unprotected but I have a company making a custom little plastic box so I can run it on the rear and not get it wet or risk it getting stolen, I should get it Wednesday. I custom made an ignition on circuit for the motorcycle to charge a USB power bank I tied into the bike and made waterproof, ballin LOL! The IOn 3 was about 250 from best buy and the innovv was about $50 a piece, the cool thing about the innovv is it has a built in battery and can keep recording if you are involved in an accident which knocks out your electrical system, this also allows you to set a 5 or 10 minute limit in which it keeps recording after you turn off the ignition, which is good because if you are away and someone hits or keys your car, you are covered. I haven't activated the setting as I am always busy haha! If you want send me a private message and I'll text you picks of the setup, or one day if I am not busy I can meet up with you and show it on both vehicals. Hope this helps.

I run a cheapie in both my cars. It records automatically and is powered by lighter plug. Does 1080 video and run a 32 gig card.

If you're bored go search "Russian Dash Cams"...

Lol! I've been watching some crazy sh!t on YouTube.

If you're bored go search "Russian Dash Cams"...

BRAH these Russians are crazy.  How the guy with the Costco flat bed.  lol and the cows hahahahaha

I was at costco on Tuesday and they had a COBRA brand dashcam for a 100 bucks.
But they make many variations and I don't remember which one it was.

I'm still shopping for a camera. I'll go check out costco.

This guy does pretty good reviews. Check out his youtube channel

Keep us posted. Im shoping for one too

I saw a couple of dashcam cameras on Craigslist.I was going to check amazon.

Russian dash cam vids are nuts, too much vodka not enough coffee. 

I am running a GoSafe 520 by Papago.  Works really well. Breaks files into 5 min videos. Clear images.
us.papagoinc.com

Genius DVR-FHD590.  About $100 on Amazon.  Good stuff.