Best dash cam advice sought

vtlandrover

Well-known member
Prefatory statement: I'm sorry to offend anyone who may take exception to this posting.

Over the course of the last year, working remotely, I have replaced my daily hour drive with a daily hour walk (well.. 4 of 7 days). After seeing positive trends away from hand-held cellular phone use, it's back and worse than ever. I am an anti-texter. I do not want to get killed in my Land Rover or on my feet by someone who doesn't have the courtesy to look me in the eye on my way out. I can count more times in the last year that this has almost happened than all of the times since cell phones became common. Literally watching a car come at you while the driver has a better grasp on their phone than the steering wheel and seeing them drift up onto the sidewalk at you will take its toll.

There's a lot of options for dash cams. I'm hoping for real world advice on the best one - preferably a rechargeable, as I don't love dangling cables and the proximity of shifter and DC outlet. As I reread this posting, I sound like more of a prima donna than I think I am. I can take the shots, but would prefer some leads. Thanks!
 

Roverman2010

Well-known member
I have had one fitted to my D3 for three years now, cheap amazon deal about $40. It's a capacitor kind and is wired to a live in the roof console. Has work well in the Texas heat. I got it just after a city bus pulled out on me as I was half way passed it and left me no option but to let her drag the bus front wing down the side of my old D1. What happened after that is another story.
 

BarryO

Well-known member
I hear ya. I was permanently injured a couple of years ago by a tow truck driver that I believe (but cannot prove) was looking at their phone when they rear-ended me going 45+ MPH as I was stopped to make a left turn. I guess I'd have to have a cam in the rear window as well, if it would have survived the crash. I have no recommendations but am interested in hearing what others recommend.
 

hillstrubl

Founding Member
I recently bought 2 Dash cams for my 110 and wife's VW. I foudn these for $30/each shipped. My only complaint would be, use a larger SD card than the 8GB that is included and for cars like a 110, turn off/down the sensitivity mode vibration sensor that triggers recordings because you'll get tons of false triggers. - VAVA 1080P 3" Dash Cam with Parking Monitor & 8GB SD Card. It came with a pretty long USB charging cord (but also has an onboard battery) which I ran up through the A-pillar trim and placed it right behind the rear-view mirror.

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rocky

NAS-ROW Addict
Too many people are not driving enough to remember what the hell they are meant to be focused on. following
 

Napalm00

Technical Excellence Contributor
Whatever dash cam you buy I have permanently wired all of mine with a DC to DC converter. They're really small about the size of a matchbook. You could take any 12-volt switched source and it'll output to the micro or mini USB that the camera uses. I just keep it tucked up inside of the headliner. Nice clean install
 

WreckITFrank

Technical Excellence Contributor
Had a couple blackvues, and sold one here a ways back. There are lots of options but I wouldn't hesitate for a second to buy one again. I get front and rear, and hardwire it. Captured most of a nasty door ding, a rock into windshield from trailer, and a near miss from behind. Good GPS, night shots, and clarity while driving. Last I had was a DR-750S 2CH.
 

chris snell

Administrator
Callsign: NW5W
Staff member
Whatever dash cam you buy I have permanently wired all of mine with a DC to DC converter. They're really small about the size of a matchbook. You could take any 12-volt switched source and it'll output to the micro or mini USB that the camera uses. I just keep it tucked up inside of the headliner. Nice clean install
Link?
 

dkemm

Well-known member
I HIGHLY recommend! In early February, I was victim to a road rage situation (in my P-car, not Defender) - punk tried to push me off the road, just about pit maneuvered himself....then fled at over 100mph...due to traffic, I did not pursue - because I got it all on dash cam. Changed the insurance situation non insured deductible to 100% coverage -so that i got full repairs and now I am working on the diminished value claim. I purchased front/rear dash cams for both of my kids. Mine was front only...so it didnt pick up the highspeed tailgaiting and attempt to side swipe me - it only picked up when he contacted my front fender. Had I had rear camera - he would have been rightfully charged with Felony Road Rage.
 

chris snell

Administrator
Callsign: NW5W
Staff member
I HIGHLY recommend! In early February, I was victim to a road rage situation (in my P-car, not Defender) - punk tried to push me off the road, just about pit maneuvered himself....then fled at over 100mph...due to traffic, I did not pursue - because I got it all on dash cam. Changed the insurance situation non insured deductible to 100% coverage -so that i got full repairs and now I am working on the diminished value claim. I purchased front/rear dash cams for both of my kids. Mine was front only...so it didnt pick up the highspeed tailgaiting and attempt to side swipe me - it only picked up when he contacted my front fender. Had I had rear camera - he would have been rightfully charged with Felony Road Rage.
Which cameras do you use?
 

dkemm

Well-known member
@chris snell
I use a Waylens Horizon - purchased it for my autocross racing (has gauge overlay with data from OBD port). I like the design and function, but it is pretty pricey - although it paid for itself with the single Road Rage incident. As OBD likely is not part of our Land Rovers.....

I purchased these units for my kids - after recommendation from a good friend.
Viofo A129 (front-rear camera)
they seem to be happy with them.
 
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