Dashcam Recommendations?

[eRondeau]

I want to buy a dashcam but I have absolutely no idea what to look for. Any recommendations? At this point I'll take features to get/avoid, makes/models to get/avoid, etc. An Amazon search returns an overwhelming number of options and I just don't know where to start. Thanks!

 

[Apple fanboy]

I want to buy a dashcam but I have absolutely no idea what to look for. Any recommendations? At this point I'll take features to get/avoid, makes/models to get/avoid, etc. An Amazon search returns an overwhelming number of options and I just don't know where to start. Thanks!

Do you want it just for accidents or also to record when your car is unattended?
I looked into it for my car a while back but ultimately decided the wiring would be beyond my skills. One you just leave trailing to the cigarette lighter would bug me to much.

 

[acer]

I buy disposable dash cams like this off eBay for under $20 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Car-HD-1080...008884?hash=item25c8a46cb4:g:PeMAAOSw44BYKTcN) with an understanding that there's no warranty and that they're cheaply made in China that can last anywhere from several months to several years. Most have lasted a year, some over 2 years. I've also bought an expensive one ($100) that broke apart in a collision, go figure. Thought I had warranty when I bought it from Groupon but found out there wasn't one. They're so shady, I would avoid buying any electronics from them.

I only buy ones that fit over the rearview mirror because we have a ridiculous law that prohibits anything from being stuck to the windshield.

If you want brand name with a warranty then check out Best Buy but expect to pay $100-$200.

 

[TG1]

Anker has a solid one for <$100. It was recently on sale for $69.

Anker Roav Dash Cam, Dashboard Camera Recorder with Sony Exmor Sensor, 2.4” LCD, 1080P FHD, 4-Lane Wide-Angle View Lens, Built-In WiFi, G-Sensor, WDR, Loop Recording, Night Mode, 2-Port Car Charger https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XNSDRW8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_zFehzb7TKGMVX

I’ve enjoyed all of my Anker products over the years from their trademark batteries & chargers, to their cables and speakers. I had never tried a dashcam before but wanted to give Anker’s Roav a try. It’s a very solid little device.

Build quality is top notch. You can feel the weight of the device which speaks to its solid build materials. I love how the dashcam is designed to withstand extreme temperatures. We have very warm summers and I’m always concerned about leaving gadgets or devices in my car. This thing can withstand a temperature range of -20 to 160 F without losing any data. You can truly just leave it in your car no matter what.

Installing is a breeze. Just find a spot behind your rearview mirror and you will have an obstructed view (save for the charging cable). You can tuck the extra long provided cable into your dash seam but I usually just leave it hanging. As part of the package, you also get a top-notch dual port Anker charger capable of 2.4 amps per port. A really nice bonus.

Video quality is outstanding. I leave it on the default 1080p30fps and it’s great footage. I can see not only the surrounding traffic, but also houses, pedestrians, and whatever you drive by. My wife used it the other day to review footage of my trip to our new dental office so she knew where to go the next morning. Very cool.

Once you fire up the Roav’s wifi and connect to your smartphone (works great with the Galaxy S8), you can review all of your videos. You have the option to download the videos to your device or upload straight to YouTube (using your Google account). More options would have been nice (Google Drive, Google Photos, etc), but it all works well. Little tip: plug the Roav in while viewing or transferring videos otherwise it will disconnect.

Overall, I’m very happy with this device and will continue to use it everyday.