Bill,
For the reasons similar to yours, I've been looking for a dash camera on
and off. I couldn't single out any particular cam (and that probably
prevented me from buying one).
Also, I concluded that user reviews are important, as some cameras fall
short on delivering the quality despite the specs.
Here is one of the review sites that I bookmarked (either for the summary
table or for the forum as well):
https://dashcamtalk.com/
So, here a brief summary of what I consider important for consideration
(YMMV):
1. A must (most of them do): recording on a flash memory card, with
automatic rotation (writing over the oldest ones.
2. Covers wide enough angle of view.
3. Resolution: Should be sufficient to distinguish the license plate
of the other vehicle. (For "hit-and-run" type of situations.)
It looks like 1080p is a reasonable optimum, but definitely not less than
720p?
4. The same for fps.
5. Night vision should provide a reasonable functionality for the same.
6. Removable vs. permanently mounted and discrete vs. "in your face"
(Is it an attractive target for someone to break into the car).
7. Rear view vs dual cam vs none.
8. Reliability and variation of quality (QC).
(This includes overheating with some cameras resulting in a blurry
picture)
Other features that could be useful but not a deal breaker:
9. Motion- or impact-activated (for the parked vehicle being hit or
vandalized) -- "G-sensor".
10. Working from its own battery for the parked vehicle.
11. GPS.
12. Built-in screen
The last time I looked (about a year ago), - Amazon.com had poor selection
of such cameras, as many of them were made by companies in Asia (China).
eBay had a broader selection (both toward the better and worse ends of the
spectrum).
E.g. in late 2013 or early 2014, I bookmarked this ebay store:
http://stores.ebay.com/estore009
because they had reasonable and comprehensive listings for dash cameras,
including comparison tables for the features.
It is still in existence and selling those. That's all I can say.
I might be wrong, but it looks like some more western companies are
standing behind newer models (and sell them on Amazon).
HTH,
Igor
Bill Sat, 01 Aug 2015 07:45:42 -0700 wrote:
I've decided I need a dash camera. A guy sideswiped me the other day, and
now I am in a he said/she said situation with the other driver. If I had a
dash cam, I would have had proof of what the other driver did, but I
don't. Anyway, as I now see the benefit of having one, I look to the
wisdom of the list for advice on what is a good dash cam. I'm not looking
for the cheapest, I don't mind spending a bit of coin. I'm wondering if
something with a reverse cam wouldn't be a bad idea. My truck is pretty
much a rolling blind spot in reverse, backing up is a leap of faith.
Mt reseller of choice on this will probably be amazon.ca
Any advice is appreciated.
thanks
bill
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