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Originally Posted by R-M4
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Originally Posted by samvora
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Originally Posted by R-M4
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Originally Posted by samvora
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Originally Posted by R-M4
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Originally Posted by samvora
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Originally Posted by rayusaFL
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I have been using dash cams for many years now. Quality is important, but the functionality and reliability of a dash cam are the two most important things to me, personally. A 1080p video and a 4k video will both have enough video quality if you do get into an accident and need the footage for insurance purposes. Yes, a 4k video will have a better quality and it also allows you to zoom in on certain areas of the video without much distortion.
Anyway, I've never been too keen on doing a hard wire installation. I have a BlackVue Power Magic Ultra Battery and this thing is AMAZING. On parking mode, I can get EASILY 15 - 16 hours out of the battery, which is PLENTY in my opinion. I mounted the battery in my trunk and I turn it off when I park the car in my garage.
I owned a Blackvue dr750s-2ch many years ago. The quality was great, but I did have some issues with overheating. (I'm in FL)
The camera then stopped working about 2 years later.
I tried the Thinkware U1000. GREAT quality, but did not like the software and the design was a HUGE turn off for me.
The Garmin mini dash cam is TRULY great. I used it for a few months till I got my BlackVue DR900X-2CH. The Garmin mini dash cam works flawlessly. Their app is WAY better than Blackvue's and Thinkware's. The thing NEVER crashes. It simply just WORKS. The camera does have parking mode, but you have to hard wired in order to do so. Even if I connected it to my Blackvue battery, the parking mode wouldn't work. Garmin sells a special cable to hard wire it. I did hear issues with the Garmin mini dash cam overheating on parking mode, but I can't comment as I never got to try it.
My recommendation to you would be the BlackVue DR900X-2CH Plus.
Mine is not the Plus, which has some minor improvements over the previous model.
Below are the main reasons why it has been my favorite dash cams out of all the ones I have used in the past:
* The shape of the camera is great. I love the cylinder shape as it does give it kind of a stealthy look. It's not too intrusive at all.
* The quality is really awesome. Night video is great as well.
* It seems that Blackvue has done a great job addressing the overheating issues from their previous cameras. I have not had any issues since I got the camera. NOTE: I do take advantage of the climate control that can be run for 30 min. I set it to run twice a day to help minimize the heat in the car.
I have to admit that I'm not crazy about their software/app.
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This is awesome info and helps me make my decision quickly and easily. One question before I purchase the plus cam - what memory size is enough? I park my car in my garage at night but the parking mode is important for me for when I am parked at the grocery store, overnight at someone's house parked on the street, etc. |
Definitely get a 256gb then, which this model supports.
Ensure it is also a high endurance card. This is what I have.
SanDisk 256GB High Endurance Video microSDXC Card with Adapter for Dash Cam and Home Monitoring systems - C10, U3, V30, 4K UHD, Micro SD Card - SDSQQNR-256G-GN6IA https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P4HBRMV...SXX2215NWVVVZM
You can always play with the settings for parking mode and adjust the sensitivity, areas where you don't want the camera to sense, such as a high tree, etc…
Good luck! |
So I can just buy the camera that comes with the 32gb card and then install a new 256gb card that I buy? |
Yep. That's what I did and what most people do.
Be sure to get a HIGH ENDURANCE one though. |
Ok awesome. Getting the same one. Now on the blackvue website it asks me for several options like parking mode add on, lte connectivity module and tamper proof case. What do I do with those? Also, is a battery pack needed for parking mode? I am sorry for the questions but I have no clue about this and a total newbie so trying to get the best product and package. |
Please, no worries and you can ask away.
I passed on the tamper proof case. That's a personal choice as I didn't want the camera to look bulkier.
Regarding the LTE module, you will need it if you want to have you camera connected to the cloud via a wi-fi hotspot. That way, you can always access your camera and get alerts no matter where you are. I also passed on that.
The battery was a MUST for me as I did not want to hard wire the camera. The battery allows your camera to stay on for almost 24 hours and record in parking mode. It may even last longer depending on use.
If you see the picture I posted, the battery sits in my trunk.
Below is a link for more info on the battery.
By the way, you can always buy the camera on Amazon. Just ensure it is from a reputable seller.
Let me know if you have any other questions. |
Thanks for the detailed info man. So did you get the B-124x battery pack? Shit..that is almost as expensive as the camera itself hahaha. With the install I am looking at $1100 for a dashcam! Lol
Another question - the battery pack is just 6.7 inches tall so could you not have put it in a place where it is concealed? I ask because this is in the trunk and if you have a loaded car or a dog (like I haul my big guy) and something hits it would it not fly out? How have you secured it? So for my purpose on the parking mode is to use it when I am out and about for a few hours but at night the car is garaged so do not need it then - can I set up the cam to use the parking mode for a few hours when I want to and then have parking mode not active at night once I am home?
What is a good spot to install the front and back cams? The front especially in a way that avoids blocking any sensors on the rear view mirror.