Undecided about best dash cam

[The Electric Duo]

Thanks a lot for sharing your video, very nice. Did you manage to test the A229? I’m curious to hear your thoughts.

We just got it on Friday so I haven't put it in yet - maybe I will today. I like the specs but I'm not sure if I actually want a screen on the dashcam.

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[Alutacon]

...and therefore, because the camera has to look through the clear (not stippled) part of the windshield, its integrated radar will be blocked. ...unless your car does not have the IRR symbol on its windshield's lower corner (see attached picture in my post above).

Ah, I see.

 

[Aulander]

I bought this Ford branded dashcam that drains no energy when the car is off. I don't know if it is available in US.

 

[Vulnox]

I installed the a139 Pro 2 Channel in my wife's MME and it was an easy install, looks great, and has worked great for the four months it's been installed. Starvis 2 sensor is outstanding. I have had a few Viofo devices and was tempted by the Thinkware, especially their new model, but all the issues I see on dashcam talk had me worried, even this many years in, for the premium price they demand. The a139 Pro isn't exactly cheap, but they go on sale often and I think the price to performance from when we got it, it would be hard to beat.

I don't bother with parking sensors or any of that though, in my opinion, and from reading a lot of experiences from others, it's almost always more trouble than it's worth. If a person comes up and damages the car, even if you see their face, it's rare that much is done about it if you don't also get a license plate or something. And even when it's another car that does something like a door ding or whatever, you aren't likely to hunt them down. In all ours years of vehicle ownership, there has never been a situation where a parking cam would have helped things.

So again, it's just opinion, but something to think about too when looking at features. Many dash cams offer parking sensors/recording, but have varying levels of reliability and usually require extra connections or a dedicated battery to not run down the 12v. So really think about how important this is.

As for wiring up power, if you end up not caring about parking sensors, I bought the Dongar 5 pin adapter which hides away neatly under the rearview mirror plastic cover. The dash cam power then plugs into it, and the cam comes on when you start the car.

https://dongar.tech/products/ford5pin

Anyway, good luck, I think either cam you mentioned will be great. Make sure you get a high endurance memory card.

 

[933233311602]

Have you considered NOT getting a dash cam? It can be used against you as easily as it might (maybe) help you. Police and insurance companies are not your friends. Their job is to search every crevice of evidence that you're guilty. Choose wisely.

 

[aaragon]

I bought this Ford branded dashcam that drains no energy when the car is off. I don't know if it is available in US.

Just out of curiosity, do you know how much power the Ford dash cam draws? I was looking in the videos the Viofo is around 5W.

 

[Electricponi]

I have thinkware front and rear camera and it works great. No noticeable battery drainage issues.

 

[aaragon]

I just purchased the Viofo A139 Pro 2ch with the HK3-C kit for €258 (€25 off due to Black Friday). I’ll post later my thoughts on it.

 

[Aulander]

Just out of curiosity, do you know how much power the Ford dash cam draws? I was looking in the videos the Viofo is around 5W.

I don't know how much power it drains, there are no technical infos in the box but I am sure it has no noticeable drainage.

 

[Nerwyn]

No one mentioned the FITCAMX yet? I've got one and love it. It's barely noticeable since it replaces the original shroud above the rearview mirror. I think the gap issue has been fixed on newer models.

 

[aaragon]

If the Fitcam doesn’t have the Starvis 2 sensor then it doesn’t make it to my list… ?

 

[Auto Motive]

Hi guys, I am thinking in buying a dash cam for Black Friday, and after watching tons of videos and reviews on the internet, I short listed two options:

1. Thinkware U3000
2. Viofo A139 Pro

I found a video on YouTube that actually compares both of them:


Both dash cams are impressive. They both have the newest Sony Starvis 2 sensor so video quality is very good. The Thinkware is more expensive than the Viofo (substantially) and it seems to me the price difference boils down to the behavior in parking mode. The Thinkware uses some radar technology that draws no energy from the battery (almost). However, I found another video on YouTube where this camera was installed on the Mach E and the person mentions that radar doesn’t work in the Mach E due to the special meshed windshield, but gave no proof of it:



I am curious if anyone has experience with either dash cam, whether it’s true radar doesn’t work for the Thinkware, and what’s your recommended setup. Also, I actually have dark windows in the back so I’m curious about the rear camera’s behavior with this. Does anyone have experience with it?

Nextbase 622 at Best Buy is probably the best on clarity. $299 plus $99 install it. Checking it out soon.

 

[Triggerhappy007]

Nextbase 622 at Best Buy is probably the best on clarity. $299 plus $99 install it. Checking it out soon.

You know that's a 3 year old dashcam? The newer cameras with the Starvis 2 sensors probably have the best clarity now.

 

[Auto Motive]

You know that's a 3 year old dashcam? The newer cameras with the Starvis 2 sensors probably have the best clarity now.

$659 is pushing it on price vs needs. I want a very clear image that can read a license plate. Being a true 4k this unit is perfect and really has tons of added features for all my needs. Reviews are awesome. Agree on the new sensor.

 

[kennelh]

You know that's a 3 year old dashcam? The newer cameras with the Starvis 2 sensors probably have the best clarity now.

Maybe @Mach-E VLOG installed their Viofo A229 and has info they can share? It's reported to use the Starvis 2 sensors.

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