[Camaro_Fuzion]

How many of you run a live dash cam? Are they effective?

[sactownbwoy]

Like a dashcam? If that is what you are referring to, I run one and it has a rear camera, also run a dashcam setup on my motorcycle.


Dashcam

[Camaro_Fuzion]

Originally Posted by sactownbwoy

Like a dashcam? If that is what you are referring to, I run one and it has a rear camera, also run a dashcam setup on my motorcycle.


Dashcam

Yes. thanks for the suggestion. Are they effective?

[SS_Don]

My radar detector has a dashcam.

What do you mean by effective?

[Camaro_Fuzion]

Originally Posted by SS_Don

My radar detector has a dashcam.

What do you mean by effective?

Is it worth the investment? Like for traffic stops, theft deterrent?

[SS_Don]

It is worth the investment if you are involved in an accident which wasn't your fault, and you can use the video to show the police and insurance company.

Maybe for traffic stops depending on why you were stopped.

I'd say no for theft deterrent.

[sactownbwoy]

Originally Posted by Camaro_Fuzion

Yes. thanks for the suggestion. Are they effective?

I have not had to use the footage from either my car or motorcycle for an accident, since I haven't had one yet.


I do use the footage occasionally to make videos.

[ember1205]

Originally Posted by Camaro_Fuzion

Is it worth the investment? Like for traffic stops, theft deterrent?

In the event that something occurs where your footage would SHOW another driver being at fault, that footage could be invaluable if there is a dispute. On the flip side, if you do something stupid and -cause- an accident, that footage could be subpoenaed (if you end up in court) and used against you. The actual odds of this happening are very, very low either way.

It is not a theft deterrent. Period. Once they're in your car, they rip it out and toss it on the ground. Any steps you took to have it constantly recording, uploading to the cloud, etc. go right out the window as your car drives away while the camera stays behind.

I have a Viofo A139 in my truck that captures great quality video and I have another similar one ready to go into the convertible in the spring. I find the footage is sometimes interesting to grab and watch back if you encounter wildlife crossing the road ahead of you or something like that.

[GroundhogSS]

I use a Thinkware dual channel for front and rear coverage. I haven't had to use it for an accident or ticket yet but I did get a good video of a road rage incident and took it to the local PD. They said they knew who it was but that the video evidence would be good proof.

[DamonZ28]

It's not like a Ring camera, that's constantly recording & uploading to the cloud, so it's not really designed to be a theft deterrent. I have one in case I'm in an accident and need video proof. I also enjoy watching the Instant Karma videos on YouTube, where people get pulled over for doing stupid things. I recorded a video on my dash cam & upload to YouTube, being followed by the Wisconsin State Patrol - when a Dodge Challenger came flying up, never saw the police car, and got pulled over right in front of me.

[oldguy0130]

I have a Rexing front dash cam. Its a little cryptic to read and the wifi is slow. I'm thinking of replacing it (maybe with the one ember uses).

[ember1205]

Originally Posted by oldguy0130

I have a Rexing front dash cam. Its a little cryptic to read and the wifi is slow. I'm thinking of replacing it (maybe with the one ember uses).

In case you're interested in some info...

Video quality on the A139 Pro is very good in daylight. I have to find a camera that works well at night in places where you don't have streetlights and such. It seems you only get a "cone" in front of the vehicle that's well lit from the headlights (which makes sense).

If you're using AndroidAuto (CarPlay may be the same but I don't know for sure), you can't let the phone connect to AndroidAuto if you want to connect to the camera via WiFi to control it download content. If the phone does connect to AA, choose "Disconnect" from the notification shade then turn BT off on the phone to be able to manage the camera well.

Videos are -large- in size and will take a while to transfer to the phone over WiFi. Pulling the card out and accessing on a computer is much faster if you're able to. Reviewing on your phone while you're out and about is a decent option if you need it. I think I set mine to cap files at 5 minutes in length and they can get to be about 1.5GB in size or so.

The camera from Viofo can be had a little cheaper than buying from Amazon, but the one on Amazon can be bought with the polarizing filter in the box for a better overall value (I have the filter, it works well to cut glare) instead of buying it separately. Also, buying from Viofo direct can take longer to receive. Watch for sales...

[david_acm]

I got mine when one day I was harassed by an undercover cop. He kept revving his V6 Charger next to me at the light, tailgating me, passing me and wandering into my lane, multiple times for about a mile before he started harassing someone else. You're technically not supposed to use your phone while driving so I didn't want to give him any excuse to pull me over by pulling mine out to record that interaction.

I've had no trouble ever since but I'm glad I have a camera to capture any moments like that going forward.

[Capricio]

I considered getting one after someone clipped the front fender of my old DeVille in a parking lot. Luckily they left their info, but some cams are motion activated and might be useful in a parking lot hit'n'run, depending on the positioning, etc. Some can run off OBDII ports for power and shut off if the battery gets before 12.5 or so.