Dashcam recommendations 2024

[marlinspike]

I've bought 2 from the Nextbase outlet on Ebay. Both supposedly reconditioned. First one was mint, as new. Second one had obviously been in a car and didn't look like they'd even cleaned it. Both work fine though and had good reductions on the price from other retailers.

One has a rear view camera that is part of the front camera. Didn't want the hassle of fitting a camera to the rear screen. However, the rear screen is narrow in my car and it doesn't show as much as I'd like. Also can't put the sunshade down without obstructing the rear camera.

I wouldn't discount that style of camera entirely but worth bearing in mind if you don't have a big rear windscreen.

 

[Onoff]

Buying Nextbase SD cards is the safe bet when buying Nextbase cameras.

 

[jsf55]

Hopefully this works, the pop has a small rear window, rollcage, high back seats, but it spotted this prat driving too close ! Nextbase, can't remember the number ...

 

[Anguz]

the garmin mini is good

 

[JOEPRO]

Thanks all, I see Nextbase has been recommended by several people so I went for a Nextbase 522gw. Good used on ebay the whole kit including a rear view cam, genuine nextbase sd card and genuine hardwire kit etc cost me around £140. (This is a rear view type and not the cabin view type)

The rear view camera is a click in type with telescopic lens so it will view like the rear view mirror. For me I do not want to be running cables all the way to the rear window so this is a good solution for me. With another hardwire kit and mount this will also be transferable to my other classics if desired.

 

[Onoff]

For me I do not want to be running cables all the way to the rear window so this is a good solution for me.

Gets easier after the first 3 cars and all different makes! Do get a set of the trim removal plastic spatulas though.

 

[Onoff]

Just ordered a 622w ultimate package for mine.

I'll ditch the annoying mirror cam.

 

[JOEPRO]

Gets easier after the first 3 cars and all different makes! Do get a set of the trim removal plastic spatulas though.

You are right it would be do able and I already have a full trim removal set. But knowing myself there is a high probability that a wired rear cam won't make it out of the box, all with the best intentions!

My daily driver is a W205 Mercedes and it should be a relatively straight forward installation for the front camera as there is a fuse box right at the end of the dasg board at drivers side. So installation should take about 30 minutes and function wise I'll have front and rear camera with flexibility to unclip and move to another car in seconds leaving only the hardwire behind. Suits me best

This is a video showing what I'll be doing on my W205:

 

[Dcal]

Is there a dash cam setup with no (or remote) screen?
I fancy a dash camera but would prefer a more subtle installation.

 

[Robotstar5]

Gets easier after the first 3 cars and all different makes! Do get a set of the trim removal plastic spatulas though.

I worked in trim & final at a car factory and nearly everyone had one of these for working on trim, I've used mine quite few times to do neat installs of dashcams.

 

[Robotstar5]

Just ordered a 622w ultimate package for mine.

I'll ditch the annoying mirror cam.

I looked at your link, but couldn't work out if it had the magnetic mount that leaves the fixed wiring in place, I have a 412GW that I can remove to stop what happened to the previous fixed mount camera.

Although, because I cable tied the cable at the back of the glovebox they only got half of the cable.

 

[Ubique]

Is there a dash cam setup with no (or remote) screen?
I fancy a dash camera but would prefer a more subtle installation.

Like this?

Thinkware do a good range of screenless cameras, connection is by Bluetooth or WiFi model dependent

 

[Dcal]

Yes, but I was thinking of just a small camera that connects by wire or Bluetooth to a remote control box / hard drive.

Thanks, I'll have a look at Think wear.

 

[ajlelectronics]

Yes, but I was thinking of just a small camera that connects by wire or Bluetooth to a remote control box / hard drive.

Thanks, I'll have a look at Think wear.

Also look at motorcycle camera systems.

 

[Ubique]

Yes, but I was thinking of just a small camera that connects by wire or Bluetooth to a remote control box / hard drive.

Thanks, I'll have a look at Think wear.

Then you need to be looking at vehicle CCTV systems, not consumer 'dashcams' (have you ever seen one actually on a dash?) CCTV systems will be an order of magnitude more expensive but probably money well spent if you get the look & functionality you're after.

 

[Anguz]

Is there a dash cam setup with no (or remote) screen?
I fancy a dash camera but would prefer a more subtle installation.

garmin mini 2. connects to your phone

mini 2

 

[Migmac]

Our work vehicles are getting telemetry fitted( mandatory) and dash cams if the driver wants one. I’ve opted for a dash cam. No idea on make or anything about it, I’ll find out on Wednesday. Felt it was a good idea after an idiot nearly ran into the front of me a couple weeks ago

 

[JOEPRO]

Finally today the last part arrived for my Nextbase 522 Dash cam installation. I completed it's hardwire install outside in the dark and rain just now.

All wires 100% hidden and using the fuse tap in part to connect to an ignition on live. (2017 Mercedes W205)



Then the camera itself includes the rear view camera which has an adjustable direction bezel. Nice and compact overall and high up on my screen above mirror. Windscreen wiper sweep covers this area nicely too.



It powers up just fine, no time to mess with it tonight. I'll leave earlier for work tomorrow and with the car warmed up and screens clear I will adjust front and rear cameras.

I will report back on the quality of recordings and ease of use etc in a couple of weeks. At this point I'm just glad it made it out of the box and properly installed in my car

 

[JOEPRO]

I went out again and got the dashcam connected to the nextbase app. Easy to do and no email address or password required which is nice. It pairs via Bluetooth with a unique code. It's firmware was out of date so I updated that easily by using the Micro sd card, add files and re insert into dashcam. It updates itself.

So it's fully connected and on latest firmware. I went through the settings which are easy to do also. I turned audio recording off so my cursing isn't heard in court! And left speed etc all on. Easy to turn them off too if you wish. I don't speed so I don't see speed display as being an issue for me. And besides that if I am at fault for anything the camera will be formatted

 

[sg66]

I would love a dash cam but they all record your speed........