Dash cams

There was a really good thread on this subject not too long ago. use the search function in the upper right.

 

Would you post a link as I can't find the thread.
Thanks

 

If you also want to film the dashboard at the same time, it's extremely difficult due to lighting & vibration. I've published quite a few on YouTube (search for "priusguru" videos) where 2 cameras and some rather complicated dashboard covers and camera mounts & filters are required, along with lots of post-processing.

One the simple side, I've been experimenting recently with a GoPro Hero3 using nothing but the wireless Android interface and a sticker-mount with the plastic frame. Here's a sample:

 

Here is one... Windshield / Dash HD cam install | PriusChat

 

Is there any similar device to let you know how far your front bumper is from the curb? The clearance of Prius is very low. I always worry about hiting the bumper when parking.

 

I ordered a DVR-207 from China. Only like $50. Waiting for it to arrive.

 

How and where did you mount the camera? Can you post a pic of the mounted camera? I would like to be able to post this kind of video too.

Did the plastic frame and sticker-mount came with the GoPro?

 

I'm still undecided on a dash cam. Sure they help if someone reverses into you at the traffic lights and then tries to argue that you ran into them, but I'd be very wary about the ones that imprint your speed - it could work against you!

You can get a wide variety of HD dash cams on ebay. Permanent wiring is probably the most difficult part of installation.

 

You can see the mount in this rather silly (though informative) video I shot...

On the dashboard, you can see it's nothing but the sticker type that comes with. The frame you have to buy seperate, but it works surprisingly well. The camera stays secure but with less weight than the regular plastic waterproof case, which helps reduce vibration on the dashboard... and makes the helmet more comfortable.

 

For what its worth, my father uses a sony handicam or something like that. Basically it is a hand held video camera and he has it velcroed to his dash and hooked up in a way that when the car starts, the camera starts recording. if something "cool" or "neat" happens, he takes the SD card out and processes it on the home computer. He caught a head on collision once, and a couple deer that he has hit. one really neat although expensive thing he captured was a coyote running out and him hitting it.

He is driving along the interstate and all of a sudden you hear a loud thud and hear him say oh S**t, what the "fudge" meanwhile you see blue pieces start to fly everywhere. (he drives a blue toyota corrola sports package.) and then boom, the windsheild shatters. We showed it to my wife without her knowing what happened and she nearly jumped out of her skin. its kinda like something you see in a horror movie that catches you off guard and scares you. And when you watch it in slow motion you actually see the blur of the coyote then flying up into the windshield.

 

Which model GoPro were you using in the first video? Is it the one with the wide-angle lens?

 

All 3 generations of "Hero" feature wide-angle lens, a very handy thing to add anyone's camera arsenal. However, that's not actually what you want if including dashboard detail is important. It would be tiny that way. So, I actually had it on the narrow setting. Being able to adjust is nice. After all, a 12-megapixel photo sensor is overkill for just HD video.

The specific one in that first video is the newest, the Hero3, specifically the "Black" edition. It features a sensor that works better for low-light conditions.

 

The Hero3 black edition is $399 + accessories like San disk, car charger and suction cup holder can bring it up to $600. That is expensive. There are plenty out there for under a hundred just not sure about quality.

 

If all you ever use it for is a dashcam, yes. I also use mine for biking & kayaking. There's no contest when it comes to quality or durability too. Being waterproof and offering a remote is great. It also has built-in wireless, allowing you to use your smart-phone as a viewfinder. You get what you pay for.

Having something cheap enough and good enough to dedicate would be nice. But that doesn't look realistic quite yet, close though.

 

Good point on the wide-angle feature. I was thinking of getting the Silver edition because it seems to have the longest battery life and a wide angle lens. I did not know that all the new gens have this feature. Now I need to give a more thought on which model is best for my needs. Like you, I will be using it for other activities in addition to the dash cam.