Has Anyone Installed a Dash Cam?

Did the Z-EDGE S3 dash cam on the Advanced model. Ran the cable around the edge of the windshield. They provide a tool to push it in. Plugged in the front cig lighter.

 

Finally got the hardwire kit. Ive never looked.

Where is tje closest place to get accessory and ignition hots?

 

Connect to passenger side fuse box is better without long wiring, and have a plug into rear USB socket is not super neat.

 

Passenger side fusebox? Aint found that but found drivers side. Will wire this week

 

I installed a Viofo A119s dashcam behind the mirror onto the plastic covering for the built-in camera. I'm not sure how that will hold. I wanted to stick it onto the glass but I got the front of my windshield tinted. I routed the wire like others have done. I have 2 other Viofos for 2 to 3 years and they have held up well. I would recommend that brand for the best price/performance ratio.

 

Here is a link to my setup for a street guardian and transcend rear camera setup. That thread also shows video quality and the aftermath of installing a dash camera. Long story short, I did not pay a dim to my insurance. But I lost about 9,000 dollars due to depreciation and a totaled 2016 prius.

https://priuschat.com/posts/2718431/

 

Here is how I did it:

 

Great pictorial. Thanks. When I finally install the dashcam I purchased a few years ago, I will try this.

 

Now we are rolling out of 2024, wanted to ask experiences of your dash cams and reliable brands after your cams have been in place for a while. I had two white labeled 'rear-view mirror' style dash cams that I loved because you couldn't really see it...strap it to your rear view mirror and good to go. The form factor is what I loved.

Both mirrors had flaws - primarily that the DEFAULT view was front of the car, so as you looked into the rear view mirror you always saw the front of the car. Sellers states you change that in settings, which yes you can change that in settings each and every time you turn on the car. The other issue was lack of support.... they were one of those fly-by-night amazon sellers and a year later gone. No firmware updates, no support if needed and we essentially abandoned the hardware as a result.

Only brand name I recognize has been Garmin. Seeing that the VIOFO has been around for many years and curious of their reputation. I'd be wanting something you pretty much can't see...set and forget and only touch if you need footage. Those w/LCD screens seem too big, so ok w/an app on the phone to keep the cam discreet.

Oh, also interested in if anyone experienced battery issues after hardwiring to the car? Parking coverage would be helpful as well.. sensing movement or risk the camera auto records while parked and car is off.

 

We've had a Blackvue in the Prius for... 5 years now? Flawless operation and it has delivered the goods more than once. I put a matching one in our other car and it too has been perfect for 3+ years now.

Both are hardwired to switched ignition power, no parking mode utility. I know they have an extensive feature set that can be used to support parking mode, but we never wanted/needed that so it remains unexplored by me.

Blackvue does a nice job of updating their desktop and mobile apps, so the cameras have stayed easy to use over the years. That's a big deal.