eBay dash cams??

Supatramp

Beware of the cheap ones. I bought 2 from Amazon, the G1Ws or something like that, they worked ok initially, the recording quality was good but both packed in just after a year old.

Then had 2 Nextbase 101s, both had to be returned to Currys! Now have 2 Drive Pro 200s, working properly, recording quality streets ahead of the Nextbase particularly at night.

But due to the fact that reliability can be patchy, I would recommend checking the recording on a regular basis, both the Nextbase 101s appeared to be recording ok but on checking, they weren't.

Pincher

Iceweasel wrote: »

Some cars have a permanently live cigarette lighter socket.

That'll drain the battery nicely.

diesel_dog

scotsbob wrote: »

How very patronising.


You are entitled to your own opinion but to make that assumption about other people is extremely condescending.

Wind your neck in :beer:

neilmcl

Not convinced about the Transcend DP 200. Whilst the price is quite reasonable, I'd prefer to have GPS included. Also, one big minus for me is the fact that its not very subtle, definitely not something you'd want to leave on show all the time.

diesel_dog

I can see how GPS would be useful and I take your point in it not been the most discreet. I bought the sucker mount as an extra and have on occasions taken it out and then tucked the power lead out of sight behind the sun visor.

Initially I wanted an all singing and dancing cam showing gps, speed, date, etc and without trying to patronise others, or myself I opted for the 200 purely on the fact the picture was pretty good for the money and the chances are that once it's set up I'd just leave it and not bother with other features. Not only that, I'd probably test the speed function - so wisely veered away from it.

At the time it was reduced so it was something like £70/75 including the card making it a good buy at the time.

roddydogs

Why haven't car makers got wise & provide a small discreet power socket near the top of the W/S, it will also of course need a small plug. Its a real pain having wires plugged into the Cig socket. Ditto a Sat nav. Yes I do know you can DIY, but most wont want to disturb the wiring especially on a new car.

diesel_dog

It would be helpful, although I'd imagine at some stage most cars will have a cam built in - probably costing 5/10 times the amount of a plug in cam and render a large part of the dash useless once it's broken - a bit like some of the analogue TV's in some of the not so new vehicles.

I managed to fit mine in my car ok but the one I put in my son's car was a real nightmare with literally no where to hide the power cable and the plug in is just mm's away from the gear stick when it's in drive.

neilmcl

roddydogs wrote: »

Why haven't car makers got wise & provide a small discreet power socket near the top of the W/S, it will also of course need a small plug. Its a real pain having wires plugged into the Cig socket. Ditto a Sat nav. Yes I do know you can DIY, but most wont want to disturb the wiring especially on a new car.

In mine there's a handy socket on the underside of the glovebox so I can discreetly route the cable under the headlining and down the passenger door pillar.

Pincher

Had a rather surreal experience yesterday.


Ordered a new car in February, with dashcam as a dealer fitted option, but the order just says dashcam, for ~£150+VAT.


Monday, 4th April, the dealership rang up, saying the car will be ready to collect, on Thursday 7th. I happened to pass by on Wednesday, so the salesman said why don't we do the paperwork on Wednesday. He pointed to something top centre of the windscreen, and said that's the dashcam, and I thought it looks built-in, and was pleased. The box for the dashcam was sitting on the passenger seat.


Around 5pm, he rang me, and said the thing in the windscreen was for collision mitigation, and not the dashcam at all! :rotfl:


The car is now in the workshop, being fitted with the dashcam, which was sealed and sitting on the passenger seat.

JustAnotherSaver

I don't like things on show but thankfully i know an auto spark, so with a bit of luck i'll be able to have a word with him & he'd be able to wire it in so that it comes on with the ignition & the wires are hidden.

It'll probably void warranty since no doubt he'll have to strip the wires back to expose the internals, but so be it. I'd rather that than a visible thing stuck in to the 12v socket all the time.