Dash Cam.

[Bigbad]

Thinking of getting one, but don’t know much about them.
Can someone please look at the link and let me know what you think.

Don’t need anything too fancy, as I rarely drive long distance, and sometimes don’t use the car for days.

The 3 things I am sure about is 1) I don’t want wires trailing from it. 2) I would like it to be usable at night and 3) I don’t want it to have to be used in conjunction with a mobile.

I only want one for emergencies, as there are so many idiots on the road these days!

Thanks.

Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

[bhg481]

All dashcams need to be connected to the car's 12v system, preferably to a source which is only live when the ignition is on; that means the camera will start and stop automatically when you drive. It is usual to route the wire from the camera across the top of the windscreen (tucked underneath, so it doesn't show) and then down the pillar (again, it can be put behind the lining) and connected to power under the dashboard.
I have a nextbase 512G for the rear and that is pecfectly alright at night. I also have one of these at the front
Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

and I am quite happy with that also.
The nextbase 512 comes with a polariser filter which allows you to remove reflections from inside the car to improve night vision (the one you are looking at doesn't look like a filter can be fitted). The MAISI doesn't come with a filter but I was able to fit a standard photographic polariser to it and it really does make quite a difference.
I don't think you HAVE to use anyof them with a mobile - you can remove the camera from the car and connect it to your computer or just remove the memory card and load that into your computer.

[sunny-dave]

Nextbase is a reputable brand - and the magnetic mount is cute - but it isn't wire free - you still need to run a power cable from a cigar lighter to the base.

It seems 'over specified' for what you need - if you won't use the mobile phone connection - I've got one of these and it's fine for the purposes you describe :

Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

NB - you'll also need to by a camera card whichever dashcam you buy.

[bhg481]

As an addition to my previous post, I always used to use Sandisk cards in my dashcam until I had a problem with one. Guaranteed for life, so "No problem" I thought. Indeed Sandisk did replace the card but with a warning that in dashcams you should use "High-endurance" cards, not regular ones (NOT High-Performance). Lexar also make a High-endurance card, which is faster than the Sandisk, so I use those now - I like to download my card to my laptop regularly, so a faster card is useful. I keep my recordings for a month or two, just in case something nasty comes through the post claiming that I was speeding/jumping a red light/parking too long etc, so that I can look back and check.

[sunny-dave]

Yes - mine didn't like Sandisk either - although I've used the brand in cameras for years and years.

I bought a Kingston Gold card - 'rugged' and temperature proof

Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

Works well in all hot/cold weather.

[Bigbad]

Thank you both for your replies.
So, if it’s got to be connected to the lighter, can it just sit on the dash instead, rather than having to mount it on the windscreen?

[bhg481]

Dave - just out of interest, I've used my MAISI with a 64GB card (the Nextbase will only take uptp 32GB). I've also compared different resolutions and I use 720P nowadays as there seemed to be no noticeable degradation of image and the card lasts twice as long (I do lots of long trips). I know the card will overwrite itself but, as I said earlier, I like to keep my journeys for a while.

[bhg481]

Bigbad - yes, you can but a whole lot of your picture will be wasted as the bottom half will just be dashboard. It's a very wide-angle lens, remember, so not only wide field of view but wide up-and-down as well. They really need to be fitted to the top of the windscreen and hard-wiring is not difficult - look of YouTube.

[sunny-dave]

Im happy enough with the 32GB and 1080p - I tend to do lots of shortish trips which won't fill the card in a month, and the occasional longer holiday trips I save to my laptop before the card starts to overwrite.

Good to know that the 64GB works though - I'll probably do that if I need to replace mine, or next time I set one up for a friend.

[Bigbad]

Hmmm. I’m going to have a bit more of a think about this now.
I’ve never used a camera card before. (Or really know what one is).
Don’t like the trailing wire idea, and as for hard wiring, well, me and DIY are sworn enemies!

Thanks again for your answers. I’m glad I asked on AB first.

[bhg481]

Halford's will hardwire a dashcam for £30 if you buy it from them. They have a good range and their prices are good. I got my Nextbase from them and they changed it with no hesitation when I got a problem (which turned out to be the Sandisk card). I think the MAISI, which Dave and I like, is only sold by Amazon.

[Baldric]

Halfords charged me £30. to hardwire one in my Audi, done in 20 minutes and no sign of dangling wires.

[Baldric]

Snap ^^^ ;o)

[bhg481]

Bigbad - whilst Halford's will only fit a camera purchased from them you might have a local vehicle electrician who will fit it for if you want to buy from elsewhere; I have a cousin in Lancashire who does that sort of thing. You might also have a local shop which deals in car radios who would do it - worth having a look around and ask what they would charge.

[Bigbad]

Ooh. I'm liking the Halfords idea.
Will definitely investigate that further.
Plus I get to speak to someone before I buy, who hopefully will see I buy the right one. Thanks folks.

[ladybirder]

Bigbad, the 6 BestBuys on Which are all Nextbase with the one you have picked as No.2 with 72%.
Which says, // This is a great little dash cam from Nextbase. At its time of release the iN-CAR CAM 312GW was the highest-scoring dash cam of 2017, whilst now it's second only to the 612GW Elite for the top spot. It has plenty of features, as well as good detailed footage and a low price. Buy it. \\. Hope this helps.

[bhg481]

Just to add to your confusion, you might have noticed that some include a GPS module. This allows you to display your speed, if you wish, to prove whether or not you were speeding. If you think that you normally drive within speed limits you might think that's a useful feature; if you like to speed it can prove to be damning evidence against you.

[ladybirder]

Bigbad did you see my post?

[Bigbad]

Yes thanks, ladybirder.
Will certainly go to Halfords sometime soon.
When I’ve found out where it is!

[ladybirder]

Doubt one'll be far away Bb. Good luck.

[bhg481]

Bigbad - you are aware that the Halford's website has a "store" tab at the top which finds their nearest store for you, aren't you?

http://www.halfords.com/stores