The Dashcam Buyer's Guide


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Dr MUDHAN

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DASH CAM.jpg


The Dashboard Camera 'Dash Cam' is a helpful gadget, provide us with a silent witness to events in and nearby our vehicle.

I have been planning to have one, the recent discussions in our TAI forum inspired me to dig into the details, and such efforts resulted creating this Comprehensive Guide – Thread!

Hope, this could be a one stop reference for the benefit of the author and the readers as well. [:D]


DASH CAM TYPES:

DASH CAM.jpg



FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED BEFORE BUYING A DASH CAM:
  • PURPOSE:
The purpose of a Dash Cam is to carefully record every instance & details that takes part on the road within the vehicle's journey.
Dash Cam videos are more of evidences while we drive and their field of view (FOV) are different from normal cameras. It depends upon how wide the car Dash Cam can see. The ideal FOV is between 130 and 160 degrees.
Please note, such videos are not okay for Family Trip memories or for the use of regular Vloggers. We humans are largely binocular beings. Each eye alone gives us roughly a 130-degree field of vision and with two eyes, we can see nearly 180 degrees.

DASH CAM_1.jpg
  • FACTORS ON IMAGE QUALITY:
Video Resolution:
Practical Experience reveals that the actual quality of videos are little lower than what claimed by the Dash Cams manufactures. Therefore, it is better to buy at least a FHD, but 2K or 4K are the best.
Frame Rates:
Most Dash Cams offer a frame rate of 30 frames per second (fps) and it is a must. Footage captured at 60fps takes up twice the storage space, but the best to give a clear view of Vehicles Number Plates in front at a reasonable distance.
Camera Lenses & Night Vision:
Night vision ensures that even in dark situations, the footage has enough detail to make out what’s going on. Only a good quality glass lenses, manufactured by reputed companies like SONY can have better LUX to capture such details. The clarity & details depends upon the aperture size; it varies from 1.4 to 2.
Lower number means better LUX, as it represents a wider aperture which lets in more light and improves clarity. Cheap Chinese Dash Cams have plastic lenses and tend to deteriorate. Number of lens (elements) is important, more lens elements can reduce distortion and increase sharpness (Ex. Good Lens: 7-Element, f/1.6 Glass Lens)
Aspect Ratio:
The footage in wider screen (16.9) will look beautiful. Some Dash Cam are deigned to shoot only on 4.3 ratio like our old box TVs. Some can shoot on different aspect ratios on different resolution, Ex. 70Mai Pro Plus+ A500s - 16.9 @ 1080p and 4.3 @ 3K.
Recording Formats:
Older generation and unbranded Chinese Dash Cams record in MP4, H.264 formats which are generally played by our Windows Operating System Media Players. The newer ones use the advanced compression format like H.265 for which we need to find out compatible codecs / free media players like VLC.
Loop Recording & Time Lapse Photography:
The video clips are normally recorded in bits to store minute wise, say 1 to 3 minutes as preferred to avoid accidental deletion of the whole video. Loop recording provision ensures continuous recording by deleting some previous footage step by step. That way, it won’t have to reformat the Dash Cam's memory card every time it gets filled. Some can make Fast-motion playback ‘Time Lapse Photography’.
HDR, WDR & Noise Reduction:
These marketing gimmicks are post-processing features to increase the clarity of a scene by increasing contrasting light or reducing the grain or noise found in videos. These may not be always perfect in every scene and at environmental weather; it’s better to look at the original video quality instead.

DASH CAM d.jpg

  • BATTERY & POWER SOURCE:
Most Dash Cams are designed to run on car battery power Accessory Socket @ 5 Volt / 1.5 to 2A - USB adopters. They'll be ‘ON’ when we turn on the car, and turn off when the car gets turned off.
But, someone might want a dash cam to work on 24 hours’ surveillance, to record after they've parked their car in a public lot. In this case, we need to connect to the battery directly like the car security system works.
Lithium Battery and Super Capacitors:
Some Dash Cams, however, have a built-in Lithium battery or Super Capacitors. Both gets heated up while recording and its normal, not a major concern.
But, Capacitors provide higher durability and temperature resistance and its suitable for temperature ranging from -25 to +85C.

  • STORAGE AND FOOTAGE PROTECTION
Most Dash Cams today don't have internal memory. Instead, we need to purchase a recommended third-party Micro SD card to store all the recordings. The normal storage is 32 /64 Gb. Provisions for larger capacity like 128Gb & more is always best as we can keep as many recordings as we need.
We should remember one most important thing – these Dash Cams tend to overwrite / record over old footage on a loop, and the important moment/incident/footage what we require might have got deleted when we need it. So, it is prudent to save it as early as possible.
Dash Cams with G-Sensor protect against writing over such footage. It can detect a sudden change in motion and tell the Dash Cam to save / lock the footage of that incident which is helpful when we need to access later.
When we buy a Micro SD card, the recommended / compatible speed - Class (C or V) and maximum storage (Gb) are to be noted. To ensure best video quality and FPS (frame per second) during recording and play back, manufacturers recommend the users to use C10 (10MB/s) cards (ultra-speed Read & Write) for 1080p videos and V30 (30MB/s) cards for 4K videos.

DASH CAM_3.jpg


  • MOUNTING AND PLACEMENT
Dash Cams are typically mounted on the front and rear windshields of the vehicle and come with either adhesive or suction cup mounts.
Adhesive mount is recommended as they don’t require as much space, also heat resistant & stable ; now a days provided with electrostatic base films for effective bonding..
It is recommended to stick as much as at center of the windshield to get the balanced angle.
Some are designed to fit (ex. DDPAI MOLA E3) on the IRVM which are bulkier, hide the original IRVM and also its Auto Dimming feature unfotunately. The display is wider, may be beautiful, may also distract the driver.

DESIGN & FORM FACTOR OF DASH CAM
Apart from aesthetics, the design should not block the view, the camera should be tilt able for better focus, more importantly, should be compatible with the design of the windshield, as some vehicles may have a flat type windshield design.


DASH CAM_4.jpg



DASH CAM_6.jpg


DASH CAM_5.jpg



OTHER FEATURES:

Built-In Display
It is not a must, smaller IPS displays may look good inside the cabin. The screen size fall between two and three inches, may be helpful for those who might need to change a setting using external buttons, though it can also be done by their Apps using the mobile phone.

Wireless Connectivity
A camera with Wi-Fi can connect directly to your smartphone through an app. You can do a few things which include playing back videos, updating the firmware, changing settings and more. They are single 2.4GH or dual band 5GH.
Note, Most Cameras Can’t Connect to the Internet! Some people think it can connect to the internet and watch the footage from our office or home. The range is limited, 10 to 15 feet at most.
It can connect to our smartphone and not to a router and therefore, remote view is not possible as of now.
GPS
Mostly GPS Module is inbuilt, it is is only a logger and not a tracker. Means, there is a possibility to view your trip route by its Dash Cam software and, we can’t monitor the movements remotely like OLA /SWIGGY Apps.
GPS in dash Cameras allow us to sync the time and date through the GPS system, log our speed and position, but not to give directions. The time stamp helps to know the event location and the speed of the vehicle at that time.

ADAS
This ‘Advanced Driving Assistance Systems’ supposed to give the driver Lane Departure Warning (Warns when we accidently drift outside our lane so we can straighten our vehicle) and Forward Collision Warning (Warns us to have our car a safe distance away from the vehicle in front).
In reality, it is not fully integrated with vehicle system and as effective as seen in TESLA cars. There’s a lot of false alarms that makes us become quickly annoyed and switch it off. May be more useful in regulated traffic abroad or in traffic_ less rural zones than a city.[sad]

G-Sensor & Parking Mode:
The G-Sensor detects external impacts, movement and will lock a Footage / Video Clip from being overwritten. We can select the sensitivity, force threshold level. Otherwise more the sensitivity results more the frame locking and even a road speed brake impact is recorded and memory card space is occupied unnecessarily.
Parking mode is a feature which is used while parked to save memory as to record only when there’s movement or if it detects an impact / hit or if someone vandalizing the vehicle.
Needs hard wiring kit to connect directly into the car battery and ACC fuse link to enable this feature.

Processor & Sensor Combinations:
The processor and sensor specs greatly influence the final video quality of a Dash Cam. Some of the popular and notable combinations - Novatek NT96660 + OmniVision OV4689 (Ex. Viofo A119), Ambarella A7 + Omnivision OV4689 (Ex. Vantrue R2), Novatek NT96650 + Aptina AR0330 (Ex.Viofo A118), Novatek 96655 + Sony IMX322 (Ex.Street Guardian SG9665GC)

Audio Recording:
Some Dash Cams hears and records everything- The car music, road noises, and the conversations! But it could be muted / switched off if not required, as many of us would not be comfortable with the private conversations being recorded.


DASH CAM b.jpg




WIRING INSTALLATION:
DASH CAM_2.jpg
 
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Thread Starter #2

Dr MUDHAN

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CAN WE USE OUR SMARTPHONE AS A DASH CAM?

How about using my unused Samsung mobile phone as Dash Cam?

I started thinking. I tried, explored it.

The Preparation:
I dedicated my old Samsung Galaxy 7 Edge whose video quality I always admired and that is being used as webcam for my online sessions.
Disabled / Removed all the unwanted Apps. No SIM, put the mobile on Flight Mode. Installed the best Dash Cam App – DROID DASHCAM.
Tuned the App Software to suit my need. It really worked.
The video quality is excellent and best suited for my family road trips and memories.

What you require:

OLD MOBILE - A touch screen mobile phone that is functioning, preferably as small as possible (around 5 inch display or less). The rear camera must be wider angle, at least 2 MP or more, good at night mode images and have enough storage.
MOBILE CHARGER – Compatible, Reliable car mobile charger OR Power Bank with a good cable.
MOBILE HOLDER/MOUNT- Preferably Windshield mobile holder that can bond firmly and hold the mobile weight, without shaking. IRVM mobile holders are shaky and better to be avoided.
ANDROID APP – A cost free, AD nuisance free, Simple uncluttered interface with user friendly settings that serves the purpose.
Check @ Google PS: DROID DASHCAM App AUTOBOY App DAILYROADS VOYAGER App

But,
These are my unbiased observations:

PROS:
  • No extra investment - Simple to install, best alternate use of an unused mobile phone whose video capture quality is good.
  • Very good quality videos, helps to the know, record actions in reality, helps to preserve the family trip memories and uploading quality.
  • Excellent, user friendly Apps are available.

CONS:
  • Need a dedicated unused Mobile without sim.
  • Only the original, reputed & branded mobiles with original batteries can be tried by taking risk. Duplicate batteries may get bulged.
  • Bulky phones may block the windshield view.
  • Suitable for short time recordings with a rest in-between. Not suitable while driving for hours in scorching heat, without AC. The 'Thermal Shutdown' feature may switch off the mobile.
  • Unlike dash cams, smartphones are not designed to handle the task of continuously recording video, which takes more processing power; phone may get heated up or malfunction.
  • Shortened lifespan of smartphone and SD-memory card.
  • Smartphone in holder attracts thieves.
  • Cost can't be justified


MY PHONE DROID DASHCAM - VIDEO RECORDER INTERFACE:
(I made only 3 small icons to appear and, just a tap on the display can start or stop recording!)
DASHCAM.jpg


DASHCAM 1.jpg



VERDICT : NOT RECOMMENDED (For Regular Use)
Better to use a special purpose device that is thoroughly tested and certified for use as a proper Dash Cam as it operates by the principle: “do one only thing, but do it well”.[lol]

.
 
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Thread Starter #3

Dr MUDHAN

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EMERGING GADGETS: ANDROID HEAD UNIT DASH CAM WITH DVR

DASH CAM.gif


The new Android Head Units have started emerging with inbuilt Dash Cams. These 360-Degree Parking Assist Cameras once available only in luxury cars. :cool:

Older Android car stereo units had only reverse cam provisions that will switch on when reverse gear engaged, but no DVR (Digital Video Recorder)

The newer ones have three different versions with DVR.
  • Front Camera (Live Stream) Rear Camera (Linked with reverse gear)
  • Front Camera & Rear Camera - Live Stream both front & Rear
  • Advanced 360 Degree with four cameras – Live stream in three -Front & both sides / Rear linked with reverse gear .
These AHD (Analog High Definition) Cameras have 170 degree FOV, Clear night vision, Gravity Sensor , Loop Recording & Real time monitoring etc.,

Few expensive Android units come along with 360-degree cam kit like - MOCO, Black Buster, UnPlug .... Separate external kit is also available .

360 –degree aftermarket kit also available for OE head units. Additional camera interface/socket adopter is required if to be connected with OEM Display.

The inbuilt android units have provisions to see those views on screen without need of a remote. But aftermarket 360-degree camera unit comes with a remote to view individual side at a time.


DASH CAM c.jpg


DASH CAM a.jpg


USEFUL VIDEO: (Ignore the language if you don't know, but the video will make you to understand well)
DEMO - 360-Degree View Car Camera System
.
 
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Thread Starter #4

Dr MUDHAN

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PERFORMANCE COMPARISON OF SOME POPULAR DASH CAMS

These video links are of excellent real-time reviews. It would definitely help during our selection process. Please 'click' on the picture to view as a full image.
You can also check for more and new DASH CAMs reviews periodically at the Reviewer's site.

dashcam_2.jpg

Video Link for Complete Details : NEXDIGITRON A3 vs QUBO SMART DASHCAM PRO


dashcam_3.jpg

Video Link for Complete Details : 1.
DDPAI MINI vs NEXDIGITRON A3 & 2. DDPAI MINI


dashcam_4.jpg

Video Link for Complete Details :
DDPAI MINI vs NEXDIGITRON A3 vs 70MAI LITE 2


dashcam_6.jpg

Video Link for Complete Details : NEXDIGITRON A3 vs 70MAI M300



dashcam_8.jpg

Video Link for Complete Details : DDPAI Mola N3 vs 70MAI A500 vs 70MAI A400




PERFORMANCE OF CPL FILTERS

dashcam_7.jpg

Video Link for Complete Details :

Nexdigitron A3 Dashcam CPL Filter
70MAI Lite 2 CPL Filter
DDPAI Mini CPL Filter
DDPAI Mola N3 CPL Filter


HARDWIRE KIT - INSTALLATION

dashcam_5.jpg

Video Link for Complete Details :
1.
HARDWIRE KIT UNBOXING & INSTALLATION & 2. HARDWIRE KIT UNBOXING & INSTALLATION



USEFUL VIDEO: (Ignore the language if you don't know, but the video will make you to understand well)
DEMO - Car Dash Camera Selection Guide

.
 
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Thread Starter #5

Dr MUDHAN

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DASH CAM: ADVANTAGES -Vs- DISADVANTAGES

Plus, Factors that make you can opt for :
  • It's a beautiful gadget, make us to be with the progressing technology. Dash Cams are used throughout the world within many occupations such as Driving Instructors, Bus Drivers, Taxi Drivers, Individuals, Family, Parents, & Police Officers; Australian Police are equipped with these devices, ensuring that they have solid visual evidence when drivers are alleged to have committed an offense.
  • Helps to understand our driving habits, correct from mistakes, readjust our driving skills & Improving Safe Driving.
  • Helps & supports us to prove and defend if there's no wrong doing at our side during road accidents.
  • Helps to understand the unusual routes for future visits.
  • Helps loss minimization of insurance companies by Preventing Insurance Fraud.
  • Helps as evidence towards insurance claims.
  • Helps to save premium as insurance companies abroad offer discounts in premium.
  • Helps employers and Fleet operators to monitor their employees’ activities.
  • Helps Parents to monitor their kids.
  • Helps Driving Instructors in teaching methods to provide for better skills attainment of the learner.
  • Helps Preventing Parking Accidents, by monitoring the blind spots
  • Acts as a sense of security, recording the malicious / perpetrator’s actions. Even thieves will think twice about breaking into the car if they know that 24/hours of footage will be uploaded to the cloud and the owner can review it.
  • Great quality Dash Cam with wider image aspect ratio and standard FOV can record the road and take some awesome shots for Vlogs and Family Trip Memories.
  • It is a great investment, extremely cost-effective evidence as it saves our money and time during an unfortunate event.

Minus, Factors that make you can think twice:
  • Some may not like any external objects fixed on the windshield.
  • We need to fiddle with car fuse box for hard wiring if we require 24x7 surveillance, may need a professional help.
  • The captured images are not always accepted as legal evidence by the authorities everywhere, though it is now slowly gaining importance.
  • Anti-Glare films on the windshield may deteriorate the dash cam image output.
  • The camera image may have some unwanted reflection of internal images if not properly mounted and it also depends on the design of the car's windshield. Reflection and positioning on/ behind the tilted windshield design may be a challenge with some Dashcams. This would be a more of nuisance during sunny days, when we wear dark coloured dresses and the dashboard is of light coloured.
  • Some Reverse side Dashcams can't be fixed properly to show downwards or may loose driving image focus even if adjusted, as it depends upon at what height it's placed.
  • Some Dashcams can't be stopped manually when not required.
  • May attract Thieves.
  • Requires little computer knowledge to save the footages, data transfers for future reference.

.
 
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Thread Starter #6

Dr MUDHAN

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DON'T MISS - DASH CAM LINKS:

We learn many things from individual experiences. Please read more from our TAI forum:
Dash Cam: Queries & Discussions
DDPAI Mini Dashcam Review @ 350Z
A118C Car Dashcam - Review @ CRACING


PRO TIPS:
  • Check from the Retailer / Importer's price at their online site before placing order online, as many times its works cheaper.
  • Make sure you have a water repellent film on rear glass so it records without obstruction during rains if the car doesn’t have a rear viper.
  • Make sure if we add a CPL filter ring for the camera lens it doesn’t deteriorate the night images; may require to remove at times during night long journey to avoid glare/ light burst effects.
  • Make sure the new Dash Cam doesn’t get reflection issues if the car has anti-glare film in front windshield. Matt finish anti glare film is better.
  • Ensure the Dashcam can efficiently manage night vision, and the lights of opposite direction vehicles. Many Dadhcams fail in this aspect ' Light Burst ' due to their poor exposure and white balance controls that result poor images.
  • Make a thorough analysis before by studying about the Dash Cam that you like to buy by looking into real time image comparison - uploaded by reliable, genuine YouTube channels / dedicated reviews.
  • Avoid cheap unbranded Dash Cams sold online on different names as they are not reliable. They are NOT a 'Fit & Forget' ones, sometimes just freeze up the recording due cold or heat without notification.
  • Avoid large & bulky Dash Cams as they will look as if hanging on the windshield, blocking the vision.
  • Please note while you buy a memory card – whether any disclaimer class is indicated for memory card if put into use on continuous recording gadgets. Some brands do mention in their warranty clause.
  • Don't get carried away by the word - ' Life time warranty'. It's not our life time. It is the life time of the memory card, could be 1 to 5 years as designed/ expected.
  • Ensure the Dash Cam design suits the car's windshield design. Some windshield glass of cars are flat, not all Dash Cam are compatible to mount.Ex. Mahindra Thar
  • Check whether your existing OE or After Market Reverse Cam will work with Android units designed for AHD Cameras, in case you're interested towards Android Head Unit.
  • Explore for the true customer support and warranty. Go with Manufacturers Warranty, avoid unreliable Seller's Warranty.
  • Don't get carried away by the claim ' Made in India' No Dashcam is fully created in India. The components are imported from China , Korea , Vietnam etc. Truly, they are mostly from China, but, integrated and dressed up in India. They are actually 'Make in India' products. Nevertheless, it's okay if it is sourced from are reliable / reputed source.
  • Check your car Cigarette Lighter Socket where the Dash Cam adopter charger is connected. Some cars have always ‘ON’ socket – connected directly to battery and not with ACC / Ignition accessory position. In this case, the Dash cam will continue to work even when the car gets turned off.
  • And ...
  • One Final Word - Don't bother towards spelling (Noun) of this gadget name. It's referred as Dashcam (Merrium Webster Dictionary) or DashCam (Manufacturer) or also Dash Cam (Cambridge Dictionary). All are Okay. [lol]

Dash Cams have started to become a necessary car accessory and no more a luxury gadget.
But no matter what you're looking for from a dash cam, you shouldn't have difficulty finding one that works for you and your needs ..…

Hope, this article helps!

Drive with care; Life has no spare.
With Warm Regards
Dr MUDHAN

.
 
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350Z

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That's another brilliant write-up @Dr MUDHAN. I wish it was available earlier when I was eyeing for a dashcam and had no idea about the options available and what functions to look for. This thread will serve as an all-in-one guide for beginners and advanced users alike. Using a dashcam myself, I can vouch that it’s one of the most useful features to have in a vehicle in India where one can trust neither the road users nor enforcement authorities.

Drive Safe,
350Z
 

deville_56

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EMERGING GADGETS: ANDROID HEAD UNIT DASH CAM WITH DVR

View attachment 305141

The new Android Head Units have started emerging with inbuilt Dash Cams. These 360-Degree Parking Assist Cameras once available only in luxury cars. :cool:

Older Android car stereo units had only reverse cam provisions that will switch on when reverse gear engaged, but no DVR (Digital Video Recorder)

The newer ones have three different versions with DVR.
  • Front Camera (Live Stream) Rear Camera (Linked with reverse gear)
  • Front Camera & Rear Camera - Live Stream both front & Rear
  • Advanced 360 Degree with four cameras – Live stream in three -Front & both sides / Rear linked with reverse gear .
These AHD (Analog High Definition) Cameras have 170 degree FOV, Clear night vision, Gravity Sensor , Loop Recording & Real time monitoring etc.,

Few expensive Android units come along with 360-degree cam kit like - MOCO, Black Buster, UnPlug .... Separate external kit is also available .

360 –degree aftermarket kit also available for OE head units. Additional camera interface/socket adopter is required if to be connected with OEM Display.

The inbuilt android units have provisions to see those views on screen without need of a remote. But aftermarket 360-degree camera unit comes with a remote to view individual side at a time.


View attachment 305139

View attachment 305140

USEFUL VIDEO: (Ignore the language if you don't know, but the video will make you to understand well)
DEMO - 360-Degree View Car Camera System
.
Recently bought a Geesonic HU with dual dashcam for my friend and travelled all the way to Chennai and installed it out of curiosity. Quality of recording was superb. HU didn't have an SD card slot, but dual USB slot and a pen drive would double up as storage. Same HU had variants with 360-degree cam and without any of these features. It had decent sound and good display quality, both of which I was sceptical about.
 
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Thanks for this post, I really learnt many things about Dashcam from this ultimate guide.
I have a doubt over its legal implications, whether any legal limitations in India as in developed countries?
 
Thread Starter #10

Dr MUDHAN

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I have a doubt over its legal implications, whether any legal limitations in India as in developed countries?
DASHCAM.jpg

Thanks for your appreciation.
Good Question [cheers]
Though Car Dashcams are very much permitted in India, it has some legal implications:
  • The Dash Camera is a public recording device, and if we enter a private property we may require to get their permission.
  • Same with Military base or an Office park may be required to turn off the camera for security concerns.
  • The owners of private property have the legal right to request that you stop filming.
  • Now, Dash camera video evidence can be utilized in court or given to your insurance provider or local police to prove our case. This is similar to how CCTV footage can be utilized in Indian courts.
  • Dashcam must not be positioned in such a way that it distracts the driver of the car.
  • Fiddling with Dashcam screen should be avoided while driving as Mobile Phone.
 

Nairrk

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70mai A810 4K Starvis 2 dashcam

FireShot Capture 288 - 70mai A810 4K Starvis 2 dashcam now in Malaysia - paultan.org - paultan...png

Thinkware’s new flagship A810 4K dashcam is now available in Malaysia. The biggest difference that the A810 4K has has over the A800 model is the adoption of the new Sony Starvis 2 sensor, which makes the A810 one of the most affordable dashcams on the market using Starvis 2.

The 70mai A810 is priced from RM659 RRP, but is frequently available from RM579 on online platforms and will be priced from RM549 during next week’s Shopee August 25 sale.

More Details..
 
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Thinkware’s new flagship A810 4K dashcam is now available in Malaysia. The biggest difference that the A810 4K has has over the A800 model is the adoption of the new Sony Starvis 2 sensor, which makes the A810 one of the most affordable dashcams on the market using Starvis 2.
All the specifications on this new dashcam are great except that this dashcam is powered by a battery as against a capacitor.

Had this dashcam get a capacitor, the Viofo's A139 Pro would struggle to survive in the market. I had my eyes on it but seeing it is powered by the battery, I left it as Indian climate isn't suitable for a battery powered dashcam that is exposed to elements always.
 
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The Dashboard Camera 'Dash Cam' is a helpful gadget, provide us with a silent witness to events in and nearby our vehicle.

I have been planning to have one, the recent discussions in our TAI forum inspired me to dig into the details, and such efforts resulted creating this Comprehensive Guide – Thread!

Hope, this could be a one stop reference for the benefit of the author and the readers as well. [:D]
Hello Dr. Mudhan!

Thanks a lot for posting such elaborate information about dash cams. I found it extremely valuable and I'm sure many other readers benefited too.

I'm exploring a bunch of dash cams from DDPAI and NEXDIGITRON and would like to know a little a little about the apps they provide:
- What are the download speeds through WiFi? E.g. How long does it take to download a 3 minute video?
- How do DDPAI and Nexdigitron compare in terms of app functionality and usability? E.g. Can we download multiple videos at the same time?
- How are the file naming conventions? Do they store the file names in date/time stamp and easily identifiable format?

Given a budget of ~INR 12,000, which dual channel dash cam would you recommend? Primary factors being image quality and app usability.

Will appreciate your guidance. Thanks again!

Regards
Harsh
 
Thread Starter #14

Dr MUDHAN

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Thanks a lot for posting such elaborate information about dash cams. I found it extremely valuable and I'm sure many other readers benefited too.
Thanks for your kind appreciation. I am sorry for the belated response.

What are the download speeds through WiFi? E.g. How long does it take to download a 3-minute video?
As you know - It varies, depending upon the DC model and receiving source (Mobile). Its not bad. I normally prefer to transfer multiple clips using card treader. Down load specific clips through mobile.

How do DDPAI and Nexdigitron compare in terms of app functionality and usability? E.g. Can we download multiple videos at the same time?
I can’t comment as I haven’t tried DDPAI. Please contact / go through this youtuber channel. https://www.youtube.com/@traveltechyoutube

How are the file naming conventions? Do they store the file names in date/time stamp and easily identifiable format?
That’s not an issue. Options are there whether you require Date/Time stamp. Generally, they have MP4 / AVC (H.264) formats. Some have better HEVC (H.265) format.

Given a budget of ~INR 12,000, which dual channel dash cam would you recommend? Primary factors being image quality and app usability.
Please check this video:

Regards
Dr MUDHAN
 
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