Action Cam vs Dashcams

[DallasCajun]

I’m considering some sort of camera setup and wondering what experiences or guidance the group might have between a traditional Action Cam (GoPro, DJI, etc) vs a DashCam (ThinkPro, Garmin, etc).

I originally planned on mounting a GoPro/DJI on my dash mount but then my usage of those devices would be highly limited. Maybe I’d use it from time/time riding my bike or other outdoor events. I then started thinking about a Dashcam solution as it would be always on and provide additional ‘security’. It seems as though there are some good options nowadays with 4K recording yet I suspect the actual video quality from these action cams is better.

If you have any experience with these choices I’d love to hear about them.

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[Lanshark]

You don't want a Lipo battery mounted on your windshield in the summer heat. Dash cams have a 'super capacitor' that stores enough power to close the video file and shut down properly, rather than a volatile lipo. Sure, Lipos can pop, but most likely it will just swell and destroy your device. I've used action cams with a capacitor in place of the battery for years. There's a few reasons its not convenient, but it works well if the device has auto on and off.

more recently, I just get a mirror power tap so I dont have to even run wires, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B088P4VFQ7
with a mirror mount
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KJTRKVY/
so it stays up out of the way but doesnt block the mirror sensor...

and something like a VIOFO A119 V3 when its on sale for $70... and call it a day.

 

[UniBroncorn]

I’m considering some sort of camera setup and wondering what experiences or guidance the group might have between a traditional Action Cam (GoPro, DJI, etc) vs a DashCam (ThinkPro, Garmin, etc).

I originally planned on mounting a GoPro/DJI on my dash mount but then my usage of those devices would be highly limited. Maybe I’d use it from time/time riding my bike or other outdoor events. I then started thinking about a Dashcam solution as it would be always on and provide additional ‘security’. It seems as though there are some good options nowadays with 4K recording yet I suspect the actual video quality from these action cams is better.

If you have any experience with these choices I’d love to hear about them.

I have a Thinkware U1000 camera with radar (to enable parking mode) and black vue battery.

This is a 2 channel camera (front and rear). Front is 4k and rear is 2k. There is a night vision mode, impact sensing, and a polarized filter.

I have had the cameras and battery hardwired. The battery pack will fully charge from 45 min of driving and when car parked/off will last for 6 days straight. I got the battery so my vehicle battery does not get drained.

The clarity of the cameras is very good.

 

[DallasCajun]

I have a Thinkware U1000 camera with radar (to enable parking mode) and black vue battery.

This is a 2 channel camera (front and rear). Front is 4k and rear is 2k. There is a night vision mode, impact sensing, and a polarized filter.

I have had the cameras and battery hardwired. The battery pack will fully charge from 45 min of driving and when car parked/off will last for 6 days straight. I got the battery so my vehicle battery does not get drained.

The clarity of the cameras is very good.

This is one of the options I’ve been thinking about…so a couple of questions:

• Where did you mount the rear-facing camera? I saw another thread that showed it mounted to the accessory-ready location on the rear cross-bar with a homemade bracket. Looked decent but wondering if there is a more ready-made option for mounting.
• Is the U1000 the same one as sold via Ford Accessories? Ford shows it as $699 whereas the Thinkware store has it at $330. That’s without the $90 Radar Module but still almost $300 less. Wondering what I’m missing between the two. Would be nice to use my FordPass points but not worth it for that massive difference in cost.
• Where did you install the BlackVue? Does it really needed? I only ask as my vehicle rarely sits for more than 24 hours without being driven…just wondering how much this might actually be needed as opposed to ‘added insurance’.

Thanks in advance…

 

[Wolfeman]

I just installed a Garmin Mini 2 on my son's Tacoma using the Dongar Technologies adapter and it works great. It only records when the vehicle is turned on so no parking mode but it does what I need it to do.

In the example below, the car passing on the right passes on what should have been a right turn only lane. Sharing the video as an example of what you get with the Garmin Mini 2.

 

[UniBroncorn]

This is one of the options I’ve been thinking about…so a couple of questions:

• Where did you mount the rear-facing camera? I saw another thread that showed it mounted to the accessory-ready location on the rear cross-bar with a homemade bracket. Looked decent but wondering if there is a more ready-made option for mounting.
• Is the U1000 the same one as sold via Ford Accessories? Ford shows it as $699 whereas the Thinkware store has it at $330. That’s without the $90 Radar Module but still almost $300 less. Wondering what I’m missing between the two. Would be nice to use my FordPass points but not worth it for that massive difference in cost.
• Where did you install the BlackVue? Does it really needed? I only ask as my vehicle rarely sits for more than 24 hours without being driven…just wondering how much this might actually be needed as opposed to ‘added insurance’.

Thanks in advance…

Rear facing camera is mounted on the rear windshield. It is stuck on. If I take the rear hatch off I would have to unplug camera and mount somewhere else or be without it.

Not sure if Ford is offering same camera or not but can see it being higher priced with ford as they too want a profit.

Blackvue is installed under my driver's seat with velcro. The seat goes up/down and forward/back without interference.

I think the battery is more added insurance but plenty of online articles of why good idea to have.

 

[DallasCajun]

Thanks, both look like interesting options. I’m quickly finding that I need to better define my purpose before diving in. Basically do I want a camera system to capture driving footage with the basic intent on my off-reading adventures or do I want it to flex to an always-on video capture + security solution.

What’s odd is that I have a long history of expensive cars (Porsche, AMG, BMW) but never concerned myself too much with their security while parked but now I find myself wondering whether my vehicle is untouched anytime it’s not sitting in my garage.

All these suggestions are much appreciated…giving me more ideas to go down YouTube RabbitHoles for a few days Doing more research.

You don't want a Lipo battery mounted on your windshield in the summer heat. Dash cams have a 'super capacitor' that stores enough power to close the video file and shut down properly, rather than a volatile lipo. Sure, Lipos can pop, but most likely it will just swell and destroy your device. I've used action cams with a capacitor in place of the battery for years. There's a few reasons its not convenient, but it works well if the device has auto on and off.

more recently, I just get a mirror power tap so I dont have to even run wires, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B088P4VFQ7
with a mirror mount
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KJTRKVY/
so it stays up out of the way but doesnt block the mirror sensor...

and something like a VIOFO A119 V3 when its on sale for $70... and call it a day.

I just installed a Garmin Mini 2 on my son's Tacoma using the Dongar Technologies adapter and it works great. It only records when the vehicle is turned on so no parking mode but it does what I need it to do.

In the example below, the car passing on the right passes on what should have been a right turn only lane. Sharing the video as an example of what you get with the Garmin Mini 2.

 

[JackTripper]

What did you end up selecting?

 

[DallasCajun]

I purchased the Insta360 RS yesterday, coming in next week. I figured that between some upcoming trail days and Raptor Off-Roadeo I wanted something I could bring. I may still get a Garmin Mini but going to play with this Insta360 and the 360 camera a bit first.

 

[I.Vegabond]

I purchased the Insta360 RS yesterday, coming in next week. I figured that between some upcoming trail days and Raptor Off-Roadeo I wanted something I could bring. I may still get a Garmin Mini but going to play with this Insta360 and the 360 camera a bit first.

How do you like the Insta360? I just stumbled across these and like the "invisible selfie" idea. Not seeing much yet for people who use them for vehicle off-roading.

 

[DallasCajun]

I haven't been able to use it that often for in-vehicle/offroad uses but I did bring it with me to the Raptor Off-Roadeo and was able to create the following videos. The 360 functionality allows me to rotate the focus as well as do an overlay from time to time. I really like it and the Insta360 OneRS design gives you some flexibility in how you use it:

 

[buzpro]

Many choices on the market today, just make sure you get one in 4K and with a supercapacitor.
My issue is still the rear camera and where to mount it!

 

[WildtrakBronco]

I haven't been able to use it that often for in-vehicle/offroad uses but I did bring it with me to the Raptor Off-Roadeo and was able to create the following videos. The 360 functionality allows me to rotate the focus as well as do an overlay from time to time. I really like it and the Insta360 OneRS design gives you some flexibility in how you use it:

These are really nice quality videos. A single camera is able to film you statically in the seat and simultaneously look out front and pan around?

 

[DallasCajun]

These are really nice quality videos. A single camera is able to film you statically in the seat and simultaneously look out front and pan around?

Yes, it’s a Insta360 Camera using the 360 Deg lens. The combination of the lens and the Insta360 app provides the functionality that you can do a Picture-In-Picture shot pretty easily.

 

[CrystalRedTintCoat]

I’m… I really like it and the Insta360 OneRS design gives you some flexibility in how you use it:

Which Insta One 360 RS do you have. There are two models.

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