Dashboard Cameras

Also in the market... Been trying 2 different cams (both around the R1K mark) in the past week or so . First one was good in video quality, but had battery and connectivity issues. 2nd one seemed fine in writing, but the unit wasn't even close to the specs/features advertised. Horrible video (although set to 1080p), even the instructions inside didn't match the unit itself. Needless to say it's being collected on Thursday . Gamer's post above seemed interesting, but unfortunately no further info was provided as to model, performance, etc

So any suggestions in the 1-2K market ? I'm tiired of returning the stuff :)
 
Luke7777 said:
Also in the market... Been trying 2 different cams (both around the R1K mark) in the past week or so . First one was good in video quality, but had battery and connectivity issues. 2nd one seemed fine in writing, but the unit wasn't even close to the specs/features advertised. Horrible video (although set to 1080p), even the instructions inside didn't match the unit itself. Needless to say it's being collected on Thursday . Gamer's post above seemed interesting, but unfortunately no further info was provided as to model, performance, etc

So any suggestions in the 1-2K market ? I'm tiired of returning the stuff :)
Click to expand...
Order an A119 from Amazon
 
Luke7777 said:
Also in the market... Been trying 2 different cams (both around the R1K mark) in the past week or so . First one was good in video quality, but had battery and connectivity issues. 2nd one seemed fine in writing, but the unit wasn't even close to the specs/features advertised. Horrible video (although set to 1080p), even the instructions inside didn't match the unit itself. Needless to say it's being collected on Thursday . Gamer's post above seemed interesting, but unfortunately no further info was provided as to model, performance, etc

So any suggestions in the 1-2K market ? I'm tiired of returning the stuff :)
Click to expand...

You can also consider the Garmin DC45 dashcam as well - I have had one for the last year - picked it up on special for R 2199 at Makro.

I got the optional hard-wiring kit for it so it can also record any impacts when parked and the ignition is off.

It has forward collision, traffic moving ahead, lane departure & safety camera alerts, 2.1 megapixel & 1080p recording, a Travelapse feature, Wi-Fi Sync to a smartphone, as well as a still camera function to take JPEG pictures using its built-in battery pack, and has a magnetic mount for easy detachability.
 
Why is is that factory fitted dashboard cameras have not become a standard or optional eXtra from vehicle manufacturers?
 
Ivan Leon said:
You can also consider the Garmin DC45 dashcam as well - I have had one for the last year - picked it up on special for R 2199 at Makro.

I got the optional hard-wiring kit for it so it can also record any impacts when parked and the ignition is off.

It has forward collision, traffic moving ahead, lane departure & safety camera alerts, 2.1 megapixel & 1080p recording, a Travelapse feature, Wi-Fi Sync to a smartphone, as well as a still camera function to take JPEG pictures using its built-in battery pack, and has a magnetic mount for easy detachability.
Click to expand...
Night vision or low-light performance ? Magnetic mount as opposed to the window suction cup ? Not sure magnetic will work with my car (or does the cam attach magnetically to the mount ? ) . Also looking at the 55 for 300 or so more, with voice control and 1440 added
/update :
From what I've read, the Garmin mounts attach with sticky tape to the window , which makes it impossible to easily move it between cars ?
 
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Luke7777 said:
Night vision or low-light performance ? Magnetic mount as opposed to the window suction cup ? Not sure magnetic will work with my car (or does the cam attach magnetically to the mount ? ) . Also looking at the 55 for 300 or so more, with voice control and 1440 added
/update :
From what I've read, the Garmin mounts attach with sticky tape to the window , which makes it impossible to easily move it between cars ?
Click to expand...

You can get additional adhesive magnetic mounts & hard-wiring kits if you want to use it in more than 1 vehicle. Its low light & night time recordings are pretty clear as well.

The dashcam has an adjustable swivel mount with the magnet built in to it, that attaches to the adhesive magnet mount that's stuck to the windscreen.

20181226_085534.jpg20181226_090006.jpg20181226_090251.jpg
 
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So which 2k model are you using?

@Gamer
@RedViking


Gamer said:
Hehe, okay.

Allow me to give an example of different dash cam "qualities".
The first image is of one of my dash cam's, retails for close to R2k. It's a 1080p, 60fps, 120 degree lens.

Screenshot-2018-06-10-12-19-12-existing-cam.png


Then, the same scene/view using another widely sold dash cam, that retails for R1k locally, advertised as:
Lens: 170° Degree A+ grade HD 1080p high-resolution ultra wide angle

Screenshot-2018-06-10-12-19-49-IB-cam.png


The difference in footage is chalk and cheese. Using the R1k camera, I pretty much guarantee you'd not be able to make out a number plate right in front of you, in broad daylight. The quality is shocking to say the least, definitely not a wider angle than the other camera, despite the claims. On a side note, the screen of the dash cam displayed what appeared to be a very clear/good image of what the camera was live viewing. It's all in the recorded footage though.

But, by all means, buy the R400.00 camera for R200.00. Enjoy.
Click to expand...
 
Ivan Leon said:
You can get additional adhesive magnetic mounts & hard-wiring kits if you want to use it in more than 1 vehicle. Its low light & night time recordings are pretty clear as well.

The dashcam has an adjustable swivel mount with the magnet built in to it, that attaches to the adhesive magnet mount that's stuck to the windscreen.View attachment 596424
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Thanks, assuming the additional mounts from Garmin themselves ? Speed camera detection working ?

/update : see Navworld also stock these, so will check with them if needed
 
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Luke7777 said:
Thanks, assuming the additional mounts from Garmin themselves ? Speed camera detection working ?

/update : see Navworld also stock these, so will check with them if needed
Click to expand...

Yup - the LOW PROFILE MAGNETIC MOUNT is available from Garmin SA for R 249 - and the PARKING MODE CABLE costs R 849 as well.

Speed camera detection works for SA (safety camera alerts using Garmin's Cyclops database).
 
The 55 have the following options :
1440p, 30fps: Records video in 1440p resolution at 30 frames per second.
1080p, 60fps: Records video in 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second.
1080p, 30fps, HDR: Records video in 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second using high dynamic range (HDR) imaging. HDR imaging records multiple exposure levels for each frame and can improve video clarity in high contrast or low-light conditions.
Click to expand...
I assume 1080/60 will give the best results ?
 
Luke7777 said:
Thanks. Have ordered the 55 from Takealot .... will see how it goes. Will see if I can find a compatible suction mount as well
Click to expand...

Does the garmin work off a battery or capacitor? I don’t see this info.

With our heat and sun, the battery versions don’t last very long.
 
Decided to order directly from Amazon on Friday 28th. With UPS priority shipping came to R614, expected delivery on the 8th. Carriers must have had the wind behind them, because it's already out for delivery today :D
Clipboard01.jpg
See the 'local' price has since dropped by R150 (from R785) and a 2 to 3 week wait. Amazon still quicker and cheaper ...
 
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