Dashcam experience/thoughts?
 

Hi all,
I am thinking of buying a new dashboard camera for extra security (and fun too haha) for my car. I looked around Future Shop so far and I'm interested in the Thinkware X300. Looks pretty nice and I'm willing to pay but does anyone have experience with this product or dash cams in general?

Same thing here! I'm searching for a dash cam, and there's just so much stuff out there!!!

I like Garmin, but it has some drawbacks, like a suction cup for example. I've heard that it falls off frequently and the videos are shaky. Also, Garmin has a battery, which I've heard is quite dangerous in a hot car.

I have the Shadow GT680W. The thing I like the most about it is the size and it's discrete. It's a bit pricey at $100 but works great for me.

http://www.foxoffer.com/images/Shado...ar%20DVR_3.jpg

There's also the G1WH that apparently has the same specs as my dashcam and is cheap for $50~. The only thing is it's a bit bigger and not as discrete

[Tomtop] G1WH w/Novatek NT96650 Processor 1080p Dash Cam - $50.72 CAD - RedFlagDeals.com Forums

http://img.dxcdn.com/productimages/sku_293083_1.jpg

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A lot of other users on Revscene also have the Mini 0803 and Blackvue dash cams but I'm not familiar with them. It's definitely a great investment incase you ever get into an accident and you weren't at fault

Stick with a brand that is known specifically for manufacturing dash cams. If you go with a general electronics brand such as Garmin, they most likely OEM / ODM their product resulting in a higher price and possibly less support vs going with the original manufacturer.

How do you feel about the suction cup? I personally like Thinkware's adhesive approach better just because suction cups arent that reliable in the winter. How long have you had your dashcam?

Really? The X300 uses a cable. I initially didnt like the fact that there would be cables hanging on my dashboard but the guy at Future Shop told me that cable organizers would be supplied to keep distractions away when I am driving

Blackvue 750 with GPS is the one I am looking at getting.
Like the idea of having both front and rear cameras.
Want it for my own protection in the event of an accident or something.

$350+ is pretty hefty for a product that is difficult to return though/have customer service. The one I am thinking of getting is on sale for $250 right now and the rear camera can be bought separately

Actually I just saw this contest on twitter:


Enter to win a THINKWARE Dash Cam

Want a reliable eyewitness by your side? Now's your chance. Enter the Sweepstake to win a THINKWARE H100 Dash Cam now.

1. RT this message with the hashtag #IwantaDashCam
2. Follow the THINKWARE Dash Cam official Twitter account (@ThinkwareCam)
3. You are automatically entered in the H100 Sweepstakes

Prize: One (1) brand new THINKWARE H100 Dash Cam.

Between September 5, 2014 and September 19, 2014 only. Must be 18+ to participate, and be located in North America.

Winner is announced at 12pm PST on September 22, 2014 via Twitter Direct Message.

LINK: http://bit.ly/1uDhuQl

Why would I return it?
As for customer service....its a phone call away.
Add a rear view camera to that $250 and GPS and it will add up fast.

If you're worried about customer service/returns, then just buy from a local distributor. I got my dashcam from blackboxmycar, and haven't had any problems with their customer service.

It comes with the rubber suction cup but I found it useless. The dashcam also comes with a separate 3M adhesive mount (the red sticker shown below). It sticks on perfectly/doesn't fall off. The only thing is make sure you place your dashcam/3M sticker in a good spot...cause it's a bitch to take off lol

http://www.foxoffer.com/blog/wp-cont.../09/image4.png

I've had mine since... July 2014ish?

Do you find that it's too bulky? A lot of the mounts I've seen seem to be too bulky for my tastes.

cause blackvue is online only and you cant use/see the product in person prior buying?
i mean cost wise it's going to be around the same if you want the gps and rear view camera but it is optional lol

It's fairly small.

I placed the mount behind my mirror so it doesn't bother me for any "bulky-ness"

Yeah I'm with mushploom on this. I want to be able to play around with the product before I get it.

I have the G1WH, for $45 you can't go wrong. I also have the rear view mirror mount but it doesn't fit my rear view mirror so if anyone wants it, you can have it for $3.

Thanks everyone for their suggestions so far! I'm still looking but I am still quite interested in the Thinkware from Futureshop