Best DashCam based on quality + install

[Dominus]

What are some recommendations for dash cams based on video quality and seamless/invisible install?

Not as worried about price, but looking for the best value based on quality/install/reliability. So far: I have been looking at the Garmin 3 offerings.

Never had a dashcam before, do people find it worth it?

 

[Hiker42]

Consider FitcamX. Installation is fairly easy and it looks great. Can't say if the image capture is as good as others, but it should get the job done.

 

[Dominus]

Would you be able to post pictures of your dashcam installed?

 

[Matsayz]

Highly recommend hitting the search functions. Below are a couple threads that instantly came up and are recent too.

A whole thread on suggested Dashcams, Suggest a Dashcam?

How to install a dashcam in the rear of the vehicle, Install RearCam Wire without Removing Plastic Trims

Fitmax comes highly recommended due to factory look and is super easy to install, FITCAMX Dash Cam For Toyota Land Cruiser Prado J250 15th Gen 2024-2025


Dongar is the adapter that most people will recommend, they're on the forum as a member as well. Plug & Play Adapters

 

[omgponies]

do people find it worth it?

A friend had someone slam on their brakes in front of them at green light - when he didn't rear end them, they backed up into him and then got out rubbing their necks and saying he hit them.

He showed them that he had a dashcam and they sped off. He called the cops and they said next time don't tell them you have the dashcam, just call the cops and let the instigators do all of the talking first - then when your turn, just show the cop the dashcam footage.

Worth it in that sense - but for me, I haven't yet had a chance to "need" it - more for if that occasion occurs.

I have a Garmin Mini 3 for just the front and got the wiring from Dongar using the sponsor link on the site here - after people here helped with some more explanation, was eventually a very easy install (the parts you pull away are stubborn and it feels like you will break something in the car).

If I didn't already have the Garmin Mini 3 from my prior car, I would have gone with the FitCamX mentioned here, as it looks very easy. The annoyance with the Garmin Mini 3 for me is that it shines a red light just at the edge of my field of vision, which is stupidly distracting at night.

 

[Mclaren]

Viofo 4k front+rear camera paired with Dongar pro adapter

 

[Hiker42]

Would you be able to post pictures of your dashcam installed?

Here you go...

 

[AgRN16]

I have the viofo a229 Pro 2 channel (front/rear) setup in our LC Premium, also paires with the Dongar Pro. It works flawlessly, we love it and it gives us a lot of confidence. I have it set up to the top passenger side of the rear view mirror on the windshield.

 

[PixelMagic]

I have the viofo a229 Pro 2 channel (front/rear) setup in our LC Premium, also paires with the Dongar Pro. It works flawlessly, we love it and it gives us a lot of confidence. I have it set up to the top passenger side of the rear view mirror on the windshield.

Can you post a picture of the final installation? Thanks!

 

[AgRN16]

I'll try to do so tonight when I get home. If not tonight, then Saturday

 

[JoeDirt]

Another vote for Fitcamx. Very happy with quality, connectivity, and OEM finish.

 

[kkc427]

+1 for Fitcamx. OEM look.

 

[ptahkeem]

Thinkware or VIOFO for image quality.

 

[ferrari1898]

What are some recommendations for dash cams based on video quality and seamless/invisible install?

Not as worried about price, but looking for the best value based on quality/install/reliability. So far: I have been looking at the Garmin 3 offerings.

Never had a dashcam before, do people find it worth it?

My wife was driving her week old Chevrolet Bolt EUV and getting something to eat for lunch. I had installed the camera a couple days before. The file is too big for me to load, but as her front bumper was around the back door the Audi next to her, the driver opens the door and just like that the Bolt sustained over $3k in damage not including diminished value.

When she got home I pulled the video from the dash camera to see the sequence of events. Generally speaking the moving vehicle is liable for damage, but there is an expectation another driver does not open their door with a moving vehicle nearby. Their insurance (Allstate) denied our claim, saying my wife had sufficient time to react. Without video evidence, we likely would have been partially/entirely at fault. But, the video showed there was not sufficient time to react, my wife was not negligent in her actions, and even more importantly the other driver was talking with his friend while he was opening his door.

The video also was crucial to prove negligence of the other driver and when we sued for diminished value against him (and won).

Additionally, keep in mind that the police can only do so much. If you and another vehicle collide in an intersection without any witnesses and you both claim you had a green light; there is not much the police or insurance can do to determine liability. Physical evidence may provide some context of the events, but video can greatly establish what did and did not happen.

in previous vehicles we have used BlackVue cameras. They are relatively small and provide good quality (as attached). I recommend prioritizing frame rate over resolution. For the Land Cruiser, I use the Toyota Camera. While it is not as hidden, it is very easy to install and setup.

 

[SD_Driver]

Viofo and Thinkware are typically the highest rated units, both for their cameras and apps. Their flagship models are A329 and U3000. Even their mid-level and entry level units are good.

After those 2, I’d consider Garmin. They make good units that are very small, but app not as nice as Viofo and Thinkware.

Lots of people like Fitcam because its integration looks factory. I’m surprised no manufacturer has gone this way to do it themselves. While it looks nice, I’ve read too many poor reviews about its performance and app. In some cars, people have had issues with electronics interference that they worked with Fitcam to resolve (usually successfully).

Go to YouTube and look for Safe Drive Solutions and Vortex Radar. Both do a lot of videos on various options and provide a lot of information on various models.

 

[Onyx]

+1 for FitCamX. Quality of the images have been great. I'll see if I can do a screen capture later today. I also made a video on how to install the rear camera wiring in the LC250.

 

[AgRN16]

Can you post a picture of the final installation? Thanks!

Here you go!

We love the setup, it works very well, and is very unobtrusive. We have Toyotas because they are incredibly durable, reliable, and they just work. On top of that they are high quality.

I got the viofo a229 Pro because it matches all those things when it comes to dash cams. Actually I was originally going to have my Toyota dealer/service department just install the factory dash cam. My sevice rep specifically told me that he didn't recommend it and that going aftermarket would be a much better option. When I was selecting a cam setup I originally really liked the fitcamx. But after more research, I ultimately went with viofo. Actually I should have just gone to them right away. We have the viofo a119 mini 2 in our 4runner and it works great with no issues since install a year ago.

 

[jefkat2]

I have VIOFO a229 Pro, front and rear, in both my LC and my Honda Accord. Here's where it pays off. A small clip of me getting rear ended in my Honda. Showed the clip to the State Troopers and they cited the guy in the truck on the spot.