Dash Cam Recommendations for the LR4?

[toddjb122]

I'm considering getting a dash cam, but want one that is no hassle and out of the way. I don't even want to look at a screen if I can help it. Just want it to work in the background so I can pull out footage if needed. Having it work on battery power when the car is parked would be even better. (even if it only runs for a couple hours)

There's one called the Yi Mini that looks like it would mount nicely behind the driver side of our rear view mirror and shoot out below the tinted section in the center. (there is a light sensor on the passenger side of our mirror).

That YiMini one has marginal reviews but may be worth trying for the price. No battery recording option, though.

I'm just seeing more driving stupidity these days and more aware of vandalism/theft when parked. Thanks for any tips.

 

[EasyDoesIt]

I have the DR650s 2channel BlackVue in my Power Wagon and it works well. Offers parking mode and comes in a very small package that is easy to hide behind the rearview mirror.

I'll be picking up the newest 2channel model (DR900s) for the LR4 soon.

They aren't the cheapest but you get what you pay for. Plus I live in the desert and they are known for surviving hot climates.

 

[ryanjl]

I have a Spytec A119. Umberto did a good writeup on how to wiring one up using the wiring for the overhead lights:

https://www.landroverworld.org/threads/new-dash-cam.26998/page-3

 

[TCM75]

+1 for Umberto's writeup; I used that to install my Street Guardian SG9665V3 (model now called SGGCX2) camera.

There seem to be many dash cam options and I'm sure a lot of them are good; some with simple features and others on the complex side with wifi, etc. I went with the Street Guardian because it had good recommendations, people on this forum had positive experiences with it, and it has very a good processor and image sensor. After I bought it I had a few questions and found the customer service to be excellent as well.

As for the camera, it's very low profile and I have it mounted behind the left side of the rearview mirror (viewing from seated position), so it's effectively blocked from my field of view. Really happy with the optics, field of view, and low-light performance.

They now have a 2-channel version (front and rear) with ability to have "parking mode" that allows it to run from battery for XX minutes or until battery gets to XX voltage. I was debating getting this one for my wife's new (to us) Cayenne diesel but just decided to go with the SGGCX2 because I knew I could install the front-only camera quickly...just put it in on Tuesday.

 

[toddjb122]

+1 for Umberto's writeup; I used that to install my Street Guardian SG9665V3 (model now called SGGCX2) camera.

...

They now have a 2-channel version (front and rear) with ability to have "parking mode" that allows it to run from battery for XX minutes or until battery gets to XX voltage. I was debating getting this one for my wife's new (to us) Cayenne diesel but just decided to go with the SGGCX2 because I knew I could install the front-only camera quickly...just put it in on Tuesday.

Thanks. Both of them seem pretty good. I like the look of that BlackVue, but for the price maybe I'll try a Street Guardian first.

 

[rally3]

I second the Street guardian, Have had there SG9665 for a couple of years, The capacitor failed and the customer service was amazing ( it would corrupt the last file on shut down), had a new camera in 2 days. Video quality is very good,

 

[pceresia]

I also have the Blackvue DR650S in my 2016 LR4. I have it hard wired into the fuse box (this wasn't hard to do at all). I have it up behind the mirror and out of sight. It definitely works in the background and I can access it from my iPhone (Android phone apparently also) as well as my PC via the internal memory card. Blackvue has certainly come out with newer models but I have see no reason to upgrade. If only it connected to the LR4 Nav system screen but then that would mean the Nav/Infotainment system was somewhat useful....
Good luck with your selection.

 

[AdventureTim]

I've got a Garmin Dashcam 45 behind the mirror. It's tiny - you can't even see it from the driver's seat. I bought a 12V -> USB micro adaptor off Amazon, and spliced it into the power that goes to the moisture sensor located on the windshield. It's completely integrated and looks OEM.

 

[toddjb122]

I've got a Garmin Dashcam 45 behind the mirror. It's tiny - you can't even see it from the driver's seat. I bought a 12V -> USB micro adaptor off Amazon, and spliced it into the power that goes to the moisture sensor located on the windshield. It's completely integrated and looks OEM.

Moisture sensor?!? What? This I need to know about!
Didn't know we had power up there. Hmmm....

 

[jpjp]

Moisture sensor?!? What? This I need to know about!
Didn't know we had power up there. Hmmm....

The sensor is for when you put the wiper stalk in the down position which is the auto setting.