Best Dash Cameras for 2024: Buyer's Guide

Here are my picks for the best dashcams for 2024.
Best Entry Level: Viofo A119 Mini 2
Viofo A119 Mini 2: geni.us/ViofoA119Mini2
Recommended Bundle: geni.us/ViofoA119Mini2Bundle [Amazon]
256GB Card: geni.us/sAbu5k [Amazon]
512GB Card: geni.us/Viofo512GBMicroSD
Polarizer: geni.us/ViofoPolarizer
Bluetooth Button: geni.us/ViofoBTRemoteControl
Hardwire Cable: geni.us/ViofoHK4
Parking Mode Battery: geni.us/Powercell8-A139
Firmware: bit.ly/A119Mini2FW
Multiple Angles: Viofo A229 Plus
Viofo A229 Plus (Front/Rear): geni.us/ViofoA229Plus2CH
Viofo A229 Plus (Front/Rear/Interior): geni.us/ViofoA229Plus3CH
256GB Card: geni.us/sAbu5k [Amazon]
512GB Card: geni.us/Viofo512GBMicroSD
Polarizer: geni.us/ViofoCPL
Bluetooth Button: geni.us/ViofoBTRemoteControl
Hardwire Cable: geni.us/ViofoHK4
Parking Mode Battery: geni.us/Powercell8-A139
Firmware: bit.ly/A229PlusFW
High End Multiple Angles: Viofo A229 Pro
Viofo A229 Pro (Front/Rear): geni.us/ViofoA229Pro2CH
Viofo A229 Pro (Front/Rear/Interior): geni.us/ViofoA229Pro3CH
256GB Card: geni.us/sAbu5k [Amazon]
512GB Card: geni.us/Viofo512GBMicroSD
Polarizer: geni.us/ViofoCPL
Bluetooth Button: geni.us/ViofoBTRemoteControl
Hardwire Cable: geni.us/ViofoHK4
Parking Mode Battery: geni.us/Powercell8-A139
Firmware: bit.ly/A229ProFW
Rideshare Drivers: VanTrue N4 Pro
VanTrue N4 Pro: geni.us/VantrueN4Pro
256GB Card: geni.us/sAbu5k [Amazon]
512GB Card: geni.us/vr6y [Amazon]
Polarizer: geni.us/tzwQr
Wireless Remote: geni.us/VantrueRemote
Hardwire Cable: geni.us/VantrueHardwire
Parking Mode Battery: geni.us/Powercell8
Firmware: www.vantrue.net/Support/flleD...
Long Term Parking Recording: Thinkware U3000
Thinkware U3000 (Front): geni.us/ThinkwareU3000-1CH
Thinkware U3000 (Front/Rear): geni.us/ThinkwareU3000-2CH
512GB Card: geni.us/vr6y [Amazon]
Parking Mode Battery: geni.us/ThinkwareiVoltXtra
Firmware: bit.ly/U3000FW
Cloud Capable: Blackvue DR970X Plus Series
Blackvue DR970X Plus (Front): geni.us/DR970X1CHPlus
Blackvue DR970X Plus (Front/Rear): geni.us/DR970X2CHPlus
Blackvue DR970X Plus (Front/Interior): geni.us/DR970X2CHIRPlus
LTE Module: geni.us/BlackvueCM100GLTE
256GB Card: geni.us/sAbu5k [Amazon]
512GB Card: geni.us/vr6y [Amazon]
Parking Mode Battery: geni.us/BlackvueB130X
Firmware: blackvue.com/downloads/
Cloud w/ built-in LTE: Blackvue DR970X LTE Plus
Blackvue DR970X LTE Plus (North America): geni.us/DR970X2CHLTEPlus
Blackvue DR970X LTE Plus (Global): geni.us/DR970X2CHLTEPlusGL
256GB Card: geni.us/sAbu5k [Amazon]
512GB Card: geni.us/vr6y [Amazon]
Parking Mode Battery: geni.us/BlackvueB130X
Firmware: blackvue.com/downloads/
Box-style: Blackvue DR970X Box Plus
Blackvue DR970X Box Plus (Front/Rear): geni.us/DR970X2CHBoxPlus
Blackvue DR970X Box Plus (Front/Interior): geni.us/DR970X2CHBoxIRPlus
LTE Module: geni.us/BlackvueCM100GLTE
256GB Card: geni.us/sAbu5k [Amazon]
512GB Card: geni.us/vr6y [Amazon]
Parking Mode Battery: geni.us/BlackvueB130X
Firmware: blackvue.com/downloads/
Radar Detector / Dashcam Combo: Escort MaxCam 360c
Escort MaxCam 360c: geni.us/EscortMaxCam360c
256GB Card: geni.us/sAbu5k [Amazon]
Firmware: bit.ly/EscortFW
Radar Detector Add-on Dashcam: Escort M2
Escort M2: geni.us/EscortM2
Blendmount Adapter: bit.ly/Blendmount-EscortM2
128GB Card: geni.us/pppHrj [Amazon]
Firmware: bit.ly/EscortFW
0:00 Intro
2:30 Viofo A119 Mini 2
4:27 Viofo A229 Plus
5:43 Viofo A229 Pro
8:52 Vantrue N4 Pro
12:02 Thinkware U3000
17:15 Blackvue DR970X Plus
24:44 Escort MaxCam 360c
27:14 Escort M2
28:29 Summary
Subscribe to Vortex Radar: / @vortexradar
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Website: www.VortexRadar.com
Facebook: / vortexradar
Twitter: x.com/VortexRadar
Instagram: / vortexradar
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Full disclosure: The purchase links in my videos are typically affiliate links and I may make a percentage when you buy. Either way, it’s important to me to ensure that I stay objective and unbiased & give you my honest opinion so you can make an educated decision as to what’s best for you. You deserve that & I wouldn’t have it any other way. :)
©2024 Vortex Radar, LLC. All rights reserved.
#Dashcam #DashCamera #VortexRadar

[@bradfalon6976]

Retired mechanic here…..everyone please listen. The OBD port was never meant to supply constant power to something. In the 10 years i worked at a toyota dealer i saw this 7 times. 4 due to that insurance monitor progressive and State Farm offer and 3 due to tapping into and or plugging a device into the OBD port long term. People those ports are meant for accessing the computer ONLY. So unless you want to spend $5,000 or more on a computer -labor/programming DO NOT PLUG INTO THAT PORT. Hardwire another way

[@VortexRadar]

Thanks for that info!

[@TexDrinkwater]

Seven times in ten years at a dealership seems like an acceptable risk level to me.

[@Haterkilla4717]

@@TexDrinkwaterwow you’re smart

[@vsolcarv5781]

​@TexDrinkwater if it was the only option, it is a very, very low risk. But it's not.

[@jamesjurss846]

@@TexDrinkwater Agreed. It does seem like low risk to me as well. The question is….Is choosing the low risk option ,when there are no risk options, optimal?

[@RedcarMikeUK]

Hi, I'm in the uk and been using the Viofo A119 Mini 2 for about 6 months now and it's Brilliant.

[@JustinDoesTriathlon]

I've been running the a229 Pro 2CH for a couple months now; works very well.

[@NathanielHatley]

I recently installed and hardwired the a229 pro in my Silverado. My current solution for the parking mode battery dilemma is a 1.5amp battery maintainer that I plug in whenever I'm home. Long term I'll likely add a second deep cycle battery in the engine bay for extended recording when I'm away from home.

[@lawrencefearon6830]

There's so much packed into this video I have to watch twice. Some of this stuff I wasn't aware I needed but you're just that through. Definitely cloud capability with realtime image notifications to my home screen.

[@pragbikramshah3658]

man really needed it! it helps alot thanks

[@inlifenolimits]

Wow. Talk about highly informative video. I'll defo be picking one using your link that's for sure..Great job

[@VortexRadar]

Thank you! Glad the video was helpful. This took a LOT of work in testing, researching, collecting and analyzing sample footage, shooting and editing, etc.

[@HughesyTech]

Thanks for the shout out Ariel, great video and very informative for the buyers! 😊 Haha that chicken at 15:48! 😅

[@VortexRadar]

😄👍👍

[@bobbongo7411]

@@VortexRadar Thanks for this. I have been waiting for this as I am about to upgrade my A119 V3. Do we know why the chicken crossed the road?

[@lurchor1734]

Thanks, good info and video.

[@jd415]

Great video as always thank you!!

[@hankcuccina5260]

This video helped me out a lot, thanks.

[@VortexRadar]

So glad to hear that! 🙏

[@chrisa.ger.5360]

Great video with good useful info 🎥👍🏼

[@MrBluoct]

Really appreciate this information and the amount of details !

[@VortexRadar]

Thank you! It was so much work, lol.

[@RESISTAGE]

I have 3 garmin mini2. love them.

[@omarhernandez5675]

I switched from the n4 pro to a229 pro 3ch because the vantrue was nothing but a nightmare. Kept boot looping, restarting randomly and just not turning on. Requested a replacement, same exact thing. A229 worked straight out of the box. No issues and I’m happy with it.

[@VortexRadar]

Weird! I wonder if there was some power or wiring issue? That sounds very frustrating and unusual. Glad to hear the A229 Pro is treating you well.

[@omarhernandez5675]

@@VortexRadar I had it hard wired into my battery. Have no idea why it kept messing up. Tried 3 different cars and same outcome. I actually bought the a229 pro based off of your review. It just slightly beat out the blackvue.

[@Zinksk8er]

Your awesome dude, just got a Acura MDX, getting the 3-pack A229 Pro.

[@VortexRadar]

Sweet congrats!

[@ThomasAnderson-MetaCortex]

I absolutely love your videos man straight to the point no BS You're my go-to for this stuff

[@VortexRadar]

Thank you! Lots of info and test data to pack into these and so I’m glad to hear the videos are helpful. 🙏

[@ncdogg425]

I brought the A229 Pro on your recommendation and love it

[@misternaem2103]

I got it and I don't like it. Can't see plates very well during the day or at night. Night time rear camera is practically useless.

[@azclaimjumper]

@@misternaem2103 Dashcams NOT reading license plates in daylight, at night, or in low light situations is a "REVELATION" for most.

[@battlefield3112011]

I will get A229 Pro for my next vehicle. Blackvue drop the ball with the 970x. I have a 900x on my Dad's RAV4 and it work great. Was about to get 970X until I saw this video.

[@Pinebaron2011]

With an open budget, I've had a Blackview 970X LTE Plus professionally installed in my truck about a month ago and it's been working great and flawlessly; no video or focus issues such as ones you reported. Apparently the very recent manufactured batches of Blackview 960X LTE Plus have no issues. I love the fact I can do live view any time and impact notifications are also very worthy. I have an extended battery pack totalling 14,300mAH for extended parking coverage. Loving it so far 👍

[@VortexRadar]

Great news! Thanks for the report. Hopefully this trend continues.

[@calmdown1774]

Hopefully, they started doing something differently at Pittasoft. I have 2 Blackvue cameras on my cars. Installed a bit more than 3 years ago. Both having the same issue - constant reboots. By now I hate the phrase "starting normal recording". Tried multiple SD cards. Voltage level is ok. They both are cloud cameras with the price in the $650 range. Highly not recommended. It seems the company needs to be renamed from Pittasoft into PITA soft.

[@Pinebaron2011]

@@calmdown1774 No such issues; only concern is almost 1/2amp current draw in parking mode. Backup batteries last a little over a day or more.

[@bsnordman]

Great review - thank you! I only come to you for car video and radar detector reviews - no need to go anywhere else. A question I have is if you have any opinions or recommendations of dash cams that would function well for both its primary purpose but also for recording car club drives. Those often use GoPro but I'd love to find a set up that can handle both of them well.

[@SocialPants]

Thanks for the video! I’m going with an A119 Mini 2 🙌🏻

[@VortexRadar]

Congrats! 👍

[@dc5723]

Bought the Viofo A139Pro because of your review and it contains the new Sony Starvis 2 sensor which makes it clear during low light situations. The only issue is it can't connect to any of our iPhones with the Viofo app. Selling it and picked up a Vantrue N4 for over a year in the car and it works excellent.

[@VortexRadar]

Weird. Mine connects to my iPhone just fine. Have you tried posting on the DCT forums so people can help you get it working too? dashcamtalk.com/forum/forums/a139-pro.404/

[@RobMcCullum]

Thanks so much for this,I was hoping to see something from Kenwood but thats not the case and I already have this for a few years now!!

[@VortexRadar]

Oh yeah I’ve never seen anything impressive from them.

[@Horizonlight]

Thank you for your video. This is very helpful for beginners like me.

[@VortexRadar]

🙏👍

[@lowandslow3939]

Thanks for the great reviews. I’ve been following your reviews on dashcams for at least a year and just today, ordered the Viofo A229 Pro using your link. Thanks again!

[@SafeDriveSolutions]

Great video. watched it a few days ago.

[@amadeuszbuczma8813]

Would you recommend buying Vantrue N4 Pro or Viofo a229 Plus? Both seems to be around the same price at the moment. My priorities are video quality and license plate rec. Thanks

[@E55exBoyRacer]

Do you reckon a a139 pro update is around the corner? Feels like it with the improvements on the a229 pro beating their flagship model?

[@jmrocks49]

I love your channel. I upgraded my REDTIGER F7N 4K to a VIOFO A229 PRO. When I went to install the A229, I was disappointed that I could not see the screen as I could with the F7N. The A229 was installed that the screen was facing down at such angle that I couldn’t see the screen unless I leaned to the side and looked up (obviously not safe) and I also couldn’t use the touch buttons. I like to be able to see what my camera main camera and my rear camera sees as I’m driving. I emailed VIOFO’s Customer Service and they told me to use Voice Commands. If their voice command system is anything like the one on my Garmin GPS, I’d be spending time repeating my commands. If I can review dash cam footage in my iPhone, why is there even a screen in the A229? It just feels weird to have the camera and button facing the floor.

[@michaellackie3756]

I have the zedge R1 as a starting out only issue they don’t come with a memory card so far it’s good so far winter just waiting for summer if it fail or not

[@alvinibayan7839]

Thanks!

[@VortexRadar]

Thank you! Happy to help. 🙏

[@marksoprano007]

Thanks so much for all the great testing and honest reviews. I was thinking about buying 2 A229 Pros so I can have full 4K HD for front and rear view. Do you think this is a waste?

[@VortexRadar]

I’ve seen several people do that and set up the rear cams as side cams or something.

[@ViniRustAlves]

​@@VortexRadarI'd say that's the reasonably best 4ch setup quality wise, especially for rear plate readability and for getting the face from people who scratches car for fun (time lapse mode while parked). I wish Viofo was officially here in Brazil. A229 Plus seems like a good 2ch combo for hot weather but importing it is just too much. Xiaomi's sub brand, 70mai A800S-1 costs 1/3 the price and isn't 1/3 worse for sure. By the way, do you have any comparison with A810 vs A229 Pro? Didn't see any on your channel.

[@VortexRadar]

I’m not a fan of Li-Ion batteries in dashcams for safety reasons or some of the compromises made in the A810.

[@crisna5259]

I promise I was waiting for this video. Thanks

[@michieljansen648]

Pretty happy with my a229 plus. The voice commands do have a mind of their own, every day it locks a couple of videos out of nowhere. Also, wifi works great when I start the car, but after I drive for a while, the app doesn't connect and I have to power it off and power it back on. Then wifi works again

[@VortexRadar]

Yeah I wish they had a trigger word you had to say first like “Alexa” or “OK Google” or something. I think that’d help avoid the false activations.

[@1320str8liner]

What's the best camera that i don't have to attach/ glue to the windshield other than the M2? I need to run radar and cameras, just don't want to glue to the windshield (it a has a very light ceramic tint)

[@diccram]

I've been interested in Nextbase iQ 4k since your video with Nextbase personnel. How do you feel about that dash cam now they're there has been a little bit of time while out on the market? Keep up the great work!

[@VortexRadar]

That one gets a lot of complaints in practice and the video quality doesn’t seem very good.

[@diccram]

@@VortexRadar Thank you very much.

[@hessmo]

Really good video! Just like all your others. Do you have any advice on a Dash Cam with live view that can be used when parking? Kind of like a reverse cam. The resolution is not very important. App function is to prefer. LTE is not required, but is desirable. Have looked at Garmin because they have good support here in Sweden. So they are desirable. But there should be other options as well, I think. Money is not a problem.

[@VortexRadar]

Usually the dash cams that use an app over WiFi to do that lead to a poor experience. If that’s important, you may want to consider a dashcam with a dedicated display like a RVM style dashcam. There’s a lot of junky ones and fake 4K ones, but the Nexigo D90 looks pretty good. amzn.to/4aMmFI6

[@azclaimjumper]

I bought a Garmin Dashcam 57 because I've been happy with the reliability & Customer Service of their other products which I have; Nuvi 2597 GPS for my car & 61ST GPS hand held GPS when hiking/geocaching. Everything works out of the box & if I want some tech support I can call & talk to a real live person. I connected my Dashcam with Garmin's OBD power plug, no problem.

[@budthestud9400]

Just installed my A229 Plus today

[@VortexRadar]

Ah sweet

[@schen8168]

Just curious if you ever tried or tested any of the Garmin dash cams and what are your thoughts on them. Thank you.

[@ELEVOPR]

Good video, thanks for sharing. Why didn't the 70mai A810 make the list?

[@VortexRadar]

Thanks! Yeah check out this followup video. The A810 is the first one I talk about: kzbin.info9UxdOks0Ues?si=Y0kO63TLKqpKBfbJ

[@fwae7262]

Can you please make a setup guide on the MaxCam 360c?

[@faisallukyamuzi279]

Thank you for the video, it is really useful Ariel. Any efforts by Blackvue to have the settings changed as to previous models especially voice notification option? Honestly i wish they get things right on there hardware

[@brvski]

I agree.. also the feature that allows you to input multiple wifi’s rather than just one.. It’s a shame they’ve eliminated some of their best features. I’d like to know as well if they’re bringing some of the old features back

[@sdfaulk01]

Have you played with the Vueroid D21 at all?

[@RetroCarGuy530]

Good job Ariel!

[@VortexRadar]

Thank you! I spent so much time going back and forth in the Blackvues after our conversation, heh. Still feels kinda borderline.

[@sailingcomfortablynumb]

I want a great cam but need 2 exterior cams for each side of my truck facing to the rear any help appreciated.

[@BombosticSideEye]

Regarding the Vantrue N4 Pro, I’ve seen reviews where the auto buffered parking mode/collision parking has a 10-15 second delay time to turn on. Has Vantrue address this issue in the recent update?

[@ThomMurphy]

Is there a solution for mounting the A229 Pro 3ch to the rearview mirror? I have an older Blackview DR900 2ch dashcam mounted with a Blendmount and am ready to upgrade. At the same time I want to avoid mounting directly to the windshield. If there's no good solution for that with the A229 Pro, which camera would you recommend if night video quaility is the primary concern?

[@VortexRadar]

If you want a Blendmount option, then yeah Blackvues I think are your only real choice.

[@acters124]

I would be VERY interested to hear about different storage mediums, I would love to hear about a dashcam that uses a UFS storage instead of the SD Card.(I hate SD Cards)

[@CULOYO]

Hi, have you ever tried a fitcamx dash cam? If yes what do you think about it?

[@VortexRadar]

Yeah we talked about it in this one: Coolest & Most Interesting Dashcams: Collaboration with BlackboxMyCar kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHzUgXqXh9WZobM

[@videosonyoutube5588]

I'm in the market for a dash cam and looked at these a lot. I really like the OEM style. I park on the street in a city and I'm afraid of leaving a dashcam in there because it might attract thieves, so something that blends in to the vehicle is great. However, I've read a lot of issues with them. The video quality is worse than the Starvis 2 cameras mentioned in this video. They lack GPS functionality. I've seen regular reports that the battery keeping track of the date expires within two years and requires replacement (soldering necessary). They seem to record in some obscure file format that isn't easy to read on PC, so you're tied to smartphone app transfers that are slow. There's no way to "lock" clips to prevent them from being deleted. Heck, there are complaints about the looping feature (the ability for it to record over data on your SD card automatically) failing and not giving any obvious notification to the user. It's a nice concept, but the execution does not seem to be there, so buy at your own risk. Also, Fitcamx is apparently just a reseller of white label Chinese electronics you can find for substantially cheaper on sites like AliExpress. That might explain why these aren't top of the line. As I said, I do not own any of these myself, but I've heard Mangoal and ZJCGO "branded" versions are so identical they literally work with Fitcamx's app. The big thing is Fitcamx offers you better customer service.

[@user27108]

what about vantrue e3?

[@Swiggityswagger]

Have you gotten any time with the Vueroid D21?

[@VortexRadar]

Nope, but the specs and initial test results look very promising! If time allows I plan on doing a livestream tomorrow and talking about a bunch of dashcams people have been asking about including the D21. :)

[@vegasbuff1]

Have you reviewed the new Vantrue N5 4 channel? Do you recommend it?

[@VortexRadar]

I have one, but it doesn’t really make sense IMO. I talked about it in this one: kzbin.info9UxdOks0Ues?si=lJ0oMaAfsJj0J8aJ

[@InmortaliitY]

Officer: How much of a proof do you have? OP: Yes 20:30

[@jldwg]

Debating purchasing the DR970X Box-2CH IR Plus, but every footage I see of the interior facing IR camera it has a greenish hue to the footage even during the day. Why is that? Is that normal, looks horrible.

[@eddiet4435]

Hi, I'm Eddie from Australia, I have been watching few of ur dashcam videos, try to understand the brands and how it work but the more I watch I get confused, can I get ur opinion and expertise which brands I should get on a dashcam. Good clear recording video, parking recording and U can watch live video if someone bumb into ur car, cheers Eddie.

[@VortexRadar]

Given your need for remotely accessible live footage, check out the Blackvue options. 👍

[@eddiet4435]

Thx can u tell me which models and how much does it cost.

[@VortexRadar]

In this video I discuss the different models. The links in the video descriptions will take you to the stores where you can see pricing.

[@caseyhartman7094]

I like the design of BlackVue's box model, but I dislike that the rear camera is 1080p and the front camera's video quality isn't as good as Viofo's.

[@franklaske8019]

Looking for our first dash cam. Are the rear cameras wired or can they operate wirelessly?

[@VortexRadar]

They’re all wired for both power and data communication.

[@shirke01]

I just ordered VIOFO A229 Pro 1CH 4K HDR

[@VortexRadar]

Sweet congrats!

[@tommissouri4871]

Is there a means for the cameras to determine long time vs. short time parking? For example, my wife's car sits in the garage often for several days or more at a time. Clearly no need to record anything in there. However, if simply based on radar motion detection, it would be activating often as we go in and out through the garage. And when she does drive it, she would not want to be trying to figure out how to turn on parking mode at a store or restaurant. I know some have the low battery voltage level, but I really don't want to be running the battery down sitting in the garage either. Then it would be sitting at low voltage and may not start the car when she decides to drive it.

[@VortexRadar]

So all these dashcams have a voltage cutoff option to turn off the dashcam once they drain your battery to a certain level. This way you don’t have issues with restarting your car. It’s all automatic once set up. The question is how much power the dashcam draws while parked and thus how long it can keep protecting your car while parked.

[@bnc723]

Hi, wondering the difference between recorded speed and actual speed of the A229 pro on highway?

[@VortexRadar]

Common issue. GPS is more accurate than car speedometers. www.reddit.com/r/prius/s/c4p7x5KSDW www.rdforum.org/threads/109797/

[@Tushkoo270]

Momento M7, anyone? It's the only dashcam I see at most dealers. It's costly, but it's the best for the quality and features.

[@panzer948]

What about the Nextbase IQ, which is one of the few with true cloud, RT updates which is hard for many to get to work. Not many choices out there for this feature that actually works.

[@VortexRadar]

Yeah unfortunately while it’s got a lot of cool ideas, there’s been lots of complaints about both feature implementation and video quality. I’ll be live-streaming here shortly talking about a bunch of dashcams and I’ll have a section on the IQ towards the end.

[@panzer948]

@@VortexRadar fair enough. I guess I have been one of the lucky ones as its worked for me now for about 4 months, unlike Blackvue 970, which it replaced. The only issue I have with the Nextbase is waiting for the rear camera to come back out and fix those bugs but I have been very happy with the real time notifications and haven't seen any video quality issues, although VQ to me is not as big a deal (I have 2K version) as just making sure these remote capabilities actually work. Anyway, for my money it has been great since this is now my third cloud based dash cam, with the other one being the Thinkware Q1000. For the latter, it didnt over promise like the Blackvue and works just okay enough to keep in our other car. But again, I have been very happy with Nextbase IQ since I finally felt I received a cloud based dashcam that truly works 90% of the time. Thus, I would be very excited to see you try one out!

[@anthonynowlan9765]

vs1 mini?

[@mong2181]

Any suggestions for canadian winter with temps freezing to -45 deg?

[@Gmgfjv]

Yeah, move to a warmer climate

[@CaptainCJ97]

Another good vid. Dashcams still have a long way to go. The fact thinkware charge so much for the u3000 but ever since they released it they're hasnt been really new updates or new features night time clips are laughable no hdr for some unknown reason, their sos feature doesn't work. Blackvue's box unit design is genius wish all dashcams companies would have that option. Blackvue in my opinion they're strongest feature is cloud they lack in basic other areas which I'll never understand

[@kristansaizar]

hey vortex say if i already have one viofo camera linked to the app will i be able to add another one ?

[@VortexRadar]

Yep. Just switch WiFi networks and then the app will work with the other camera.

[@Ryan-wp8bw]

Do you know if closing or even slamming your door will trigger any of the Dash cams with parking impact protection and make them turn on

[@VortexRadar]

lol yeah. Some will do things like ignore impacts 3 min before you start your car to avoid saving files of you putting groceries in your trunk or closing the door, but not all of them.

[@bryanpuentes7028]

Hi there, just purchased a 2024 VW Atlas that comes with usb type c power supply only, are there any cameras that have this type of connection? Thanks

[@VortexRadar]

Yep! You can run a Viofo or a newer VanTrue off that, but usually it’s not for driving recording (not parking) and you don’t have a hidden clean install like a hardwired install.

[@1-Man]

in regards to the viofo dash cams.....what are the options to power them? is it only via hardwire?

[@VortexRadar]

It comes with a cig lighter cable, but you can hardwire it if you prefer

[@1-Man]

@@VortexRadar have you used the dongar adapter?

[@VortexRadar]

Unfortunately they don’t fit my vehicles, but they look cool

[@j2w1_lub]

is getting the a229 pro over the a229 plus worth the extra money for video quality (for my first entry level dashcam), and which entry level but really good radar detector would you recommend?

[@VortexRadar]

The Plus is actually very good. Check out the license plate comparison I posted in the video, for example. For the all out “best” though, that would be the Pro. As far as a good entry level detector, the Unidens are the typical pick. Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2G7n4OJrMt8rZIsi=VTQlc4Sj-UUPebvH

[@j2w1_lub]

ok thank you@@VortexRadar

[@j2w1_lub]

I've just watched that video, and the r7 looks really good, but is the r7 optimised for left hand drive vehicles as our cars have steering wheels on the right, meaning the detector would be pointed away from me, or is there a right hand drive version?@@VortexRadar

[@mcorentin]

Please ask the question of whats taking the others so long to come out with a cam comparable to the Box Plus series and cloud .

[@ChristopherLorine]

I live in Arizona. I want to get a dashcam that works in our high heat in the summer. What is best for this?

[@VortexRadar]

Thinkware has some special high heat protection and tests well in high temperatures without shutting off, so based on that you may consider the U3000.

[@vuis]

Anything on the VIOFO VS1? looking between choosing the vs1 or the 119 mini 2. thank you

[@VortexRadar]

I’ve got one but prefer the A119 style. I may do a video on it, but it won’t be for a little while tbh.

[@vuis]

@@VortexRadar gotcha! so would you say there’s no choosing a wrong between the two ?

[@VortexRadar]

Yeah both are fine options :)

[@nigels.6051]

@@vuis They are both good dashcams, both good value, but the more expensive A119 Mini 2 has the higher bitrate, so it can see a couple of meters further, and the VS1 sometimes runs out of bitrate under trees.when the Mini 2 doesn't., so does loose a few licence plates in some situations. Also, you need a smartphone to setup the VS1 while you don't with the Mini 2. I think the VS1 is perfectly adequate for places with larger licence plates (UK, EU, China), while if you live in a US state with difficult to read license plates then the Mini 2 may be preferable, although you might want a 4K dashcam!

[@vuis]

@@nigels.6051 wow thank you man! yea just using this as my entry level dash cam but later this year will move onto a 4k. I recently got into accident so was put at fault so that’s why I’m getting one ASAP. and yes I’m in the US so then maybe I should get the 119 mini 2. also what memory cards would you recommend thank you

[@carspear]

Vortex, thanks for sharing, till now I have no issues with the Blackvue, fingers crossed it doesn't break down.

[@brianrichard1768]

How is power supplied to the viofo? Can be wired into my rearview mirror? 22 taco sport

[@VortexRadar]

You either plug it into the cig. lighter, hardwire to your fuse box, or plug into a dedicated dashcam battery. You can plug it into your rear view mirror using an aftermarket adapter like this amzn.to/4cGWJPN but keep in mind RVM's turn off when parked so it'll only work for driving recording.

[@brianrichard1768]

thx much @@VortexRadar

[@MagentaRV]

Do you have or can you please make a video on Best Dash Cameras for 2024: RVers Guide? I'm specifically looking for a 4-8 channel system for front facing, backup/rear facing, side blind spots, and possibly a few other angles. Please recommend.

[@azclaimjumper]

Be prepared to pay more for professional installation than you pay for the dashcams.

[@MagentaRV]

@@azclaimjumper who said anything about professional installation? I drive a skoolie (DIY) RV. I do (or have my kids do) 99.4% of things. LOL

[@mannybalingit9767]

The A229 Plus bundles in Amazon just shows 1 hardwiring kit. Will I need a separate wiring kit for the rear camera? Thanks.

[@VortexRadar]

Nope, the rear cam plugs into the front cam and gets its power that way.

[@mannybalingit9767]

@@VortexRadar Thanks!

[@LoneStarNomads]

I have a 229 duo pro and and I've had overheating issues with it since day one. I bought it through Amazon through and when I tried to return it for an exchange it was already past the date on Amazon. I contacted the manufacturer in China and they wanted me to first class mail it back to them with tracking with me paying for international postage. I just said screw it and I'm going to get another one

[@azclaimjumper]

I'm in Nevada & am seriously thinking of buying the A229Pro. Please, which State are you living in & having overheating issues with? I'm guessing, Texas.

[@wolfusa2002]

is the upgrade from the thinkware u1000 to the 3000 worth it?

[@VortexRadar]

meh not a huge difference. Main thing IMO is integrated for the front and adding it to the rear. Video quality isn’t a dramatic improvement.

[@Slamjam88]

With the OBD2 port connection on the thinkware U 3000 you said you got about a week of recording does that kill the battery? Also if I install it that way that you mentioned, would I be okay if I just made sure I plugged into the battery to a onboard trickle charger every few days?

[@VortexRadar]

It cuts off the dashcam once the battery stops below a certain voltage so it doesn’t kill the battery. You could trickle charge the car battery if you like to record for even longer. Once the dash cam turns off though, it’ll turn itself back on next time you resume driving and your car’s alternator will go ahead and recharge your starter battery as well.

[@Slamjam88]

@@VortexRadar I'm in between the thinkware u3000 and the Viofo pro and live in alberta. Which one would you get? Also with the new update on the uniden detectors with gatso.. is there any gatso in Edmonton Alberta? I had some detection of gatso but maybe it's a false alert..

[@BrianOlmsted]

If I have an EV plugged in at home (or airport, etc) which results in high voltage battery being charged and 12V top up (i.e. Kia/Hyundai are prominent for showing orange light) can the dash cam continue to record in parking mode for longer periods of time with the battery being top up especially with a battery pack, etc or does the "ignition" have to be on for this (ie continuous power) and could it be flipped on demand to change to this?

[@VortexRadar]

Based on the research I’ve done, hardwiring to the 12v battery works great. It stays in parking mode even when the EV battery tops off the 12v battery since the ignition is still off. I’m gonna do this install in the coming weeks in my Kia EV9 to verify for sure. Also is that what the orange light means? That the EV battery is topping up the 12v battery?

[@BrianOlmsted]

@@VortexRadar yes orange light means it is topping off 12V battery. Please keep us posted on your EV9 retrofits as I’m expecting mine sometime in August/September and first thing I’m doing is putting a dash cam in and doing PPF/ceramic coating (we have a pine tree - needles/sap). We can’t do radar as it is illegal in our province

[@BrianOlmsted]

@@VortexRadar also if I could avoid a battery pack that would be good if the high voltage battery could keep the 12V battery topped up. Yes like to see your results

[@frankm7254]

What would be a good dash cam for a convertible

[@lawrencefearon6830]

Same. Yeah that's tough with the top going down. It'd have to be exterior mounted maybe by the rear license plate.

[@PanzerPlatform]

Excellent work.

[@davidlarson2534]

The Black View video issues stem from poor manufacturing processes. The focus issue is poor lens seating. The pink lines likely caused by poor cable seating or just cheapness wire harness or wire. Both fixable at the manufacturing level.

[@sigma20xx]

Can the viofo use 1TB memory cards? It doesnt say in their website. I dint think 258GB is enough for 4K recording.

[@VortexRadar]

You’d have to ask them to be sure, but IIRC the largest I’ve seen is 512 and just for certain models.

[@CalvinHill-pz8hh]

I have the A229 pro and how can I update the firmware without having to take it it f the car. I tried using my IPhone 15 max pro through the app but it didn’t work for me. I would get the download bar and it would just time out every time. 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@FirstTakahashi]

put the firmwares on the microsd card with a computer

[@selmankocak2094]

Would I be able to run a blackvue and hook it up to my car’s hotspot? Is there a way I can have my car’s hotspot run 24/7?

[@VortexRadar]

Generally car hotspots shut off when parked to save power so it’ll work for driving mode, but not parking mode.

[@selmankocak2094]

@@VortexRadar gotcha. So the only way to get cloud features when parked is to pay blackvue their LTE subscription fee?

[@VortexRadar]

You need to pay for data one way or another, but that goes to the cell phone company. Blackvue has a free plan you can use with one dashcam. If you want multiple dashcams or more features you can upgrade to a paid version if you like, but it’s not necessary. blackvue.com/cloud-plans/

[@selmankocak2094]

@@VortexRadar my issue is, I don’t wanna pay for a car hotspot + LTE on my dashcam separately. Is there a way you can think of to combine the two?

[@CaptainCJ97]

Another point to add how well a dashcam is with high heat & low cold with u3000 it does great . Another thing with u3000 parking mode with blackbox my car powercell 8 i havent charged the battery pack in months thanks to that now if it was a blackvue I would need to charge every day depending on long my drivers were & it was annoying really when i had to

[@VortexRadar]

Good points. I like some of the high temp protection parking mode features the U3000 has. :)

[@michaeldichael9978]

I have that same/old OTF hell week shirt 😂

[@VortexRadar]

haha yes!!!

[@Nirzal45]

does this camera records when ignition is off??

[@azclaimjumper]

Any USB device can have power 24/7 when you buy/use the Garmin OBD power cord. No need to buy other products so-called "Hard-Wire" power cord.

[@jgelliot]

Big problem with the blackvue dashcam nowadays is the fact you can ONLY pick a singular wifi network connection... makes the cloud feautes a lot less useful for those who drive ... places...

[@piesareround]

Wifi hotspot from the phone that you keep with you while you travel...places.

[@glenn-perthwesternaustrali5916]

@ 8:40 - The SanDisk Extreme 128gb - You have marked it as 'Unstable for 4K Dashcams' What's the issue here? when all the specs for the Viofo and Sandisk are the same.

[@VortexRadar]

Viofo marked it that way. Not me. I’m just sharing what they said. dashcamtalk.com/forum/threads/memory-card-compatibility.49856/page-3#post-614251

[@glenn-perthwesternaustrali5916]

@@VortexRadarThanks for your quick response. I've recently purchased the A229 Pro (great choice) as well as a Sandisk Extreme card. Hopefully, the card will perform as good as the A229

[@VortexRadar]

Congrats!

[@Blue84Stang]

Stupid question... But can you pair the Escort M2 and the MaxCam together? Here's my thought... A while back was a video on using a telephoto lens in combination with a more traditional wide angle lens, to give you the same view as a traditional dashcam, but with better performance in terms of capturing licence plates. I mean, I know you'd have to change the lens on the M2 (or the MaxCam) for a telephoto one, but would the theoretical work in practice?

[@VortexRadar]

You can. I’ve done that to get sample footage from both cameras for videos lol. Swapping lenses like that is certainly a DIY project, but if you can do the mod, that’d be a way to get both a wide angle and a telephoto together.

[@xandrutait]

Cheers as its a mine field.

[@manjotsingh1704]

Any good option around $50 CAD

[@VortexRadar]

Nothing I’ve seen yet that I liked which is why there isn’t one mentioned in this video.

[@foremanX420]

R there any 360 degree

[@VortexRadar]

Yep, and I've covered several different variants, but I haven't seen any that I'm sold on. For that reason I do normal dashcams front/rear/left/right because I find it works better.

[@barbarab3298]

A 229🤩

[@lgroves336]

While Dash Cams can be used to prove you were NOT at fault in accident it can also be used to PROVE you were at fault. Double edged blade.

[@VortexRadar]

That’s true. If that happens, maybe don’t jump out and be like “Hey officer, check out my dashcam footage!” 😄

[@michieljansen648]

@@VortexRadar😂

[@lgroves336]

@@VortexRadar Trust me. Less drama is better. I have a Blackvue system. I recorded some guys that came by me speeding then the cops showed up and pulled one of them over. I could have offered up my info but i kept driving and said NOT MY DRAMA. Thanks for your videos.

[@zakbrinkhoff324]

That's why people like the one with the rear-facing camera attached to the front facing one because if something happens that's your fault you just take it down real quick​@@VortexRadar

[@KeNost82]

Then don’t be a bad driver? And if its your fault, be a grown up and take responsibility if you mess up, the other car could also have a dashcam

[@hassanch64]

my a2 mini decides that its gonna stop and start recording on its own I am not sure what's the problem here I have checked all the wirings and the sd card. I would start driving and notice that the dash cam in not on yet and it would turn on randomly after 20-30 minutes of drivings.

[@VortexRadar]

Sounds like a potential wiring issue. I notice similar behavior if I don’t hook things up correctly. How do you have it hooked up exactly?

[@hassanch64]

@@VortexRadar I bought the viofo direct wire kit and hooked it straight to the cars battery.