Dashcam recommendations

[KegsBdry]

There are a lot of dashcam models out there. And I never owned one before. So I'm looking for something that'll check as many boxes as possible:

-high resolution (I'm guessing 4K?)
-works well in low light
-reads license plates clearly
-front and rear camera
-parking sentry mode (without killing the SUV's battery...so motion detection? How long does a dashcam work until is is a problem with your battery? Should it have it's own battery internally, so it doesn't drain the SUV's battery?)
-Phone app (no subscription)
-Easily hidden (I don't want to make it obvious so my SUV gets broken into)
-No built in screen (preferred)

That was probably just as many questions as options. Sorry about that.

2020 Ford Explorer ST

 

[Cruising68]

There are a lot of dashcam models out there. And I never owned one before. So I'm looking for something that'll check as many boxes as possible:

-high resolution (I'm guessing 4K?)
-works well in low light
-reads license plates clearly
-front and rear camera
-parking sentry mode (without killing the SUV's battery...so motion detection? How long does a dashcam work until is is a problem with your battery? Should it have it's own battery internally, so it doesn't drain the SUV's battery?)
-Phone app (no subscription)
-Easily hidden (I don't want to make it obvious so my SUV gets broken into)
-No built in screen (preferred)

That was probably just as many questions as options. Sorry about that.

2020 Ford Explorer ST

Lots of decent dashcams available now. I’ve been running Blackview for a few models. A little pricey but very good imo. I have it wired to a battery pack as well. Front and rear cameras. It records for over 24hrs with the car shut off and never runs off the car battery. Recharges when driving. Can clearly see license plates. In fact I was in court recently over a minor traffic accident (not my ST) that was not my fault. When I played the footage showing it was his fault both the judge and his lawyer said “wow, that’s a really good picture”!


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[Diamondave]

I'm pleased with the Mangoal unit I got on Amazon especially since it is discreet.

 

[KNTRDR]

NOT anything by Lukas, specifically the V790, but just not their brand frankly. Resolution was ok but the camera was way oversensitive, the wifi link was piss poor, the app was garbage. Just a garbage unit, hated it.

 

[GearHead_1]

I'm pleased with the Mangol unit I got on Amazon especially since it is discreet.

Perhaps Mangoal?

 

[bmidd]

I use a Viofo A139 Pro, works great. They also have a 2 channel model for front/rear. The Viofo app is great, connect to your phone via wifi and transfer from the card to your phone in seconds and you can do all of your setup through the app. Has the newest Sony Starvis 2 sensor.
Sample of a wreck I caught on camera this past week.

 

[Chamorro85]

I use a Viofo A139 Pro, works great. They also have a 2 channel model for front/rear. The Viofo app is great, connect to your phone via wifi and transfer from the card to your phone in seconds and you can do all of your setup through the app. Has the newest Sony Starvis 2 sensor.
Sample of a wreck I caught on camera this past week.

Was going to chime in. I switched to the Viofo after I had a bad taste left in my mouth from a 'top brand' on amazon. Did some more research and as the video attached shows the quality is fantastic. I did add a polarizing lens to help with direct sunlight but the night time is amazing and the sentry mode has not given me any issues.

All the other boxes are easily checked with this brand. Great price for what you get.

 

[bmidd]

Was going to chime in. I switched to the Viofo after I had a bad taste left in my mouth from a 'top brand' on amazon. Did some more research and as the video attached shows the quality is fantastic. I did add a polarizing lens to help with direct sunlight but the night time is amazing and the sentry mode has not given me any issues.

All the other boxes are easily checked with this brand. Great price for what you get.

I also have a polarizing filter. My front windshield has ceramic tiny and it was causing multi color swirls and flares, the filter cleans it right up.

 

[Diamondave]

Perhaps Mangoal?

My bad, Mangoal is correct

 

[KegsBdry]

Lots of decent dashcams available now. I’ve been running Blackview for a few models. A little pricey but very good imo. I have it wired to a battery pack as well. Front and rear cameras. It records for over 24hrs with the car shut off and never runs off the car battery. Recharges when driving. Can clearly see license plates. In fact I was in court recently over a minor traffic accident (not my ST) that was not my fault. When I played the footage showing it was his fault both the judge and his lawyer said “wow, that’s a really good picture”!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Are you willing to share what model you have? I like the slim look of it. And it sounds like it packs the punch of being clear enough to read license plates.

 

[Cruising68]

Are you willing to share what model you have? I like the slim look of it. And it sounds like it packs the punch of being clear enough to read license plates.

900 or 950 can’t recall. I’ve had a few of theirs. Happy enough with them I really don’t shop other brands based on my experience. Kind of a fanboy in that regard


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[ConspicuousConsumption]

Just hardwired the Viofo A119 Mini 2. So far so good. My first dash cam. Hope to never need it!

 

[Fmoser]

I have a Nextbase 622 from my prior car, thinking about getting something smaller without a display since there’s such a big annoying piece of plastic around the rear view mirror.

 

[cheetoduster]

I have a Vantrue S1 Pro. Comes with a rear cam which I don't have installed. I have it installed on the passenger side, anything on the top 1/3 of the windshield causes visibility issues because of my height. Had I know beforehand I'd have to do that I might've gotten something smaller without a built in screen.

 

[Falamala]

I'm pleased with the Mangoal unit I got on Amazon especially since it is discreet.

 

[Falamala]

Hi. They keep saying the A model bit I have a big cover where they show a little one

 

[Diamondave]

Hi. They keep saying the A model bit I have a big cover where they show a little one

IDK, I have a 2021 Explr ST, with a rain sensor (automatic wipers). This is the one I got ..........
Front 4K & Rear 1080p Dash Cam for Ford Explorer U625 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024, Base XLT ST_Line Limited Timberline Platinum King Ran(Model A), UHD 2160P Video, WiFi & App, 128GB Card

 

[UGADawg96]

I have the VIOFO A119 Mini 2 in my F150 powered off a Dongar mirror tap after suggestions on the F150gen14 forum. I'm thinking about putting this same camera in the Explorer with the Dongar 5pin tap.

 

[Chairborne Ranger]

I have a Garmin 57 installed in mine using a Dongar 5-pin mirror power tap. When you pull off the shroud behind the mirror there are three different connectors, you want the one on the passenger side and the plug is on the side closest to the dash. The release clip is closest to the windshield but you can pivot the connector enough to feel it and release the plug allowing you to connect the Dongar. It's and easy job, just pull straight down on the plastic shroud, it's held in with four friction clips and takes a little effort but you won't break anything.