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Get a Dash Cam! by theogre
Started on: 02-23-2023 01:57 PM
Replies: 12 (301 views)
Last post by: theogre on 07-29-2023 12:09 PM
theogre
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Report this Post02-23-2023 01:57 PM Click Here to See the Profile for theogreClick Here to visit theogre's HomePageSend a Private Message to theogreEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
"They say" Problems come in Threes...

I'm the third "wreck" this quarter if not this month here...

Yes Some edited pictures will come later. I Won't UL video to YT or anywhere else. Don't ask.

Happened a few days ago but keep mouth shut unlike others that may cause problems showing too much or say wrong thing after a wreck. (Recent "wrecks" posted here doesn't have this problem but others run to FB YT etc often making legal problems...)

In Very Short:
SUV cut me off and even after trying to get away still hit me last weekend. SUV basically tried running over the Fiero. Good that did minor damage.
Called other person Car Insurance today...
Seem other person claim typical "rear end hit" and try blamed me...
Agent helped me to send a clip of Dash Cam Video and viewed it during the call.
Now they will pay Me for damage done. They even called my CI to tell them their paying me. And my CI called me to tell me before the other call ended.

Paid < $150 for the D-Cam itself + Lens Polarizer/Guard + real Samsung Pro 256GB SDcard. (Replaced one cost ~ $70 w/ dead battery last Prime Days) Is now payed for have this and all DC I used. Because "Default Mode" by cops, Insurance and more is to blame the rear car for any "rear end" wreck.
Now the Video shows I did not hit anyone etc that can save my Insurance Bill Big Time.

Notes:
Only Clip the Video. No Editing otherwise. Why?
● Many Dash Cams Default to 3 minute Rolling Video Files. Recent Model are Hi Resolution too. Mean Too Much Time and Huge file size. You Often Only need maybe 20 seconds showing just before and after a wreck.
● If you edited the video more for any reason, If lawyers etc involved later then your editing can bite you in bad ways.
● Dash Cam can use different Formats. Mine outputs as MP4 but some models use mov and other formats. Don't recode to other format for same reason unless are told by C-insurance. Recoding can take a lot of time and worse can mess with video quantity, resolution and more and make hard to see details etc.

Example: My camera "Raw" output is 3440 x 1440px, 3:00 minute, 670MB, MP4 (Why it needs 256mb card... Smaller cards rollover fast.) and Trim Down to < 20sec still is 70MB.
Even that is too big or "wrong" format to UL to some Insurance Web Sites or Email to just about anyone and have to get UL by an Agent and even they may have problems.

Videohelp.com has several splitters/joiner tools w/o other editing available. I use free "MP4Tools / MP4Joiner / MP4Splitter" to clip out the section of the 3 minutes. Is listed in Software downloads > Video Editors (Basic) and very small program.

Most Dash Cams have Batteries to keep the clock running. Problem is Any Batteries hate Heat from Sunlight when Parked and only last Months. Many don't have GPS to set time either. (Isn't just use for Location.) Get one w/ "Super Capacitor" to take heat better so don't have to pull camera off the mount.

Don't spend a lot to get best camera. Beside heat can kill them... can die of other problems or simply break and you don't need the best camera. Even the cheapest ones I had would work in above example.
I have 2 different "cheap" GPS units mainly to stop messing w/ them to check/set the clocks time stamping the videos. At worse, GPS time doesn't DST for summer but simply tell viewer, if they notice, the time is GPS time.

Related:
With many newer/better DC models needing Big Fast SDcards... make sure you get Readers that actually uses USB 3 or better. W/o this forget watched videos on the card and just coping to PC etc can take a Long Time on Reader only use USB2.

------------------
Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)


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Patrick
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Report this Post02-23-2023 08:05 PM Click Here to See the Profile for PatrickSend a Private Message to PatrickEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by theogre:

I Won't UL video to YT or anywhere else. Don't ask.


Aw, you're no fun!

 
quote
Originally posted by theogre:

Videohelp.com has several splitters/joiner tools w/o other editing available. I use free "MP4Tools / MP4Joiner / MP4Splitter" to clip out the section of the 3 minutes. Is listed in Software downloads > Video Editors (Basic) and very small program.


I like using Avidemux to do cuts-only editing with no re-compression necessary.
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theogre
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Report this Post02-23-2023 09:43 PM Click Here to See the Profile for theogreClick Here to visit theogre's HomePageSend a Private Message to theogreEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
With this camera and polarizer, you can see a lot of details that can't see on many others including tags.
I would have to edit out many things besides blocking tag number and not wasting my time to fool w/ video.

Polarizer helps blocking reflections etc looking thru the windshield. Can help w/ other reflective things like tags. Any that uses SLR and other cameras take Polarizer and other filters on lenses know what/how they work.

Clip Tool I used just splits w/o recode too. Yes, Several others can do same job.
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Report this Post02-23-2023 09:56 PM Click Here to See the Profile for PatrickSend a Private Message to PatrickEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by theogre:

Polarizer helps blocking reflections etc looking thru the windshield. Can help w/ other reflective things like tags. Any that uses SLR and other cameras take Polarizer and other filters on lenses know what/how they work.


Many years ago when I was into 35mm film photography, I always used a Polarizing Filter to cut down on reflections and richen the color. The only drawback was that it would cost a couple of f-stops, which could be an issue when hand-holding the camera in less than bright conditions.

I like my relatively cheap and old dash cam, but as with most of them, there's no easy way to attach a polarizer.
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Report this Post02-23-2023 11:15 PM Click Here to See the Profile for theogreClick Here to visit theogre's HomePageSend a Private Message to theogreEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Wasn't prime day but another discount for holidays...

VIOFO A119 V3 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SRQH4R7/
VIOFO CPL Circular Polarizing Lens Filter https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N0KVD4C/
SDcard SAMSUNG PRO Plus + https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09B1J3BK2/
Note: Generic or other slow cards will cause problems with many newer hi res video cams not just above like many older cards people often have. You don't have to buy VIOFO cards but a fast U3 V30 SDcards from a known brand.

Filter isn't darkish like many normal photo Polarizers.
Filter may fit other brands w/ same camera body.

It replaces AUKEY Dash Cam w/ similar case.
Had digging in order history... that lasted 3+ years until battery died from heat.
Other very cheap units had same problem and faster or sucker mount failed.

E2A--> In another car is AKASO V1 Car Recorder, 1296P FHD, GPS, etc https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F1BPJKL but out of stock
Is ok. Don't have a Polarizers. Was a Prime Day item.
This has GPS but data is "hidden" in the video on the card and need software to view the data. Not like above that just Stamps the location...

[This message has been edited by theogre (edited 02-23-2023).]

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A_Lonely_Potato
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Report this Post03-06-2023 12:12 PM Click Here to See the Profile for A_Lonely_PotatoSend a Private Message to A_Lonely_PotatoEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by theogre:

...My camera "Raw" output is 3440 x 1440px...


really?? ive never seen a mainstream camera with a 21:9 sensor
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Report this Post07-28-2023 11:04 PM Click Here to See the Profile for theogreClick Here to visit theogre's HomePageSend a Private Message to theogreEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
⚠️ Note/Warning:
Many newer/better Cameras can stamp the Video w/ GPS data including Speed.

Big Problem is almost anything w/ GPS can report Speed but GPS "chips" calc Speed locally and most chips lag actual speed and some lag a lot. So only works well on roads that allow you to drive @ X speed for many minutes.

Why/How this is a problem?
When when you change speed or stop fast, the Chip data stamp can lag a lot saying you're still moving @ whatever speed.
When you then send to cops, I-companies, etc like I did above or cops seize a dash cam after a crash/crime or lawyers/courts demand your video, most see the speed number and don't care about how accurate. You don't need that issue dealing w/ I-co or in Court.

So I keep Speed stamping Off on all dash cams I have because of that and forgot to mention it above.

Dash Cams are Two Edge Swords still... If you're doing something wrong can bite you very hard.
Related Example: If someone wants speed data can simply watch or slow down and count frames etc for speed if you saying one thing and video show way different so turning Off this function won't help driving 50 in reduce speed zone and related issues. Off Topic but I counted video frames to say Gen2 HL motors open < 1 sec in another thread.

Note:
GPS Time does not have DST. Many GPS "Clients" don't auto DST either. When True, Only way to adjust Time Zone or turn On/Off DST buried in the setup menu 2x per year.
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Report this Post07-29-2023 07:56 AM Click Here to See the Profile for TheDigitalAlchemistClick Here to visit TheDigitalAlchemist's HomePageSend a Private Message to TheDigitalAlchemistEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
So sorry you were involved in the accident. Wish they made a camera system that that has 'subtle' front and rear cameras then thin wires leading to the center console, and that's where the brains and battery live. (powered/charged by the cig lighter in there.) wife was recently hit from behind while stopped in traffic. Highway patrol told them to leave because the cops 'would take hours to arrive', and it was a 'cut and dry case'. Other guytold his insurance company that SHE hit him. He's a REAL piece of work.
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Report this Post07-29-2023 08:08 AM Click Here to See the Profile for TheDigitalAlchemistClick Here to visit TheDigitalAlchemist's HomePageSend a Private Message to TheDigitalAlchemistEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post

TheDigitalAlchemist

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How does this one sound?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09WXX4DGM
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Report this Post07-29-2023 10:05 AM Click Here to See the Profile for Jake_DragonSend a Private Message to Jake_DragonEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
I got this one

Pretty sure I got it right after you started this thread.
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Report this Post07-29-2023 11:06 AM Click Here to See the Profile for steve308Send a Private Message to steve308Edit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
I run an inexpensive front and rear view camera on all my vehicles. Easy to do, cheap SD card on a loop so if something happens just pull the card. A couple of years back I was rear ended at a light while in daily driver (truck). Individual behind me claimed (to the police) that I reversed back into him. I presented the SD card to the police and the guys story changed fast. His insurance paid for the repair. He was ticketed.
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Report this Post07-29-2023 11:45 AM Click Here to See the Profile for theogreClick Here to visit theogre's HomePageSend a Private Message to theogreEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Front only D-cams cam still work for "rear enders" because shows your car didn't move until impact.
Then use a Phone cam to take more pictures to add to your case. Because Most people still don't know Phones and most others Dig cameras will add Time Stamp, GPS data and more as "hidden" EXIF data. (Wiki) So even when you set a camera don't stamp the pic, still have a lot of EXIF data and view even in Windows' File Property pages.

Rove "makes" a lot of D-cams. I Don't use them because of cost and more features don't need.

Some "Notes:"
Supercaps won't die from heat vs any lithium batteries. So most D-cam last way longer.
Only battery is "nice" because LiIon can save settings and keep time when you don't drive a car every week "minimum." But even they won't protect for weeks...
So I don't drive "every day," When I plug in the cam I look at screen to see look same "wide screen" format. If cap died then camera reset to all defaults and looks different. If have Reset, then have to set Time or Time Zone for GPS and other functions again. Works w/ all defaults but time is off and more.

Park Features need Extra Wiring and "box" so the camera won't kill the car battery. How long that will happen depends on car battery type and size + standby power car will use too.
I forgot to unplug the cam on the Fiero w/o park features and car battery died ~ 2-3 days. Many New models have big AGM batteries but just dies after more time.
Many new models have Aux plugs and USB ports that shut off because of this problem from charging phones, Garmin et al, dash cams, etc sucking down the car battery.
So either needs Park "module" added to work in park mode.

Put Biggest SDcard in them w/ most D-cam more so w/ multi cams. And Don't buy no-name ones.
Big video eats space and need fast SDcards.
I only get ~ 8-10 hours w/ current unit w/ 256GB SDcard because each 3 minute video section uses 616MB and that just 1 cam unit.
Small card means have less record time also means "eats" lifetime of SD to repeat deleting "old" video.
If you only drive to local stores and job then smaller cards maybe ok.
Because Long Record time is 2 Edge too because seized card can show a lot of history to cops etc.

No matter SD size, save video elsewhere after a wreck. Even take the card out before towed because expect car will have stuff stolen in private lots or seize/search if Impounded.
Note the crash video is often marked Read Only and often in another folder as many crashes auto save that way because "tripped" G locking but may need other video sections before or after a crash. In some "minor" crashes may not auto protect from auto delete old videos.

WiFi Cam may have problems in cars w/ built in WiFi. Sim problems w/ Bluetooth. Two Radios acting as Access Points next to each other can make too much "noise" and connection crawls to 1 or both. That's on top of other WiFi AP close to your car may cause same problem.
Many only can store video to SDcard or Phone connected to them Not Both @ same time. If you think will use phone, try DL the cam manual before buying.
Note that if you think using phone "Cloud..." Live Stream 2 X... etc. That can affect save video size and more. Very Compressed video for this often looses a lot of details etc that can see easily watching video on SDcard.

Many new D-cams can easily read a Tag many feet to yards away. Not like many just a few years ago that only get lucky reading Tags by "tailgating" during daytime only and "right" lighting and Best Video quality set too.

⚠️ Warning: Audio Recording is Regulated under Anti Bugging and other Laws in many places.
This is why most D-cams default to Off for this feature.
I have it On for the Fiero because I'm only one in the car. Other car is Off because Anti Bugging and have other people that require Notice.
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theogre
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Report this Post07-29-2023 12:09 PM Click Here to See the Profile for theogreClick Here to visit theogre's HomePageSend a Private Message to theogreEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post

theogre

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Member since Mar 99
Note: Bigger D-cams that can't hind behind the Rear view Mirror maybe become a "ticket magnet" or other problems in several ways like Blocking Driver's view of the road.
All depends on how mounted and more.

Don't set the screen to On all the time too. Video in the Driver's view even tho is "Driver Info" legal in many places can be a target to stop because cop see only the screen not often what's on it. Even w/o that having any lights on in the cabin can make it harder to see the road at night.

My small units fits behind the mirror and OEM windshield Tint zone so only bottom gets clear glass to look thru. Almost no-one sees them to be legal or theft problems. E-ZPass and related Toll Collection transponders directions tell users to mount same way for same reason in most states.
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