Dash Cam Recommendations?

[ktnez99]

I’m looking to get a good quality dash cam for my Z which records both front and rear aspects.
Has anyone any recommendations of a good make please? Has it been easy to fit? Any issues found once fitted?

 

[bombur]

@t-tony has put one on his E89, and very experienced with Z3's

 

[Brian James]

I can recommend the "how to" guide by Jack Ratt for installation

How To Guide - Install hard wire kit for dash cam

What's in the Nextbase install kit? Wiring loom and 2 x piggy back fuse holders. For the Z3 you will need the one on the far right Tools required Trim removal tool T25 torx wrench Flat blade screwdriver M10 spanner This is a relatively easy job and can be completed in an hour, but it's...

zroadster.org

As to model I have just stuck with the simple Ring dash cam - not exotic by any means but records and replays reliably - availble at most places .

 

[Oddly Godly]

I have a nextbase dash cam facing forward. I wired the piggy back fuse connector it came with to the fuse in the rear of my radio. I was unable to find a route to the fuse box in the engine bay.

 

[AntStark]

Not specifically Zed related but I got one of these for my sons VW Polo when Argos were doing a flash sale (think it was £95) . Basic but seems good quality and works really well . Hardwired it off the cigarette lighter fuse..dead easy

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/3101999

 

[ktnez99]

I can recommend the "how to" guide by Jack Ratt for installation

How To Guide - Install hard wire kit for dash cam

What's in the Nextbase install kit? Wiring loom and 2 x piggy back fuse holders. For the Z3 you will need the one on the far right Tools required Trim removal tool T25 torx wrench Flat blade screwdriver M10 spanner This is a relatively easy job and can be completed in an hour, but it's...

zroadster.org

As to model I have just stuck with the simple Ring dash cam - not exotic by any means but records and replays reliably - availble at most places .

Thanks for the suggestion. What’s the picture and sound quality like on the Ring dash cam Brian?

 

[ktnez99]

I have a nextbase dash cam facing forward. I wired the piggy back fuse connector it came with to the fuse in the rear of my radio. I was unable to find a route to the fuse box in the engine bay.

I was going to ask how you connected it. Do some dash cams work off the cigarette lighter holder?

 

[ktnez99]

Not specifically Zed related but I got one of these for my sons VW Polo when Argos were doing a flash sale (think it was £95) . Basic but seems good quality and works really well . Hardwired it off the cigarette lighter fuse..dead easy

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/3101999

Interesting. Thank you.

 

[ktnez99]

I can recommend the "how to" guide by Jack Ratt for installation

How To Guide - Install hard wire kit for dash cam

What's in the Nextbase install kit? Wiring loom and 2 x piggy back fuse holders. For the Z3 you will need the one on the far right Tools required Trim removal tool T25 torx wrench Flat blade screwdriver M10 spanner This is a relatively easy job and can be completed in an hour, but it's...

zroadster.org

As to model I have just stuck with the simple Ring dash cam - not exotic by any means but records and replays reliably - availble at most places .

Great reading this How To. Looks relatively simple for this write-up.

 

[ktnez99]

I’ve also spotted a dash cam that slots over the rear view mirror. Does anyone have this design and if so, any thoughts on it?

 

[Richard29]

I have a couple of garmin cameras, seem quite good.

 

[ktnez99]

I have a couple of garmin cameras, seem quite good.

Thank you Richard.

 

[ktnez99]

Any thoughts on this one please? Is it legal in the UK?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/REDTIGER-Cameras-Reverse-Assistance-Touchscreen-Black/dp/B09PNGXK83/?_encoding=UTF8&pf_rd_p=67bfe032-a9d6-4e0a-8122-2f3f37e62e52&pd_rd_wg=b8Lne&pf_rd_r=137QXQVFHZVRGTWVK677&content-id=amzn1.sym.67bfe032-a9d6-4e0a-8122-2f3f37e62e52&pd_rd_w=Zmqj4&painterId=gwm-asin-tile&pd_rd_r=77ad4031-744c-4b6a-908e-64a9feb3daaf&ref_=pd_gwm_ci_mcx_mr_hp_atf_m

 

[ktnez99]

Are there any devices that convert the cigarette lighter holder into a USB port?

 

[Oddly Godly]

I was going to ask how you connected it. Do some dash cams work off the cigarette lighter holder?

I think some can but it looks untidy, the lighter socket being right in front of the gearstick doesn't help. My dash cam fits to a magnetic holder so I can remove it in a few seconds if I want. No cables to undo.

 

[t-tony]

Are there any devices that convert the cigarette lighter holder into a USB port?

To connect into a Cig. lighter socket it needs to be ignition fed live, (NOT permanent live) so that it automatically comes on with starting and goes off when you switch off.
To utilize a Cig. lighter or 12v power socket you can use these, I do. Very short so don't stick above the level of the socket.

2x OFFICIAL GRIFFIN USB In Car DUAL charger cigarette lighter adapter All Phones | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 2x OFFICIAL GRIFFIN USB In Car DUAL charger cigarette lighter adapter All Phones at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

To add to a compact finish you can also use these,

USB-A 2.0 Angled Male to Female Extension Cable Cord Lead | eBay

1 x 30cm Angled Usb 2.0 male to female cable. USB 2.0 Male to female extension cable. USB 2.0 A Female to USB A Male Left Angle 90 Degree Cable Adapter Lead Connector. Up, Down, Left, Right and straight variations.

www.ebay.co.uk

Car Cigarette Socket Adapter Cable Male to Female Lighter Converter Power USB | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Car Cigarette Socket Adapter Cable Male to Female Lighter Converter Power USB at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

You can use the last one if the Dash Cam you choose has a 12v socket type plug, most still do even though some are just supplied with a USB cable now.

OR, you can wire one of these to an ignition fed live and plug straight into it.

Pardon our interruption...

Tony.

 

[ktnez99]

I think some can but it looks untidy, the lighter socket being right in front of the gearstick doesn't help. My dash cam fits to a magnetic holder so I can remove it in a few seconds if I want. No cables to undo.

That’s sounds good because if it’s permanently wired in, on display to everyone outside the car, they could smash a window to steal it…right?

 

[ktnez99]

To connect into a Cig. lighter socket it needs to be ignition fed live, (NOT permanent live) so that it automatically comes on with starting and goes off when you switch off.
To utilize a Cig. lighter or 12v power socket you can use these, I do. Very short so don't stick above the level of the socket.

2x OFFICIAL GRIFFIN USB In Car DUAL charger cigarette lighter adapter All Phones | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 2x OFFICIAL GRIFFIN USB In Car DUAL charger cigarette lighter adapter All Phones at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

To add to a compact finish you can also use these,

USB-A 2.0 Angled Male to Female Extension Cable Cord Lead | eBay

1 x 30cm Angled Usb 2.0 male to female cable. USB 2.0 Male to female extension cable. USB 2.0 A Female to USB A Male Left Angle 90 Degree Cable Adapter Lead Connector. Up, Down, Left, Right and straight variations.

www.ebay.co.uk

Car Cigarette Socket Adapter Cable Male to Female Lighter Converter Power USB | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Car Cigarette Socket Adapter Cable Male to Female Lighter Converter Power USB at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

You can use the last one if the Dash Cam you choose has a 12v socket type plug, most still do even though some are just supplied with a USB cable now.

OR, you can wire one of these to an ignition fed live and plug straight into it.

Pardon our interruption...

Tony.

Thanks Tony. Lots of dash cams to choose from so more homework needed, I think.

 

[t-tony]

Never heard of anyone having a dash cam stolen Dawn. You worry too much.

Tony.

 

[ktnez99]

Never heard of anyone having a dash cam stolen Dawn. You worry too much.

Tony.

I live in the West Midlands!!! I’m a realist