GoPro as a dash-cam?

So,

My TRD OR has the little GoPro mount and it got me to thinking… does anyone use that as a dash cam mount, specially using a GoPro as said camera?

I’ve never felt the need to use a dash cam, but with the world as crazy as it is now, I’m starting to consider it.

Thinking about buying a slightly older Hero 7-9 model. If any of y’all run something similar, I’d love to know how it performs. Also, do you run constant power to it, or just drop the battery and replace it when needed? I’ll only run mine during actual drives, and remembering to turn it on isn’t a problem for me, but I know it’s not as practical as an on with ignition switch I’m sure.

Just something I’ve been thinking about. Id love your feedback.

 

Yes I have a Rexing up there. I bought the mount adapter on Etsy.

Do not use a GoPro. They don't have the features you want in a dashcam. Seriously.

 

I’m glad I asked. How do you like your system?

 

I have the Garmin Mini. it plugs directly into my rear view mirror. I love it. Also, having a dashcam doesn't mean you'll get paid by the person that hits you, because a lot of people are uninsured or under insured. Make sure you have that coverage on your insurance policy.

 

So I'm currently running a different cam in each of my vehicles: The Tacoma has the Rexing V1, the other car has a VioFo A129.

Of the two, I like the Viofo better. It's picture is a little clearer, and it's parking mode is a little more comprehensive (will start recording when it detects motion, vs Rexing will start recording after collision when parked).

The Rexing is still a good camera, which is why I haven't upgraded it yet. But I wouldn't recommend it. There are better cameras out there for the same price.

You want one with a good sensor that can see under a variety of lighting conditions, (The sony stavros chip is a good entry level, and I wouldn't go below that.) You want one with buffered parking mode that will turn on 20 seconds before collision OR will turn on with motion detection. And you want one that will loop record on its chip, and lock any files where it detected a hard hit (almost all dashcams do this).

 

Police can use dash cam footage against you in many states. I never recommend them, you want a camera that isn't easily visible if you do decide on one. This varies by state laws and their use of public video/privacy standards. Sometimes it's admissible in court on your behalf, and sometimes it's not. It will, however, almost always be usable in criminal investigations against you. Speeding, DUI, Accidents.

Remember, never acknowledge, inform, or willingly hand over footage of any incident to the police. Let your insurance/lawyer review it first, even if you think you're not at fault!

Off the lawyer soap box now, the Garmin Mini 2 is pretty popular, discreet, and only around $100.

 

I too have the rexing. It’s the cheapest like 40$ when it was on sale at bestbuy. That cheap cam saved me thousands when another car hit my front end and blamed me.(500 deductible plus a rate increase in the future)