Best hot-weather dashcam
August 20, 2019 7:09 AM Subscribe
Help me buy a dashcam that will survive Florida summers
After a series of insane near-misses in the last few months, I'm considering buying a dashcam and could use some advice. We live in NE Florida so the camera would need to be able to withstand some serious heat; I'm led to understand that many cameras, especially battery-operated ones, will die in our climate.
I've read the Wirecutter's review, and after reading the relatively recent previous Ask on dashcams I've poked around the reddit dashcam forum but I'm feeling completely overwhelmed. I feel like I have no idea what I'm even really looking for, or how to evaluate my options. What I do know, besides that I need something that'll withstand the heat, is that I'd like to pay less than $200 and that a rear camera isn't a priority.
So what should I get? Do you have a camera that you really like, or one I should definitely avoid? Help!
After a series of insane near-misses in the last few months, I'm considering buying a dashcam and could use some advice. We live in NE Florida so the camera would need to be able to withstand some serious heat; I'm led to understand that many cameras, especially battery-operated ones, will die in our climate.
I've read the Wirecutter's review, and after reading the relatively recent previous Ask on dashcams I've poked around the reddit dashcam forum but I'm feeling completely overwhelmed. I feel like I have no idea what I'm even really looking for, or how to evaluate my options. What I do know, besides that I need something that'll withstand the heat, is that I'd like to pay less than $200 and that a rear camera isn't a priority.
So what should I get? Do you have a camera that you really like, or one I should definitely avoid? Help!
I have used a BlackVue DR650S-2CH for several years, and it has survived pretty punishing Texas summers without a problem. They should have one or two similar models available at the price point you're looking for. Note that you might want to pair with a PowerMagic Pro device, which will help you avoid accidentally draining your car battery.
posted by BrandonW at 9:34 AM on August 20, 2019
posted by BrandonW at 9:34 AM on August 20, 2019
Did you ask /r/dashcam outright? What was their recommended device?
posted by JoeZydeco at 1:47 PM on August 20, 2019
posted by JoeZydeco at 1:47 PM on August 20, 2019
I live in Tampa and have had good luck with the BlackVue cameras. I currently have a DR650S-2CH in one vehicle and a DR900s-2CH in another.
I have the PowerMagic Pro in both.
I will say I did have one DR650S-2CH die well after the 1y warranty, and that's why I have the DR900s now.
The $200 price point is tough for those units though. Cheapest I see them right now is $289 with a 16GB card, which is tiny.
The DR590W comes in at $149.
Whatever brand or model you end up going with, I have had good luck with The Dashcam Store.
posted by tomierna at 2:33 PM on August 20, 2019
I have the PowerMagic Pro in both.
I will say I did have one DR650S-2CH die well after the 1y warranty, and that's why I have the DR900s now.
The $200 price point is tough for those units though. Cheapest I see them right now is $289 with a 16GB card, which is tiny.
The DR590W comes in at $149.
Whatever brand or model you end up going with, I have had good luck with The Dashcam Store.
posted by tomierna at 2:33 PM on August 20, 2019
I upgraded this year to a VIOFO A119 with capacitor (which seems to be a pretty commonly recommended, not too expensive model) and so far it's been handling a near-recordbreaking Texas summer with no problems.
posted by teraflop at 4:29 PM on August 20, 2019
posted by teraflop at 4:29 PM on August 20, 2019
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by wearyaswater at 9:06 AM on August 20, 2019