Hi all,
I finally got around to installing my 40 dollar dash cam from china. I was a bit weary due to mixed reviews, but so far, for daylight, it hasn't disappointed me.
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/160797834965
So, the Good:
- Installation. I just pushed the wires under the headliner and they're not visable. I pulled back the A-Piller and then ran it under the rubber trim around the inside of the door. Super easy. I mounted it under my 407 transponder, so it is 100% blocked by my rear view mirror. I forget about it. That's awesome as its one less technogadget to distract me while driving.
- The price: it was under 40 dollars to my door. No shipping or taxes. (they marked it as gift. How nice!)
- Wire Length: The length of wiring was more than adequate. I had about 3 feet left over, which I just bundled up. It fit under the kickpanel fine.
- I budgeted 3 horus to install this. I was done in 20 minutes. I cut a corner (which haunts me now... more on that later)
- handles a 16gb microsd card fine (not sure about 32... 16 is SDHC, I think 32 is SDXC?
The OK:
- Labelling of the wires was falling off. It was pretty obvious, but annoying
- Video Quality: I haven't driven at night with it yet, but daylight playback is great for evidence. I was NOT expecting "goPro Hero" quality by any means. Here's a sample video:
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqLLu_y6LNM
- They put the QC (quality control) label over the "play/pause" button. Trying to peel it off proved to be annoying, as it disintegrates, (but still sticks)
- By Default, No sound. so if you want sound for your trip, you have to hit a button, every single time you turn on the car.
The Bad:
- Ebay says "built in lithium Ion battery for data protection" This does not exist. the moment you turn off the car, it dies, but this is probably my fault.
- Instructions. HORRIBLE engrish.
- You have to hook it up to a TV via RCA cable to set the date/time/settings. Pull your battery, and you'll ahve to do it again.
Notes:
95% my fault:
There are 4 wires from the unit: Video(yellow RCA) 12V(with fuse) 12V Remote, and Ground.
I was lazy. My Amp Remote turn-on line was right there, so I tapped into it with both turn-on and remote, thinking that the "built in battery" would save the date/time.
The battery does not exist. That's my biggest beef. So I have to take a bit and actually connect the 12v Line to the battery/Amp Power wire when I have some time.
As a result, however, The camera doesn't work unless I format the card every time... Because it resets to the same date every time, so the files it tries to save "already exist" and it stops recording. If it retains power, it'll keep its file naming progression and not have an issue. So, I'll update when I've gone and installed this PROPERLY.
Again, if I followed the engrish instructions properly, this wouldn't be an issue, althoguh I'm a bit miffed that it didn't come with the built in battery as described.
Over all, I'd give this product a 6.5/10. Up for re-review after I have some night footage to examine!
I'll post some pictures of it installed when I get around to taking pictures.