Considering GoPro 5 Hero as dash cam

[mbubbaca]

Hi, I did a search on forums for GoPro to see if there is anyone using a GoPro as a dash camera. We're taking the SW Caravan this year and I would like to add some video to my blog. I figure a dash cam/ GoPro would be better than having the wife try to use her phone. In talking around, it seems that the low price dash cams have a lot of limitations for what I'm trying to accomplish. The GoPro Hero 5 would potentially give some flexibility beyond just going down the road. In the TV I expect to keep it plugged in, as battery life is pretty short. I know there must be some opinions about dash cameras and GoPros here.

[GMFL]

Following

[blkmagikca]

About 2 years ago I bought the Blackvue 1080p dashcam through Massdrop and had it installed by a tech who wires up all sorts of auto electronics. This cam is small and has no monitor, but is wifi coupled to a cell phone or tablet. When some idiot passed me in heavy traffic on Highway 401 by driving on the right shoulder, cutting me off as he overtook me, the cam captured it all, and the image was clear - clear enough for the (OPP) police to capture his license plate from the video. Their new models are now 4K, at about double the price.

[Mollysdad]

My motorcycle riding friend keeps his GoPro running all the time.
They are incredible cameras for not too much money.
He had issues, and he's not the only one, with 4K mode. Evidently, the camera generates more heat than it can take, and it stops recording at about 8 minutes. (or 6 gig)
Now, 4K mode is more than anyone can use unless you're editing, but just be sure to research which camera you select.
If I had a dash cam, I'd want it to over record after the card is full rather than have to swap cards.
It's also a pretty wide angle lens, although for a dash cam that's not a problem.

[RandyNH]

The biggest difference between a GoPro and dashcam (I use Blackvue) is the ability to loop record.

[blkmagikca]

Originally Posted by RandyNH

The biggest difference between a GoPro and dashcam (I use Blackvue) is the ability to loop record.

Yes, that and the fact that when it is hardwired into the TV with the power module, you don't have to always remember to turn it on. As well, it can be left quietly running when you are parked. If you have it with the rear cam too, then you have almost 360 degrees of coverage in the event of wilful damage.

[coasttocoast]

Call B&H in NY.

[alantbird]

I’ve been through 3 different brands in past 2 years. They all have quirks that bug me like card is full messages or they freak out in the sun here in AZ
Just got an HD mirror cam (as seen in tv lol ) and at 50 bucks I’m very happy so far.
U attach it to your mirror, the wire is long enough to hide it behind the window trim.
U can snap single images .
Set it for endless loop recording.
Now that I’m thinking about it , I’ll bring the card in an see what’s on it.
On my tundra it comes on when I start the truck.

[ShullsinUtah]

If I was going to buy a dashcam, I'd buy one that recorded and time stamped my speed and GPS location.

[SilverHouseDreams]

One big difference that I don't see mentioned is that the GoPro is designed to only record until full...dash cams on the other hand "roll over" the footage and keep the most recent, overwriting the oldest footage. So you have to manage the space on the GoPro, which may work ok if you are doing regular updates to a blog/vlog and then clearing the footage out. I am not sure if GoPro offers an option of overwriting automatically or not.

[waninae39]

NO it wont work.

Go pro has a battery
left in the front window it will either melt or burn up.

real dash cams use supper capacitor .
they are temperature insensitive

we use a Thinkware F770 2 cahnnel ie front and rear camears
and an under dash UPS battery, so as not to drain car battery when unattended. The F800 is newer and better

https://www.blackboxmycar.com/collec...nt=54095454983

[Rocinante]

Originally Posted by ShullsinUtah

If I was going to buy a dashcam, I'd buy one that recorded and time stamped my speed and GPS location.

A pretty terrible idea. In that situation, your dash cam would be more likely to rat you out to the cops than support your position in court. But hey, it's your money, give it a try and see how it goes.

[RandyNH]

Originally Posted by Rocinante

A pretty terrible idea. In that situation, your dash cam would be more likely to rat you out to the cops than support your position in court. But hey, it's your money, give it a try and see how it goes.

If your usual position is to LIE, then true... They only show the facts as they happened.

[Naper]

Look into the Sony Action Cam. Its the best of both dash cam and pov camera. It will loop record, has GPS, long battery life, 4k capable (although 1080 will record more on the SD card)
Dash cams are great for their intended purpose but if you are intending to make a video of your trip, including out of vehicle. The Sony or GoPro is the only way to go. Do a search on you tube there is many comparison videos.

[RandyNH]

Originally Posted by Naper

Look into the Sony Action Cam. It will loop record, has GPS, long battery life, 4k capable

That is good to know, I didn't realize they had loop ability.

[Mollysdad]

Coming soon: The camera that has GPS tracking, records audio and sends data to the NSA on your location every second you drive.
What could possibly go wrong?

[kscherzi]

Your smart phones are already sending your location data, driving speed, browsing habits, texts, emails, calls, Airforum posts, to Apple, Facebook, and/or Google HQ servers where it's stored for all eternity.

[SilverHouseDreams]

Get the aluminum foil folks, did you hear about Sputnik?! You just protect yourself, and a new aluminum foil hat will surely do the trick.

[BigSxyWhtGuy]

I ended up with a dash cam for front facing camera to capture road activity. Dash came images usually imprint time, location, speed so you can use in court if needed. GoPro will not do this for you.
Dash cam turns on and off automatically with the car vs GoPro needs to manually be managed.

I guess it all depends what you are using it for too. If you just want to capture image for vlogging then GoPro is perfect.

[ShullsinUtah]

Originally Posted by Rocinante

A pretty terrible idea. In that situation, your dash cam would be more likely to rat you out to the cops than support your position in court. But hey, it's your money, give it a try and see how it goes.

Hey here's an idea, obey all traffic laws.. .