Im using the ThinkWare f770 because:

1) Parking Mode (it does separate time lapse and incident recording)
2) Superior night vision (ranks in the top 2)
3) 1080p (high resolution / detail, anything less than 1080p is a waste of money)
4) 2 channel (front & optional rear cameras, both 1080p)
5) wireless (smart phone) connectivity for downloading & saving

Additionally - incidents are saved in a protected portion of memory, not over written and not on the external memory card per say

I didn't want nor do i believe (especially with wireless connectivity) that i needed a monitor / distraction - or the added cost associated with.

I recently was towing a 3 rail motorcycle trailer - stopped at a traffic light & a person talking on their phone, not paying attn crept up behind and bumped the trailer, she claimed to to be able to see the trailer (but i had her on the 2nd / rear view camera)...she argued w/ me and tried to vaguely claim it was my fault (for having a low trailer)....I shared with her i had it recorded and would share it with her....

I was able to show her - initially she stopped further back, because she saw the trailer....and then while distracted by her phone/conversation rolled up on me and hit the trailer (busted light).

I now move the Thinkware f770 camera between vehicles (i have each vehicle pre-wired so all i have to do is move the camera to the vehicle I'm driving).

Heres a NEAR miss incident where someone ran a traffic light - jump to the 0:21 second mark to see the dump truck run the light AND the 27 second mark to see the close call....notice the who has the Green light and how long i had that green light...

Luckily I had the microphone turned off - or you would have heard me cussing and blowing the Train Horn (Class 8 Freightliner Columbia Tractor/Motor Coach)

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...GLL5H-1280.mp4

 

Have a Thinkware F800Pro coming in a few days - a black Friday present to myself. Bought it mainly for when towing the 5er... but will leave it full time in the truck. I almost needed it today when some idiot lady decided to pass me on the left shoulder of the freeway when the van in front of me was doing a slow merge into the right lane. Then she slows down, allows me to catch up on a one lane split and brake checks me and gives me the bird. Very stupid people on the road these days...

 

The only thing holding me back is that video is a double edged sword....
I want a Blackview tho.

 

Remember the 5th Amendment - “[No person]…shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself…”

Both the Blackview DR650GW and the Thinkware f770 are great cameras - both have great parking modes and superior night vision.
In this Side by Side comparison they claim the f770 to be slightly better - Imo the difference is negligible - Dashcam Showdown: Thinkware F770 vs. BlackVue DR650GW

 

I'm leaning towards the BlackVue. I like the size of it.

I found that video yesterday and a lot of the time the guy says the Thinkware looks better I'm thinking the BlackVue looks better. lol

 

I like the smaller size of the BV too, and I preferred the color saturation of the BV, but then realized the TW was more accurate and better for daytime viewing.

again I think theyre both great cameras and worst case tied for #1 slot.

 

I've been out of circulation in the court system for a while, however, I don't know if the court would recognize an in car camera as being "self incrimination" which is covered under the 5th Amendment.
If that were the case the use of the "black box" in vehicles wouldn't be admissible in court. Of course, they are, and are used regularly to prove that the owner of the car (and black box) was either "at fault" or not. It's evidence, and would be admissible in a court of law and subject to subpoena by either the plaintiff or defendant.
I'm sure most people are aware of this, but all new vehicles have a black box. They are similar to those use by airlines to record speed, braking and other data.
If you have a camera and are in a wreck, keep your mouth shut and put it away until you have your attorney review it, should the case go that far. If the other party lies about what happened and your video proves that as fact, nothing they say after that will have validity before the court other than "guilty your Honor".
I recall the case recently where a woman's parrot was used as key evidence in a murder conviction for killing her husband? As the police were investigating the crime scene, the parrot kept squawking "Don't f-ing shoot!, Don't f-ing shoot! That parrot belonged to her, and sent to her prison.
I realize parrots and video cameras are totally different, but the exact same principle applies. Its evidence that is subject to subpoena.
Bottom line. Be respectful to the officer and tell him you'd like to talk to a lawyer before you give a statement (or mention any evidence). I'm sure any active duty policeman would tell his brother to do the same.
Bob

 

What do you guys think of the,,,, Vantrue 2N pro? Not trying to HI-Jack this thread other than to get some opinions on models. There seems to be no Industry Leader in the field of Dash Cams?

 

Hadn't heard of that one. Nice price point but I wouldn't want it recording my ugly mug all the time. I see you can turn it off but I would like a rear camera.

Greg

 

I'd argue that Thinkware is one of the primary leaders in this field.

Blackvue is probably in the top 5. They demonstrated a 4k camera at SEMA this month.

 

COMPLETELY AGREE! Always RESPECTFUL!

at the end of the day....like too many things, dash cams are no different....you GET what you PAY FOR.

I have a crappy cobra model that came from costco....seemed good at the time, but once you deal w/ it and see the **** poor resolution & lack of parking mode - you realized its money down the drain....lesson learned


agree - certainly BV & TW are top of the rung and the targets to beat & be measured by.

I wouldn't TOUCH anything w/ less than 1080p.
IMO there is NO need for a distracting display on the windshield.
The option for a 2nd channel is a must, because accidents aren't limited to the FRONT.

Thinkware is already developing a camera that has WiFi (think public wifi) capability that will allow you to remotely view your camera from virtually anywhere in the world.

 

I believe that's the F800Pro.

 

I just watched a video on the F800Pro from SEMA. Unless I am missing something, the WiFi would need to connect to another device to get to the cloud, like a phone allowing access or a mobile hotspot. I think that is the same as the BlackVue DR750S-2CH. It is neat the features they put in if it is connected to the internet with the driving impact notification, geo fencing, and locate vehicle. I also like the time lapse recording in parking mode.

 

correct & I've spoke w/ TW - its not operational yet and they can't (yet) explain if its a subscription (cloud/upload) service or not.

 

I think it would be beneficial - especially parked in your own garage or driveway when you're away or inside