Black Box

[longbow]

Hey guys, recently I have experienced two episodes of road rage, one directed at me & a score of very aggressive 18 wheelers. I'm thinking of purchasing a dash camera black box for my vehicle. Other than the fact that the video could be used to hurt me in court if I'm at fault, do you guys have any opinions or ideas / thoughts or comments on the idea?

[RoyGBiv]

Motorcyclists have been using cameras (although not for quite the same reasons) for a few years now. Several high-profile cases where having the camera got them out of trouble, and several cases where the camera exacerbated what would likely have been a simple ticket. You've seen the stories on the news about LEO's that took offense to being recorded. I'm sure it's the exception, but, it happens.

IMO, having a camera does more good than harm, assuming you're an honest citizen driving responsibly.
I've thought about mounting one on my bike, but not the car.

[PappaGun]

I have an app for that on my Android.

If it's my fault, I will pull it down faster than you can say "It wasn't my fault", unless I'm seriously injured, then I guess I takes my chances.

Look at the GoPro cams. They are what is some times used on all those reality shows inside the vehicles.
The prices are reasonable.

I used to work for a company that had a g-force activated camera mounted under the rearview mirror. It shot the front view and the cab view so they could see if you were distracted prior to the incident. If you hit the brakes too hard, accelerated too fasr, turned too fast or hit something it would save the previous 30 seconds and the following minute.
It took some getting used to, but some people would activate the thing weekly.

[Keith B]

If you are looking for portable video cameras, then I would suggest the GoPro line. We have several balloonists and skydivers that use these. Great cameras, good quality and sturdy as heck with the cases on them. Lots of mounting options too.

As for the video being used against you in court, what video? It can always be erased. My opinion is if you are prone to engage in the road rage and be the aggressor, then don't install a camera, sell the car and walk.

[Keith B]

PappaGun and I were working on the same thing and same line of thought at the same time. Kinda makes us similar minded, eh? LOL

[PappaGun]

PappaGun and I were working on the same thing and same line of thought at the same time. Kinda makes us similar minded, eh? LOL

[longbow]

Well, my two favorite things to buy are probably guns and video cameras so I'm probably just using this as an excuse to get another camera. But, I thought it might be a neat thing to have. I get so sick of these crazy 18 wheelers on I-35 (Austin) I want to have some video proof to send to those "Hows my driving?" people. Anyways, I do my best to stay away from people on the road and avoid the road rage hot heads that seem to be more and more common. Thanks for the input!

[LabRat]

Hey, just to let you know, I have a GoPro Hero installed in my car windscreen.

It records in 1080p, has sound (inside the car) and takes a great movie! mp4 format.

I bought the extended battery and use a 32GB Class 10 card.

The battery runs out about the same time the card fills up. About 4 hours at that resolution.
There are 5 resolution schemes; 1080p at 30 fps, there is a 720p at 60 fps

Best investment I ever made. Low lights (at night) are iffy and you obviously don't get the depth due to the low light, but its better than nothing.

But, be warned, it does record everything in front of you; so if you're prone to high-energy driving (so to speak); take a pass.

It has an quick-disconnect clip and I run mine in upside-down mode since it hangs from the windscreen. 1 button push to record.

The only thing I don't like is it can be difficult to tell (in the daytime) if the camera is running. The red light blinks, but its hard to detect in the daytime. You do get some audible beeps when it powers up and shuts down.

When you press the record button, its pretty much on right then, maybe a second or two delay.

The files don't automatically delete; card full = camera shutdown.