DR970X-BOX Plus

I installed a Blackvue 2CH Dashcam (DR970X-2CH Box Plus) on my R1S when I got it because I had heard a bunch of stories about GearGuard failing to capture video during a collision. While I (thankfully) have not been in such a situation, it did worry my enough to warrant installing a separate Dashcam with a very small battery backup. I actually captured this side-by-side to compare the video from the onboard cameras with the video from a dedicated Dashcam and I think there's enough difference to warrant investing in a good one. It was much easier to capture the plate details and I think the overall video quality is better. Thanks to the GPS data embedded in the video from the Dashcam, I also have speed and position information along with the timestamp data. Thankfully, I had plenty of time to react in this situation but had to slow down from 45 -> 20mph. Anyways, just posting this video to present a new data point.

Yeah, it is a pain but I've had always had a Blackvue camera in my cars for the last \~10+ years and I felt kind of naked without one in my Rivian (even with built-in cameras). I don't regret the decision. I wouldn't install this unit myself though. It's pretty involved and way beyond my capabilities. I didn't want to deal with dangling/kinked wires or damaged trim pieces.

Powered off of the onboard 12V, which feeds into an automotive grade [LFP battery](https://blackvue.com/product/blackvue-ultra-battery-b-130a/) (that then powers the camera). The nice thing about this unit is that there are onboard supercapacitors in the recording module and cameras that provide \~5s of power in the event of total power loss, which is enough time to save the current video to disk before total power loss.

I have a BlackVue 970X Box 2-Channel system (front and rear-facing cameras) on my ND3. It's great for a Miata because it has a very small/compact windshield camera that blends well into our small windshield. The size is made possible by a box installed in the hidden storage compartment behind the driver seat that contains electronics that would otherwise be in the camera itself. The two things I dont like are that the app can be slow to connect to the camera and that the rear camera is lower resolution than the front. I had it hardwired by a car audio place so that it records both while I'm parked and while I'm driving.

The BlackVue DR970X-BOX-PLUS is probably one of the most heat resistant dash cams as the recording unit is kept separate from the cameras.

I’m using the BlackVue DR970X-2CH Box Plus.

If you park where there is wifi Thinkware u3000. Decent product, and top customer service in many countries. If not a 4k Blackue LTE or Box model. Getting through a reseller provides another customer service option. You can get an ODB2 power cable for either.

BlackVue DR970X-2CH Box Plus is a great option. Recording unit gets tucked away behind the glover box or wherever, and that just leaves a tiny camera for the front and back windows.

Blackvue 970x box plus is great in the heat and has good night vision. Thinkware U3000 is good in the heat, and has good night vision.

Blackvue box models mount the recorder out of sight, and make it harder to try and rip out, so are a good fit .

Blackvue Box cams are great for convertibles. The cameras are small, and the recording unit mounts separately. VHB holds the cam securely to the wind blocker, back of the headrest, etc., and they just dangle from the cable when they do fall off.

Thinkware has a higher heat tolerance. Blackvue Box is also a great choice in the heat.

Blackvue box models are your best option. * One of the better options for 4g cameras. * Not easy to rip off the window and toss by the thief.

>rear view replacement any good None are great. I like the Blackvue box models for college kids. Recording unit mounts separately. The Thinkware Q200 is a great starting point for a basic cam.

You need to choose between a wide field view or a narrow focus on plates, and almost all cams choose the former. Add in low quality cameras and video compressed for uploading and you get what you describe. Thinkware U3000 and Blackvue DR970x plus are decent options.

Rather than supporting Amazon's evil ways and potentially getting a counterfeit product, I recommend supporting a smaller retailer that's going to offer you a decent price, actual support, and knowledgeable reviews. I usually order from [https://www.blackboxmycar.com/](https://www.blackboxmycar.com/) and have been very happy with their service. Now, since you asked for "best" and not "best at a reasonable price" I think you'll be looking at a Thinkware U3000 Pro (4K front and 2K rear), BlackVue DR970X-2CH (4k front and HD rear cameras) or VIOFO A329T (4K front and 2K rear cameras). I personally like the Viofo ones better because of the screen, but they don't have cloud capabilities. So, if you want to protect yourself from auto theft, where the camera leave along with the car, then you'll want something that's cloud-enabled like the BlackVue. In reality, each of the options above are way more cameras than anyone needs and are likely more expensive than what you're willing to pay. Each manufacturer also offers decent cameras with similar specs for much less. But without knowing your price point and you looking for "the best", those are it. For me, I'm more concerned about recording while driving and watching out for parking lot dings, so I'm fine with the Viofo. I have the A229 Pro in two of my cars and they have been flawless (https://www.blackboxmycar.com/products/viofo-a229-pro-4k-uhd-3-ch-dash-cam). It's available as a front (1ch), front+rear (2ch), or front+rear+inside (3ch) option.

i bought the Blackvue DR970X 2 Channel Front & Rear3 years ago. it sits at the top of the windshield above the rear view mirror attached directly to the windshield. it’s hard wired and will shut off in parking mode if the car battery voltage dips to a preset voltage, alternatively there are external power cell batteries facilitate parking mode.

Blackboxmycar.com has both Canadian and USA storefronts. It is a good resource on what’s available. When you find one ask the subreddit, then search YouTube for reviews on day and night time usage. See what the footage looks like. There are cheap front only, front and rear, and front rear and inside facing the driver sets. If it’s your first car, get front and rear. Know how to properly angle the camera. You don’t need to see the sky, you need to see the front and the sides easily. Make sure the windshield where the camera sees is clear at all times. You can often view the live image through an smartphone app. The rear camera will protect you from being rear ended. I have the BlackVue dr970 2 channel front and rear. It was over $500 but it paid for itself when I got rear ended by someone on their phone.