Viofo WR1, skip this one for now.

The WR1 is a smallish dashcam, with overall good video, but it has some problems.
The recorded audio is very soft, almost worthless.
The red and green led that indicate proper operation, are very dim.
You just can't see them in normal daylight.    Since the WR1 has no screen, it would be easy to overlook a malfunctioning cam.

It doesn't look like the problems will be fixed on the current models via firmware updates, since they've issued several updates since this camera has been released.

It's a shame, the WR1 has been reliable in a few months of use, but I'd skip this cam for now.

Here's a sample of the  recorded audio level, compared to a Mobius Dash/action cam.

Ausdom AD282 Video samples

The Ausdom AD282 is a competent dash cam I can recommend for use in cars, and trucks.   The video quality, day and night, is good.      Setup and ease of use is pretty typical of dash cams.      
While the AD282 has some additional features, such as a lane departure warning, I rarely use these features, since they rarely work well.    Basic functions work well, and the AD 282 has been reliable in a few thousand miles of use in a tractor trailer.



One minor downside to the AD282, is it is a battery based dash cam, like most dash cams.    This is only a problem in extreme high heat areas, and possibly in extended heavy use over long periods of time.   The battery may fail, eventually, and if you intend to use the camera in a parked car, in summer, with the windows rolled up and the camera in direct sunlight, there is a slight chance of battery failure (eventually) or occasionally plastic deformation.   
A capacitor based camera is better for use in very hot climates if you intend to leave the cam in the windshield operating as parking protection, or not.     There's also the normal battery 
lifetime factor.   
In normal use in a car or truck you can probably expect years of service without a problem, if you only use battery equipped dash cams while you are actually driving.    It's probably safest to not leave any battery based dash  cam in the windshield while parked for extended periods in tropical or warm climates in summer.  
The battery in dash cams is primarily to provide power to save files when you turn the ignition off.    Save the last file, power down the camera safely.
Capacitor based dash cams will do the same, and seem to have less self generated heat you sometimes experience with battery based cams.     My thoughts are you will experience a longer cam life with a capacitor based camera when used in trucks, or other vehicles which are operated many hours a week.
For normal car usage, you'll probably be fine for years of normal use with most decent battery based dash cams.

If you intend to run a dash cam 24/7, or in very hot climates, a capacitor based cam is preferable.

The Ausdom AD282 is very suitable for most users, and would make a good first dash cam.
There is so much over-priced junk out there, you can pay much more and end up with much worse video quality.

Current prices online, including at Amazon, range in from $90-100 (US) 


Ausdom has a little better build quality than most dash cams in this price range.   This is the third Ausdom dash cam I have, and two of the models I can recommend.    The other is the A261, which has comparable features, but includes a GPS unit. 

UPDATE: 06-12-2016

I've used the AD282 for around 20,000 miles in my tractor trailer, and it has remained reliable.
I'm currently using it with a Samsung 64 GB card, which yields about 8 hours of video.

More video samples:

Ausdom AD118 dash cam video samples

The Ausdom AD118 dash cam has good day video quality, and is somewhat easy to use.    This is my second dash cam from Ausdom and the build quality is a little better than most dash cams in this price range.
The AD118 appears to function well in basic dash cam use.   I'll be using one in my tractor trailer for a few months, and posting updates and video.

I tend to prefer dash cams that function reliably, have good video quality, and aren't cluttered with usually worthless features.    It's very possible to find a dash cam that has these qualities for well under $100.

I'd prefer to see the AD118 equipped with a capacitor instead of a battery, but as configured, the AD118 will probably meet the needs of most users.

Ausdom A 261 Dash Cam more video samples

The Ausdom A261 dash cam provided by Gearbest.com has been working well in my truck for 3 months. It's reliable, the day and night video is good, and it's pretty easy to use. Like most dash cams with 'GPS', the GPS function is fairly worthless. You can only view the GPS data on the video files with special software programs. I usually don't bother. The software included with the Ausdom A261 has been reported to be not very good, and the speeds inaccurate. This is still a good dash cam, and the price online ranges from $80 to $130 if you shop around. I prefer a capacitor equipped dash cam for truck use, but I have not noticed any heat problems with the A261. Most reports online are favorable for this cam.

Why you need a dashcam in your truck. Ausdom A261

The merge points at highway on ramps are always a problem, usually with somebody in too much of a hurry.   A dash cam in your truck can help protect you, when things 'go wrong'.
The Ausdom A261 is a nice dash cam, provided by GearBest.com, I'm currently using in my tractor trailer.   It provides good day and night video, and is fairly easy to use.

Ausdom A261 Dash cam from GearBest.com Video sample (Thailand)

The Ausdom A261 is a nice dash cam, gearbest.com provided for my use and review.
I'll be using this over the next few months in my tractor trailer.
Here is some footage from my vacation in Thailand.  I used the A261 in a rental car.
The GPS locks quickly, the video is pretty good.   The reports on this cam have been very good.
I will 'torture test' it in a tractor trailer to see how well it holds up.
NOTE: when I use dash cams in my truck, they're generally on 24/7.  The shock and vibration is much more harsh than in a car.    
No dash cam is totally 'hands off'.   You do need to pay attention to them, make sure they are working and recording properly, and format the memory card on occasion.

The 'best' dash cam is one that works when you need it to work!  Reliability is a must.


Gearbest currently has a coupon code on the A261

Only $86.99 Shipped AUSDOM A261 2K UHD 1296P Car DVR Built-in GPS; Coupon code: AUSDOM261

The prices at Gearbest.com vary quite a bit.  Make sure you check for any coupon codes, and price variations.






AUSDOM A261 Car DVR
from: GearBest

Monkey in Loei province, Thailand

Video from a Mobius Action/Dash cam while on vacation in Thailand.

The mobius is a small, reliable dash cam.   It's easy  to pack in your bags and take on vacation and use it in rental cars.

Papago! GoSafe 110 'Trucker tested' Dash Cam from GearBest.com Recommended dash cam

The Papago! GoSafe 110 is a small, reliable dash  cam, that is easy to use.   I tested one in my tractor trailer for three and a half weeks, while traveling 9600 miles in the USA.
Video quality is good, day and night.
The GS110 has a capacitor, not a battery, which is preferred for a dash cam in daily use in a vehicle.   
Is this a high end dash cam?  NO.
I wasn't expecting to like this cam when I was offered one for review, but I was pleasantly surprised.
It works, and works well, the video is decent, and it's reliable.
For most users, this cam will be sufficient if you are looking for a dash cam you can actually use, and count on for protection while driving.

No dash cam is 'set and forget'.   
At the minimum,  you'll need to format the memory card at regular intervals, and also verify the camera is working normally, both by visual checks of the display, and occasional review of save video clips.

The GS110 has a small screen, which makes 'aiming' the camera easy, and verifying normal operation, also.

It is possible to view saved videos on this screen, but I usually don't do that with any dash cam, since it's much easier to do so via the laptop that is a few feet away.

The GS 110 has a 'G Force' sensor to automatically save video during an incident.
I don't use this function on most of my cams, but save them manually, if needed.

The GS 110 also works OK in 'motion' detection mode.
I've been using this mode for normal operation.     
The camera will start recording with any movement nearby of a vehicle or person, 
(Within the view of the lens) and when you start driving.

The video segments while in motion detection mode are around 2 minutes each.
'Normal' video segments are a default 5 minutes.
(No option to change this, other than going to motion detection, which works well)

It's possible to use motion detection for some protection in a parked vehicle, but make sure you have sufficient battery capacity in your vehicle.

(This won't work out well for you in a car you leave parked for days,  it may drain your car battery.  In a large truck with multiple batteries,you're OK)

Thinking about a dash cam?

The GS 110 is a nice, basic cam, that performs well, is modestly priced, and is easy to use.

The current coupon price at GearBest.com is a good deal!

GearBest.com currently has a coupon code on the Papago GoSafe 110. 

Enter coupon code GS110 at checkout to get this camera, with free shipping, for $69.99. (US)

PAPAGO GoSafe110 Capacitance Version HD 720P 2.0 Inch Mini Dashcam Car DVR - $86.99
from: GearBest

GearBest.com currently has a coupon code on the Papago GoSafe 110. 

Enter coupon code GS110 at checkout to get this camera, with free shipping, for $69.99. (US)

Using dash cams with Motion Detection in parked trucks

Most common dash cams have a 'motion detection' setting that is of little use, or users have unrealistic expectations of the camera. I've been playing with a few dash cams that have motion detection to see how useful they may be for use in a parked truck.

I have been leaving at least one of my cams running in the truck, while parked overnight, with the hope of detecting vandals, thieves, and other vehicles that may hit my parked truck while I'm away from it, or sleeping.

In normal operation, a dash cam will continuously record, save segments, and erase the oldest segment on the card by recording a new segment over it.   This is called 'looping'.

How much coverage you  will get on your card depends on the card memory size, and the resolution of your camera.   Most of the 1080p cams will maintain the last 4 hours of video on a 32gb card.
This isn't so bad, if you are sleeping in your truck, and somebody breaking into your truck, or another vehicle backs into you truck and flees before you can really wake up and see much.
You can then review the most recent files on your card and possibly see what or who it was.

If you have left your truck parked somewhere, unattended,  for an extended period of time, with your cam running in normal mode, it's possible the segment containing the information you want, may have been erased.

I see 'motion detection' mode as a strong possibility to give you some extended parking protection, without dealing with elaborate camera or memory systems.

No, you won't catch everything!

One dash cam will only provide coverage in one direction.  If you have it mounted in your windshield, somebody walking up from behind your truck and trying to break in won't start the camera.   Likewise, a vehicle striking  you  from behind isn't likely to  result in much useful video in a forward facing cam.


The goal is to add a little more protection, using a dash cam you have to protect you while driving.

A further limitation on motion detection mode usage in long term parking situations include the battery capacity of the vehicle you have the camera in.
If you are reading this, thinking it will work in the car you park for days at a time, you are out of luck.   While your typical dash cam only draws about .35 amps, it's enough to kill some car batteries after a few days.
(this is not a problem usually in large trucks, which often have 4-8 batteries.)

Few cameras also have a 'pre buffer' capability, meaning they always record, and save a few second of video BEFORE the motion detector sensor is triggered.

Don't expect miracles, but you may be surprised at how often video from this mode is useful.


Let's look at some video clips for motion detection triggered samples from some currently available dash cams.

Here's a Mobius Wide Angle cam on a brightly lit day.  

(All segments start when the cam was triggered, but are not shown in full length)




The next two from a Papago! GoSafe 110, parked in two, different truck stops, with probably better than average lighting.

And the Mobius Wide Angle, again.

Illegal passing on US 54, OK, TX, NM

Video from a Papago! GoSafe 110 dash cam


PAPAGO GoSafe110 Capacitance Version HD 720P 2.0 Inch Mini Dashcam Car DVR
from: GearBest

Papago! GoSafe 110 'Trucker tested' Dash Cam

 The Papago! GoSafe 110 is a good, basic dash cam, suitable for truckers.
I've been using one for a few weeks, and I'm happy with it. 
Day and night video quality is good.
Currently, there is a coupon code at GearBest.com which drops the price to $69.99, US, with free shipping.      This is a good deal.     Don't buy the overpriced 'junk' cams you see for sale at truck stops.    This is better, and cheaper.

Use promotion code GS110 at checkout at GearBest.com to get
this price.

• 
  

PAPAGO GoSafe110 Capacitance Version HD 720P 2.0 Inch Mini Dashcam Car DVR
from: GearBest

What do I like about this camera?

• Good day and night video
• It has a capacitor, not a battery.  This means longer life for the camera, and less problems 
• The menu system is pretty easy to use.  After some minor configuration, you won't need to use the menu, much.    The screen display is also easy to turn off, and on.
• 'Motion Detection' mode works pretty well, coupled with better than average night video.
• Card Format reminder option.   You really need to format your memory cards occasionally to extend the life of the card.    'In Camera' formatting is easy.
• Price.  The current promotion price is a good deal, and you get a reliable, decent dash cam for a modest amount of  money.

The videos below are from the Papago! GoSafe 110 I'm currently using

The Papago!  GoSafe 110 works well in motion detection mode, which is  useful for protection when your truck or car is parked for hours at a time.   You get video coverage of your vehicle, without hours of video with no activity.

Papago! GoSafe 110 Motion detection samples (Parked tractor trailer)

I've been leaving the cam on in the truck overnight, while parked and in 'motion detector' mode.
The Papgo! GS110 easily triggers when another truck moves within the field of vision and by pedestrians.
The GS 110 appears to continue recording for about one minute after it is triggered by motion, meaning there is a moving object in the frame for ten seconds, the resulting file is around 1:10 minutes long.

Motion dection mode on a dashcam may be a solution for long term, unattended parking coverage. Most truckers do leave the truck parked, and unattended for a day or more. Vandalism, break ins, or damage from other vehicles is not unheard of. A cam file from a dashcam in this mode may give some clues to who was responsible, as long as they moved within the field of view of the camera.

PAPAGO GoSafe110 Capacitance Version HD 720P 2.0 Inch Mini Dashcam Car DVR - $86.99
from: GearBest

Nationwide Van Lines trailer 5636 Georgia I-95

Do I need a dashcam with 'night vision'?

The dash cams that offer LED illumination and claim 'Night vision' usually don't work well.   If they do offer some illumination, it's only for a few feet in front of the camera, and you will have problems with reflections from your windshield.    You are better off turning off these leds, and just finding a camera with adequate capabilities at night with available lighting.   (Street lights, your headlights, etc.)
Night video quality varies widely.    Make sure you look for samples of 'night'video online before you purchase a dashcam, but understand that lighting conditions vary drastically, and you are not likely to see license plate numbers unless the vehicle is directly in front of you, and somewhat close.
'Night video' is still useful in accident situations.    

Mobius Wide angle lens video samples (tractor trailer)

The Mobius is a small, reliable, and inexpensive 'action' cam that will also function well as a dashcam.

Mobius lens comparison Wide vs standard, ( tractor trailer dash cams)

This is a 'non technical' example of the different field of views from the Wide Angle, and standard lens Mobius dash cameras.      The cameras are mounted about a foot apart, with each being about  6 inches off from the center of the windshield.

Oversize load 'wedged' in road construction, Washington, PA

Video from an A118-C dashcam.

Sugar Cane trucks on the roads of Loei and Nong Bua Lamphu provinces, Th...

Video from a Mobius wide angle dash cam while on vacation in Thailand

Yorkville, IL Car goes around traffic waiting at red light by using l...

Video from a Mobius standard lens dash/action cam.



People who take illegal 'shortcuts' like this person, cause accidents.



Of course, he probably felt he was too important to wait in line for the green light, or too smart.

Red light runners in Indiana

Video from a Mobius standard lens dash/action cam