Dan Robinson
EF5
Back in 2013, I wrote a blog post on dashcams. That page started getting significant traffic a few months ago, so I upgraded it from a blog post into a full subsection with additional info.
I've received a few questions about using these as storm chasing cameras, so I gave that topic its own subheader. I'm copy-pasting that below.
I also finished evaluating the Garmin Dash Cam 20, one of the major models available in the US today (every Best Buy has them). Unfortunately I have to give that model a thumbs-down for chasing since it frequently blows out the sky exposure. I have a few other models to review (both purchased and ones sent to me) so I'll update this thread as I get new info in. Disclaimer - other than the cameras being sent to me for review, this is all an unpaid effort.
Here is the dashcams-for-chasing section. Let me know if you have additional questions and I'll update this thread.
For storm chasers
One of the big reasons I use dashcams is to have a hands-off way to capture a complete video record of every storm chase (from as many angles as possible). If something interesting happens on a chase that I couldn't get a handheld camera on in time, I can pull the dashcam footage of said event later.
Here are a couple of my thoughts on storm chasing-related applications for dashcams:
http://stormhighway.com/dashcam/
I've received a few questions about using these as storm chasing cameras, so I gave that topic its own subheader. I'm copy-pasting that below.
I also finished evaluating the Garmin Dash Cam 20, one of the major models available in the US today (every Best Buy has them). Unfortunately I have to give that model a thumbs-down for chasing since it frequently blows out the sky exposure. I have a few other models to review (both purchased and ones sent to me) so I'll update this thread as I get new info in. Disclaimer - other than the cameras being sent to me for review, this is all an unpaid effort.
Here is the dashcams-for-chasing section. Let me know if you have additional questions and I'll update this thread.
For storm chasers
One of the big reasons I use dashcams is to have a hands-off way to capture a complete video record of every storm chase (from as many angles as possible). If something interesting happens on a chase that I couldn't get a handheld camera on in time, I can pull the dashcam footage of said event later.
Here are a couple of my thoughts on storm chasing-related applications for dashcams:
- Dashcam as a streaming cam: Most dashcams are not designed to be a webcam/streaming camera, but many of them have HDMI or analog TV/RCA outputs that you can use for streaming if you have the right capture hardware on your laptop. Again, a dashcam is normally supposed to be a full-time fixed-view camera (wide angle, no zoom capability), so for most chasers a dedicated conventional video camera may still be the better choice for streaming. I consider dashcams to be supplemental "B cameras" and not a primary way to capture "A-roll" video.
I don't stream video of my storm chases, so I've never tried using one of my dashcams for that purpose.
- Dashcam or GoPro? Many chasers employ GoPros as their supplemental "B cameras" to capture full-chase videos. A dashcam essentially serves the same purpose - but as a permanent fixture, it simply makes capturing full-chase video a hands-off task in the sense that there is no setup/takedown or "start recording" task to attend to. A dashcam is always doing its thing, so at the end of the chase, the full video from each one is there for archiving if you so desire. GoPros generally have better video quality than a dashcam, but again, aren't as "hands-off".
Keep in mind that a dashcam will also be there for you for your daily driving (it was built for that to begin with), not just for your storm chases. You wouldn't normally mount your GoPro for your daily commute to work or trips to the grocery store. A dashcam will be faithfully recording every second of your driving both on chases and in daily life, with no intervention required until you capture something worth saving.
- Memory cards: You will want to use at least a 32GB Class 10 card in each dashcam you employ. That gives you roughly 5-7 hours of 1080p footage (depending on bitrate), enough time to capture most storm chases from start to finish. Most cameras support 64GB cards.
- Powering: I hardwire all of my dashcams to my car's primary 12v storm chasing equipment circuit (the one that powers the laptop, chargers, etc). This circuit is controlled by a manual power switch, and does not turn off when the ignition is off. You might want to consider doing this to allow the cameras to continue rolling even when the vehicle is turned off. I do this so I can leave the dashcams on during fuel/restaurant stops and pre-storm activities (waiting for initiation, etc).
http://stormhighway.com/dashcam/
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