Warning to those wanting to use a GoPro Hero as a dash cam

If you are going to get a GoPro, get the one you want, even if it is a higher price. I was deciding between the Hero3+ Silver, and the Hero3+ Black. The cost of the black was $100 more, but I am glad I spent the extra money, to get what I wanted. If you can't afford the model you want right now, then save a while until you can.

I am very happy with my GoPro camera, even though there were much cheaper alternatives out there. I got the Hero3+Black, which has Wifi capability. I downloaded an app from their website, which allows me to control the camera with my phone. I can also see what the camera is capturing on the phone's screen. This is very handy, since I have the camera mounted on the back window of my day cab truck. No need to figure out which way the camera is pointing; just adjust the camera behind you, as you see the result on the phone in front of you.

I have my phone mounted on the windshield. When I want to capture something, I simply reach forward, and touch the red button on my phone's screen. About half a second later, the camera starts recording. Very, very cool camera.

One thing I do, is use a 12 volt usb charger, plugged into the cigarette lighter, and a 6 foot power cable. This allows me to record as a loop recorder, without battery power being an issue.

 

Double Yellow do you have the GoPro Hero(1)? From what I read it does not have video looping or the ability to record video in segments. Can you confirm this? Without these features it wouldn't make a very useful dash camera.

 

Well i use my navigation tablet as my dashcam too. works real good. No it is not the tnd tablet.

 

I have an old Hero2 that I bought 3 years ago that I use. I have it set to start recording when turned on. So I turn it on and drive away. If something happens worth keeping, I just turn it off, then back on while driving. I find the video on my laptop that night by watching the last 15 seconds of each file. I keep my unit plugged in for power. Only a few months ago have I replaced the batteries (I have a battery backpack). The power micro female on the unit has begun to wither so Im going to buy another GoPro. Just trying to understand all the "black", "silver", "+" and whatever else #### they call them now.

 

They only offer two models currently, both in the "5" series. Big sales on the Session (not version 5) online and at most retailers.

 

Hey fellows, this is just a observation but if you've got to click the on button every time you leave to take off doesn't it make sense buy a DASH CAM that's designed to record 24/7 and the video loops than to waste your time & money with this Go Pro crap. I understand the versatility of the Go Pro cause I use the Sony 1000 with my 4K video camera as well as i can hook it up to headgear, a bicycle handlebar, drone, etc.
I bought my first dash cam in 2014 from this company, http://securitysystems.com/CarCamera.htm ,1080 HD, color, sound, recorded 7 days then the video looped. It was expensive at $ 303.11 delivered but got shorted out due to Freightliner's rubber windshield gasket and leaking water all inside the truck. A few guys here say the Cobra 20 is the one to buy but I haven't found a decent one yet that I can trust that holds a match to Securitysystems camera.