Dashcam for 458, any suggestions?

gtapper · Feb 2, 2017

I'm thinking about putting a dashcam in my 458 and was wondering if any of you have any suggestions or experience. It's not for serious track performance monitoring but more for some fun on a rally or drive and a bit of backup in the case of an accident.

I've got a few I'm looking at but open to other suggestions too:

https://www.blackvue.com/dr650s-2ch/ (US$370)
F770 | THINKWARE Dash Cam (US$390)
https://streetguardian.info/sg9665gv-v3-128-cpl.html (US$230)
https://www.waylens.com/techspecs (US$500)
AiM SmartyCam HD Rev. 2.1 (US$1000)

I've got the Thinkware F770 in my other car but thinking about other choices. I like the look of the Waylens (in fact found that through another post here http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/458-italia-488/543788-why-we-love-our-458s.html) but it's only available in the US currently (I'm based in NL and it'll be a few months till I'm over there again). The Smartycam I think is the brand behind the official Ferrari telemetry dashcam (probably overkill too).

Have any of you hardwired any of these devices to your Ferrari or tried connecting to the ODB II port (Waylens has that possibility)?

Any advice, alternatives or suggestions much appreciated.

Melvok · Feb 3, 2017

I have a Smartycam V 1. in my car ... version delivers no HD quality. totally insufficient, version 2 may be HD.

You can buy a GoPro better.

Nex · Feb 3, 2017

This is the one I have. Works well. No complaints
https://www.amazon.com/ITRONICS-ITB-100HD-SP-Smart-Recorder/dp/B00BYIST6Y

100badboy100 · Feb 3, 2017

Hi. Please take no offence from this, however the only people I see with dash cams here in the UK are nervous and paranoid drivers usually driving a 10 year old mondeo or similar wearing an anorak in all weathers!&#55358;&#56596;

Regards

Michael

itsasickness · Feb 3, 2017

The previous owner of my 458 had installed one in my spyder. It's called Allucam. I can't find much info about it yet and have not had a chance to use it. It has front and rear cams and a phone app.

I have installed the blackvue cams in a previous vehicle and they seem to work well.

One of the issues with these systems is being able to manage the power draw so as not to drain your battery when parked.

My biggest fear with this vehicle is being able to park it anywhere unattended. Cameras are at least some security. Plus you can catch all the stupid things other drivers do on the road. I assume with Ferraris you will have some people doing stupid stunts trying to get pictures and such.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Melvok · Feb 4, 2017

Nothing wrong with installing a dashcam: look at all YT films .... Perfect as evidence !

mat.f430 · Feb 4, 2017

Consumer Reports has an article on dash cams in the March 2017 issue --- they look at various features, including ease of installation, GPS location, HD recording, front/back cams. Worth going to the library and reading it before the purchase.

Entropy · Feb 4, 2017

The new SmartyCam HD is pretty good, we have one installed in my daughter's race car. It's a similar form factor as a GoPro, but slightly larger. The GP version does have it setup with a bullet camera.

The issue is it uses an SD card and, so far, I have not tried to see if it will automatically overwrite when full. It will connect to the CAN bus and you can get a good amount of data.

A typical "dashcam" tends to be continuous loop, so will record X amount of minutes before overwriting.

A pricey option is the Ferrari optional built-in cameras are very well done; essentially there is a camera mounted inside the rear view mirror, and in an upholstered pod that sits over driver's shoulder, and connects to the "Telemetry" option. We had that in our Speciale, in terms of permanent install it's hard to beat, but 1) pricey and 2) clunky to use.

If you are just going to use occasionally, a GoPro is probably the best mix of quality/price and flexibility in mounting. Personally I do not like anything mounted inside the car that's not bolted - i.e. I won't use suction cup mounts for radar detectors or cameras). GoPro gives you a lot of mounting options. I've been in too many situations where missiles inside the car have been issues; I still have a scar from an Escort that nailed me in the forehead...

If you are interested in an OEM Ferrari "DataRace" kit (essentially an AIM SmartyCam GP with a carbon fiber console) PM me. A friend had one in his 458; he sold the car and had it removed, and it's sitting at the dealer looking for a new home, you can likely get it for a huge bargain. (they've sold a total of one)

mike32 · Feb 4, 2017

100badboy100 said: ↑

Hi. Please take no offence from this, however the only people I see with dash cams here in the UK are nervous and paranoid drivers usually driving a 10 year old mondeo or similar wearing an anorak in all weathers!��

Regards

Michael
Click to expand...

So you have seen me driving about with my Road Hawk camera then- but i dont own an anorak by the way.

mike32 · Feb 4, 2017

gtapper said: ↑

I'm thinking about putting a dashcam in my 458 and was wondering if any of you have any suggestions or experience. It's not for serious track performance monitoring but more for some fun on a rally or drive and a bit of backup in the case of an accident.

I've got a few I'm looking at but open to other suggestions too:

https://www.blackvue.com/dr650s-2ch/ (US$370)
F770 | THINKWARE Dash Cam (US$390)
https://streetguardian.info/sg9665gv-v3-128-cpl.html (US$230)
https://www.waylens.com/techspecs (US$500)
AiM SmartyCam HD Rev. 2.1 (US$1000)

I've got the Thinkware F770 in my other car but thinking about other choices. I like the look of the Waylens (in fact found that through another post here http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/458-italia-488/543788-why-we-love-our-458s.html) but it's only available in the US currently (I'm based in NL and it'll be a few months till I'm over there again). The Smartycam I think is the brand behind the official Ferrari telemetry dashcam (probably overkill too).

Have any of you hardwired any of these devices to your Ferrari or tried connecting to the ODB II port (Waylens has that possibility)?

Any advice, alternatives or suggestions much appreciated.
Click to expand...

Have a look at Road Hawk camera in the uk, they do an HD and an UHD i think, you should get a good price on the exchange rates- they are reviewed on google

gtapper · Feb 4, 2017

mike32 said: ↑

Have a look at Road Hawk camera in the uk, they do an HD and an UHD i think, you should get a good price on the exchange rates- they are reviewed on google
Click to expand...

Going to take a look at these in a bit more depth, first impression is they look interesting.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

gtapper · Feb 4, 2017

Entropy said: ↑

The new SmartyCam HD is pretty good, we have one installed in my daughter's race car. It's a similar form factor as a GoPro, but slightly larger. The GP version does have it setup with a bullet camera.

The issue is it uses an SD card and, so far, I have not tried to see if it will automatically overwrite when full. It will connect to the CAN bus and you can get a good amount of data.

A typical "dashcam" tends to be continuous loop, so will record X amount of minutes before overwriting.

A pricey option is the Ferrari optional built-in cameras are very well done; essentially there is a camera mounted inside the rear view mirror, and in an upholstered pod that sits over driver's shoulder, and connects to the "Telemetry" option. We had that in our Speciale, in terms of permanent install it's hard to beat, but 1) pricey and 2) clunky to use.

If you are just going to use occasionally, a GoPro is probably the best mix of quality/price and flexibility in mounting. Personally I do not like anything mounted inside the car that's not bolted - i.e. I won't use suction cup mounts for radar detectors or cameras). GoPro gives you a lot of mounting options. I've been in too many situations where missiles inside the car have been issues; I still have a scar from an Escort that nailed me in the forehead...

If you are interested in an OEM Ferrari "DataRace" kit (essentially an AIM SmartyCam GP with a carbon fiber console) PM me. A friend had one in his 458; he sold the car and had it removed, and it's sitting at the dealer looking for a new home, you can likely get it for a huge bargain. (they've sold a total of one)
Click to expand...

Totally agree with wanting to avoid misses in the car! Another forum suggested I also check out the Garmin Virb Ultra as you can also connect that to the ODB port via Bluetooth. I'll look into the DataRace kit too but think it's going to be more than I want/need and expect it'll also be beyond what I'm prepared to spend on this.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

synergy · Feb 4, 2017

I have the Waylens camera which is awesome! I love how it connects to your ECU to pull car data and it also uses your phone for GPS data. Here is a clip:

https://youtu.be/0tkPI_BC6Wg

gtapper · Feb 5, 2017

I've been looking into this a bit more, forgive my ignorance but what's the difference between:

Entropy said: ↑

The new SmartyCam HD is pretty good, we have one installed in my daughter's race car.
Click to expand...

Is this simply the unbranded and newer version with a different price tag?

Entropy said: ↑

A pricey option is the Ferrari optional built-in cameras are very well done; essentially there is a camera mounted inside the rear view mirror, and in an upholstered pod that sits over driver's shoulder, and connects to the "Telemetry" option.
Click to expand...

Is this a two camera setup but essentially a repackaged SmartyCam (older version) in the mirror and one behind the driver?

Entropy said: ↑

If you are interested in an OEM Ferrari "DataRace" kit (essentially an AIM SmartyCam GP with a carbon fiber console) PM me. A friend had one in his 458; he sold the car and had it removed, and it's sitting at the dealer looking for a new home, you can likely get it for a huge bargain. (they've sold a total of one)
Click to expand...

Is the difference here it's the same as the built-in one above but minus the camera built into the mirror? Or does it do a lot more?

Thanks again for all the insight and I'll PM you.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

gtapper · Feb 5, 2017

synergy said: ↑

I have the Waylens camera which is awesome! I love how it connects to your ECU to pull car data and it also uses your phone for GPS data.
Click to expand...

That's the video that triggered me to look up the camera... followed by all your other videos! I keep reading bad stuff though about the mount. Have you had issues with it sticking in place and vibration, or did you modify the mount like others have done?

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

gtapper · Feb 5, 2017

itsasickness said: ↑

The previous owner of my 458 had installed one in my spyder. It's called Allucam. I can't find much info about it yet and have not had a chance to use it. It has front and rear cams and a phone app.

I have installed the blackvue cams in a previous vehicle and they seem to work well.

One of the issues with these systems is being able to manage the power draw so as not to drain your battery when parked.

My biggest fear with this vehicle is being able to park it anywhere unattended. Cameras are at least some security. Plus you can catch all the stupid things other drivers do on the road. I assume with Ferraris you will have some people doing stupid stunts trying to get pictures and such.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Allucam seems to have not been very active since 2014 and given the technology is move pretty fast I think I'll give them a miss... the Blackvue ones though are still good.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

gtapper · Feb 5, 2017

mat.f430 said: ↑

Consumer Reports has an article on dash cams in the March 2017 issue --- they look at various features, including ease of installation, GPS location, HD recording, front/back cams. Worth going to the library and reading it before the purchase.
Click to expand...

Which consumer report are you referring to? I'm based in NL so I doubt it's that one (which had nothing on dashcams) and there are so many "consumer reports" so any help pointing me to this one which seems really current would be great.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

gtapper · Feb 5, 2017

Here's some examples of what you can do with the Garmin Virb that I have found.

A drive around Nordschleife using a Virb XE connected to ODB (described as a cheap blue Chinese ELM327 adapter).
https://youtu.be/Jqrfe67DLzo

Installation of two Virb XE cameras cameras and then the images were manually synced up using an external editor (Sony Vegas but guess you could use anything). They connected the front camera to BAFX OBDII bluetooth adapter.
https://youtu.be/6vIj_IHdDjQ

Maybe not be as cool as the Waylens but it can use the GoPro mounting systems so based on all the reviews of the Waylens mount this aspect looks better. In terms of comparison with the GoPro for driving it simply has more options to make videos with all the extra information from the car with the ODB II connection.

gtapper · Feb 5, 2017

synergy said: ↑

I have the Waylens camera which is awesome!
Click to expand...

BTW I shred this video in another Forum (as it is cool) and they mentioned that it would be worth getting a CPL filter for the camera as it would help reduce/eliminate the reflection from the dashboard... just thought I'd share the feedback.

Entropy · Feb 5, 2017

gtapper said: ↑

I've been looking into this a bit more, forgive my ignorance but what's the difference between:

Is this simply the unbranded and newer version with a different price tag?

THE SMARTYCAM HD IS A NET-NEW MODEL. THE FORM FACTOR LOOKS MORE LIKE AN OVERSIZE GO-PRO.

Is this a two camera setup but essentially a repackaged SmartyCam (older version) in the mirror and one behind the driver?

NO, THE "TELEMETRY" AND "CAMERA" OPTIONS ARE ACTUALLY A MARELLI SYSTEM, WHEREAS THE DATARACE (AND SMARTYCAM) ARE AIM PRODUCTS. AGAIN, THIS WAS A PRICEY OPTION BUT I FOUND THE PACKAGING AND FINISH TO BE SUPER. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE ACTUAL SYSTEM (WITH THE IPOD APP) WAS CLUNKY. I THINK IT WAS A $5K OPTION WHEN NEW, UNSURE WHAT THE AFTERSALES PRICING IS.

Is the difference here it's the same as the built-in one above but minus the camera built into the mirror? Or does it do a lot more?

Thanks again for all the insight and I'll PM you.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

THE DATA RACE HAS A FEW LESS FEATURES (EG. NO AUTO-LEARN, NO DIAGNOSTICS) BUT I FIND THOSE GOOFY MYSELF. WHAT I AM WONDERING IS IF USING THE MIRROR CAMERA AND PLUGGING IT INTO A CONTNUOUS LOOP DASHCAM MIGHT BE THE BEST COMBINATION OF HAVING A DASHCAM WITHOUT HAVING ONE HANGING OFF A BRACKET

Melvok · Feb 5, 2017

Entropy said: ↑

The new SmartyCam HD is pretty good, we have one installed in my daughter's race car. It's a similar form factor as a GoPro, but slightly larger. The GP version does have it setup with a bullet camera.

The issue is it uses an SD card and, so far, I have not tried to see if it will automatically overwrite when full. It will connect to the CAN bus and you can get a good amount of data.

A typical "dashcam" tends to be continuous loop, so will record X amount of minutes before overwriting.

A pricey option is the Ferrari optional built-in cameras are very well done; essentially there is a camera mounted inside the rear view mirror, and in an upholstered pod that sits over driver's shoulder, and connects to the "Telemetry" option. We had that in our Speciale, in terms of permanent install it's hard to beat, but 1) pricey and 2) clunky to use.

If you are just going to use occasionally, a GoPro is probably the best mix of quality/price and flexibility in mounting. Personally I do not like anything mounted inside the car that's not bolted - i.e. I won't use suction cup mounts for radar detectors or cameras). GoPro gives you a lot of mounting options. I've been in too many situations where missiles inside the car have been issues; I still have a scar from an Escort that nailed me in the forehead...

If you are interested in an OEM Ferrari "DataRace" kit (essentially an AIM SmartyCam GP with a carbon fiber console) PM me. A friend had one in his 458; he sold the car and had it removed, and it's sitting at the dealer looking for a new home, you can likely get it for a huge bargain. (they've sold a total of one)
Click to expand...

I assume it is the V1 GP Bullit version ? Like in my 458 ? Or V2 ? Full HD ?
Image Unavailable, Please Login

synergy · Feb 5, 2017

gtapper said: ↑

That's the video that triggered me to look up the camera... followed by all your other videos! I keep reading bad stuff though about the mount. Have you had issues with it sticking in place and vibration, or did you modify the mount like others have done?
Click to expand...

Yes, sometimes I notice vibration on certain roads. I haven't seen the modifications that others are doing. Can you point me in the right direction so I can give it a try? Thanks!

synergy · Feb 5, 2017

gtapper said: ↑

BTW I shred this video in another Forum (as it is cool) and they mentioned that it would be worth getting a CPL filter for the camera as it would help reduce/eliminate the reflection from the dashboard... just thought I'd share the feedback.
Click to expand...

Great feedback, thanks! I will look for a CPL filter. I'm not sure how it will fit since the camera is a strange size?

gtapper · Feb 7, 2017

synergy said: ↑

Great feedback, thanks! I will look for a CPL filter. I'm not sure how it will fit since the camera is a strange size?
Click to expand...

You'll probably have to build a DIY one. You could ask WayLens but think they will not have one or have the time to deal with it as they are still in startup mode. Which is one reason I'm hesitant about WayLens and leaning towards Garmin Virb as they seem to have way more accessories.

You can google it (How to make a CPL filter for dashcam) and you'll get results like:
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3497223
https://dashcamtalk.com/forum/threads/add-diy-cpl-polarizing-filter-to-reduce-windshield-dashboard-reflections.2343/

Hopefully this helps a bit... I'm still in learning mode so don't have too many answers.

gtapper · Feb 7, 2017

synergy said: ↑

Yes, sometimes I notice vibration on certain roads. I haven't seen the modifications that others are doing. Can you point me in the right direction so I can give it a try? Thanks!
Click to expand...

Here's one article reviewing the product and if you scroll three quarters of the way down to "It's time to operate" you'll see what they are doing. (There are others who have said they were doing things to the mount too.)

Waylens Horizon dash cam review

I also e-mailed WayLens and apart from them saying they do not sell/ship internationally they did say they are working on an additional mounting system (though did not say what sort or when).

Conversations

Alerts

Dashcam for 458, any suggestions?

gtapper Rookie

Melvok F1 World Champ
Owner Silver Subscribed

Nex Rookie

100badboy100 Formula Junior
Owner

itsasickness Rookie

Melvok F1 World Champ
Owner Silver Subscribed

mat.f430 Rookie

Entropy Formula 3
Owner

mike32 F1 Veteran

mike32 F1 Veteran

gtapper Rookie

gtapper Rookie

synergy Formula Junior

gtapper Rookie

gtapper Rookie

gtapper Rookie

gtapper Rookie

gtapper Rookie

gtapper Rookie

Entropy Formula 3
Owner

Melvok F1 World Champ
Owner Silver Subscribed

synergy Formula Junior

synergy Formula Junior

gtapper Rookie

gtapper Rookie

Share This Page

Dashcam for 458, any suggestions?

gtapper Rookie

Melvok F1 World Champ Owner Silver Subscribed

Nex Rookie

100badboy100 Formula Junior Owner

itsasickness Rookie

Melvok F1 World Champ Owner Silver Subscribed

mat.f430 Rookie

Entropy Formula 3 Owner

mike32 F1 Veteran

mike32 F1 Veteran

gtapper Rookie

gtapper Rookie

synergy Formula Junior

gtapper Rookie

gtapper Rookie

gtapper Rookie

gtapper Rookie

gtapper Rookie

gtapper Rookie

Entropy Formula 3 Owner

Melvok F1 World Champ Owner Silver Subscribed

synergy Formula Junior

synergy Formula Junior

gtapper Rookie

gtapper Rookie

Share This Page

Melvok F1 World Champ
Owner Silver Subscribed

100badboy100 Formula Junior
Owner

Melvok F1 World Champ
Owner Silver Subscribed

Entropy Formula 3
Owner

Entropy Formula 3
Owner

Melvok F1 World Champ
Owner Silver Subscribed