Thinking about getting a front dash cam for my new RX. As many of you are aware, Tesla and a few other manufacturers have front as well as side dash cams which can be very valuable for a variety of reasons. While my ordered RX will come with a 360 camera, I've been told it does not record if needed. In case you did not see the recent news report, here's a link to a case of a Tesla that was T-boned by a driver who ran a stop sign in a residential neighborhood. Since no one was around as a witness, the pickup driver who ran the stop sign immediately started lying saying the Tesla driver was at fault - knowing that since no one witnessed the accident, the true cause of the accident could not be determined.

That's where the dash cam came into play. While the Tesla driver and insurance company had to get Tesla to release the camera views from the side pillar camera, they sure were able to show that the truck ran the stop sign and was at fault. Without the dash cam, this would not have occurred, and now the Tesla driver is not ruled as "at fault" party one (CA). Watch the video here: https://insideevs.com/news/654363/te...k-driver-lied/

So that leads to the conversation - have any of you used a newer dash cam in your RX or another vehicle? I say newer, as the tech changes so quickly the newer versions have way more features than ones a few years old. I know the RX 2023 dash and power cord plug-in areas may be a little different as they need to be considered for power plugs to power these devices - but I thought I would start the conversation. First, I've never had one previous, and not a fan whatsoever of the power cord that may have to be tucked someway on the dash - we will see what comes up.

Ring Home cameras have just come out with its own version of a dash cam which has an additional monthly fee (I hate monthly fees) which is ON TOP of the existing Ring fees you already pay. I have not looked into it too much but found these two recent reviews on Popular Mechanics and Verge if interested: Popular Mechanics https://www.popularmechanics.com/tec...stem-dash-cam/ Verge: https://www.theverge.com/2023/2/15/2...urity-dash-cam

Here's an interesting article about the RingCam and concerns about privacy: https://www.blackboxmycar.com/blogs/...s-new-dash-cam

These are a few articles that reviewed other dash cams for 2023, but it appears that they did not include the new Ring camera as it came out after these articles were published

• https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/r...best-dash-cam/
  
• https://www.techradar.com/best/best-dash-cam
  
• https://www.pcworld.com/article/4283...m-reviews.html
  
• https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/...best-dash-cams
  
• https://www.tomsguide.com/best-picks/best-dash-cams

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and recommendations

 

I have a viofo a119 v3 and it is good enough. watch that video and you will see that most are the same rebranded junk.

 

UPDATE: Decided to cancel order and wait for the car before I decide on a dash cam. Hoping to get recommendations and insight here before I decide.

I still don’t have the car but after a lot of research and YouTube viewing, I just pre-ordered the 70Mai Omni dash cam. Also ordered the hardwire kit but initially I will just plug it into the 12V outlet. Hoping we can collaborate in the future and identify suitable fuses to tap into and help each other with the hard wiring.






 

I like that Lexus has an integrated option which looks very nice, but it doesn't allow for the rear camera. I think the rear camera is just as important as the dash camera.

I have a Cobra 400D dash cam with rear camera. The Cobra has great video quality, day and night, and integrates with an app on my phone for settings and video viewing.

 

Is there pre-wiring in the car for dashcam power (front? rear?), or does an installer have to work that out.

 

No pre-wiring that I'm aware of. I had an independent shop professionally install mine and hardwire it. Was worth the extra $$ since the power cable, if not hardwired, would have needed to run into the center console compartment which would not allow you to fully close the compartment.

 

Too bad they didn't pre-wire, Porsche is doing that now. Makes the job much easier.

 

I would ALWAYS recommend you drive with a dashcam. Years ago I had some lady stop at the light. When the light turned green she shifted her automatic into reverse and slammed into me. Told the cops I hit her. If not for the dashcam I would be liable because when your hit from behind from someone else it can’t be your fault. If not for that $75 dashcam I would be paying $6200 for repairs. Also her insurance would not believe me till I went to one of their locations and showed them the video on my iPad.
Lexus makes a dashcam just for the RX it seems. But it’s not available in the USA. I asked my dealer and he could not get any info on it yet it’s on the Lexus website under resources. Also I just installed my old VIOFO A129 pro dashcam. I will post some pictures when I get the chance.
My current dashcam setup for now. No rear cam install yet. It does come with a 1080p rear camera. Front is 4k. It’s hidden pretty good to me.

 

Well if they make their own dashcam, then there must be easily accessible power in the ceiling console.

 

$350

https://www.ebay.com/itm/255937952808?chn=ps&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&amdata=enc%3A1oJIxMlgXSJKMuXpemNNa9w0&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=255937952808&targetid=1644837434843&device=c&mktype=&googleloc=2840&poi=&campaignid=16743749222&mkgroupid=138744546207&rlsatarget=pla-1644837434843&abcId=9300842&merchantid=101707666

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhnJvX2b_Zc

 

And what is this one?

https://fitcamx.com/products/fitcamx...42439792296108

 

So I went to my dealer today to ask about the Lexus dash cam and unfortunately, the person who could answer the question was out today, but the dealer thought there was an option. I went to the Lexus website and found this page which is related to the previous posts by @Thanos and @lexusnyca - it's on their website but like you mentioned, it may only be an option outside of the US - Maybe Canada? https://www.lexus.com/drivers/resources/dashcam

I really want to go with a low-profile option that does not have wires all running around. Im aware that a car stereo store can hide the cables and find some way to tap into the electrical under the dash somewhere - but I sure hope my on-order RX Premium Plus has some type of power port on the rear view mirror that will allow this Lexus add on to be somehow added. But then again, like the previous post, I would sure like the same option to have a recorded rear view camera too...

Has anyone found a low-profile aftermarket option that does not stand out like a taxicab - having an expensive car like these sure makes you want to have a product that has minimal impact

 

So good news - Lexus does make a front Dashcam - and its the one noted in previous posts. The camera is in stock in the USA and parts told me it's a next-day delivery option. Lexus Los Angeles parts told me the cost is $315 USD - part only - now I have to call service with the part number to see the cost to install. This camera is also the same one as the NX. I attached a page from what the dealer sent me.

Part Number: PT949-76220

Here is a link I found for more info about it - as well as a link to the manual to see how it works: https://www.lexus.com/drivers/resources/dashcam




So I found this post about the Fit camera as another option, but now have to compare it against the Lexus OEM model: https://fitcamx.com/products/fitcamx...42439792296108

Video:

 

For those with currently or used a dashcam of any sort, do you think the Lexus dashcam 1080p video resolution is plenty? Lets say we needed footage of a cars license plate for a hit and run etc., will 1080p video resolution be enough to be able to zoom in and zoom out?!

 

1080p is decent and it will do the job. But once you see how good 4k is. It’s the way to go. I have one that’s 4k 30fps and 1080p rear camera. If you could I would go with the Lexus branded dashcam because of the perfect integration with the car but make sure is the better model. There is 2 versions and one is better than the other. I won’t get one because my dealer will want a lot more than $299 from which is the price I have seen for it. Since I have already a very good one so I am saving that money for now. Here is a YouTube video I think talking about the 2 versions of Lexus dashcams.