Camera Recording Recommendation

[992_S]

Howdy Y'all,
I understand Porsche are working on releasing at least a front facing (if not also a rear facing) camera option for some/all models - currently you can not buy it, but you can buy the option for it which at some point in the future, will mean the dealer can retrofit your car with the camera at no cost - however the option must be selected at the time of build (apparently).

For those of us that bought our cars prior to Porsche offering this option - I would like to know what the community recommends for a front and potentially rear facing digital camera recording solution.

I ask this question from a safety/security POV (ie: record someone or me crashing on public roads, record theft etc.); I am not asking from a recording laps on a circuit POV.

Thanks v much.

[audi4t]

Hi

your post is not quite accurate - I will try and provide the current status of the Porsche Dashcam.

Porsche has both an OEM front facing dash cam and a rear facing dash cam.

The front and rear cameras can be installed in the 911 coupe and the front camera only can be installed in the cabriolet (for obvious reasons).

These cameras can be retrofitted in to any 911.

Since model year 2023 911's could be configured with dash cam prewiring for both coupe and cabriolet.

However, this only provides a power and video harness for connecting to a camera.

This prewiring option does not mean the camera install is no charge.

I ordered prewiring on my 2023 cabriolet and purchased a Porsche OEM camera this past spring - I installed it myself.

Other 911 owners report dealers charging significant dollars (upto $1200) for an install.

The front facing camera can be purchased for around $400

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[blueline]

@audi4t is correct. The configurator lists "Preparation for Porsche Dashcam (Front and Rear)" under the Technology > Interior Comfort sub-heading.

It's a good option box to check even if not planning on using Porsche's dash cam. As a "just in case" option and at only $130 it would help tremendously if one were to change their mind about Porsche's camera setup, or for maybe facilitating a different camera install, or as an option a future owner of the car might appreciate.

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[blueline]

@992_S

Here is an older Carpokes thread started by audi4t that attracted a lot of good ideas and discussions.

viewtopic.php?t=566

If I'll ever stop procrastinating and just do it, I'll probably go with the Garmin Mini 2 as outlined by another poster on that thread: viewtopic.php?t=566&start=10#p13620

[audi4t]

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I also specified prewiring on my 2024 build - in Porsche terms they are almost giving it away at $130.

The prewiring provides both switched and constant 12v sources (fed from the fuse box) via a connector in the overhead light compartment which can be used for various applications.

I also used the switched source to supply 12v to my radar detector which avoids having to use a mirror tap.

If I install a dash cam in my new 911 it probably wont be the Porsche camera - I'm going to remove the Porsche camera from my cabriolet and sell it.

[992_S]

Howdy!
Lots of great info!

There are a number of incredible 3rd party companies that make some awesome tech, all the way from wireless units to programmable AI-smart cameras that quickly upload, cut and save video.

Im curious what the community likes in terms of those 3rd party cameras? Are there any that are more popular today than others?

[blueline]

My goal is a device that's simple, small and unobtrusive. Front facing is all I really need as that should cover most potentially unfavorable situations.

The Dash Cam Mini 2 offers the above. When I last checked earlier this year, specs were that it would accept up to a 512GB micro SD, was equipped with a super capacitor (no internal battery), and had 1080p 140° coverage. Also available is Garmin's Vault online storage.

[992_S]

My goal is a device that's simple, small and unobtrusive. Front facing is all I really need as that should cover most potentially unfavorable situations.

The Dash Cam Mini 2 offers the above. When I last checked earlier this year, specs were that it would accept up to a 512GB micro SD, was equipped with a super capacitor (no internal battery), and had 1080p 140° coverage. Also available is Garmin's Vault online storage.

Im definitely going to check this out! I agree, front facing is all im really looking for. I know RING make a good door camera, but I personally am a WYZE customer and they dont make one (....yet). I really love how the home security companies (particularly WYZE) are using AI to make their cameras super smart...I guess im looking/waiting for the same in the car world.

[Bluehighways]

I'm using and have been using, for several years now, the Garmin Mini-cam's, one front and one rear facing.
I'm a happy camper with these units.
Here's link to a YouTube video I captured and uploaded a few weeks ago.
https://studio.youtube.com/video/ikWropFTdJ8/edit
.

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[WillyDaP]

Gotta go with Blue Highways --- the Garmin Catalyst is such a fantastic, easy to use , system and slapping on some more cameras make it spectacular imho!