They're all discrete since the S never came with an integrated dash cam.

 

I prefer my dash cam (Black Box G1W) over the B40 because it's held on with a suction cup as opposed to double sided tape. What if you want to remove the camera and install it on another car temporarily?

 

Who said integrated? Lots of things didn't come integrated to the S2000 from the factory and which people have added after, but that doesn't make them separate from the car.

Glued to the windshield, mounted to a dash, secured to a rearview mirror, clamped to a windscreen... those aren't separate. If you want a discreet dashcam, it's not going to be discrete. But I think the drone idea sounds like fun.

I run dashcams in all of my vehicles. Here is my opinion on how to get one. Do lots of research. Buy an inexpensive but reliable one so that you are covered *now* and then see how you use it. Live with it for six months and determine in real life what you like, dislike, or would change if you could. Learn. Research. Then spec out exactly what meets your needs and make it happen. What I would run in my daily isn't necessarily what I would run in my fun cars. I have different priorities for each car.

Mine (in my S2000) could be considered discreet, but it's still visible (and it is two year old technology which in this industry is *ancient*). What I would aim for is as much stealth as possible. I would make a list of my priorities, order them in importance, then hunt down what meets the requirements. Read/watch lots of reviews. Then I would reassess my list to see if it's still what I want, is realistic, etc.

My list might look like this:
*Budget - $200 max (including accessories, memory cards, etc.)
*Tiny sized all included unit OR the camera lens is "remote" from the main recording unit so I can hide it better during installation
*Integrated GPS
*Rock solid reliable
*Good low-light quality
*Heat resistant
*USB connector for power (either micro or mini)
*Uses capacitors instead of batteries for safe shutdown and no file loss in case of power loss
*Significant community support (enthusiasts, forums, etc) or direct mfg support

That's not a complete list. It's just off the top of my head.


I would also want a Power Magic Pro Dual so I could have two cameras, regardless of manufacturer, which run discretely from each other (see what I did there?). I have the pmp single in my S2000 and I *really* like it. The dual would be very nice to have.

Note that your priority list is likely to be different from mine. Your needs may be very different. Your budget might be higher or lower. For a first camera, probably lower so you can inexpensively learn from it.

 

I have the mini 0801, which I purchased for $40. It works and I never had problems with it overheating even in the 100 degree summers.

 

G1W works flawlessly, perfect for those unexpected police encounters.

 

I use a G1W and just hide it under the seat when I am parked somewhere I feel uncomfortable about. Unfortunately, I just do not think there are "discreet" cameras when it comes to this car. If it it mounted on the windscreen, people will notice it. However, I just assume that thieves are less likely to risk getting caught for a relatively cheap dashcam. If it was a mounted gopro, maybe it would be a different story.

 

My mini 0801 is behind the rear view mirror and it is not very noticeable. Who really would bother stealing a cheap looking thing anyways. Your shifting knob is probably worth more.

 

I don't expect that thieves have a lot of time to spend determining if the cam is a cheap one or an expensive one. They also aren't particularly concerned about getting caught either. They see something, they take it. They decide later what it's worth. For all they know it's a radar detector or something else. Regardless, if they see it, they take it. So the less visible it is, the better off you are no matter what kind of car you are driving. In my neighborhood, it doesn't matter what kind of car you are driving. The ones that get targeted are the ones in which people leave items visible and which are easy to get into (like the ones that some people leave unlocked, etc.). I have actually had this conversation with local LE in the neighborhood. The two most common crimes within one mile of my home are thefts from cars and theft of cars... in that order. I'm also on the neighborhood crime alert emailing list so I can be aware of what is going on in my area. (I recommend it, btw, since it's nice to be aware: http://www.crimemapping.com/)

The dascham I use in my S2000 comes out of the vehicle when I'm parking it overnight no matter where -- inside, outside, wherever -- or if I'm in a dodgy neighborhood regardless of time of day (in the latter case I might just drop it in the ashtray and close the tray). The cam itself is easily removed from the bracket which is 3M taped to the windshield behind the rearview mirror. The unit I use in my daily (which is a model that supports dual input) also comes out of the daily when it's parked outside overnight, but I don't usually concern myself with it during the day unless it is to be left unattended for an extended period in an area I consider a risk. It also easily comes out of the 3M mounted bracket on the windshield behind the rearview mirror. The most discreet mounting solutions are always the 3M mounted brackets (that's the adhesive that most mfgs use on the "permanent" brackets), not suction cups. Suction cup brackets are always bigger and harder to "hide." I specifically mention the 3M tape bit because, although it feels permanent, it isn't truly permanent. You can remove one of these brackets with some dental floss or fishing line if/when you need to do so. This stuff: http://www.amazon.com/Scotch-Heavy-D...pr_product_top

 

I use a blackvue 500, vacationing here in korea atm and plenty dashcams users here. I can understand why. They are ruthless on the road.

 

I use the blackvue dashcam. Software definitely leaves a lot to be desired. It doesn't seem like true HD unless youre at a standstill and the lighting is perfect. But it does do its job when paired with the power magic pro. Just got to remember to shut it off when I'm parked inside my garage or else it will overwrite everything with footage of light turning on and off from doorways. I wont trust it to grab the license plate number, but it will record what happened and the major details. And you don't have to worry about turning it on because it turns on with your ignition. (besides the parking mode if you keep it off in your garage like i do)