Totally agree about avoiding the ultra-cheap dashcams. I had one that randomly reset itself mid-drive—talk about useless. Mid-range is definitely the sweet spot, reliable enough without breaking the bank. Good call on getting one though, better safe than sorry...
"Mid-range is definitely the sweet spot, reliable enough without breaking the bank."
I get where you're coming from, but honestly, I've had pretty decent luck with some budget dashcams. Sure, a few are total lemons—like yours resetting mid-drive, that's just ridiculous—but if you do your homework and check reviews carefully, there are hidden gems out there. I've been running a cheap-ish one for almost two years now, and it's held up surprisingly well through hot summers and freezing winters. Video quality isn't cinema-grade or anything, but it's clear enough to catch license plates and details when needed.
I guess my point is, price doesn't always guarantee reliability. Sometimes you're paying extra just for brand recognition or unnecessary features. If you're willing to sift through reviews and maybe gamble a bit, you can save yourself some cash without sacrificing too much quality. Just my two cents...
Yeah, I see your point about budget dashcams—I've had mixed experiences myself. Had one cheap model that lasted barely six months before the battery gave out, but another budget pick has been going strong for over a year now. Mid-range does seem like a safer bet overall, though. Less hassle, fewer returns, and usually better customer support if something goes wrong. But you're right, sometimes you can luck out with cheaper gear if you dig through enough reviews...
I've had similar experiences with dashcams myself. I tend to drive quite a bit, and let's just say I've had my fair share of close calls—so having a reliable dashcam is pretty important to me. Funny enough, the budget one I bought three years ago is still kicking, despite being dropped, overheated in the sun, and generally abused (I admit it, I'm not exactly gentle with my gear...). Meanwhile, I splurged on a mid-range model last year thinking it would be an upgrade, and the thing started glitching after just a few months. Go figure.
I agree though, mid-range usually hits the sweet spot between quality and price. You're right about customer support too—budget brands can be hit or miss there. But honestly, I've found that even some mid-range brands can be frustratingly slow when it comes to warranty claims or troubleshooting. It's like rolling dice sometimes.
For me personally, since I'm always conscious of costs (insurance premiums for high-risk drivers aren't exactly pocket change...), I still lean toward budget options. The key is really doing your homework beforehand—checking user reviews carefully and looking out for recurring issues. If you see the same complaint popping up repeatedly, steer clear. But if it's mostly positive with just a few random negatives here and there, chances are it's worth the gamble.
Also, I've learned to accept that budget dashcams might need replacing every couple of years—but at least you're not out hundreds of dollars each time. Plus, technology moves fast enough that by the time one dies on me, there's usually something better available for around the same price anyway.
Anyway, that's just my two cents from someone who's had to learn this stuff the hard way (and has the insurance bills to prove it...).
Interesting take, but honestly, after a few frustrating experiences with budget dashcams, I've shifted toward investing in higher-end models. Sure, they're pricier upfront, but the image clarity and reliability have saved me headaches when dealing with insurance claims—especially in no-fault states where clear evidence matters. Sometimes spending a bit more initially can actually save money (and stress) down the road... just my experience though.
