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Who is getting the Gen 5 integrated dashcam?

Discussion in 'Gen 5 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by Gokhan, Apr 6, 2023.

  1. thnok

    thnok Member

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    Correct me if I'm wrong but as much as I agree with your comment. I also felt Toyota put the "integrated" word just to show it blends in visually and in terms of wiring as well. I agree it's not the best thing in the world but seems like thats the case. I'm also debating getting the integrated or a 3rd party dash cam, only thing I dislike about a third party is the wires sticking out.
     
  2. Gokhan

    Gokhan Senior Member

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    It is integrated into the electrical system—it detects the ignition, so you don't need to remember to turn it on. It also has an impact sensor.
     
  3. JoeBlack

    JoeBlack Member

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    If I am not mistaken, every dashcam with wire harness does exactly that as well.
     
  4. Gokhan

    Gokhan Senior Member

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    If it comes with a wire harness with both the ignition and nonignition power connections like for a radio, it can do that.

    However, the wires will show and the camera will look like an added gadget instead of an OEM camera that looks like a part of the vehicle.

    So, it is a compromise between video quality and looks/ease of installation. In that sense, it is no different than replacing the OEM multimedia head unit with a fancy Pioneer head unit or the OEM speakers with fancy Pioneer speakers.
     
  5. JoeBlack

    JoeBlack Member

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    IMHO, it does look fairly clean.
    The only pain is to move trim around the window to lead the cable. It can be done with hanging wires into a "lighter", but considering a lot of people are buying dashcam to watch a parked vehicle as well, it is worth the effort to use a hardwire kit.
    Edit: It seems I am not able to upload image :-D I am certainly doing something wrong.
    URL it is then.
    https://kamery-viofo.cz/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Viofo_A-139-PRO-008.webp
     
  6. Zythryn

    Zythryn Senior Member

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    This is a fair point. It is easy to install (just pay for it), looks nice and no wires.
    10 years ago, this would likely be what everyone thought of when they hear “integrated”.

    Now though, Toyota needs to manage expectations. Some cars come with a ‘dash cam’ that uses multiple cameras (4). They automatically record if someone comes near the car.
    Videos are available live through an app, or can be viewed in the car. I believe, using the app, the owner can actually speak and be heard.

    This is what “integrated” means to me, as well as a growing number of other people.
    Toyota needs to be careful to not oversell.
     
    #26 Zythryn, Apr 9, 2023
    Last edited: Apr 9, 2023
    thnok and JoeBlack like this.
  7. thnok

    thnok Member

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    Exactly! In my experience, Tesla does it well since the user can easily access all the cameras around the car easily. I don't understand why we even Toyota needs this extra dash cam when the car is already surrounded by cameras, they just need to enable access to the users.
     
  8. Pri3C

    Pri3C Active Member

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    It’s too bad the digital rear view mirror isn’t an option for all the trim levels, too.
     
  9. PhoS

    PhoS Active Member

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    I'd probably go for one if it doesn't involve wiring. Otherwise I would go aftermarket.
     
  10. Mksky

    Mksky Member

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    I found this website selling power adapters to make third-party dashcam looks integrated but I'm not sure if this will work for the new Prius.
    https://dongar.tech/
     
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  11. PriusPeep

    PriusPeep Member

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  12. David Mk.2

    David Mk.2 Member

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    I think your phone and your computer already spy on you way more than anything in your car does :)
    If you're going to be naked though you'll probably not want to do that while inside a car with an interior dash cam. Does the Toyota integrated dash cam film the interior too, or does it only capture events in front of the car?
     
  13. JoeBlack

    JoeBlack Member

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    Toyota dashcam is only front facing, but there should be inside camera for alarm and jam assist functionality that could save images, sound or maybe video.
     
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  14. thnok

    thnok Member

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    I noticed the Prime 5th gen seem to have an internal camera/something in those lines for the traffic jam assist feature.
     
  15. qdllc

    qdllc Senior Member

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    As much as I’d like an integrated unit, quality matters. I would first consider installing the following.

    https://www.innovv.com/innovv-k5-dashcam

    It’s designed for powersports, but if you can find a way to install it, you get front and rear cameras with the DVR unit capable of being installed where it’s more sheltered from heat/the elements.

    I have the old K2 version, and the only down sides it had was (1) the integrated microphone is fairly poor while the bike is running…later models had an external microphone, and (2) it had issues making smooth front-facing video when the image was cluttered with too many changes (i.e., driving through a grove of trees). The second was solved by a firmware upgrade made by an enthusiast on the INNOVV message boards.

    Most dashcams I’ve seen have sketchy reviews…most all for the same reason…they can’t handle being in direct sun. If they don’t make the unit easy to install and remove, many don’t last long.
     
  16. JoeBlack

    JoeBlack Member

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    TBH, that probably is the issue of reading bad reviews, like those on Amazon recommending Dashcams with often fake specs - like 4K on Dashcams that do not even use 4K sensors etc.
    Something like Viofo A139 will have better image, optional external mic as well, remote button to start the recording, and it is even considerably cheaper.

    There are ton of fake review because people do not know what to buy, what to look for - a lot of them see the sticker 4K, pick the cheapest rebranded one, and are done with it.
    There are actually a lot of videos and articles mentioning this issue.
     
  17. dbat23

    dbat23 Member

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    I added it to my XSE just in time pre-build. I was considering the Ring Car Cam with 2 way camera and parking mode, but mediocre reviews.
     
  18. thnok

    thnok Member

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    I got the VIOFO dash cam 139Pro. But I’m considering returning it to switch to the integrated dash cam. It was fairly easy to hookup to the wiring which was close to the Toyota sense/radar system and with the Dongar adapter.

    annoying part is to fix the camera that’s why I’m considering the integrated camera.
     
  19. HoustonEvolution

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    I have to agree. Not so much the quality but the features for the price. I UNinstalled mine and installed a Viofo239 Duo in its place.

    Anyone want to buy a little used dashcam from a 2023 Prius?!?!!
     
  20. Hammersmith

    Hammersmith Senior Member

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    Welp, I only had partial success with my installation. I decided on the Lexus version of the dashcam so I had a big black button instead of a big red one. I was very careful with the placement of the template on the windshield, but either I misunderstood something or the Lexus version is slightly different than the Toyota version. There's an extendable section that covers the wiring and hooks into the headliner, but mine is way too short to reach. I plan to fix it at some point when I can get a replacement adhesive patch, but I ran out of daylight.

    The other minor negative is that I have to use the Lexus dashcam app instead of the Toyota(I was hoping the Toyota app would recognize it). But that's not a huge deal since the apps are identical except for color and it's not like the regular Toyota app can run the dashcam anyway. I will need two apps to run the car regardless(Toyota car + Toyota dashcam or Toyota car + Lexus dashcam).


    A pic of the trouble spot: (Maybe @HoustonEvolution can tell me if their cover was longer or if my installation is wrong.)
    20230618_213343.jpg