I like the G1W-C models for cheap and works, and the BlackVue DR* (I have a DR650-GW) models for "really nice."
The BlackVue models have GPS, which is nice because it provides a speed readout overlaid on the video. They also have WiFi (mostly useless IMO) and run Linux, which means there are a few interesting hacks for them.
Two often-overlooked things to look for are:
* A capacitor for power-off storage (this is what keeps the camera on while the video is finalized and buffers flushed) instead of a LiPo, which is ill-suited to use in a hot, sunny area like the windshield.
* A discrete design without flashy chrome bits and blinky lights everywhere. The last think you want is someone breaking in and stealing your dashcam itself.
I turned off GPS on mine for that exact reason. If your speed is +- 10 mph the average speed of traffic, it's not a factor. Unless you're an insurance company, of course, and then it's a great excuse to deny a claim.
Insurance companies will need to jump though hoops to access that data in a fender bender where you still have possession of the vehicle. If you provide it (in a dash cam video that's evidence that you shouldn't pay) you're giving them an opportunity to deny the claim right there. There's also a lot of cases where traffic is doing 20-over and 20-25 over is criminal in most states
Almost all modern cars have an Event Data Recorder as part of the SRS/Airbag system which records snapshot data in the event of a deployment. Here are some NHTSA standards for EDR storage:
I got the transcend drivepro 200 with the suction mount. I picked it because the video quality day and night were rated near the top, and it has wifi so I can configure it/download videos easily from my phone.
The BlackVue models have GPS, which is nice because it provides a speed readout overlaid on the video. They also have WiFi (mostly useless IMO) and run Linux, which means there are a few interesting hacks for them.
Two often-overlooked things to look for are:
* A capacitor for power-off storage (this is what keeps the camera on while the video is finalized and buffers flushed) instead of a LiPo, which is ill-suited to use in a hot, sunny area like the windshield.
* A discrete design without flashy chrome bits and blinky lights everywhere. The last think you want is someone breaking in and stealing your dashcam itself.