Hi all I have a dash camera in my new s3 but it runs off the cigarette lights socket. I notice that if I leave it plugged in the camera doesn't switch off as there is constant power to the power socket.

The question is does this stay like that all the time or is this only for a bit. I would like to leave the camera plugged in and it comes on and off with the ignition switch and doesn't durian the battery is this possible or is the socket always powered.

As per the manual, the 12V sockets also work if the ignition is switched off.

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You'll have to tap into a switched supply in the fuse box. The most common way is to use an 'add-a-fuse' and a new 12v cigarette lighter. 

 

 

I've powered dash cams a few times in the past like this. 

 

You can also tap into a permanent+switched feed via a power management unit that shuts down if the voltage dips too low. This means the camera can safely be used in a parking mode when you leave the car in a car park. Some cameras have this feature built in. If not, there are units like the Powermagic Pro that will do the job.