We don’t want a large distracting screen packed with “driving-assist” features that we won’t use. What we personally expect from a dash cam is to record videos that’s all. We’d rather pay a bit more and get a product that works as it should, is reliable and durable. But if you want high-quality footage with a wide angle of view, this a great mini dash cam.We tried different lower-end products (Joying radio, electrical connectors, etc.) and each time we ended up regretting our decision. Some features, like the ability to check in your parked car remotely, demand that the 67W is hard-wired into your car and connected to a Wi-Fi network.
Garmin mini dashcam license#
That extra resolution over the Dash Cam Mini 2 can also be handy for punching into footage to pick out details like license plates. The sensor's 1440p footage is crisp, while an HDR (High Dynamic Range) function makes sure the footage remains high-quality even in tricky lighting conditions.
This causes some fish-eye distortion, but it's useful if you have a larger car or want a dash cam that can see right the way around the front of your vehicle. The main difference from Garmin's other compact dash cams is the wide 180-degree field of view (hence the 'W' in its name). It isn't quite as compact as Garmin's Dash Cam Mini 2, but the 67W is still only about the size of a matchbox – and it offers a few more features for that higher price tag. As we've discovered, there are a few compromises to be had in terms of performance and features, but if space-saving is the main consideration, then a mini dash cam makes perfect sense. This is especially the case if you drive a sports car with a small windscreen area. So, if you’ve been looking at standard-sized dash cams and think they’re too big and bulky, searching for a mini dash cam could be the way forwards. There are even lane departure and forward collision warnings, too. Not all mini dash cams lack GPS either – a good middle-ground option is the Garmin Dash Cam 67W, which has 1440p video recording, wide 180-degree field of view, GPS and voice control, as well as a 2-inch LCD screen. That said, you can sync it with a Garmin dash cam that has GPS, via the Drive app.
For example, our top choice – the Garmin Mini Dash Cam Mini 2 – doesn't come with GPS (so can't track your vehicle's speed), a hard-wiring kit or even a microSD card. Ultimately, the better quality the footage, the greater the chance you'll be able to use it in an insurance claim.Ī third drawback is usually a lack of features, compared to larger dash cams. Both of these are possible on mini dash cams and this can have as big an impact on image quality as resolution and lens quality. That said, an HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode can help compensate in harsh daytime sunshine, as can buying a cheap polarizing filter to cut out glare. Some mini dash cams, like the Garmin Dash Cam 67W, do have a small screen on the back. If the camera has a less impressive resolution (another common limitation of small dash cams), then this could combine with the distortion to make it harder to make out details in your videos. Because their lenses have been shoehorned into a smaller space, you may experience a degree of fisheye distortion from the resulting video footage. This will likely prove to be a more enjoyable experience in the long run.Ī bigger limitation of mini dash cams is often their video quality.
Instead, there's invariably a companion app that offers the ability to view footage on your smartphone, as well as set up the dash cam. Luckily, this isn't an issue for most drivers, as they won't need to review footage on the device itself. Some models do have one (like the Garmin Dash Cam 67W below), but the chances are it’ll be a little on the small side. Overall, there are three main drawbacks to be aware of.įirstly, there's the common lack of a rear screen. Most mini dash cams have enough features and power for the average driver, but their smaller designs do bring some compromises. What are the downsides of mini dash cams? From a lack of bundled accessories and features to the absence of a display, you'll need to weigh up whether that added convenience is worth the limitations of mini dash cams.
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