The best mirror dash cams must be versatile, reliable, and simple to operate. When looking for high-end designs, these are the characteristics that will help you choose the right unit. These guidelines will help you determine a decent purchase for your vehicle:
Design and Size (Length of Mirror Dash Cam)
Rearview mirror dash cams come in a variety of sizes and shapes. When buying one, consider its size, shape, and dimensions for a perfect fit.
Compact sedans and hatchbacks may benefit from a discreet design. However, in a truck, a 12-inch dash camera won’t be an issue, because it can sit over the existing rearview mirror.
This also implies that larger displays will be able to support split screens for front and back views simultaneously for the perspective of the whole surroundings.
Higher-Resolution Video Footage Quality
Although many models have been tested, not all of them can be recorded at Ultra 4K, 2K and 1080P resolutions.
The higher resolution allows for easier visuals and captures more details with the combined effort of an image sensor, CPU, and software rendering.
However, higher resolution costs more and needs more storage, but if you want more clarity, you should consider 2K, 2.5K, 3K or 4K image recorders, which allow you to see licence plates from a distance.
Night Vision or Low Light Vision
The clarity of footage is required for law enforcement to take action based on your dashboard recordings, so you may want to consider a night vision dash camera or a low light vision sensor.
This helps you record clearly at nighttime which will make your drive safe in the darkest hours of the night.
The latest image sensors from Sony, such as the Sony IMX300 series and IMX400 series are capable of delivering clear images in low light conditions.
GPS Location Tracking Module
Everyone understands what GPS tracking is in the 21st century, but what it means for dashcams is a useful evidence maker that combines both real-time location tracking and video recording.
When a dash is connected to a GPS module, such as sat nav dash cam, it will back up your insurance claims with the addition of necessary information.
It should have your location, car speed, and route, and embed everything in the video documentation, ensuring the accuracy of your evidence.
Parking Monitoring and G-Sensors
Every time we parked our car, there was a chance of a hit and run, which could be bulgers or anyone who made a mistake.
However, we require proof of the individual who has marked our car bonnet or made a dent in the bumper.
As such, the inclusion of G-force sensors allows the rearview mirror camera system to record footage of any collision detected by the sensors. In this manner, the footage is automatically saved and protected.
Waterproof Capacity
It is not always necessary to detail your car interior with a Hand Held Steam Cleaner, but when you do, having a waterproof dash cam will simplify your work and eliminate the need to move the dash cam setup.
Although, for normal scenarios, the inside cabin-mounted dash cam doesn’t need waterproof protection, however, the rearview backup camera should be waterproof to stay safe from rain, snow and debris.
Voice Control
Alexa voice controls are available on some newer dash cams, allowing for hands-free operation while driving.
This should be considered for modern dash cameras, but you will need to increase your budget because these features are expensive.
The benefit of such integration is that it simplifies use, which improves your driving abilities while some models also provide wireless features onboard to connect your device.
How to Install Mirror Dash Cam With Front and Rear View Camera?
Installing a rear view mirror dash cam with easy installation straps takes less than ten minutes.
If you have a complete setup, including a hardwiring kit and a GPS, the overall satisfaction results consume an hour with the reversing camera, which is critical to ensure that it is properly fitted for parking guidelines.
Steps to Install a Mirror Dash Cam
- Check the specifications of your mirror rear view dash cam model; some have straps that fit on top of your existing rearview mirror, while others require a complete replacement. Then proceed to cable management.
- Now that you’ve taken the first step and placed your dashcam in the proper position, you can connect the charging cable to the device.
- Then, wrap the power cable around the top of the passenger side, and move from the windscreen to reach the car charger socket to the plugin.
- If you intend to use a hardwiring kit to create a proper parking surveillance setup, you must connect it to the fuse box for power.
- After that, you can proceed to the installation of a rear camera, also known as a backup camera.
- You will find a cable, most likely the longest in the package, that will be placed for the rearview camera.
- Depending on the manufacturer, it can be as long as 33 feet for RVs and motor homes, but you can bend it and use it on your hatchback.
- Before proceeding with the rear camera unit, you need to decide where you want to position it.
- Some rear cameras have a dual-purpose design, suitable for both the rear window and outside mounting above the number plate.
- Once positioned, you can path the cable from the front of the vehicle to the back.
- It will be front inside, probably from the side trim of roof pillars, which will secure the cable and make it invisible to passengers.
- When the cable gets to the back, use a trim tool to shorten the wire once it reaches the desired location, then connect it to the rear camera.
- Make sure you’ve screwed your rearview camera into place, and if you don’t want to trim, tidy up any remaining wiring.
- This is the whole process of installing a rearview mirror dashcam. If you do not want to go through the effort of installing it yourself, you should hire a professional to do it for you.
