Key Takeaways
- Mirror dash cams combine rearview mirrors and dash cams for enhanced safety.
- Offer front and rear video footage, improving driving awareness.
- Useful for security, evidence collection, and cost-effective vehicle monitoring.
- Popular models vary in features, resolution, and price to fit different needs.
Have you noticed how the popularity of mirror dash cams has increased recently? That’s due to the pivotal role they play in promoting the safety and security of vehicles.
Lost in the myriad of models in the market? This article reviews and compares the top three mirror dash cams available in the market to help you make an informed decision.
What Is a Mirror Dash Cam?
A mirror dash cam is a cutting-edge innovation that combines two functions; it acts as a regular dash cam and a rearview camera. In this sense, it’s more than a regular dash cam.
This camera replaces your rearview mirror and provides video footage of your surroundings on a screen. It incorporates front and back cameras to record and store video footage. That way, it puts you in control of the entire road.
The Benefits of a Mirror Dash Cam
Here are some of the main advantages of using a mirror dash cam:
- Improved Safety: It’s a lot safer to drive when you can see 100% of your surroundings. With front and back cameras, you don’t get any blind spots.
- Security Surveillance: Even when your car is parked, a mirror dash cam records everything that happens around it. That can help you avoid theft and damage.
- Evidence Collection: Your mirror dash cam can help in the case of an accident. It provides clear video footage with timestamps as evidence for legal proceedings and insurance claims.
- Cost Efficiency: It’s more cost-effective to install a mirror dash cam that replaces both your standard rearview mirror and regular dash cam.
The Best Mirror Dash Cams
To help you make an informed decision, here are our top picks for the best mirror dash cams of 2024:
Wolfbox G840S
- 4K front and 1080P back cameras with night vision.
- 12'' touch screen with 170-degree wide viewing angle.
- Parking assistance, 24/7 surveillance, WIFI, and GPS.
Pelsee P10
- 10'' HD touch screen with 2.5K front and 1080P rear cameras.
- BSD algorithms for blind spot elimination and WDR technology.
- ADAS, night vision, voice control, GPS, and 24/7 parking surveillance.
3. Jansite T79S
- 10'' ultra HD screen with 4K front and 1080P rear cameras.
- 24/7 parking surveillance with 170° front and 150° rear field of vision.
- Frosted protective film and enhanced night vision for clear day and night visibility.
Comparative Analysis
Do you like them all? Still not sure which one to choose? This is a side-by-side comparison of the key features of the three models to help you recognize the similarities and differences:
| Feature/Model | Wolfbox G840S | Pelsee P10 | Jansite T79S |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 12” | 10” | 10” |
| Front Camera Resolution | 4K | 2.5K | 4K |
| Rear Camera Resolution | 1080 | 1080 | 1080 |
| GPS | YES | YES | NO |
| Field of Vision | 170 degrees | 160-degrees front150-degrees rear | 170-degrees front150-degrees rear |
| Parking Mode | YES | YES | YES |
| Night Vision | YES | YES | YES |
1. Similarities
There are several similarities between the three models. For instance, the resolution of the rear camera is 1080P in them all. They all also come with enhanced night vision and parking surveillance.
Some features are common between only two of the models. For example, the Pelsee P10 and Jansite T79S have a 10” screen; and the Wolfbox G840S and the Jansite T79S feature a 4K HD front camera.
2. Differences
The three models also exhibit several differences. For starters, the price is a major difference. The Wolfbox G840S is expensive, but that’s expected given its wide range of features. The price of the Pelsee P10 is mid-range, while the Jansite T79S is the most affordable.
Out of the three models, the Wolfbox G840S has the widest screen and largest field of vision. When it comes to the additional features, Pelsee P10 wins. It features ADAS and BSD that enhance safety.
Voice command is another unique feature you can only find in the Pelsee P10 mirror dash cam. It allows you to control the recording via simple voice commands.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mirror Dash Cam
When choosing a mirror dash cam, here are the most important factors to consider:
1. Video Resolution and Quality
The first feature to look for in a mirror dash cam is the video resolution and quality. A high-quality camera allows you to capture road signs and license plates.
You shouldn’t go for less than a 1080 HD resolution. A sharp and crisp video footage can come in handy after an accident.
2. Field of Vision
The field of vision is another crucial feature to consider when choosing a mirror dash cam. A camera with a wide field of vision captures more of your surroundings.
A wide field of vision of at least 140 degrees can be useful. It provides more information for insurance companies and legal proceedings.
3. Storage Capacity
You should also consider the storage capacity of your new mirror dash cam. Go for models that support SD cards with high storage capacity.
Another option is to choose mirror dash cams that use cloud storage. That way, you can hold on to old footage for long.
4. Additional Features
When buying a mirror dash cam, consider the additional features you can get, such as:
- Audio recording: Some can record audio to capture more information in the footage.
- Parking mode surveillance: This feature provides video footage for any incident around the car even when parked.
- GPS: Including a GPS feature in your mirror dash cam can be more convenient and cost-efficient.
- Wi-Fi connectivity: This allows you to review your cam’s footage 24/7 and store it online.
5. Budget
Your budget also has a say when you’re choosing a new mirror dash cam. Fortunately, you can find mirror dash cams with amazing features for prices ranging from $69.99 to $200.
It all depends on your specific needs and driving style. Generally, the more features the mirror dash cam offers, the more expensive it is.
When you purchase a mirror dash cam, you should also consider extra costs. For example, some models require you to buy an extra battery pack for the camera.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Installing and maintaining your mirror dash cam determine its functionality and longevity. Following are some tips to help you get the most out of this technology:
Installation Tips
Installing a mirror dash cam depends on its mounting type: standard strap style or direct mount.
Here are some tips to follow for a smooth installation process:
- A direct-mount dash cam eliminates the need for straps and replaces the original rearview mirror in your car.
- It’s safer to disable the car battery before you start installing the mirror dash cam.
- If you use a standard strap-style mirror dash cam, use silicon straps to secure it on top of the vehicle’s original rearview mirror.
- Use alcohol to clean the area where you want to install your rear camera. That can help it adhere tighter.
Maintenance Tips
Maintaining your mirror dash cam helps you keep it functioning for a long time. Here’s how to maintain it:
- Regularly check the cables and mounting hardware.
- Ensure that the screws are tight and the cables show no damage.
- Use a lens cleaner and a soft piece of cloth to wipe the camera lens at least once a month. That helps you get crisp and clear video footage.
- Back up your cam’s videos periodically so that you don’t lose them.
- Update your cam’s GPS software to ensure accurate tracking and location data.
Legal Considerations and Privacy Concerns
In the US, mirror dash cams are completely legit, but there are some legal restrictions to ensure safety and privacy.
These legal restrictions vary according to your location. Each state sets its regulations regarding the mounting of a mirror dash cam.
Despite the differences, most states require that you get consent before recording on private property. They also restrict the size of the dashcams to avoid distracting the driver. That’s where the miniature dash cameras come in handy.
If your mirror dash cam allows audio recording, some states, including Alabama and Florida, require the consent of everyone in the vehicle. In other words, you need the consent of your guests if you’re using your car for ridesharing.
California requires you to have a sticker in the car to notify the riders that they’re being recorded. In Illinois, you can be penalized for recording police activities. That means that you need to be cautious if you drive around police officers in Illinois.
Interestingly, Missouri doesn’t set any special laws to regulate the use or installation of mirror dash cams.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you still have any concerns, check out these frequently asked questions:
Are Mirror Dashcams Worth It?
Of course, mirror dashcams can be a crucial addition to your vehicle. They promote safe driving and help give evidence to resolve legal proceedings and insurance claims.
That way, this technology is worth every penny you invest. Some models can even record the vehicle’s surroundings while it’s parked.
Are Mirror Dashcams Better Than Normal Dashcams?
Yes, mirror dashcams are better than normal dashcams for two main reasons. First, it’s more cost-efficient to combine several functions such as rear and front recording, GPS, parking surveillance, and audio recording.
Second, mirror dashcams are more in line with state regulations, as they’re mounted on the rearview mirror, not on the windshield.
Wrapping Up
A mirror dash cam replaces the rearview mirror and records video footage. It’s legal as long as you follow the legal restrictions set by your state.
When choosing a mirror dash cam, you need to consider several factors, including the camera resolution, the field of vision, and the additional features. It all depends on your specific needs.
The three models reviewed in this article are Wolfbox G840S, Pelsee P10, and Jansite T79S. the Wolfox G840S has the most features. It’s best for professional drivers who need full control.
The Pelsee P10 is ideal for truck drivers on the road. It has safety features that help eliminate blind spots and accidents.
The Jansite T79S is a suitable option for casual drivers on a budget. It’s cheaper but doesn’t include all the additional features in other models.
