Dash cams have become increasingly popular over the years, with many drivers using them to record their journeys and provide evidence in case of an accident. However, with the introduction of mirror dash cams, drivers now have another option to choose from. In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between mirror dash cams and regular dash cams, as well as the pros and cons of each.
Form factor and placement
The most significant difference between a mirror dash cam and a regular dash cam is their form factor and placement. A mirror dash cam is designed to replace your car’s rearview mirror and typically has two cameras, one facing forward and one facing backward. In contrast, a regular dash cam is attached to the dashboard or windshield and typically only has one camera facing forward.
The placement of a mirror dash cam can make it more convenient for some drivers as it does not require additional mounting hardware. However, the larger size of the mirror dash cam can be more obtrusive and affect visibility. A regular dash cam, on the other hand, is smaller and more discreet, but it requires additional mounting hardware.
Field of view
Mirror dash cams offer a wider field of view since they have two cameras that cover both the front and rear of the vehicle. This can be beneficial for capturing footage of accidents or incidents that occur behind the car. In contrast, regular dash cams only have one camera and can only capture footage of the front of the car.
However, the wider field of view of mirror dash cams can come at a cost. Due to the placement of the rear camera, it may be affected by sunlight or glare, which can affect the quality of the footage.
Display
Mirror dash cams typically have a built-in display that can be used to view live footage or playback recorded footage. This can be helpful for drivers who want to view footage immediately after an incident. Regular dash cams, on the other hand, do not typically have a built-in display and require you to remove the SD card to view the footage on a computer or other device.
Cost
The cost of mirror dash cams tends to be higher than regular dash cams due to their larger size and dual-camera setup. However, the price range can vary significantly depending on the brand, model, and features.
Pros and cons of mirror dash cams
Pros:
- Wider field of view
- More integrated look in the car
- Built-in display
- No additional mounting hardware required
Cons:
- Larger size can be obtrusive
- Rear camera can be affected by sunlight or glare
- Higher cost
Pros and cons of regular dash cams
Pros:
- Smaller and more discreet
- Lower cost
- Can be mounted in different locations
- Front camera is less affected by sunlight or glare
Cons:
- Limited field of view
- Requires additional mounting hardware
- No built-in display
Conclusion
Mirror dash cams and regular dash cams both have their pros and cons, and the choice between the two ultimately depends on the driver’s needs and preferences. Rear view mirror camera offer a wider field of view and a more integrated look, but they can be more obtrusive and affected by sunlight or glare. Regular dash cams are smaller, more discreet, and lower cost, but they require additional mounting hardware and have a limited field of view. Pelsee offers three different models of mirror dash cam car camera that vary in size and video quality. In addition, Pelsee has announced the upcoming release of a new mini dash cam front and rear that features dual channel recording. Keep an eye out for this exciting new product from Pelsee! For the mirror dash cams, you can browse and purchase them here.
