The footage from rear view mirror dash cams can make all the difference in the event of an accident. These cameras are easy to install, blend in, and don’t obstruct your view when driving. These systems offer security without requiring any maintenance. However, to enjoy the benefits of a dash cam, it’s important to choose a high-quality model.
Let’s take a quick look at the top rear view mirror dash cams:
- Auto-Vox V5 Mirror Dash Cam
- Wolfbox 12” Mirror Dash Cam
- Chortau Mirror Dash Cam
- Jansite 10” Mirror Dash Cam
- ThiEYE Carview 2
- Xunged Vantop H612
In this article, we review the best rear view mirror dash cam brands and models. We also highlight all the factors you may want to consider before purchasing a rear view mirror dash cam.
Topics
1. Auto-Vox V5 Mirror Dash Cam
The Auto-Vox V5 is the best rear view mirror dash cam as it is user-friendly, feature-rich, and offers excellent HD video quality. If you need a quality parking assist option, this is the camera to choose from. Unlike other models, the V5 lets you change the length and width of the parking assist to fit the available parking space.
This dash cam has been specifically designed for right-hand drive cars, so it is ideal for UK drivers. It has an anti-glare 9.35” touch screen that simply attaches over the pre-existing mirror, and it just takes seconds to install. The screen offers 3 display modes, letting you select the one that suits the situation.
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As well as this, the V5 mirror dash cam is well-equipped to handle night driving. It has a Sony IMX307 sensor and uses a 6-glass blue lens that reduces glare and enhances quality.
The V5 goes above and beyond, offering GPS tracking with data that syncs with the video clip. It also has impact detection so the cameras will record in the event of an impact when parked.
- Large touch screen
- Designed for right-hand drive cars
- 1080p video
- GPS tracking
- Backup assist
- G-Sensor collision detector
2. Wolfbox 12” Mirror Dash Cam
This is the upgraded version of the popular Wolfbox Dash Cam. It offers a higher resolution 2.5K front camera and a 1080P rear camera. The cameras have ultra wide viewing angles that help maximise your view and minimise blind spots. The touch screen is 12”, one of the largest models available, offering wider coverage.
This system also offers enhanced low-light recording so you can clearly see number plates and road signs when driving at night.
Besides all the usual benefits, this dash cam comes with extra safety features. This includes a lane departure warning to help keep drivers safe on long journeys. Another unique feature is the parking mode with time-lapse recording. This can be set to record 1, 2, or 5 frames per second for 24 hours without draining the car’s battery.
- Smart driving functions
- 12” touch screen display
- Comes with 32GB TF card
- Lane departure warning
- 2.5k full HD
- Time-lapse security feature
3. Chortau Mirror Dash Cam
If you want a dash cam that offers advanced security features, the Chortau Mirror Dash Cam is a good choice. This system is great value for money. It includes a G sensor, a parking monitor feature, and a motion detection function. With all these capabilities, you can be sure this camera won’t miss anything when you leave your car parked.
The compact 4.8-inch touchscreen is anti-glare and boasts a user-friendly interface. Many dash cams offer much larger touch screens, but this smaller model makes sure everything you need is available at a glance. While not the highest resolution available, the front camera records plenty of detail in 1080p Full HD and the rear camera in 480p HD.
This dash cam with back up camera includes parking guide lines so it is easier to manoeuver into tight parking spaces. The wide-angle cameras reduce blind spots so you know what is happening around your car.
- Low cost
- Motion Detection
- Parking guide lines
- Easy to use interface
- 4.8” touchscreen
- Wide-angle lens
4. Jansite 10” Mirror Dash Cam
This mirror dash cam from Jansite is well-suited to larger vehicles. It comes with a 10 metre rear camera cable for easy installation in vans, RVs, and trucks.
The large 10” display helps to eliminate blind spots and both the cameras record in full HD 1080P. This is a great feature, as the rear view camera often offers a lower resolution, meaning you lose out on detail. This system is easy to use, and sliding your finger across the screen will adjust the brightness.
When you put the car into reverse, the screen will automatically show the rear camera view with parking lines. You can also adjust the view by scrolling up or down on the touch screen. These cameras use advanced analog HD technology to enhance night vision.
- Good for larger vehicles
- Full HD 1080p
- 10” touchscreen display
- Enhanced night time recording
- Adjustable screen brightness
- Automatic rear view display when reversing
5. ThiEYE Carview 2
The ThiEYE Carview 2 has a right side front camera designed for use on UK roads. Both the front and rear cameras offer 1080p recording and 170-degree wide angles. This camera works both as a reversing camera and as a recording dash cam. The front camera’s angle can be adjusted so you can set the camera up perfectly for its position.
The large 10” mirror touch screen is of good quality and uses a split-screen display to ensure you have all the information you need in a single glance. This dash cam offers dual recording, motion detection security, and reversing support. It also lets you adjust the scope of view in real-time.
For added ease of use, this kit comes with all the accessories you need to install the dash cam in a range of situations. The set even includes a car charger with an additional USB slot, so you don’t need anything more than what’s in the box to get started.
- Designed for UK roads
- Dual recording
- Motion detection
- Full range of accessories
- 170-degree wide angle cameras
- Split-screen display
6. Xunged Vantop H612
The Vantop H612 is one of the best rear viewed dash cams available if you are looking for high-tech features. You can use your voice to control the essential commands, which means you don’t even need to take your hands off the steering wheel at all. For example, saying “show rear view” will bring that view up onto the screen.
The system also includes advanced GPS support that records your location, trajectory, and speed. The large 12” display gives you a clear view. Combine this with the 170-degree 2.5K front camera and the 1080p 160-degree rear camera, and there are very few blind spots.
This is a convenient high-end dash cam that offers an excellent range of features.
- Smart voice control
- 2.5K and 1080p resolution
- 12” display
- Wide-angle camera lens
- Advanced GPS support
- Nightvision
Rear View Mirror Dash Cam Features
As you can see, each dash cam has something slightly different to offer. Before buying, make sure you consider which features are most important to you. The most common considerations include:
Size & Shape
Rear view mirror camera kits tend to be quite large. You may want to measure the space in your vehicle to ensure the one you choose doesn’t get in the way of your sun visors. Many models are sleek, smart, and look similar to the standard rear view mirror.
An important decision to make is how big you want the screen to be. Most rear view mirror dash cams are between 7-12”. Large displays utilise the whole mirror as a screen and let you easily see the camera feed. Larger displays are also better suited to showing both camera views at once on a split-screen.
Video Quality
One of the biggest considerations when choosing a dash cam is the picture quality. The video quality offered varies massively; the image sensor, processor, and lens all contribute to the end result.
It’s best to choose a system that films in HD; this could be 1080p, 2.5K or 4K depending on your budget and what you want from your camera. An HD recording gives you a clear picture that allows you to see things like number plates. Anything less than this could provide fuzzy pictures that won’t be able to help when needed.
Camera Viewing Angle
The viewing angle of the camera refers to how much of the road the camera is able to see. A larger field of vision means you will be able to see more of what’s going on to the sides of the car, as well as directly in front of and behind it. This reduces blind spots and can be very useful for capturing collisions impacting the side or corners of the vehicle.
Power
Most dash cams use the cigarette lighter plug for power. This makes them quick and easy to install. You can also hardwire the camera to give it power even if the car engine is off.
There are some wireless rear view mirror camera models which conveniently remove the need for a cable running from the front to the back of the car. These cameras will wire to the reversing lights for power and will communicate with the display via Bluetooth.
Ease of Use
The dash cam should be quick and easy to install. Once installed, the system should be user-friendly with clear instructions. Ideally, the dash cam should automatically switch on and start recording when you turn the car on.
If you aren’t confident with installation, let a professional do it for you.
Loop Recording
Most importantly, loop recording ensures the camera will never stop filming. Old footage is recorded over when the memory card is full. It is easy to protect the footage from being overwritten. Any footage filmed during a collision is automatically protected too.
A larger memory card will be able to hold more recordings. Dash cams, however, rarely come with an SD memory card included. It’s best to buy a card with a 32GB memory (that allows for approximately 160 minutes of recording space) or larger so you don’t have to worry about losing footage.
GPS Tracking
GPS tracking is very useful when it comes to insurance claims. The GPS information includes your location, your journey, and the speed you were travelling. Many dash cams overlay this information with a recorded video automatically.
Low Light Recording
Many dash cameras use sensors, such as the Sony IMX307 sensor, to capture clear images in low light conditions. This is important if you often drive during the night or you park in an area where there is lack of street lighting.
G-force Sensors
It is common for a rear view mirror camera system to include G-force sensors. These sensors detect a collision and will save and protect the footage automatically.
Other Considerations
- Security Features: Most systems come with one or two security features included. The parking monitor feature is the most popular one; it will automatically record if a collision is detected when the car is parked. In addition to this, you may want motion detection or lane departure warnings.
- Discretion: As dash cam systems are an investment, you may want to choose a size and shape that is discreet when in position. Fortunately, many rear view mirror systems are very good at being discrete as they either sit over or replace the existing rear view mirror.
- Voice Control: Some newer dash cams include voice activation which gives you hands-free control while you are driving.
How To Install A Rear View Mirror Dash Cam
Installing a rear view mirror dash cam will generally take around 20 minutes. For safety and peace of mind, it is important to make sure it is fitted properly.
- Secure the display over the top of your existing rear view mirror with the included installation straps or clips. Some models replace your old mirror entirely, so do this if required.
- Use a trim tool and guide the power cable from the main display unit around the top of the windscreen on the passenger side.
- Guide the power cable down to the cigarette lighter socket or the fuse box, depending on the power connection you plan to use. Once this is connected, you can move on to installing the rear camera.
- Before moving on, you need to decide where you would like to position the rear view camera. For example, you can have it secured to the inside of the back window or mounted outside the car above the number plate.
- Plan a route for the cable to come from the front to the back of the vehicle (preferably along the passenger side trim). Make sure the cable is going to be long enough for this before you start.
- Use a trim tool and guide the rear camera cable from the main display unit along the trim of the car until you reach the back of the vehicle.
- Mount the rear view camera in your preferred location.
- Connect the camera using the cable and check if it is working correctly.
- Tidy up any wiring and secure all the trim back in its original position.
If you are not confident with the installation, or you want the camera to be hard wired, then it is best to get a professional to install it for you.
Best Brands
Auto-Vox has been developing vehicle camera systems for 12 years. They offer some of the top rear view cameras on the market and are well-established in the UK and USA. They have a large base of satisfied customers and have a highly responsive customer service team.
Wolfbox is a car accessories brand known for producing dash cams and car vacuums. The brand’s dash cameras are well-received with many positive reviews. The Wolfbox team is quick to respond to customer questions with clear, easy-to-understand advice.
ThiEYE is a Chinese brand that specialises in outdoor cameras. They offer a range of vehicle dash cams and have a dedicated technical support team.
Chortau is an innovative company that offers dash cams at a low price. They also offer 24/7 technical support to help customers get the most from their products.
Xunged VanTop offers user-friendly car accessories for everyone. Their products are high-tech, good quality, and designed to blend in with your car’s interior.
Next Steps
To sum up, a dash cam can capture important evidence in an accident. The best rear view mirror dash cam offers high-quality video, a wide-angle view, and user-friendly features. There are plenty of great options on the market, so it’s just about finding one that offers the features you want.