Garmin dash cams overview and review

 Garmin dash cams overview and review

Various types of dash cam users will find something suitable among the four Garmin models I'll be reviewing today. The first three cameras have similar designs; the fourth, the Garmin Mini 2 Wi-Fi 1080p HD dash cam, differs somewhat. Each of these dash cams is a fantastic choice for a variety of users, and they're all quite small. Keep reading to find out how these cameras are unique and which one suits your needs best.

However, before you get into all that reading, why not watch my short video reviews of these cameras? It's the most effective method for observing their size, form, and style from various angles and getting a close look at them.

Overview of the Garmin 47 dash camera

Out of the three standard-sized dash cameras we've been talking about today, the entry-level Garmin 47 1080p HD dash cam with LCD screen & Wi-Fi comes first. This dash cam is not only a fantastic pick because of its low price, but also because of its many practical functions. As an example, it records in 1080p HD and features a function called Garmin Clarity HDR optics that makes sure customers can see videos in perfect clarity no matter whether it's day or nighttime.

You can catch every detail with the integrated 140° field of vision, connect to your device wirelessly for added convenience, and enjoy additional fantastic features like continuous recording and an online storage vault for your movies. The LCD display adds to the list of outstanding features. Your recorded video clips will be safely stored in this vault for easy access and sharing at a later time. Plus, it has speech capabilities that lets you perform things like shoot still images, record movies, and start and stop audio recording—all with simple spoken commands. Plus, it's intelligent enough to work in Swedish, German, Italian, French, and Spanish.

The 47, 57, and 67W dash cameras from Garmin all come with a magnetic attachment and an accompanying 16 GB micro SD card, but the Mini does not. Here are a few of things I'll mention once that are common to all three of these models. The inclusion of a Micro SD card is a nice touch, especially considering how much these cards can cost separately, and the magnetic attachment is awesome since it lets you swap out the camera anytime you want. Basically, the camera's attachment arm has its own magnet that the window magnet can grab onto, and the magnetic attachment is the only one that uses very sticky glue to cling to your windshield. I showcase this ingenious addition in both of the films that are attached.

As far as ease of usage and setup goes, it's really simple. One picture of the automobile cigarette lighter adapter and the cables that come with each of these cameras is at the very bottom of this blog post. It comes with a very adhesive attachment arm, so attaching the camera to your car's windshield is as easy as hooking everything in. After removing it from the glue, just press the transparent plastic onto the windshield where you want it. Once you've plugged everything in and arranged the cables as you want, you can start recording by starting your vehicle. After this, you'll be taken through a quick selection procedure where you may choose your nation and language. After that, you'll be good to go.

Overview of the Garmin 57 dash cam

First up, we have the Best Buy exclusive Garmin 57 1440p HD dash cam with LCD screen and Wi-Fi. As the next tier of dash cams from Garmin, this camera offers many of the same and even more impressive capabilities as the Garmin 47. To give you an idea of what kind of detail it can capture, this one has 1440p HD resolution instead of 1080p HD. Additionally, the Garmin Clarity HDR optics function is still present.

Along with its built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the Garmin 57 has a 140-degree field of vision, continuous recording, an online clip vault, voice functionality (with the same six language options as the 47), and the ability to communicate with the Garmin Drive App. This app offers features like Live View monitoring and smart phone alerts when your car is parked somewhere out of sight. Please be aware that in order to use the latter functions, you will need both an active Wi-Fi connection and a continuously powered camera. Keep in mind that the setup is essentially the same for all of these cameras.

Dash cam review: Garmin 67W 

The top-tier model I'll be talking about today is number three on the list, although it's definitely not the best one. As I demonstrate in one of the movies, each of these cameras is just slightly bigger than a Canadian $2 coin, and it is both very tiny and feature packed; it is the Garmin 67W 1440p HD dash cam with LCD screen and Wi-Fi. The following features are included in this Garmin dash cam: an LCD monitor, speech capabilities (with all six languages), 1440p HD recording, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Garmin Clarity HDR optics. It also has the Garmin Drive App.

The camera stands out from the others thanks to its wide field of vision. With a staggering 180 degrees of field of vision, the Garmin 67W is likely to record a considerable amount of everything happening on the road ahead of you, unlike the previously mentioned models that only give 140 degrees. In order to give you a better look at this model, I have created a dedicated video introduction that has lots of close-up shots.

Assessing the 67W dash cam by Garmin

I put the most of my testing time into this camera. The pictures were crystal clear, it was simple to set up, and it even alerted me to the presence of red light cameras anytime I was within 800 meters of one, so I was really pleased with its performance.

Overview of the Garmin Mini 2 dash cam

Last but not least, we have the Garmin Mini 2 1080p HD dash cam with Wi-Fi. Its form is unique compared to the others, but its specifications and functionality are similar to, if not identical to, the Garmin 47. As an example, it shares features with the Garmin 47, such as 1080p HD video recording and Garmin Clarity HDR optics. On the other hand, it's smaller than its already diminutive relatives.

The Garmin Mini also has speech capabilities in all six of Garmin's languages, continuous recording, a 140-degree field of vision, Wi-Fi connectivity with access via the Garmin Drive app, Live vision monitoring via the app, and more. On the other hand, an LCD screen is available on other versions but not this one. You should get a decent sense of its diminutive size from the fact that this model is obviously too little for that.

In addition to not having a Micro SD card slot, the Mini does not have a magnetic mount (instead using sticky glue), which is one of the main distinctions between the Mini and the Garmin 47, 57, and 67W. Not a big deal with the first one unless you don't mind having the camera on your person at all times (which is sort of the goal), but it's a shame they don't include a Micro SD card because customers will have to provide their own. Still, it's a worthwhile buy in the grand scheme of things.

Some parting remarks on the Garmin lineup of dash cameras

Everything you need to install and power on one of these Garmin dash cameras is included in the package. There are two USB ports on the automobile adaptor, and two different length connecting cords (you may use only one of them). They all adhere superbly to your windshield, as I said before; in fact, three of the four make use of a sophisticated magnetic method.

Last but not least, these windshield cameras are tiny, lightweight, and hardly noticeable. When it comes to weight, the Mini is a featherweight 35 g, in contrast to the three main line models that each weigh close to 600 g. In sum, Garmin has produced several excellent dash cams.