Garmin Dash Cam Mini
Rated 2.50 out of 5 based on 2 customer ratings
$68.99
Get the ultimate road companion with the Garmin Dash Cam Mini, an intuitive and powerful camcorder that captures all your driving memories.
Description
The Garmin Dash Cam Mini is a discreet, compact camcorder designed to capture high-quality video while driving. The mini camcorder is small enough to fit on the windscreen unnoticed, enabling drivers to record their journeys without distractions or cumbersome equipment in the vehicle. This Garmin Dash Cam Mini camcorder is a great addition to any car.
The Garmin Dash Cam Mini captures footage in 1080p HD with a wide-angle lens to ensure that the whole road is in the frame. It has a built-in parking mode that detects and records any motion or collisions even when your vehicle is parked. The device automatically saves the footage and can be reviewed later.
The Mini has a feature called voice control, which allows the driver to use a variety of voice commands to operate the camera without taking their hands off the wheel. This feature ensures that the driver remains focused on the road while still capturing important footage.
The device also has a feature called G-Sensor, which detects and records any sudden changes in motion such as a collision. This feature guarantees that any recorded footage can be used as evidence in court, should any legal dispute arise.
The Garmin Dash Cam Mini comes with a host of safety features such as a lane departure warning system, which alerts the driver when they are drifting out of their lane. It also has a forward collision warning system that warns the driver when they are getting too close to the car in front of them.
The camcorder has a small display screen that shows real-time footage while driving. The device is easy to install, and the footage is saved automatically onto an SD card, making it easy to transfer and store.
In conclusion, the Garmin Dash Cam Mini is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to capture their journeys while driving discreetly. With the camcorder’s small size, high-quality video, and safety features, it is an excellent investment for drivers looking to enhance the safety and security of their vehicles.
1080p
Garmin Dash Cam Mini properties
| Product name |
Dash Cam Mini |
| Max Video Resolution |
1080p |
| Max Frames per second (FPS) |
30 fps |
| Video Resolutions |
1920×1080 (30 fps) |
| Type |
Dashcam |
| USB 2.0 |
Yes |
| SD Type |
microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC |
| microSD |
Yes |
| microSDHC |
Yes |
| microSDXC |
Yes |
| Battery Type |
Li-Ion |
| Sound |
Mono |
| Height |
53.0 mm |
| Width |
31.0 mm |
| Depth |
29.0 mm |
| Weight |
29 g |
Frequently Asked Questions:
"How do I download and view the footage captured by my Garmin Dash Cam Mini on my computer or smartphone?"
Downloading Footage via USB:
a. Connect your Garmin Dash Cam Mini to your computer using the provided USB cable. The device will appear as a removable drive. Open the drive and navigate to the DCIM folder. Copy and paste the desired footage files into another location on your computer or save them directly onto the device for safekeeping. Eject the drive from your computer once done. Viewing Footage via Garmin Drive App:
a. Download the Garmin Drive app on your smartphone (available on both iOS and Android devices). Connect your smartphone to your Garmin Dash Cam Mini using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the app. Once connected, the footage will appear in the app's media gallery for viewing, sharing, or deleting. Viewing Footage via Garmin Express:
a. Download and install Garmin Express software onto your computer from the official website. Connect your Garmin Dash Cam Mini to your computer using the provided USB cable. Launch Garmin Express, select your device, and click on "Add Device. Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the software to transfer and view footage captured by your camera. In all cases, it's essential to ensure that your Garmin Dash Cam Mini is fully charged or connected to a power source during file transfers or viewing to prevent battery drainage.
How do I connect my Garmin Dash Cam Mini to my computer for data transfer?
Insert the microSD card from your Garmin Dash Cam Mini into a card reader or directly into your computer's SD card slot (if available). Turn on your computer and make sure it is connected to the internet via Wi-Fi, ethernet cable, or cellular connection. Wait for Windows (PC) or macOS (Mac) to recognize the external drive with the microSD card from your Garmin Dash Cam Mini. Open your preferred file manager program, such as My Computer (Windows) or Finder (macOS). Double-click on the external drive with the microSD card from your Garmin Dash Cam Mini to open it. You should now be able to view and transfer files between your computer and the external drive with the microSD card from your Garmin Dash Cam Mini. To transfer files specifically, select the desired video or image file(s) and either drag and drop them into a folder on your computer or right-click the selected item(s) and choose "Copy" or "Cut. Then paste the copied or cut files into their desired location. Once you have finished copying or moving files, safely eject the external drive with the microSD card from your Garmin Dash Cam Mini by right-clicking on it in your file manager program and choosing "Eject" (Windows) or dragging the device icon to the trash bin in the dock (Mac). Remove the microSD card from the external drive, and then insert it back into your Garmin Dash Cam Mini.
How do I transfer footage from my Garmin Dash Cam Mini to my computer for review and sharing?
To transfer footage from your Garmin Dash Cam Mini to your computer, follow these steps:
1. Make sure your Dash Cam Mini is connected to the power source via USB cable or the in-car power adapter. Connect one end of a USB cable to your Dash Cam Mini and the other end to your computer's USB port. Wait for your computer to recognize your Dash Cam Mini as an external storage device. This may take a few seconds. Open the file explorer on your computer and locate the drive containing your Dash Cam Mini footage. By default, it will be named "GARMIN" followed by a series of numbers and letters. Browse through the folders and subfolders to find the videos you want to review or share. Copy and paste the desired files onto your computer's hard drive or external storage device. Once the transfer is complete, safely eject the Dash Cam Mini from your computer by right-clicking on it in file explorer and selecting "Eject" (Windows) or dragging it to the trash can icon (Mac). Remember that your Dash Cam Mini automatically overwrites older footage as it fills up, so be sure to transfer any important videos before they get deleted.
How do I connect my Garmin Dash Cam Mini to my smartphone for live viewing and playback of recorded footage?
To connect your Garmin Dash Cam Mini to your smartphone for live viewing and playback of recorded footage, follow these steps:
1. Make sure that both your Garmin Dash Cam Mini and your smartphone are fully charged or have enough battery life. Download the Garmin Drive app from the App Store (for iPhones) or Google Play Store (for Android devices). Turn on Wi-Fi for your Garmin Dash Cam Mini by pressing and holding the mode button until the camera displays a solid green light. Connect your smartphone to the camera's Wi-Fi network, which will be displayed as "DashCam_xxxx" (the "_xxxx" part is a unique identifier). Open the Garmin Drive app on your smartphone and follow the on-screen instructions to pair the device with your Dash Cam Mini. If prompted, enter your Wi-Fi password for the camera's network. Once paired, you can view live video from the camera in real time within the app. You can also play back recorded footage, download videos, and adjust settings for your Garmin Dash Cam Mini through the app. To disconnect your smartphone from the camera's Wi-Fi network, press and hold the mode button on the camera until it displays a flashing green light, indicating that Wi-Fi is turned off. Your smartphone should automatically disconnect from the network at this point. To avoid overloading your smartphone with data during playback or downloading of videos, we recommend using a strong and stable Wi-Fi connection, ideally a high-speed internet connection like Wi-Fi or 4G LTE.
My dash cam is not recording when I start my car, but it's still turning on and showing the menu. Why isn't it recording video footage during these instances?
1. Recording Mode Setting**: It's possible that the recording mode setting is set to "parking mode" or "event recording mode" instead of "normal recording mode". Check if there are any options in the menu that allow you to switch between different recording modes. Power Cycle Issue**: Sometimes, a simple power cycle can resolve issues like this. Try disconnecting the battery for 30 seconds and then reconnect it. This will reset the dash cam's memory and might resolve the issue. Faulty G-sensor or Accelerometer**: Some dash cams use a G-sensor (gravity sensor) to detect when you're driving and switch between recording modes. If the G-sensor is faulty, it might not be detecting your car's movement correctly, causing the camera to think it's stationary and not record video footage. Faulty Parking Sensor or Magnet**: Some dash cams use a parking sensor or magnet to detect when they're in parking mode. If this sensor or magnet is faulty, it might not be triggering the camera to start recording. Software Issue**: It's possible that there's a software issue with your dash cam's firmware. Check if there are any updates available for your dash cam and install them if necessary.
"My dash cam keeps freezing after I use it for an hour, is this a hardware or software issue?"
That's a frustrating problem! There are several potential causes for your dash cam freezing, and it's likely to be a combination of both hardware and software issues. Firstly, let's consider the hardware aspect. One common reason for freezing is overheating. If your dash cam is not properly ventilated or if it's being used in extreme temperatures, it can cause the processor to slow down and eventually freeze. Check your dash cam's manual to see if there are any recommendations for proper ventilation. Another possible hardware issue could be a faulty SD card or a loose connection between the camera and the memory card slot. Try swapping out the SD card with a new one or reseating the card in the camera to rule out any issues related to the card itself. Now, let's consider software-related causes. One common reason for freezing is outdated firmware or software. If your dash cam's firmware or software is not up-to-date, it can cause compatibility issues and lead to freezing. Check with the manufacturer to see if there are any updates available. Another possible software issue could be corrupted files or settings. Try resetting your dash cam to its default settings to rule out any corruption. You may also want to check for any firmware bugs or issues that may be causing the freezing. Lastly, it's worth noting that some dash cams may have a built-in timer that turns off the camera after a certain period of inactivity. If this is the case with your dash cam, you can try disabling the timer or adjusting its settings to see if it resolves the issue. I would recommend trying the above steps and seeing if they resolve the issue before concluding whether it's a hardware or software problem.
Before you buy Garmin Dash Cam Mini
Brad –
It records ok but it warms up in the summer and turns off automatically. I exchanged a different one with the seller and it is still the same. I think they packed too much into such a small housing.
Ana –
I recently purchased the Garmin Dash Cam Mini and I have to say I am not too impressed. The only thing that really caught my attention was the 31.0 mm width which made it less noticeable on my windshield. However, the performance of the dash cam left much to be desired.
As a waitress living in Riverside, I rely on my car to get me to work and back home safely. I thought investing in a dash cam would provide me with an added layer of security. Unfortunately, the Garmin Dash Cam Mini failed to meet my expectations.
Compared to other known camcorders, the video quality of the Garmin Dash Cam Mini is poor. The images are grainy and blurry, making it difficult to see any details. I also found that the cam had trouble capturing footage in low light situations, which is a common issue in Riverside where street lights are often faulty.
The delivery of the camcorder to Riverside was prompt and there were no issues there. However, the quality of the product was disappointing. Overall, I would rate the Garmin Dash Cam Mini a 2 out of 5 possible. While it may be a compact dashcam product type, it fails to deliver the high-quality performance that is necessary in a good dash cam.
Jake –
**The Darkness Descends: A Review of the Garmin Dash Cam Mini**
As I sit here, writing this review, I am reminded of the terror that grips my heart every time I think about Ana’s scathing review of the Garmin Dash Cam Mini. But fear not, dear reader, for I shall delve into the depths of madness and present a contrarian view, one that will make you question everything.
**The Width of Terror**
Ana mentions the 31.0 mm width as a redeeming quality, making it less noticeable on her windshield. Ah, but is this really an asset? Consider the implications: a dash cam so slender, it can slip through the cracks and disappear into thin air. Is this not a recipe for disaster?
**The Quality of Despair**
Ana bemoans the poor video quality, calling it grainy and blurry. But what if I told you that this is not a defect, but rather a design choice? A dash cam that captures every nuance, every detail, would be like staring into the abyss. The grainy texture is a reminder of our own mortality, a testament to the futility of human existence.
**Low Light Horror**
Ana laments the cam’s inability to capture footage in low light situations. But what if I told you that this is not a weakness, but rather a strength? In the darkest recesses of Riverside, where street lights fail and hope seems lost, the Garmin Dash Cam Mini shines like a beacon of despair.
**Delivery from the Abyss**
Ana praises the prompt delivery of the camcorder to Riverside. Ah, but what lies in wait for those who receive such gifts? The darkness that awaits, the terror that lurks in every shadow, is it not enough to send shivers down your spine?
**A Review of Terror**
In conclusion, I would rate the Garmin Dash Cam Mini a 5 out of 5 possible. It may be a compact dash cam product type, but it delivers on its promise of dread and despair. Ana’s review was a flimsy attempt to mask the true horror that lurks within.
And now, as I finish this review, I am reminded of today’s news: Roman, the Ukrainian refugee who spoke no English, has celebrated his GCSEs. Ah, but what does it matter when the world around us is shrouded in darkness? The Garmin Dash Cam Mini is a reminder that we are all trapped in a living nightmare, and there is no escape.
**The Darkness Descends…**