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Model: Garmin Dash Camâ„¢ Mini 3, Ultracompact 1080p HD Dash Cam with a 140-degree Field of View, Built in Clarityâ„¢ Polarizer, Voice Controlled, Automatic Recording
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If someone hits you you should always read the license plate out loud (more than once if possible) so that the dash cam records your voice and therefore the number. I see a handful of dashcam users who do this and I think it's a great idea and a good to have a backup method of recording the number. Edit: It probably wouldn't hurt for you to say the make, model and color of the vehicle and description of the driver.
People complain about video quality and not able to see license plates easily
Same with my 1st gen mini. It's a tradeoff. 1080 but worked flawlessly (almost) vs overheating failing 2k/4k but when they work can read plates and generally more detail.
you need a 4k camera to read license plates easily.
You do not. You need a good camera sensor and a device with good processing. The Starvis 2, specifically the IMX678, is considered the best. There is another Starvis 2 sensor, that is the previous generation of sensors and many times they don't advertise that you're getting the older sensor. The IMX678 is MUSCK better at capturing lowlight images and fast moving images. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EiT7IuopTA
You do not. You need a good camera sensor and a device with good processing. The Starvis 2, specifically the IMX678, is considered the best. There is another Starvis 2 sensor, that is the previous generation of sensors and many times they don't advertise that you're getting the older sensor. The IMX678 is MUSCK better at capturing lowlight images and fast moving images. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EiT7IuopTA
License plate aside, sometimes all you need is proof the other guy ran into you. It's better to have a poor camera than none at all.
Yep. I have a Viofo VS1 because I don't want a large device with a screen taking up space on my windshield. I'm less concerned about prosecuting a specific individual who hit me than proving to my insurance company that I wasn't at fault for the accident, and 2K/1440p video is more than sufficient to do that in most situations. Even if the device doesn't capture someone hitting me (if they rear-end me), the video can still prove I was driving normally/safely or even stationary at a stop sign or light at the time of impact. Front-facing also protects against potential pedestrian scammers.
Just like any protection (health insurance, home surveillance, etc.), everyone should determine where on the cost/effort to benefit curve they want to be and proceed from there.
For this specific model/deal: when I was looking around for mine, the STARVIS 2 sensor really did seem to make a significant different for nighttime function, and I can confirm that my VS1 does a very good job balancing light levels in the dark. Unless someone is super focused on being in the Garmin ecosystem, it seems tough to justify this over the VS1 for a minimalist solution when the latter has higher resolution and a probably-better low-light sensor for $5 less.[amazon.com]
Last edited by Kabn July 18, 2025 at 10:43 AM.
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The whole point is able to get a clear image, do you have any good recommendation? I'm in the market for one. Thanks.
get VANTRUE.
i had garmin mini die on me, the recording light kept on, and i thought it was working. only to find out one day that it was dead inside and had stropped recording. will never buy garmin again. At least the red light should have turned off when it went bad, but it didn't.
My point is most 4k resolution is marketing. The Starvis sensor is the most important thing and even all of them are not the best if attached to bad image processing. You can have an old Starvis sensor at 1080 with good processing that performs better than 4k with bad processing.
Sadly 4K won't help you read license plates or see at night, it's not the hardware, it's a lack of developed software for better image processing vs adding meaningless but attention grabbing, marketable features.
With that said, I have a 3 Garmin cams for acually accessible support if needed (none have been needed). However, for best image quality for the buck Viofo A119 V3 for front or A129 for front + rear is hard to beat.
Just look up "project farm" on youtube. He does lots of reviews. If I recall correctly, he didn't review many "name brand" dash cams in his review of them though. I would have liked to see more of the popular brands, not no name amazon third party brands.
Just look up "project farm" on youtube. He does lots of reviews. If I recall correctly, he didn't review many "name brand" dash cams in his review of them though. I would have liked to see more of the popular brands, not no name amazon third party brands.
Project farms is one of the best channels on YT. I usually don't buy something unless they recommend it.
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Second viofo, you get the quality they claim. Best value for money.
Not sure I need any special features, just something to record well.
Also, any reason not to buy the refurbished one for half the price (assuming there isn't a better recommendation).
Just like any protection (health insurance, home surveillance, etc.), everyone should determine where on the cost/effort to benefit curve they want to be and proceed from there.
For this specific model/deal: when I was looking around for mine, the STARVIS 2 sensor really did seem to make a significant different for nighttime function, and I can confirm that my VS1 does a very good job balancing light levels in the dark. Unless someone is super focused on being in the Garmin ecosystem, it seems tough to justify this over the VS1 for a minimalist solution when the latter has higher resolution and a probably-better low-light sensor for $5 less. [amazon.com]
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i had garmin mini die on me, the recording light kept on, and i thought it was working. only to find out one day that it was dead inside and had stropped recording. will never buy garmin again. At least the red light should have turned off when it went bad, but it didn't.
Here's why:
https://youtu.be/4AnyhHl3_tE?si=
With that said, I have a 3 Garmin cams for acually accessible support if needed (none have been needed). However, for best image quality for the buck Viofo A119 V3 for front or A129 for front + rear is hard to beat.
Upate: Project Farm coming through as always! Jump straight to the results here:
https://youtu.be/uLjGazIxjEA?si=
Project farms is one of the best channels on YT. I usually don't buy something unless they recommend it.
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