Mirror cams and dedicated dash cams serve the purpose of enhancing vehicle security, but they differ in their design and features. The Aoedi AD889 and Aoedi AD890 are highlighted as examples of dedicated dash cams.
Mirror cams integrate a dash cam, rearview mirror, and often a reverse backup camera into a single unit. In contrast, dedicated dash cams, like theAD889 and Aoedi AD890 , are standalone devices designed specifically for recording and monitoring activities around the vehicle.
In the following sections, we’ll explore the main differences between dash cams and mirror cams, discuss the pros and cons of each, and assist you in determining which option aligns better with your requirements.
What’s the Difference Between a Dash Cam and a Mirror Dash Cam?
Dash Cam
Dash cameras are designed to be installed on the front windshield, typically behind the rearview mirror, to capture video footage of the vehicle’s surroundings. Their primary purpose is to provide visual evidence in the event of an accident or incident, aiding authorities and insurance companies in assessing the situation.
It’s important to note that the legality and regulations regarding the use of dash cams vary by state. In some states like California and Illinois, any obstruction of the driver’s view, including dash cams, may be considered illegal. In other states like Texas and Washington, specific rules may apply, such as limitations on the size and placement of dash cams and mounts within the vehicle.
For those who prefer a more discreet setup, non-screen dash cams are recommended as they are less conspicuous and draw less attention. These considerations highlight the importance of being aware of and adhering to local regulations when using dash cams.
Mirror Dash Cam
A mirror camera, similar to a dash cam, functions as a video recording device. However, its design and placement differ. Unlike dash cams, mirror cameras attach to your car’s rearview mirror. They often feature a larger screen and provide video coverage for both the front and rear of the vehicle. In some cases, mirror cams, such as the Aoedi AD890, can replace your existing rearview mirror, offering an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) look. This design choice aims to provide a more integrated appearance within the vehicle’s interior.
Pros and Cons of a Dash Cam vs. a Mirror Dash Cam
Considering the diverse array of mirror cams and dash cams on the market, there’s an option for every budget. While investing a bit more can unlock advanced features, it’s crucial to evaluate if those extras align with your needs. Premium models may not be the optimal choice if they include features you won’t utilize.
As for mirror cams, determining their suitability involves weighing factors like functionality, integration, and simplicity. Assess your preferences to decide whether a mirror cam enhances your driving experience or if sticking to a traditional dash cam better suits your requirements.
Placement & Position: Where it sits in your car
Dash and mirror cams excel when they remain inconspicuous, blending seamlessly with the vehicle’s aesthetics. Dash cams, with their compact, minimalist design, are engineered to avoid drawing attention. Properly installed, they integrate into the vehicle’s structure, minimizing visibility. However, the adhesive tape, suction mounts, or magnetic mounts securing dash cams can present challenges, potentially falling off due to heat or road conditions.
On the flip side, mirror cams attach to the existing rearview mirror, offering a more secure placement. Some models even replace the rearview mirror, achieving an OEM look. Nevertheless, mirror cams are inherently larger, lacking the subtlety of standard rearview mirrors. The overlap required for the front-facing camera compromises their discreet appearance.
Installation/Setup
The installation process favors dash cams over mirror cams. Dash cams, utilizing simple adhesive tape for attachment to the windshield, require minimal steps—inserting a memory card, connecting to a power source, and you’re done. The flexibility in placement, whether on the front or rear windshield, enhances the ease of installation. Rear cameras can be mounted on the rear windshield and connected to the front unit with a dedicated cable or via Nextbase’s rear camera modules.
Mirror cams, however, present a trickier installation process due to additional wiring and sensor tools. As these devices double as rearview mirrors, placement flexibility is limited inside the car. Parking guidance features in mirror cams may require wiring to the car’s reverse light for proper functionality.
Design and Display
For drivers prone to distraction, a standard dash cam proves to be a better companion. Designed with a black, minimalist aesthetic, dash cams prioritize maintaining the driver’s focus on the road rather than the device. While some models may include a screen, it is typically smaller than those found on mirror cams.
Mirror cameras, on the other hand, often feature a larger size ranging from 10″ to 12″ and frequently come equipped with touchscreen functionality. This allows easy access to various information on the display, including settings and angles. Users have the option to turn off texts or images, transforming the mirror cam into a regular mirror, although with a slightly darker shade.
Function and Flexibility
From a security perspective, a dash cam functions as a surveillance system, recording incidents and events in the vicinity of your car. This proves useful, especially when your vehicle is left unattended. While dash cams are dedicated devices and may not aid in reversing into tight spots, they capture various attempts or accidental scratches on nearby vehicles.
Mirror cams, offering additional functionalities, perform the same security function. They serve as a rearview mirror, a dash cam, and occasionally a reverse camera. The larger 12” screen allows for a broader view than a standard rearview mirror, and the touchscreen functionality simplifies the process of switching between camera views.
Video Quality
Thanks to the latest advancements in video technology, the video quality is comparable whether you use a dash cam or a mirror cam. For the best video quality, options like the Aoedi AD352 and the AD360 offer 4K Front + 2K Rear, supporting loop recording and night vision.
The Aoedi AD882 utilizes the same 5.14MP Sony STARVIS IMX335 image sensor found in many 2K QHD dash cams, including the Thinkware Q1000, Aoedi AD890 and the AD899. In essence, you’re not limited to dash cams for 4K UHD video recording. The technology behind the video specifications is similar, providing clean, sharp images from either. However, it’s worth noting that while adding a CPL filter to a dash cam is straightforward, finding a CPL filter for a mirror cam is yet to be achieved.
Wi-Fi Connectivity
Nowadays, everyone is always on their phone. Everything can be done on a smartphone, from banking to ordering dinner and catching up with friends, so it’s only logical that there is a growing need for footage files playback and sharing straight from the phone. That’s why many of the recent dash cams come with built-in WiFi – so you can review your footage and control camera settings using a dedicated dash cam app.
Because mirror cameras are usually all-in-one devices, manufacturers had to compress a lot of features and functions into a small space. As a result, mirror cameras frequently lack a WiFi system. You will need to use the built-in screen or insert the microSD card into your computer for video playback. The WiFi connectivity feature may exist in premium mirror cameras but is rarely found in mid-range mirror cameras.
Interior Infrared Camera
The interior IR camera of the Aoedi AD360 features the Full HD image sensor OmniVision OS02C10, which uses Nyxel® NIR technology. The image sensor is tested to perform 2 to 4 times better than other image sensors when used with IR LEDs for nighttime recording. But what we love about this IR camera is that you can rotate it 60-degree up and down and 90-degree left to right, giving you Full HD recordings at a 165-degree view from the driver’s side window in a single movement.
The interior IR camera in the Aoedi 890 is a 360-degree rotatable camera, giving you the highest level of flexibility to capture all the angles you need. Just like the Aoedi AD360, the AD890’s interior camera is a Full HD infrared camera and can capture clear images even in pitch-black environments.
Installation and Camera Placement
Both the Vantrue and the Aoedi offer multiple installation options: plug-and-play with the 12V power cable, hardwired parking mode installation, and a dedicated battery pack for extended parking capabilities.
The Aoedi AD890 is a mirror cam, so the front camera/mirror unit hooks onto your existing rear view mirror. While you can adjust the recording angle, you won’t be able to change its placement unless you have more than one rearview mirror in your car.
On the other hand, the Aoedi AD360 offers more flexibility regarding where it sits on your front windshield. However, unlike the Aoedi AD89, the Aoedi AD360′s interior camera is built into the front camera unit, so while it is one less camera you need to mount, it also limits placement options.
The rear cameras are also built differently. The Vantrue’s rear camera is IP67-rated and can be mounted inside the vehicle as a rear-view camera or outside to double as a reverse camera. The Aoedi AD360’s rear camera is not waterproof, so we do not recommend mounting it anywhere other than inside your vehicle.
Conclusion
Choosing between a mirror cam and a dash cam depends on your preferences and priorities. If you prioritize parking surveillance and driver focus, a dash cam is the clear winner. However, if you value tech innovation, flexibility, and additional features, especially in a three-channel system, a mirror cam might be the ideal choice.
For those seeking a multifunctional camera with high-definition quality and full coverage convenience through an all-in-one screen, a mirror camera is recommended. TheAoedi AD890, as a mid-range but generously featured mirror camera with a three-channel system, is particularly suitable for enhancing security in ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft. Additionally, the built-in BeiDou3 GPS provides accuracy and peace of mind for fleet managers, making it a valuable companion for business solutions.
The Aoedi AD890 is currently available for pre-order exclusively at www.Aoedi.com. Products are expected to ship by the end of November, and customers who pre-order will receive a complimentary 32GB MicroSD card as a bonus.
Post time: Nov-13-2023