Review of the best rear view mirror dash cams for 2021

To increase travel comfort, many drivers additionally equip their cars with modern gadgets and devices. The installation of a mirror recorder, which combines many useful functions, has become quite common. After all, the device is successfully placed on the body or mounted in its regular place, maintaining good visibility while simultaneously recording the traffic situation without attracting outside attention.

Purpose

A video recorder is a device for audio-video recording, storing and displaying information about the situation in the immediate vicinity of the car, as well as in the cabin while driving or parking.

Designed to collect evidence in the event of a traffic accident during the investigation of an administrative offense or in other controversial situations. The registrar's testimony is included in the case on the basis of the judge's decision.

Design features

The uniqueness of the gadget lies in the placement of the DVR in the rearview mirror housing. This combines the functions of the two devices.

Compound:

frame;
video cameras (front, rear, parking);
mirror;
display;
DVR;
memory card;
rechargeable battery (AB).

Structurally, the front panel of the case is a regular mirror with a small display. Inside there is an electronic filling with a built-in video camera.

The video image from the parking device, located outside or on the rear window, is transmitted to the display after turning on the reverse gear. The built-in battery ensures autonomous operation. The memory card is easily installed in a special slot.

Which is better - a regular DVR or a mirror DVR?

The mirror DVR is primarily invisible from the outside, which reduces the risk of the car being hacked to take possession of the device..

Also, some mirror models have additional security functions.

Unlike stationary options, they do not distract attention with their wires and third-party sensors, do not block the windshield, and at the same time improve visibility, thereby increasing driving safety.

However, such models need to be selected individually, unlike conventional video recording devices..

The mirror mount may not support the weight of the device. Also, mirrors are much more expensive than stationary options.

Operating principle and main functions

One small package combines several useful gadgets that increase safety and comfort for the driver. The functionality of a modern automotive device is determined by its electronic content. At the same time, in appearance it does not differ from a regular mirror, but the functions are varied:

DVR – recording, storing and demonstrating audio-video information about the situation around the car when driving and while parked. In case of insufficient memory, new information may be superimposed on the old;
radar detector – detection of police video recording systems on the road and warning the driver;
GPS navigator – route planning with display of the required information on the monitor;
rear view video camera – safe and convenient parking;
FM receiver and television tuner – a comfortable pastime for the driver;
telephone with built-in speaker and microphone - constant communication and replacement of the hands free headset;
mirror – monitoring the situation behind the car while driving for safety.

Advantages

The main advantages are:

versatility – can be installed on any make of car;
compactness - the electronic filling with wires is hidden in the case and does not create interference;
normal appearance - does not attract the attention of intruders and matches the interior of the car;
ease of installation;
easy to use;
multifunctionality and rich hardware;
high image quality with good detail;
wide view over 110⁰ with the ability to control large areas of space
anti-reflective coating and protection of the driver from being blinded by headlights from behind a moving car;
the ability to view the desired fragments directly on the display;
autonomy with built-in rechargeable battery;
reliable storage of information on removable microSD media;
night recording mode with infrared illumination.

Flaws:

when choosing a gadget, it is mandatory to take into account the mounting features of the standard mirror;
the possibility of disconnecting the device when traveling on Russian roads due to poor-quality fastenings;
failure of one module causes failure of other elements;
weak fastening may not withstand additional load;
some models made in countries with warm climates have poor frost resistance;
driver distraction when broadcasting multimedia.

The best models with a rear view camera

The most popular devices in terms of price and quality.

Artway AV-604 Super HD

A classic mirror DVR with excellent Super HD recording quality.

The shooting quality of SuperHD 2304x1296 and a wide viewing angle of 140° provide excellent and informative video, which shows all the details on the road: license plates of passing and oncoming cars, road markings and signs, traffic lights, as well as pedestrians on the sidewalk.

An additional remote waterproof camera is equipped with a parking assistance system. When switching to reverse gear, the image from the rear camera is automatically displayed on the large 4.5” IPS display. Special positional lines are superimposed on top of the picture, which allow you to determine the distance to the obstacle.

Specifications:

Number of cameras: 2;
Number of video/sound recording channels: 2/1;
Video recording: 2304×1296 at 30 fps;
Recording mode: cyclic/continuous;
Functions: shock sensor (G-sensor), motion detector in the frame;
Record time and date;
Sound: built-in microphone (can be disabled), built-in speaker;
Connection of external cameras: yes.

Advantages

excellent shooting quality Super HD 2304x1296 at 30 fps;
HDR function to eliminate highlights, glare and improve video;
6 glass lenses;
large IPS display 4.5”;
parking assistance system;
motion and shock sensors.

Flaws

uninformative instructions;
There is no additional connector in the cigarette lighter adapter for pass-through connection of other devices.

TrendVision aMirror, 2 cameras, GPS

Two-camera DVR with Android-based control.

Multifunctional, two-camera device with built-in GPS, GSM, high-quality navigation and informant about nearby cameras and radars.

Large touch screen. Shooting in Full HD format and the ability to view video on a bright screen.

Thanks to the Bluetooth adapter, you can transfer important information between your gadgets.

Specifications:

Viewing angle: 170° viewing angle;
Screen: 5″;
Additional functionality: photography, built-in microphone, GPS;
Memory card support: microSD (microSDHC);
Operating temperature: from -20 to +50;
Dimensions: 320x35x90 mm.

Advantages

High-quality fasteners.
Android base.
Lots of useful features.
Laconic appearance.
Memory card support.

Flaws

Not a very clear picture taken in the evening.
Sometimes the date and time on the recording fail and you have to reboot.
Not enough built-in memory.

DVR with radar detector Artway MD-160 Combo 5 in 1, 2 cameras, GPS, black

A modern and multifunctional model with good shooting quality, a waterproof additional camera, a GPS informer and a radar detector with an intelligent filter to protect against false alarms.

The device has a camera with a wide viewing angle, an advanced lens with 6 class A glass lenses, and a bright, clear 4.3-inch screen with anti-glare coating. The user will be able to resolve controversial situations on the road without any problems - they just need to provide a video from the scene in good quality.

The user will be notified of approaching all police cameras, as well as speed cameras, including rear cameras, lane control cameras, jaywalking cameras, mobile cameras (tripods) and others, using a GPS-informer that uses an extended database data.

The superheterodyne radar detector confidently detects all radar systems, including the difficult-to-detect Strelka, Avtodoriya and Multradar.

The waterproof rearview camera is equipped with a parking assist system that operates automatically when reverse gear is engaged. Users note the high-quality assembly of the model and ease of use.

Specifications:

installing the device on the rear view mirror;
viewing angle - 140°;
video resolution - 1920x1080 pixels;
optics - 6 glass lenses;
display diagonal – 4.3″;
power supply is from the cigarette lighter.

Advantages

good video quality;
wide viewing angle - 140 degrees;
GPS informer about all police cameras;
excellent performance of the radar detector;
presence of a bright large 4.3-inch display with high resolution;
waterproof rear view camera with parking assistant.

Flaws

not detected.

With Playme VEGA radar detector, 2 cameras, GPS

A laconic mirror video recorder with a built-in radar detector and GPS informer.

Easily attaches on top of the standard mirror and does not disturb the interior of the car.

It does not distract the driver from the road, is invisible from the outside and does not create the feeling of a foreign object on the windshield.

Turns on automatically after power is applied. Has a built-in microphone.

Specifications:

Viewing angle: 146° (front camera), 100° (additional camera);
Screen: 5″ 845×480;
Additional functionality: built-in microphone, shock sensor (G-sensor), GPS;
Memory card support: microSD (microSDHC);
Operating temperature: from -20 to +65;

Advantages

Excellent shooting quality.
Convenient and intuitive setup menu.
Large display.
The basic package is enough for self-installation.
Built-in radar detector.

Flaws

The mirror has a reddish tint.
Doesn't always "catch" cameras.
At night it gives a blurry picture.

Vizant 955 VENOM, 2 cameras, GPS

A multifunctional Android mirror that will be a great addition to your car.

The DVR runs on an operating system

Android 5.1.1. – it is very easy to use, since it is designed specifically for the comfort of the Russian driver.

Warns about stationary radars using a GPS base. In reverse mode – displays the situation behind the vehicle.

When parked for long periods of time, you can entertain yourself by watching You-tube or playing games from the Play Store.

Specifications:

Viewing angle: 140°;
Screen: 10″;
Additional functionality: built-in microphone, shock sensor (G-sensor), GPS;
Memory card support: microSD (microSDHC);
Operating system: Android 5.0.

Advantages

Doesn't interfere with glass.
Good parking camera feature.
Good fastening.
High-quality GPS base.
From the outside it is almost indistinguishable from an ordinary mirror.

Flaws

It slows down at times and runs slowly.
It rattles when driving.
Very slow software.

With radar detector Intego VX-685MR, 2 cameras, GPS

Combo device: DVR, radar detector, GPS mirror module and rear view camera.

When the device is turned off, the built-in display is not visible - this helps to avoid attention from intruders.

Thanks to Full HD resolution, it produces high-quality images with clearly visible details, which will help you prove your case if necessary.

Additionally, you get a rear view camera, which will become a convenient assistant when parking.

Specifications:

Viewing angle: 160°;
Screen: 5″;
Additional functionality: built-in microphone, shock sensor (G-sensor), GPS;
Memory card support: microSD (microSDHC);
Operating temperature: from -10 to +50.

Advantages

Fits even a standard thick mirror.
Increases viewing angle.
Frameless and attractive.
Good build quality.

Flaws

How a radar detector works every other time.
Loop recording does not work.
Once the memory card is full, it requires formatting.

Criterias of choice

Experts advise what to pay attention to so as not to make mistakes when choosing:

Video parameters - resolution affects image quality. Inexpensive models are equipped with systems with values of 720x480, premium ones - 1920x1080.
Viewing angle – it is recommended to consider models with a value over 120⁰, but there are models on sale with an angle of 90⁰.
The recorder recording format must match systems that work with AVI or MP4 files.
The diagonal of a modern monitor is between 2.7″ – 5.0″.
The smoothness of the video image is achieved at a frequency of 25 frames per second.
The impact sensor will record any impact on the car body.
Markings when launching the parking device will simplify the parking process.
The battery will provide long-term autonomy.
With night video function.
A well-known manufacturer guarantees the quality of the device and compliance with the declared characteristics, which will ensure repairability and long service life.
Availability of additional functions for safety and comfort (navigator, parking sensors, radar detector), as well as built-in models to expand functionality.
Possibility of supporting an artificial intelligence system.

Before purchasing, be sure to make sure that the gadget is adapted to Russian conditions and that the menu is available in Russian.

The best inexpensive models

Rating of the best inexpensive models based on customer reviews and ratings.

Pioneer VREC-200CH, 2 cameras

A model with nothing superfluous is an ideal budget option.

From the video obtained thanks to this DVR, you can clearly distinguish license plates and road markings within a radius of 20 meters.

The recorder continues recording even after disconnecting from the cigarette lighter socket - as a rule, this charge is enough to complete the recording.

The included rear view camera helps you monitor what's happening behind the car and makes maneuvering easier.

Specifications:

Viewing angle: 120°;
Screen: 4.3″;
Additional functionality: photography, built-in microphone, shock sensor (G-sensor), battery operation;
Memory card support: microSD (microSDHC);
Dimensions: 312x94x30 mm.

Advantages

Automatic recording from the front camera.
Rear View Camera.
Convenient and simple settings.
Doesn't take up much space.
High build quality.

Flaws

The screen is very pale.
Unrealistic color rendering.
Low picture quality at dusk.

NAVITEL MR150NV

A smart mirror that shoots high-format videos at 30 frames per second.

Thanks to the sensor and four glass lenses, you will get a clear image both during the sunny day and late at night.

Records everything that happens in front of your car.

Equipped with a built-in G-sensor that tags videos, protecting them from being overwritten during a collision, braking or sudden acceleration.

Specifications:

Viewing angle: 120°;
Screen: 4.5″ 854×480;
Additional functionality: photography, built-in microphone, shock sensor (G-sensor), battery operation
Memory card support: microSD (microSDHC);
Dimensions: 310x39x86 mm.

Advantages

Convenient controls.
Large mirror width.
Light dimming helps reduce glare from headlights.
High quality rear view mount.
High quality shooting.

Flaws

The sound on the video is too quiet.
Small battery capacity.
In videos taken at night, “noises” appear.

Dunobil Spiegel Duo, 2 chambers

The choice of those who value functionality and convenience - it does not need to be turned off when you leave the car.

It has an anti-reflective coating, with which you are not afraid of bright glare from the headlights of cars coming behind.

Makes parking easier for beginners - you just need to display the image from the rear camera on the DVR screen to perform a complex maneuver.

Video is recorded from both cameras at once.

Specifications:

Viewing angle: 120°;
Screen: 4.3″;
Additional functionality: photography, built-in microphone, shock sensor (G-sensor), battery operation;
Memory card support: microSD (microSDHC);
Operating temperature: from -10 to +60;
Dimensions: 304x37x83 mm.

Advantages

Wide viewing angle.
Long wires.
Affordable price.
Russian-language menu.
Easy to set up.

Flaws

The overall picture is very blurred.
The buttons rattle when the car is moving.
The motion and shock sensors are acting up.

VIPER C3-351 Duo, 2 cameras

Ideally attached to a standard mirror, making the reflective surface larger and the view wider.

The device is only noticeable upon closer inspection, so you don’t have to take it off at night.

The kit includes a second, rear camera, which can be installed at the back to record what is happening from both sides at once.

In addition, this camera will be an excellent help for beginners who have not yet honed their parking skills.

Specifications:

Viewing Angle: 170°;
Screen: 4.3″;
Additional functionality: photo taking, built-in microphone, shock sensor (G-sensor);
Memory card support: no;
Operating temperature: from -20 to +65.

Advantages

Affordable price.
Good external camera.
The mirror element does not distort anything.
Easy to secure.
Automatically switches modes.

Flaws

Overwriting over old files does not work.
Constantly flashes, reminding you that the memory card is full.
The control buttons stand out strongly.

NAVITEL MR250NV, 2 cameras

A smart rear view mirror that provides an excellent picture regardless of weather conditions.

Documents everything that happens on the track both in front and behind your car, as two cameras work simultaneously.

The additional camera does not get wet - it can be mounted both inside the car and outside.

If the mirror DVR is connected to the cigarette lighter socket, recording will begin as soon as the engine is started.

Specifications:

Viewing angle: 160°;
Screen: 5″ 854×480;
Additional functionality: photography, built-in microphone, shock sensor (G-sensor), battery operation
Memory card support: microSD (microSDHC);
Dimensions: 310x39x86 mm.

Advantages

Does not interfere with the view.
It starts immediately.
Good fastening.
Clear and convenient controls.
Pleasant, laconic design.

Flaws

The rear camera does not capture license plates well.
The image shakes while driving.
The wires are fragile - you will have to look for a replacement after a couple of months.

Where can I buy

Popular models of rear-view mirror dash cams are purchased at electronic and digital equipment stores. The best manufacturers present any models - inexpensive budget new items or premium class devices. The consultants will clearly give recommendations and advice - what kind of DVRs there are, their types, how to choose, which company is better, how much it costs and which one is better to buy.

In addition, a suitable DVR can be ordered online on the pages of the online store of numerous dealers and sellers of electronics, as well as aggregators Yandex.Market or E-Catalog. In this case, it is possible to read the description in advance, compare characteristics, study photos and customer reviews.

Viewing angle

This parameter is very important for the normal operation of the DVR. However, it is worth keeping in mind that at large viewing angles, the clarity of the displayed image decreases. Unfortunately, modern models of DVRs do not allow you to determine the license plates of an oncoming car due to the low quality of the image. And this does not depend on the price category of the device. Of course, shooting with expensive devices will give a high chance of identifying license plates, but not much more than with cheap ones.

Reviews from motorists indicate that it is not worth spending a lot of money and purchasing a DVR that views license plates at a distance of 100-500 meters. You can simply show the traffic police inspector a picture that will display the current situation. In this case, the color of the car and its make must be recognizable. Reviews from motorists indicate that the optimal viewing angle for a good device is a value ranging from 12 to -140 degrees.

NAVITEL MR250

The mirror video recorder, a review of which is presented below, is an interesting device, cheaper than competitors with identical parameters. The device is equipped with a pair of cameras, one is fixed on the mirror with rubber bands, the second with screws or double-sided tape.

DVR NAVITEL MR250

Characteristic	Description
Video resolution	1080*1920
Maximum memory card size	256 GB
Dimensions	543251 mm
Weight	69 g
Battery (mAh)	250
Manufacturer	Navitel
Peculiarities	Ability to record time and files, autostart, moving events to a separate folder
Price	4090-4400 rub.

Advantages: – large display with good visibility in the corners; – license for the navigator as a gift; – well-developed management; – good equipment.

Disadvantages: – rapid wear of rubber clamps; – visible control buttons.

The owners note that a pleasant surprise when purchasing this device is the availability of cards for several dozen countries, including CIS countries . In addition, users indicate the ability to automatically or manually turn off the screen.

Buy a mirror video recorder for 1990 rubles. with delivery throughout the Russian Federation

Slimtec Dual M4

The review of the mirror video recorder continues with the original model from the manufacturer Slimtek. It is cheaper and simpler than the Dual-9 version. This decision is justified by the choice of a simplified hardware platform. However, most of the device’s capabilities remain unchanged.

DVR Slimtec Dual M4

Characteristic	Description
Video resolution	1080*1920
Horizontal viewing angle	150
Recording format	H-264 AVI
Battery (mAh)	200
Motion Sensor	available
Memory card	Up to 32 GB
Manufacturer	Slimtec
Peculiarities	The delivery kit includes a 3-meter cord, which can be discreetly hidden in the casing, a backup option and parking monitoring are provided.
Price	RUB 3,480-3,900

Buy a mirror video recorder for 1990 rubles. with delivery throughout the Russian Federation

Advantages: – small thickness; – good build quality; – multifunctionality; – protection of the external camera; – possibility of covert installation and recording on 2 cameras.

Disadvantages: – low battery capacity; – fragile body; – poor quality of night recording.

As customer reviews indicate, this model perfectly combines shooting quality with an affordable price . Moreover, the device is easy to install, does not require special maintenance, and is well equipped.

Roadgid Blick

The 2021 new product among mirror-video recorders is equipped with a Sony IMX 307 series matrix, a second HD camera with night vision. The large display occupies the entire surface, which facilitates streaming images (this is more convenient than reflection in a mirror).

Roadgid Blick DVR

Characteristic	Description
Camera resolution	1920*1080
Visibility	170
Memory card support (MB)	Up to 128 MB
Dimensions (mm)	3868260 mm
Screen (inches)	10,0
Weight	170 g
Manufacturer	Roadgid
Peculiarities	Availability of a Wi-FI module, providing convenient management and exchange of records; retractable device that precisely fixes the device strictly in the center, providing maximum visibility
Price	7900-8500 rub.

Advantages: – ability to transfer video from a second camera to a monitor; – touch controller; – ADAS option; – retractable camera mechanism.

Disadvantages: – overpriced; – complex management.

Users were pleased with the device’s quality of shooting at night and during the day , its large display, and versatility. They also note the good packaging (5-meter cord, power adapter, spare clamps, memory card slot).

Buy a mirror video recorder for 1990 rubles. with delivery throughout the Russian Federation

Intego VX-680MR

The model with two cameras and an integrated radar detector continues the TOP of mirror-video recorders. The device has a good reflective material, ensuring comfortable use at any time of the day.

DVR Intego VX-680MR

Characteristic	Description
Permission	1920*1080 Full HD
Visibility	160
Memory card support	Up to 64 GB
Nutrition	12 V
Loop recording	Yes
Manufacturer	Intego (China)
Peculiarities	Five control buttons are located under the display, the necessary connectors and a slot for a flash drive are provided on top
Price	11200-11900 rub.

Advantages: – several operating modes; – high-precision radar detector; – possibility of switching on by timer; – good shooting quality.

Disadvantages: – high cost; – not the best package.

In reviews, owners indicate that in the settings you can select the appropriate mode (two for the city and one for the highway), the volume of notifications and other parameters of the radar detector. They also note the clear interface and good quality of night photography.