Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2. 6 Month Review. -35 to +35 C. Did it Perform? Dongar Tech. TACO. 535.

[@dustysnow2502]

Dashcam is good idea for everyone. I got one after hit and run. 1 year later a driver pulled out in front of me. She told her insurance I was speeding and ran a stop sign. Footage cleared that up quickly.

[@bartharobert1989]

I think this is the best review what I saw on the entire KZbin. Is just the most honest one, calm and you are not payed to promote useless features. Congrats!!

[@danvo68]

Just had an accident 49 days ago on HWY 401. Both OPP and insurance claims adjuster asked me "Do you have dash cams?" And until... now. I see, how a dash cam very important is. After a week of searching and comparing a whole bunch of them on Google and KZbin. This is the best of the best reviews for Garmin Mini 2 and I will place an order soon. Thanks a bunch! 👍⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@andhib]

One reason to use a larger SD card (from the Garmin support page on maximising SD card life): "Use a memory card with a higher storage capacity. Higher-capacity memory cards are overwritten less frequently and will usually last longer". Thanks for the useful review.

[@AC-tn1cy]

I was told the larger ones usually cause problems because they hold too much

[@stephengmeiner3264]

I have the same camera and agree with everything you said. I leave the audio on all the time. If see a car who’s plate number I feel should be noted, I simply say it out loud and the camera records my voice. If I need it later, I just listen to the file at that point. Nice review.

[@gareth4903]

That's a great idea... You are clever.

[@JP1050x]

That’s a great idea. I also like to use mine to record audio of my young kids saying cute things. I say, “kids singing”, then say “Ok Garmin, save video.” I also like saving video clips from fun road trips of interesting locations.

[@MichaelPellicci]

Thanks. This was the most useful review of the Garmin Mini 2. It really helped me. I also appreciate you mentioning the Dongar series of rearview mirror USB adapters.

[@1OldCutlass]

This is one of the best reviews of anything I’ve ever seen. Many thanks!

[@tim8971]

I agree!

[@alexrashwan1126]

The way you explain everything is super amazing

[@jackperson3626]

Thanks!

[@CalvAnon]

So glad I found this clip. I just bought one from Amazon couple days ago and was looking for visual tutorial. Big thanks!

[@1-Man]

Because of this review I pulled the trigger. Garmin should hire you and send you all their stuff for free. Look at all the people your review reached. I'm sure there will be more purchases because of you. Thank you

[@nelsonpego8140]

Because of this review, I will also be getting one .

[@mikej.greenwald2476]

Great review, thanks! I’ve found that the Mini2 interferes with the Apple CarPlay, thus causing the transfer of data/live view difficult. Here’s a solution. Disable the CarPlay, you will see dramatic improvement.

[@GPOutdoors]

Thanks Mike!

[@JP1050x]

I bought two Garmin Mini 2’s. One of them stopped beeping, and Garmin sent me a new one within the 1yr warranty. Quality product with great support. I like using a 128GB card, in order to have a large window of time to grab videos. You don’t need a computer to grab an incident. The Garmin smart phone app works well enough to grab videos without needing a computer.

[@mth469]

Thanks. Great review. Watching 2 years later.

[@bernardvreulink2457]

You are a NATURAL. This video is so exceptional ..... Stephan Spielberg should offer you a job. ;-)

[@peacefieldfarm_mn]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video, Gord. My son, who lives in VA, was in a fender-bender a year ago, and bought a dash cam right after that. The guy who hit him claimed he ran the light. My son claimed the opposite. You don't need a dash cam until you do! Sorry about your truck...Cheers!

[@GPOutdoors]

I hope its helpful Michael. That's why I finally decided I needed one. Same thing happened to my daughter last year - very dishonest person tried to twist the facts. Luckily, the policeman saw right through him but I was shocked that this man was so dishonest. Cheers!

[@easymemesniper]

Regarding the many video files on the SD card, Garmin says on their support site that the intention is to manage the video files via their phone app and not via PC. The app will consolidate all of the individual files into one drive's worth of video for in-app editing and trimming. It works well and it's much easier to pinpoint the specific date/time as needed.

[@2kewl4uu]

Are you able to delete videos thru the app?

[@easymemesniper]

yes@@2kewl4uu

[@justinrenda4451]

I installed my Garmin dash cam mini 2 today using the Dongar mirror adapter. What a great product they make. I had zero desire to pick apart my 2 week old F-150 to hide wires and thanks to you, I ordered up the mirror adapter and Dash cam. Perfect simple set up and a 5 minute install. Highly recommend! THANK YOU!

[@davidnaumes1750]

Excellent and useful review of the Garmin Mini 2. Thanks so much!

[@davidmmuench]

I wish my vehicle was able to use a Dongar device. Thanks for posting this long-term review video! Very helpful!

[@WilliaminOz]

Thanks for your comments about the filter. I've been tossing the idea around for a day or two. Cheers from Australia.

[@Lobothomie]

Thanks for the review. 9:50 - Recorded audio can be very important in court! It can be crucial to hear brakes, horns or insults.

[@GPOutdoors]

That's a great point - thanks!

[@techman9894]

Great informative review, points clearly made and explained without a lot of crap and repeating. Nice one.

[@budcarr8673]

Well done.

[@KayBertoss]

Thanks for the great review. Was very clear, concise and informative. Just purchased this set up for my 2020 Tacoma. Now I have a very good idea of what to expect in the real world.

[@NickDidelot]

Thank you for this honest and to the point review, so many fluff reviews on KZbin, this was just what I needed

[@brentjeanneret]

So, I was looking up reviews for dash cams (esp the garmin mini 2, for my basic needs) and guess who appeared on my feed. I'm so glad to see your channel is doing well! All the best to you and your family, and I wish you continued success! brentj (great review, BTW)

[@GEERUP]

Thank you for posting this very good review .

[@Starman.2112]

Bought one the day you posted the first video in the same config you suggested and its worked exactly as you say and I love it, best cam I have ever owned! Thanks GP!

[@GPOutdoors]

Great to hear Todd! Me too!

[@inthedogghouse86]

Great review. Love the tip of the smaller sd card

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Thanks for sharing with us Gord, looks like that outfit can be a big help to have installed. You all stay safe up there and keep having fun. Fred.

[@bobpurs]

Great review GP. Nice product

[@mesabob]

Good job, Gordon. Very informative.

[@WizardTerence]

Excellent review ! Could not have asked for more. Everything is covered here !

[@Loveless619]

Just placed my order this morning for the Mini2. Excellent review, sir. Thank you!

[@onetimer100]

Great video, thks. Regarding the polarizing filter. It's intended to remove the reflection of the dashboard in the windshield. Some cars are more prone to this being an issue than others. It largely depends on the angle of the windshield and lighting conditions and your dash material. Perhaps it is just a non-issue in your truck. If you've ever been in a vehicle and noticed the entire dash is reflecting on the windshield making it hard to look out of.....then put on a pair of polarized sunglasses and watched all that reflection disappear, then you know what I'm taking about. Some cars make use of this additional filter while others may not need it. Suggest trying without first and go from there.

[@scottpenrod5386]

Best review I've seen so far on the Garmin mini -2. Thanks for the review.

[@smilingvulture]

thx- brilliant review

[@lorenzoarroz3688]

Thanks much for this review I have a Garmin watch and a GPS portable Garmin unit. However, with all the cameras out there I was not certain which way to go. I have ordered the Mini 2 on the faith of my previous positive experence with Garmin products and you have just made happy I did. I will have to look at nthe installation cable you quickly show in this video and get one to simplify the installation. SOLD!

[@johnminke4542]

Thanks Gord ...... was waiting for this review. Well done and very informative. Made up my mind in the positive.

[@GPOutdoors]

Hi John. I am very happy with it. Cheers!

[@rx-heaven8934]

Just thought I'd mention a reason for why recording cabin audio can be very useful. Obviously as you mentioned, licence plates can be hard to see in the footage, but our own eyes are going to be able to see at a much higher resolution than that camera. When an incident has happened or is occurring, read the plate out loud. Then their registration has been captured through your dash cam's audio. Also, sometimes when in road rage situations you might want various words on record (threats and such).

[@santiagomarquez3154]

Great review! Thank you for taking the time to explain every feature. I am planning to get it for the same reason, just in case, and I am glad you tested in summer and winter as well. My truck sleeps outdoors as well and I am in Ontario, so I will experience hot summer days and specially cold winter days. Once again, thank you for making this video!

[@GPOutdoors]

Cheers!

[@kgoodstuff]

Great video! Went over everything I wanted to know.

[@BG-vq9fd]

Another interesting and thorough review.

[@garybenedict8513]

GP great content. Never considered an item like this. You have sparked my curiosity. Have fun be safe.

[@RegulusIan]

Thanks for the comprehensive review, GP. You covered all the points that are important to an average user.

[@GPOutdoors]

Have a good weekend Ian!

[@reubenread7687]

This was extremely helpful! I've been combing through the dash cam market for quite a while now.

[@jroberts3428]

Good Review! However you and many others are wrong about the WiFI connection. It doesn't try to connect to your home WiFi. Instead, the Camera creates it's own WiFi that your phone with the Drive App connects to. Creating a better and faster signal than Bluetooth can provide. Doesn't matter where you're located at the time.

[@GPOutdoors]

hey good morning and thanks. This is very helpful for everyone. Have a Happy New Year!

[@kblalock7934]

Thanks GP that was a great detailed video!!

[@fergalbrady529]

Excellent review of this Garmin dashcam mini 2. For a dash camera this small it far exceeds much more expensive larger dash cams I’ve used in past from several well known dash camera manafacturers.This clear and concise review sold me on product. Purchased product today. Thank you for excellent review sir. Kind Regards Fergal Dublin Ireland.

[@brianwalsh1844]

Great presentation

[@donz6901]

I am watching your video on my smart TV at the moment and want to thank you for the information, as I was thinking about buying a dash cam. I have been watching your videos for at least the last two years and I enjoy the scenery at your cottage area. I know you have a home in the City too and often wondered if you are retired? I often wonder where you get all the time taking care of your properties, plus the fact of taking care of your family with the covid virus. I hope you and your family are well and healthy again. Thanks for the videos. Don from Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA

[@GPOutdoors]

Good morning and thanks very much Don. Yes indeed. Lots of time and I try to keep busy. Thanks for watching and for the comments this morning!

[@geneluer1429]

Thanks for a great follow-up video. I will use an 8gb micro sd card for now based upon your comments. I thought more memory was better but take your point that a video, if needed, will probably be pulled off the device within 24 hours and the rest of the files will never even be viewed. Thanks again.

[@georgecarter1725]

Another good, honest review GP, thanks.

[@garyraphael4162]

Great review!

[@iwontpostvideos6]

I've observed an increase in distracted drivers, overly aggressive drivers and was victim of two back to back road rage incidents, thankfully no one was injured and nothing was damaged. I knew I needed a dash camera and watched many reviews about many dash cameras, you hit every point that I needed. I ordered the garmin mini 2 based on your review and I love it! It's simple, straightforward and easy to install and set up. So far it's doing everything that you said it would. Thanks for a great review!

[@aluisious]

After I had two people lie to my insurance about collisions I knew I had to get one of these. If someone hits you, don't even tell them you have video. Just exchange info and let them bury themselves in lies, then use your footage to prove what happened. Also, use your cell phone to record them when you are talking to them. They'll say you admitted wrongdoing, so prove you didn't.

[@mopricefam]

Excellent video sir!! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@vickomf1]

The pens filter also helps with reflections on the windshield from within the vehicle.

[@tomfillmore9710]

Good review of the dash cam very good picture quality thanks for sharing take care

[@andrewmyers7131]

Thanks for the follow up GP!

[@GPOutdoors]

You bet!

[@inthebackyardwithdel438]

Very nice and honest review . Thank you for sharing with us !! Del

[@intothedetails1972]

Excellent real world review thank you. Best review of the Garmin Mini 2 i’ve seen 👍

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

Hello there GP!! Nice review and you have made some pretty good points about this dash cam after having used it for 6 months. You talk about options that we could use every day and that sure is a help for a potential buyer. Thanks for this and take care!!!

[@GPOutdoors]

Thanks Grampie!

[@martincobb6937]

Wow.... Very pleasant. Off to buy. Thanks a bunch.

[@n3rdst0rm]

I just got the 57 after doing a week of research. Garmin seems like the best overall dashcam maker.

[@xmalcom650]

Bought this dash cam a few days ago and I’m returning. The product is well built and very small which is good. Easy to install and connect. The only reason I’m returning it is because 1080p just doesn’t cut it. The moment you zoom, all detail is lost. You can’t even read the plates of a car right in front of you.

[@GPOutdoors]

Good morning - thanks for the feedback X. Good info for folks to consider. Cheers!

[@Greencars44]

You can always leave the audio on and say the plate out loud so you can hear it later.

[@xmalcom650]

@@Greencars44 I bough the newly released 2k viofo dashcam mini. Works as well as the Garmin but with higher quality video. Also it has 5ghz Wi-Fi. This is a big deal for file transfers to your phone.

[@Greencars44]

@@xmalcom650 oh nice! I was actually deciding which ones to get, thanks.

[@GooseBlack]

Thank you for your review, it was very interesting. Greetings from Rome

[@donsiegrist8117]

An excellent review of the dash cam

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

Good evening GP, as always mon ami you did AN OUTSTANDING FULL REVIEW and field time proven Sir 🧐👍👌 All your evaluations points are very important and full of informative key points 👌👍🧐 I'm So Sorry for your side field trip damaging your truck 😢 Very well done Sir Cheers 🧐👍👌🍻

[@GPOutdoors]

LOL. Thanks Dave- it was a sad day for sure. But could have been worse. :)) Have a good one and all the best!

[@breerivera324]

Very great review I learned more about my new camera thank you!

[@mattpayne9468]

Very informative GP! Thanks!

[@GPOutdoors]

Cheers Matty! Hope you are keeping well and the Kubota is working out for you!

[@mattpayne9468]

@@GPOutdoors love the Kubota. KZbin channel should be up in a month!

[@janskoropinski10]

Nicely, presented video!!

[@watershedoverlook]

Great, comprehensive review Gord...well done!

[@GPOutdoors]

Thanks Chris!

[@MunkeySpaz]

Great review! I love how you took your time before reviewing the product. You answered pretty much every question and concern I had! Thanks for the concise, well thought out video!

[@rottihavr1]

Absolutely amazing review sir. Very informative. Thank you

[@glen8449]

Glad this was on. Just saw the first review. Thanks, very helpfull

[@TheHobbyShop1]

Looks like a great product!

[@FuriousCat]

Nice video, I wasn't considering this camera but decided to buy one after watching your review.

[@ceciljohn09]

Nice review! Love the footage going to your cabin! I'm close to Florida so totally different climate. Appreciate you sharing how it's preformed. I just got two Garmin Mini 2 dash cams, for front and rear, and installed both and set them up on the app in about 15 minutes. I was planning to get the Dongar rear view connector but the supplied power cord was so thin and easy to hide in 2021 Tundra that I'll just keep that. Both cams work great on the app. It shows the second cam with same drop down menu below the first, and even on live view can toggle between the two. That's why I got these because there is no cord between the cams, as they are both integrated on the app. There is also option for screen in screen export so the back cam is up in the corner of the front cam pic, but it didn't fully export via the Wifi on a larger file. As you mentioned the wifi transfer to the phone takes a long time. I'll need to play around with the edit trim function in the app to make the file smaller, if I need to export more than a saved video to a phone. As you mentioned it may be handy to be able to export the file on scene to a cop if there is an accident, otherwise just download from sd card. I did get a 128gb Samsung Pro Endurance that was one of approved cards on Garmin's website for this cam. I hope it's not too big, but on card they are all saved in 1 min files so hoping it won't be an issue. Also regarding half of it not connected. May want to do a firmware update also on the app. I got the same notice and it said to go to blue tooth settings on the phone and tap on Mini 2, there are two blue tooth connections for each cam, and just tap on the one disconnected to reconnect it. This only happened once for me after firmware update. Really appreciate your honesty about the lens filter. At least I know you aren't being sponsored by foreign manufacturers. It was also easy to preview video files on the camera via the phone without having to transfer to phone. It says preview was lower quality than transfer but that would be easy way to check and make sure the recording is working from time to time, or need to show a cop that someone ran a red light, before trying to transfer the file. He could verify it was the same video and allow you to send a file to him later. Thanks again! A lot of people having some issues but they might be using the wrong memory card. Down here it can get over 100 and 140 inside a car. I have a sun shade for windshield so hopefully heat won't be an issue.

[@pvncargo]

Great review……… Spot on what you need to know……

[@stlmtndew2654]

This channel is amazing

[@CattywhumpassproD]

I appreciate the information in this video, it changed my mind about sending it back. Now that I know the app is just a bit stupid and it’s not my camera or phone. Thanks

[@GPOutdoors]

You're welcome Michael. I am kind of surprised they don't have a better more reliable APP being such a big company but I don't use it much ( kind of frustrating). But the camera is still working great so I guess that is most important. I just bring the SD card in the house. All the best!

[@CattywhumpassproD]

@@GPOutdoors I put the app on my iPad and it’s working just right. Thanks again. Mike

[@ItsVideos]

Where you would see great benefit using the polarized lens is when the sun is shining directly on the top of your dashboard, and an image of the top of your dashboard is reflected off the inside of your windshield and into the camera lens. Also, when driving into the sun, glare off the hood of your truck will be reduced.

[@GPOutdoors]

Thanks so much Fish! I have only tried it a few times but will see if that helps alot. Cheers!

[@snymat_68]

Good review GP. One point of clarification though... the purpose of the CPL (circular polarizer) is to remove glare and reflections off of surfaces. This has the effect of increasing the contrast and making a clearer image, but at the cost of darkening the image slightly. These filters are very common in landscape photography. This is the first time I've heard of one being used on a dash cam, and while I can see the reasoning, I'm not sure it makes sense in this application due to reducing the light to the camera while driving at night. As always, keep up the great content!

[@MacBailey]

I was thinking that if you windshield has some of those fine scratches they can get over time that the filter might help diminish those. Also if you turn the filter 90 degrees it might have a different effect. This should be like wearing polarized sunglasses when fishing that you can see what is below the surface of the water instead of just the glare on top of the water.

[@snymat_68]

@mdbailey57 the problem with a cpl for this application is that it will only work part of the time. A cpl works best facing 90⁰ to the direction of the sun. It also needs adjusted every time that angle changes. It just doesn't make sense for this application.

[@GPOutdoors]

Hey thanks very Matt. That explains it much better. Yes, it does darken the picture for sure. Have a great weekend!

[@LivingTheDream77]

I have this cam, it still has a lot of glare from headlights at night.

[@gr7485]

@@snymat_68 A CPL works almost all the time and while yes 90 degrees to the sun is the ideal it still helps while outside that 'ideal' range. There is also such a thing as too much polarization so using this I find is effective most of the time. I have the Mini 2 with the CPL installed and there is definitely a benefit to using it.

[@gaetanolicari1947]

Great review. Thank you for sharing. From the Great White North

[@aarphi1984]

Was thinking about buying this item from Costco at a great price. Thanks for the review!!

[@wtfbuddy1]

Nice honest review GP - was wondering when this was going to happen and looks good for me to invest now in my Taco. Cheers and stay safe

[@GPOutdoors]

I am really happy with it Buddy. I hope you have that pin connector on the rear view - super simple and fast to install - no wires, and so small you won't see it behind the mirror. :))

[@abuanwp]

I'm planning to get this as a right side view monitor via my spare phone live viewing. Just to make my right turns more easy and confident.

[@Dmwntkp99]

Best review for this device! When the voice recording is deactivated does it remember the setting after you turn off the car?

[@dennyll43]

You are to the point and very interesting! Thank you very much.

[@lamontandrews4191]

Thanks, great review, I believe I will purchase this item.

[@MrJobe007]

I like this camera for its size. I can leave it installed and not worry about my car getting broke into.

[@billbrennan8405]

Nice review

[@jh9855]

Nice review. Thank you.

[@markkitaoka8783]

Thank you. I will use this on my motorcycle.

[@ernestkooistra1559]

Thanks! Cheers!

[@tractorman4461]

I never knew I needed to know so much about something I know nothing about !! It sounds like its a pretty hardy recorder. The one feature I think that is freakishly amazing is the automatic incident function after a shock to the camera !! Awesome video and an awesome review GP.

[@profdave2861]

Thanks for the great review, Gord! I’ve considered buying one but I always ask myself why… clearly my wife’s influence has rubbed off! LOL! I think if you were driving regularly in heavy traffic, or were a commercial driver, I think it would be a great addition to a vehicle. I do my best to avoid heavy traffic and don’t drive commercially, and hence the “why”. (That said, I own a garage full of things, some of which might qualify for “why”!) By the way, after my morning class tomorrow I’m heading to the Highlands with the tractor/rear-blower on the float. While I don’t like to float the tractor in salty roads, there’s too much snow to plow with my ATV, so here we go!! Cheers!

[@GPOutdoors]

Good morning Dave. I often asked that myself in the past. I was hit by someone several years ago and they were less than honest about who did what but the real clincher was when someone hit my daughter last year and he was one of the most dishonest persons I have met. Not only did he lie about who hit who and position etc of the cars, but even lied to the officer about the name of his insurance company and policy number. Fortunately the officers are well trained in how to question someone and eventually the officer was able to see through his contradictions, and charged the guy with the accident. That was when I decided I was getting one . My daughter also has the same unit in her car. For $170.00, it's peace of mind for me, my friend. The camera doesn't lie. :)) Of course it only catches the front of the truck but hey, It's a little protection. Have a great time up north this weekend!

[@profdave2861]

@@GPOutdoors Morning Gord! That’s really good rationale and I think you’ve given me the answer to “why”. In fact I now realize that a situation we are currently in with one of my sons could have been avoided with such a device. Same sort of thing you mentioned - a very light touch of a front bumper to a rear bumper at a stoplight (my son was at fault). Both parties checked the vehicles - absolutely no damage - the plastic bumper surfaces bounced right back and didn’t even scratch the paint. Both agree there was no need to call the police. The driver of the other car said that he and his wife only barely felt it and they were fine. Then a couple months later we had a call from our insurance company. The other party was suing for vehicle damage and personal injuries. It’s not settled to this day and may yet proceed to court, although based on what we know of the prior circumstances, it probably doesn’t have a chance of succeeding. It shreds my faith in humanity when people (and their ambulance-chasing lawyers) have such absolute deceit and greed. On the bright side, I’m off to the camp and shortly, so all will be restored LOL!! Have a great weekend 😁.

[@leedun7]

Great review...very helpful

[@JeepinMaxx]

Great review - I learned a lot