Not Your Typical Dash Cam | Acumen XR10 Dual-Camera Dash Cam Review

This week we're looking at our first Dash Cam, the Acumen XR10 dual-camera dash cam with a built-in video display.
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Dashcams have quickly become an important norm in the auto industry, with some manufacturers like Tesla implementing software directly into their cars to utilize the cameras for the 360º system to function as dashcams. For those of us who don't drive a Tesla we need a third party solution like the Acumen XR10. It's dual-camera setup is unique, with a full size rearview mirror that fits over your existing mirror, providing a large screen for forward and rear camera views as well as rear-view functionality.
The XR10 uses dual 1080p30 cameras, one built into the rearview mirror with an extendible and adjustable lens, as well as a second camera with a long 3.5mm connection that allows you to run wiring to the rear of the vehicle. We estimate even the longest modern cars like a Chevrolet Suburban shouldn't have any problem with the length of the second cable.
The XR10 automatically starts and stops when the vehicle's ignition is on/off and can record based on motion or g-sensor in case of a break-in. The XR10 also records audio from the mirror and has playback functionality on the fly, allowing users to review and save files in the event of an incident. Other features include a mild lane departure warning system along with another video input should you want to connect another type of camera or video feed.
We used the Acumen XR10 on a number of press vehicles, including the 2019 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk, 2019 Volkswagen Golf R, 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, and 2019 Honda CR-V Touring. The mirror fit on all the vehicles we tested, however some of the enhanced safety technology like lane keep assist and high beam assist use cameras and sensors built into the rear area of the existing mirror, which could obstruct the view of the Acumen XR10. We only had significant visibility issues with the Jeep, and minor ones with the Alfa Romeo as you can see in our review.
Overall we were impressed with the Acumen XR10. The build quality was great, giving the feeling of a solid product, as well as the overall video quality out of both cameras would be more than sufficient as an accurate witness in the event of an incident.
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[@PRNTestDrive]

Save an extra 10% off your Acumen XR10 from now until the 31st of December by using coupon code ‘10DXR10YT’ at checkout!

[@tonybos100]

Ah, so I can have the mirror powered to view forward, backward or both. View the reverse camera seperately when reverse is selected, or switch off to view as a normal rear view mirror ? If I select reverse, will the reverse camera automatically switch the mirror on, or would I have to select power in first. Oh, and comparable in the UK Thanks

[@PRNTestDrive]

If the screen is off and you put the vehicle in reverse it will automatically come on to the reverse camera. Overall it gives you some flexibility on how you want to use it, and so far it's worked out well for me on the car I wired it up on. Should work no problem in the UK!

[@tonybos100]

Does this act as a rear view mirror until you select reverse, or is it either front or reverse cameras

[@PRNTestDrive]

Essentially there are three camera modes, I wired it up properly to my car with the reverse light finally. You can have it run all the time displaying the angle you setup as a rearview monitor, a forward facing monitor, or both. You can swipe through which feed it plays for a total of four. The reverse camera works a little differently, as it uses a lower angle than the rearview mode to see any parking lines or obstructions. You can manually adjust on the screen how high or low the overall picture is while reversing. Once you shift back from reverse it will automatically switch to the last camera angle you had, even if you put it on standby. So after reversing you’d have to click the standby button to turn it off if you prefer to use the mirror over the camera.

[@Marshal_Dunnik]

Everyone should have a dash cam, it’s not just for Russians anymore. Glad to see you’re branching out into car accessories

[@PRNTestDrive]

I totally agree! Luckily I've never been in a situation where I've 'needed' one, but I feel a whole lot better knowing I have something just in case. I'm hoping to continue doing more non-car reviews like this, detailing products seem to be a big hit in terms of usefulness, I probably wash these press cars at least 3 times per week on average.

[@Tonyx.yt.]

a proper dash cam must have gps for speed detection

[@autotrimmers6353]

Can this one record while my car is parked and off

[@PRNTestDrive]

Should be able to, the battery lasts pretty long on this.

[@jesshinogjr8701]

this dashcam is not Dual recording??

[@PRNTestDrive]

Yes it does record both feeds, I’m using it on my personal car and so far it’s been working out well for me.

[@JVoid511]

Is it reliable or safe to use when it’s dark outside? If it is showing the image from the backwards through camera, my biggest concern is the visibility at night.

[@PRNTestDrive]

You can turn off the screen, there's a little power button on the bottom that you can click off, and I believe there's a setting to automatically turn off the screen after a minute or so.

[@Pro1er]

Some dashcams do reverse the recorded image, but left is still on the left and right on the right in the LCD. I would still avoid the ones that record a reversed image because the videos are very confusing to watch. Depending on the ambient light and how sensitive the camera is, the LCD can actually be brighter than a standard glass mirror at night, but the camera needs at least some light to see, so if it is pitch black out you'll need to turn the LCD off and use the glass mirror. Also, don't get one of the really cheap ones, the rear cameras are usually not very good. Plan on spending in the neighbourhood of $100US for a good unit.

[@ddemier]

Just got my Acumen Xr10 Excellent review. I have a few questions. In the menu settings of the Acumen Xr10 go find the option "Flicker 50/60" what does Flicker mean? What does Time Zone settings mean? Its in GMT? I live in CST Central Standard Time area code 64801 here in the U.S. I never heard of GMT time zones? I purchased a Samsung High Endurance Pro 64 mb Micro SD card, about how long will it hold recordings before being re-written over? Do you think I need a 128 gb card for this camera running on 1296P? Last but not least should I record on 1296P or 1080P? I have a Samsung High endurance pro 64 gig micro sd card. Running firmware SX-9.66-EN2053V01-TS20191024

[@PRNTestDrive]

The flicker would be the refresh rate, in North America we use 60 frames per second, in Europe they use 50. GMT is also known as UTC, Greenwich Median Time/Universal Time Code are the two names for what's considered +/-0 hours. Here in Montreal we're -4 hours, so if it's 4am GMT it's midnight here. As for the memory card you should be fine for a few days worth of recordings at 1080p with that card, depending on how much driving you do. I wouldn't spend the money for a larger card unless you do a lot of long-haul driving and can't risk over writing footage for a long time. I believe I was using a 16GB card and could go a day or two without losing old footage.

[@ddemier]

@@PRNTestDrive should I record on 1296p or 1080p?

[@seanns1945]

I purchased mine 5 weeks ago. It is a great camera. BUT in the 5 weeks it has been up an running in my car, just this morning, while driving, I watched as it changed the correct time, to 2047, Jan 1. I reset it to the correct time, and withing 5 seconds it went back to the 2047, Jan 1. I reset it again and it went back to the 2047 date again. I formatted the SD card, then reset to the correct time again. When I switched back to the home setting, it immediately went back to the 2047 date. Trying to find the manufacturers address, phone #, or web site address. I bought it through Amazon, not getting anywhere with a good answer. They say I didn't make a purchase in 2020. My credit card says I did, on Jan 18th. Can anyone offer some help. Thanks

[@PRNTestDrive]

Very strange, I’m not sure what to recommend other than emailing them directly, or through Amazon. Amazon is usually pretty good with their customer service.

[@seanns1945]

@@PRNTestDrive According to Amazon, I didn't purchase one, yet my credit card statement says otherwise.

[@ccroy2001]

That’s cool! I wonder how hard it would be to hide/run the wire to the rear camera?

[@PRNTestDrive]

Shouldn't be too hard, depends entirely on the car though. The Jeep Renegade we first used worked well, we could tuck everything under the floor trim or carpets. The Stelvio was a little harder. We're hoping to show a full install of this unit next year on our 2001 BMW 7 Series once we start working on it.

[@inFAdepT]

Hey Nile, I bought something similar at amazon (toguard dash cam) and it's great, my only complain is when i'm on the highway the mirror dash cam shakes too much and it's very hard to see the people behind you when glancing over the rear view mirror. Did you have any issues with that dashcam (acumen) when travelling at high speeds?

[@PRNTestDrive]

I only had severe problems on seriously rough roads, which unfortunately are near our filming areas. But on decent roads and highways I didn't have any issue. The rubber straps have different attachment points to keep the mirror secured tightly, but also the rear of the unit has some rubber padding to help secure it.

[@Pro1er]

Since you only get vibrations at high-speed, I would be willing to bet you need your wheels balanced.

[@inFAdepT]

Pro1er ah that’s true, thank you

[@Pro1er]

@@inFAdepT 👍

[@james2042]

No GPS with speed tracking? That's the literal most important piece. My buddy gets "speeding tickets" all the time because he has a heavily modified wrx. He's never had to pay a single one because of that dashcam tracker. Also covering your rear view just seems dumb and its probably illegal so I'll stick to my dash cam

[@PRNTestDrive]

It isn't obstructing it, we left the screen on during recording since we're reviewing it, but the display turns off and works exactly like a normal rearview mirror, and depending on your stock one it might have a slight magnification. I noticed on the Jeep Renegade that I was able to see better out of the Acumen's mirror than the OEM one.

[@Pro1er]

Why do you think it would be illegal to cover your mirror with a mirror? Some Cadillacs have a video mirror. I have both a regular dashcam and a mirror dashcam in one of my cars. The mirror dashcam provides a much, much wider field of view than a standard glass mirror which pretty much eliminates any blind spots. It also lets me see what is behind me if I have packages or passengers in the back seat obstructing my view. In addition, it makes a great backup camera.

[@james2042]

@@Pro1er well with gm vehicles (all 4 gm brands have that camera mirror) it also has to function as a standard mirror. that is by safety regulations, otherwise the vehicle would require the annoying rear beep thing. Aftermarket might be different but from the factory there must be a mirror available at all times

[@Pro1er]

@@james2042 Yup, and there are still no provisions for side view camera only "mirrors" due to federal laws, but that will change. Still doesn't negate what I said though.

[@PRNTestDrive]

I don't know why I didn't reply to the GPS part of the comment originally, there is a GPS port on the top to connect a third-party device, I'd likely want to get one for myself once we get this installed in #ProjectE38.

[@pb200sxgmail8]

Hi, I have the same dashcam. When I plug in the back camera, the whole unit cuts off an then back on, repeatedly! Any ideas of what’s wrong?

[@PRNTestDrive]

Is it possible the additional rear-camera wires designed to go in the reverse light touched something metal? That happened to me, I didn't ensure that exposed wire was properly closed off and it touched something that shorted out the rear camera. I had to order a replacement.