MOST dash cameras mount to your windscreen, then you connect the power, and you’re all set to record.
But the new Miofive Mirror 1 isn’t like most dash cams; instead of it mounting alongside your rear-view mirror on the front windscreen.
The Miofive Mirror 1 actually sits over the top of your existing rear-view mirror, replacing it with a large 11.26-inch IPS touchscreen.
This LCD screen is also customisable and can be split to watch front and rear views simultaneously.
The Mirror 1 performs equally well during the day and night, and it introduces dual Sony camera sensors, an external GPS module, speed camera alerts and neural network-based driver assistance.
The Mirror 1 features a 4K, 3840×2160 front camera that records at 30fps and is powered by the Sony IMX415 sensor, and a 2K, 2560×1440 rear camera that also records at 30fps.
It’s equipped with the Starvis 2 IMX675 sensor, with both delivering HD image detail for clarity, even in low-light driving.
And the camera’s wide field of view, with a 135.6° front and 138° rear angle, captures more of the road, helping to reduce blind spots.
The rear-view mirror camera system features an anti-glare, curved design that allows for lag-free, real-time viewing.
And its split-screen functionality with three customisable viewing modes — front, rear, and split view — is accessed via a button on the base.
The Mirror 1 has an enhanced built-in speed alert system, which issues notifications when speed thresholds are exceeded.
And its external GPS antenna is included for accurate route logging and live GPS data display, ensuring precise location tracking.
Connectivity is provided via 5GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2, which enables fast video transfers up to 7MB to smartphones via the Miofive App.
Unlike most dash cams, the Mirror 1 also comes with an advanced AI-powered driver-assistance system.
This provides real-time alerts for Stop and Go traffic movement, abrupt acceleration or braking and lane departure.
And its three-axis G-sensor provides collision detection during impacts, while loop recording ensures continuous coverage.
For all-day protection, the device supports a 24-hour parking monitor when paired with an optional hardwiring kit.
Installation is quite involved, but if you’re handy at DIY or audio installation, then it will be no problem.
But complete novices may need to call in the experts.
You first need to attach the device over your rear-view mirror, and this involves either sticking it to the glass via an M3 adhesive pad,
Or you can use the rubber bands that are provided, which allows you to clip the dash cam to your mirror, but then it can also be easily removed.
Then the installation of the rear-facing camera is next, and Miofive recommend positioning it outside of the car, close to your rear licence plate, and it is attached via another M3 adhesive pad.
And finally, you need to connect everything and tuck all of the wires out of sight so there’s minimal clutter and nothing left hanging in the cabin.
Thankfully, the Mirror 1 comes with a comprehensive instruction manual and all the necessary cables and 3m pads and stickers.
Plus, there are handy QR codes in the manual that will direct you to the Miofive website, where you will find lots of helpful tutorials and ‘how-to’ videos.
One thing to note is the digital images on the Mirror 1, which has now become your new rear-view camera, take a bit of getting used to at first.
But with lots of mainstream manufacturers ditching door mirrors in favour of cameras,
And some models, like the Polestar 4, which doesn’t have a rear window and uses a rear-facing camera, just like the Mirror 1, to beam images to its digital rear-view mirror, glass mirrors may become a thing of the past.
Another benefit the Mirror 1 has over a traditional glass rear-view mirror is being able to split the digital screen to watch front and rear views simultaneously.
The Mirror 1 also comes pre-packaged with a 128GB microSD card, and it is available from Amazon.co.uk for £259.99 with a limited-time £30 off voucher.
Sun Newspaper Irish Motoring Editor
