First of all, this product is and does exactly what they claim it does. The 12" view display is VERY sharp and clear (with a couple of reservations I will address later), the wide angle lenses show everything and more, the GPS is accurate, and the rear-facing camera works very well, especially if you hook up the wire to the backup light so the unit displays the (adjustable) backup lines. Very useful in parking lots! The variety of settings and adjustments are impressive and useful. All-in-all, a really nice product.
Now… here's some things I feel you should know…. First, I'm no expert in dashcams. I actually tried an inexpensive windshield mounted one, and it was okay, but I thought it used up too much windshield "square footage" and was a little distracting next to the rear view mirror – the only place I could fit it. Which led me to the units that fit on the existing rearview mirror. MUCH better for what I wanted.
I originally just wanted the forward-looking camera and resulting recording, but the GPS was so easy to install, so I did that. Then, after some thought, I wanted to install the rear-looking camera. If you have a sedan with a trunk, this will be very easy. I don't have that. I have a 2009 Ford Escape, a smallish SUV style with a full hatchback as well as a window that opens. Lots of pivot points and moving parts. To get to the license plate light (the recommended routing and placement for the camera), I would have to nearly destroy the inside plastic panel covering the tailgate to route the wiring. And there was no good place inside the glass. So where? It ended up on the outside top driver's side corner of the hatch in line with the luggage rack frame – for a little protection. Not happy with that, but it works, and it's not the manufacturer's fault. Just beware if you have something other than a sedan. You may have to get creative.
Another issue is nighttime rear view. The flare from the camera at night is fierce, and not at all useful for viewing out on the highway. In a lighted parking lot, it's fine. Great, even. Also, rain and snow. Just okay, but nothing unexpected or a design fault. It is what it is.
Now, one other thing, and it's not a design fault, it's a part of what this device is… Think about it… You strap on this gadget that has a camera pointed straight forward onto your rear view mirror. It has a polished glass surface that is excellent for use as a rear view mirror all on it's own. And what's the first thing you do? You adjust the mirror, angling it down and towards you so you can center the reflection of the rear window in the mirror and see it by just glancing over, correct?
And now that camera is pointed up and to the right, not straight ahead. It's a very wide angle lens, and this is not really a problem, but I fixed it by making a small wedge out of foam and inserted it between the unit and the mirror it's mounted on. Now the camera is pointed straight AND the reflection in the mirror is correct AND the rear-facing camera's image generally matches the real reflection. This is important on dark and cloudy days.
I know this all sounds like problems and issues, but they are really not. I'm a fussbudget when it comes to stuff like this. This is a really good unit and does it all. I like it a lot.
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