Why Everyone Needs A NavMan DashCam

Navman MiCam GPS and Sensor XL Q and A

Cars have become smarter, crammed with ever more high-tech gadgetry.

They monitor your movements, or guide you on your journey, yet most still don’t keep a video record, just in case.

I’ve been running a dashcam for the last few years, and I would not be without it. Whether it is someone walking across a road distracted by their mobile, of a car turning right in front of your, the Hijinx never ends.

DISCLOSURE: both units were provided free of charge for evaluation and review with no expectation of content

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Now, imagine the unlikely event of a crash, the dashcam can speak for you if you can’t. Even if you can speak for yourself, your dashcam footage backs you up in court, or with your insurance company. After all, despite their promises, they will do everything in their power not to pay. A dashcam will make sure they will pay, in full.

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What is better, a dashcam, or a navigation unit?

Buy what you need. A combination dashcam/navigation unit is more versatile. If your car already has navigation, get a dashcam-only unit.

Is it easy to set up?

Most units work straight out of the box. Stick it to your windscreen with the suction ball joint, or with double-sided tape, depending on what you buy. Plug it in to the 12V outlet, and you’re away.

What SD Card do I use?

When you buy your unit, check with the retailer. NavMan will recommend one that is best for your device, but most of the newer MicroSD cards have worked well. Use this widget to check suitability

Can you get a rear facing camera?

Yes. Depending on the model you buy, a rear-facing camera attached to the rear window connects to, and is powered by, the front camera by cable. Both cameras record in HD.

How Clear is the video recording?

This is the most important function of a dashcam. It sorts the entry-level cheapies from premium brands like Navman. Driving out of a tunnel can temporarily blind a camera. Navman adjusts quickly, so you can zoom in for detail such as faces and number plates. You could see if someone is looking down at the mobile for example.

Is the lens glass?

Yes. MiCAm GPS has a 5-layer glass lens with a 140° view. Navman uses glass lenses because the optical qualities are vastly superior to plastic found in cheap units.

Are there traffic warnings?

Yes, Micam has maps with live traffic updates. Sensor XL also has speed, black zone, and school zone warnings. MiCam adds lane change warning etc. There are a couple of drawbacks though. Neither unit is wired into the car’s system. It doesn’t know if you’ve indicated to change lanes, so will go off every time you change lanes. Likewise, the camera and speed zone warnings. School zone bongs will sound whether or not it is a school day, regardless of time. This was more annoying than helpful, and I turned it all off on both units.

In addition, the Sensor XL does not have inbuilt maps, so doesn’t know exactly where you are. It will warn you of zones and cameras up to 300m away even if you’re not on the same street.

Does NavMan record crashes?

This is one of the most important features of a dashcam. NavMan uses a 3-axis G-sensor. Depending on model, it will also record events when the car is parked (requires additional wiring and equipment). In addition, you can manually file a record of an event by using the buttons.

Can you pair your smart phone?

MiCam can be paired to a phone. It can read messages, and you can search addresses to download to your unit. That comes in handy for trip planning. It also adds handsfree phone features, so you will never need to touch your phone while driving. Remember, Australia has cameras that see right in to your car. Fines will then follow.

MiCam has on-screen touch buttons for menus, and you can pinch to zoom like you can on your smart phone. Sensor XL has physical buttons. Both units have screens to view footage on the move.

MiCam, can be powered by battery, so can be used independent of the vehicle.

Do the dashcams always record?

Yes, and the video can be viewed either on the screen, or phone (MiCam only), or on your PC if you prefer.

If you want to use the video in an edit of your trip, be sure to grab the data files as well as the video files. That way you get all the positioning data. The is a NavMan desktop app as well.

But my phone has maps. Isn’t that better?

Some say yes, and some don’t. We’ve all had calls come in while using phone navigation. It can be a mad scramble to try and get back to the navigation, and remember, you are not allowed to touch your phone to sort it all out.

Finally, your phone needs to be with range of a cell tower, Navman does not. Without data assistance, cell phone directions can be inaccurate.

What are the advantages of a NavMan dashcam?

Quality, that is the best thing about spending a little more. These units have been tested in temperature extremes from below 0c to over 70c. You might think that Australia doesn’t get to 70c, and you’re right. But, consider the temperature of a car locked up for the day. Try putting a CD on your dash and see what happens.

To recap, there is a glass lens, a rear camera (depending on model), and the ability to handle phone and message traffic.

The units are well made, and look good.

It frees up your mobile, and if your car is a bit older, adds safety features like crash, camera, and speed warnings.

Even in a brand new car, the MiCam GPS gives you a touch screen to access the camera menus etc.

Finally, MiCam Explore includes off-road maps. There is also a version for trucks. It goes where your smart phone would be useless. MiCam has a magnetic mount, and Sensor XL has a slide-on connector, with both units using a suction cup which can be moved so as not to obscure your vision.

WARNING:

When you position you unit, make sure you do not obscure your line of sight, or any safety sensors built in to your car. These are often fount behind the rear-view mirror. While most sensors are flush with the glass, some cars may have a space between the sensor and the glass.

Take car when you mount your cable so that it does not interfere with your airbag.

Prices:

MiCam $369

MiCam Explore $499

MiVUE 1000 XL $299

MiVUE 1100 XL DC $449