I don't necessarily care about a screen but it would be nice if there was a small battery (lasts 6-12 hours) that could keep the camera in some type of stand-by mode and turned on if a g force shock was detected
you can buy the adaptor that plugs into the car's OBD port for constant power. which works fine on my wife's '08 jeep.. but constantly drained my '19 nissan sentra battery. even when set on 10 min or 8 hour delay (not 24/7 power).
I have their best one in my front and a mini 2 for a rear camera. I'm checking this out to see if/when my mini 2 quits working if the mini 3 will be worth it. The polarized lens cover is pretty good. But there cameras out there with the same price that have 4k resolution. I just think exporting footage from the Garmin cameras is easier than their other brands out there from what I've seen.
the round focal bezel holding the lens looks 3d printed, which leads to the question what material is that and whether it can withstand uv and high temperatures. the only big plus here compared to the mini 2 looks like the usb c addition and the circular polarising filter. disappointing about the video quality, but i guess 4k runs too hot for a tiny formfactor. i don’t care about cloud but it would be nice if you could access the dashcam remotely with its wifi to a wifi hotspot to check on your car without relying on a third party service. what country was all that traffic footage taken? i see cyrillic writing. спасибо.
i really like the garmin mini 1 i have, its small and good software. but the mini 2 and mini 3 do not seem worth the upgrade price to me. i was hoping for more resolution.
Awesome review! The polarized lens is a nice feature, but the overall experience otherwise doesn't necessarily warrant the upgrade from something like the existing Mini 2 in my opinion (which I've had for a few years now). Plenty of excellent options available in the market these days at this price point, most of whom offer a microSD card packaged.
The only reason to buy this, is if you need to easy move the dashcam between 2 cars or truck. Because of the ball mounting system. But of you just need one dashcam, just get a Viofo or 70mai!!
Wondering what the secong camera was that you campared it to? How much is the subscription for the garmin? I was thinking this would a cheaper option but all the extras u have to pay for just make it seem like its not worth it n to just go for the expensive ones
I don't have any need for screens on the camera. I'm driving the Mini2 after your review a couple of years back. I'm...... not as... pleased with the image quality as with my former Blackvue DR650X, but the price i got the 2pcs Mini2, is definately worth the value. I bought 2 mini2 for the pice of almost only 1 Blackvue DR650-1CH and that's including the microsd card from Samsung. I'm not going to upgrade to the Mini3 based on this video, i'm sure. The specs are not overwhelming and i'm pretty sure, that if you did a compare between the two mini2 and mini3, no apparent diffenrences would pop up, between perhaps the built-in filter ability. None the less, thanks for the review. Was seeing forward for this. But am not gonna buy a Mini3 this time.
I don't want to have to pay extra money for subscriptions or applications/WiFi. I don't need a smartphone hook up, but it is ok for an option. I need an easy install with no hardwiring. I don't care about parking mode. What is very important to me is that I want to use 256K SAN DISK MEMORY CARD that I can remove from dashcam and insert SD MEMORY SANDISK CARD into home computer to retrieve data for police/insurance/law firm for evidence. Would you suggest getting 2 Garmin Mini 3 dashcams, one for the front windshield, and one for inside of rearhatchback for COMPLETE COVERAGE ??? OR What BRAND/ DASHCAM do you recommend for the above setup WITH SAN DISK 256K MEMORY CARD since the GARMIN MINI 3 appears to be inadequate?
Great down-to-earth honest review loved it! I've been using dash cams since around 2010 seeing many advancements in the dash cam space over those years. In my opinion the Garmin Mini 3 is a huge bust since it barely rivals its predecessor's in terms of, video resolution, 2.4GHz WiFi, no GPS, price, etc. As for the user experience, that's a poor excuse IMO since most dash cams end up being a "set it-and-forget it" affair only requiring the occasional access (via WiFi/app) to view or download recorded footage.
Do you know why my video is now red. You can still make out the car shape but it like there’s a red shade over the image. Like being is a dark room for film development . Thanks.
Not sure why you want anything more than this. It’s not like you’re gonna be looking at the camera while driving. I have the mini 2 and only had to use the footage once for an insurance claim. Apart from That I never think about it
За такива пари НЯМА НИКАКЪВ ШАНС... Едното известно има не прави посредственият продукт по-качествен- прави го силно надценен боклук... Или една идея над боклук...
Overpriced and horrible video quality. No manual focus settings, I can't even read the licence plate in front of me in broad daylight in live view mode with a distance of 2.5 meters. That's how bad it is. And no removable suction attachment😢
Much more value in this critical review than other reviews only discussing the positive features.
👍
I don't necessarily care about a screen but it would be nice if there was a small battery (lasts 6-12 hours) that could keep the camera in some type of stand-by mode and turned on if a g force shock was detected
Good.point! There is a parking mode option and there are some good 3rd party battery kits.
you can buy the adaptor that plugs into the car's OBD port for constant power. which works fine on my wife's '08 jeep.. but constantly drained my '19 nissan sentra battery. even when set on 10 min or 8 hour delay (not 24/7 power).
One thing that's really drawing me to Garmin is the voice control to lock videos. Image quality is important but so is the price point.
Good point!
I have their best one in my front and a mini 2 for a rear camera. I'm checking this out to see if/when my mini 2 quits working if the mini 3 will be worth it. The polarized lens cover is pretty good. But there cameras out there with the same price that have 4k resolution. I just think exporting footage from the Garmin cameras is easier than their other brands out there from what I've seen.
Very true - the overall app experience and access to footage is significantly easier.
Great review
Thank you
Wish you could’ve discussed what’s the difference v2 vs v3
It is well mentioned in the video. The ND filter and the fact that the camera is now horizontally aligned.
the round focal bezel holding the lens looks 3d printed, which leads to the question what material is that and whether it can withstand uv and high temperatures. the only big plus here compared to the mini 2 looks like the usb c addition and the circular polarising filter. disappointing about the video quality, but i guess 4k runs too hot for a tiny formfactor.
i don’t care about cloud but it would be nice if you could access the dashcam remotely with its wifi to a wifi hotspot to check on your car without relying on a third party service.
what country was all that traffic footage taken? i see cyrillic writing. спасибо.
The quality of the plastic is good. Build quality is decent overall.
As for the plates - it is all filmed in Sofia, Bulgaria. ♥️
i really like the garmin mini 1 i have, its small and good software. but the mini 2 and mini 3 do not seem worth the upgrade price to me. i was hoping for more resolution.
Agreed ♥️
You have to consider its size. You can really compare all those features with others that are bigger and has more features.
Insta360 Go is much smaller and MUCH better.
Are there any other cams, though, that are about this size that are better? I want something tiny.
There used to be a few from Navitel.
Awesome review! The polarized lens is a nice feature, but the overall experience otherwise doesn't necessarily warrant the upgrade from something like the existing Mini 2 in my opinion (which I've had for a few years now). Plenty of excellent options available in the market these days at this price point, most of whom offer a microSD card packaged.
Totally agree to what you say. Garmin could have done better with a new sensor at least.
you said 1080p in the video but 1440 in the description?
Oh, I must correct that
The only reason to buy this, is if you need to easy move the dashcam between 2 cars or truck. Because of the ball mounting system. But of you just need one dashcam, just get a Viofo or 70mai!!
👍👍
Wondering what the secong camera was that you campared it to? How much is the subscription for the garmin? I was thinking this would a cheaper option but all the extras u have to pay for just make it seem like its not worth it n to just go for the expensive ones
It was a 70Mai A500 - costs less and performs better.
As for the subscription - I don't think it makes much sense since this is not a 4G dashcam.
Very good review
But not sure about wifi part
Which wifi should i connect to the camera
Your home Wifi. If the car is parked near the Wifi router and you have parking mode - you will be able to access it.
I don't have any need for screens on the camera. I'm driving the Mini2 after your review a couple of years back.
I'm...... not as... pleased with the image quality as with my former Blackvue DR650X, but the price i got the 2pcs Mini2, is definately worth the value.
I bought 2 mini2 for the pice of almost only 1 Blackvue DR650-1CH and that's including the microsd card from Samsung.
I'm not going to upgrade to the Mini3 based on this video, i'm sure. The specs are not overwhelming and i'm pretty sure, that if you did a compare between the two mini2 and mini3, no apparent diffenrences would pop up, between perhaps the built-in filter ability.
None the less, thanks for the review. Was seeing forward for this. But am not gonna buy a Mini3 this time.
Yeah, better check some other models. Anything with Sony Starvis 2 is awesome.
I just bought a vanture e1 , the camera is not wide like my garmin mini 2, so I am looking at 3. Does this camera has continuous video recording?
Yeah, it sure does.
How is the E1? Are you happy with it? I have EW, it's okay, I just don't like the mounting that much...
I don't want to have to pay extra money for subscriptions or applications/WiFi. I don't need a smartphone hook up, but it is ok for an option. I need an easy install with no hardwiring. I don't care about parking mode. What is very important to me is that I want to use 256K SAN DISK MEMORY CARD that I can remove from dashcam and insert SD MEMORY SANDISK CARD into home computer to retrieve data for police/insurance/law firm for evidence.
Would you suggest getting 2 Garmin Mini 3 dashcams, one for the front windshield, and one for inside of rearhatchback for COMPLETE COVERAGE ???
OR
What BRAND/ DASHCAM do you recommend for the above setup WITH SAN DISK 256K MEMORY CARD since the GARMIN MINI 3 appears to be inadequate?
Good review. Walmart & Amazon has it on sale for 135 right now. Only reason I grabbed one was so I could throw my Mini 2 in my wife's car :)
Your gays 😂
That price is great!
Great down-to-earth honest review loved it! I've been using dash cams since around 2010 seeing many advancements in the dash cam space over those years. In my opinion the Garmin Mini 3 is a huge bust since it barely rivals its predecessor's in terms of, video resolution, 2.4GHz WiFi, no GPS, price, etc. As for the user experience, that's a poor excuse IMO since most dash cams end up being a "set it-and-forget it" affair only requiring the occasional access (via WiFi/app) to view or download recorded footage.
Totally agree with you 👍🏼
So what would be a good choice for a small dash cam for front and rear cameras? Overall recommend?
Check some of 70 Mai or Viofo models
Do you know why my video is now red. You can still make out the car shape but it like there’s a red shade over the image. Like being is a dark room for film development . Thanks.
Soubds like a hardware issue, unfortunately
Because a horizontal view is much better than a vertical. Did you ask earlier in the video that you didn't understand why they did this?
It mostly depends on how the image sensor is installed. Pretty sure Gen 2 has it mounted in the same way.
Hi. Should I Go for Galaxy Fit 3 or MI band 9?
Price is almost the same here in my region. Please do suggest me 😢
Both are lovely. I tend to prefer the Fit 3
the lens on my mini 2 broke after nearly two years, the mini 3 is a joke for that price imo. Sadly there isn't any camera that small on the market.
Yeah, small cameras are not that many...
review The At s81tr please
Saw the request already. Still considering it.
Not sure why you want anything more than this. It’s not like you’re gonna be looking at the camera while driving. I have the mini 2 and only had to use the footage once for an insurance claim. Apart from
That I never think about it
I'd like to get better image quality. The rest is good
It would be helpful to list those dashcams you see as direct (and possibly better) competitors
70Mai A500 /810, Viofo models. Plenty of them. Anything using Sony Starvis 2 is superb.
I'd perfer to have this mini 3 at least it is from Taiwan, isn't made in China.
Good point
Garmin just selling their name these days.
Well ... Sounds like they did some really good job at some point 😊
most of the features require a subscription. SCREW that.
Only the cloud ones. Which with this camera are not that important
Garmin is the iPhone of the industry
🧐
За такива пари НЯМА НИКАКЪВ ШАНС... Едното известно има не прави посредственият продукт по-качествен- прави го силно надценен боклук... Или една идея над боклук...
Можело да е се постараят повечко, определено.
It looks like a Walmart YADA 49.99 camera. My Asani starivs 1 camera for 60 dollars on Amazon is a lot better.
🥸
Overpriced and horrible video quality. No manual focus settings, I can't even read the licence plate in front of me in broad daylight in live view mode with a distance of 2.5 meters. That's how bad it is. And no removable suction attachment😢
The suction cup is optional.
As for the video quality - it could have been much better indeed.
What is one that u would recommend?
I have mini 2 its brilliant image quality is amazing its a dash cam mate relax