As someone who spends a significant amount of time on the road, I often found myself wishing for better visibility, especially when dealing with blind spots or trying to back up safely in tight spots. The inherent limitations of standard mirrors, particularly in larger vehicles or those with obstructed rear windows, created constant anxiety. It wasn’t just a minor inconvenience; poor visibility could lead to accidents, damage to my vehicle, or even endanger others. Finding a solution to this persistent problem was crucial for my peace of mind and safety while driving.
When considering a product category designed to enhance driver visibility and provide recording capabilities, potential buyers are typically looking to overcome the challenges posed by standard mirrors, such as blind spots, limited rear views (especially in vans, SUVs, or vehicles loaded with cargo), and the need for documentation in case of accidents or incidents. The ideal customer for a mirror dash cam system is someone who prioritizes safety, wants to reduce parking stress, drives frequently, or wants a discreet recording solution that integrates seamlessly with their vehicle’s interior. This type of product might not be for someone who rarely drives, has a vehicle with excellent, unobstructed rear visibility, or prefers a non-integrated dash camera solution that clips onto the existing mirror or mounts separately on the windshield or dashboard. Before committing to a purchase, potential buyers should consider key factors like video resolution (1080P is a common standard), screen size and display quality (anti-glare is a big plus), installation type (OEM bracket mount offers a cleaner look than strap-on), features like parking monitoring and loop recording, night vision performance, reliability, and customer support. Compatibility with their specific vehicle’s mirror mount is also paramount for OEM-style installations.
Introducing the AUTO-VOX V5PRO
Stepping up to address these common driving frustrations is the AUTO-VOX V5PRO 1080P 9.35” OEM Rear View Mirror Camera. This system replaces your vehicle’s existing rear-view mirror with a large, 9.35-inch full laminated touch screen that serves as both a traditional mirror and a digital display for live video streams from the front and rear cameras. The promise here is significantly improved visibility, reduced blind spots, and the added security of continuous recording, all wrapped in an OEM-like package that minimizes clutter. The V5PRO mirror dash cam comes complete with the main mirror unit, a front camera (integrated), a rear camera, necessary wiring (including a hardwire kit for direct connection to the fuse box), GPS module, and several bracket adapters designed to fit a wide range of vehicles. Compared to previous versions like the X1 Pro, the V5PRO boasts a thinner profile and integrates the GPS cable into the main harness, simplifying installation. It’s designed for drivers seeking a clean, factory-installed look who want enhanced safety features like a wide-angle rear view and reliable recording. It might not be the best fit for someone unwilling to undertake minor wiring or trimming for installation, or those who require specific features like zoom capabilities or front cameras separate from the mirror unit due to vehicle-specific windshield shrouds.
Pros:
* OEM-like appearance and bracket mount reduces vibration and clutter.
* Dual 1080P cameras provide clear front and rear recording.
* Full laminated, anti-glare touch screen improves visibility in various lighting.
* Reliable parking monitoring directly wired to the fuse box.
* Excellent customer support standing behind the product.
Cons:
* Front camera position may be suboptimal for some left-hand drive vehicles.
* Video playback software doesn’t stamp GPS/speed info on the video file itself.
* Limited to 64GB SD cards for optimal stability.
* Cannot easily add additional cameras (e.g., side views).
Key Capabilities and Advantages
The real value of the AUTO-VOX V5PRO system lies in its array of features designed to enhance driving safety and security. Having used this mirror camera for car for an extended period, I can attest to how these capabilities translate into tangible benefits on the road.
**Dual 1080P High-Definition Recording**
The core function is, of course, recording. Both the integrated front camera and the external rear camera capture footage in FHD 1080P resolution. In practice, this means the video is sharp and detailed enough to clearly make out important information like license plates, road signs, and the specifics of incidents. This high resolution is critical because the primary purpose of a dash cam is often to provide irrefutable evidence. Whether it’s identifying another vehicle involved in a collision or simply documenting road conditions, the clarity provided by 1080P resolution front and rear ensures that vital details aren’t lost. This capability offers significant peace of mind, knowing that your journeys are being documented with sufficient fidelity should the need arise.
**OEM Look and Bracket Mount Installation**
One of the most appealing aspects of the V5PRO is its design. Unlike many aftermarket dash cams that strap onto your existing mirror, this system is designed to replace it entirely using a bracket mount. Four common adapters are included, aiming to cover 90% of vehicles. This OE-style installation makes the system look like it came factory-equipped with your car, providing a clean and integrated appearance with no visible wires cluttering the dash or dangling around the original mirror. More importantly, this rigid bracket mount drastically reduces vibration, which is a common issue with strap-on mirrors, especially on bumpy roads. A stable mount means the video footage is smoother and less shaky, making it easier to view and ensuring that details remain clear even during motion. This level of integration also contributes to a less distracting driving environment.
**Anti-Glare Full Laminated Touch Screen**
The 9.35-inch screen is a central component, and its quality is paramount. The rear view mirror dash cam utilizes a full laminated screen. This technology minimizes the gap between the display panel and the touch surface, which is highly effective at reducing glare from strong sunlight during the day. Bright sun can render non-laminated screens nearly unusable, but the V5PRO’s screen remains visible and functional. This anti-glare property is a significant safety advantage, as it ensures you can always see the live rear view feed or interact with the touch controls without struggling against reflections. The touch functionality itself is generally responsive, allowing quick access to settings or recording controls with a tap or swipe.
**Super Night Vision and Anti-Overexposure**
Driving at night presents its own set of visibility challenges, particularly dealing with the dazzling headlights of vehicles behind you. The V5PRO addresses this with sensors (specifically IMX307 mentioned) combined with WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) technology in both cameras. WDR helps balance exposure across the image, preventing bright areas (like headlights) from completely washing out darker areas. The result is a significantly clearer night view compared to many standard mirrors or cameras. Headlights appear less blinding, and you can still discern details in the darker surroundings. This “super night vision” makes reversing or checking traffic behind you in low light conditions much safer and less stressful, enhancing overall nighttime driving awareness.
**Reliable Parking Monitoring with Smart Battery Protection**
For many, a key reason to get a dash cam is for protection while parked. The AUTO-VOX V5PRO mirror camera offers 24-hour parking monitoring without needing a separate hardwire kit or tapping into the cigarette lighter. It’s designed to connect directly to the car’s fuse box (ACC) for constant power. This setup means the system isn’t reliant on the fluctuating power from a cigarette lighter socket and provides reliable monitoring. The system automatically detects collisions when the car is parked and off, triggering a brief recording (typically 30 seconds). A crucial benefit is the smart battery protection: after recording the incident, the system shuts down, preventing it from draining your car’s battery completely. This feature is invaluable for catching hit-and-runs or vandalism while your vehicle is unattended.
**Multi-Functions for Comprehensive Protection**
Beyond the core recording and display capabilities, the V5PRO incorporates several standard but essential dash cam functions. Loop recording ensures that recording is continuous; when the storage card is full, the oldest *unlocked* video files are automatically overwritten by new footage. This means you never have to manually clear the card (unless you need to save specific files). G-sensor functionality detects sudden shocks or collisions and automatically locks the current video file, preventing it from being overwritten in the loop recording process. This ensures that footage from an accident is safely preserved.
**GPS Playback**
An included GPS module adds another layer of utility. While driving, the GPS records accurate speed and position data. This data is then linked to the video footage. AUTO-VOX provides dedicated playback software for Windows and Mac, which allows you to watch the video synchronized with a map displaying your location and showing data like speed, direction, and even G-force. This feature is incredibly valuable as evidence, as it provides objective data about your speed and location at the time of an event. Although the GPS/speed info isn’t stamped directly onto the video file itself (which some users might prefer for broader compatibility), the dedicated player works well for review.
**Viewing Angle Adjustment**
The large touch screen makes adjusting the camera view incredibly intuitive. With a simple swipe up or down on the screen while viewing the rear camera feed, you can change the vertical angle of the view. This is particularly useful for adapting the view based on parking situations (looking down closer to the bumper) or checking distant traffic on the highway. This flexibility ensures you get the best possible view of what’s behind you in any given situation.
**Integrated Fuse Installation**
The power connection method is a thoughtful design choice. By connecting directly to the vehicle’s fuse box via the included hardwire kit, the AUTO-VOX V5PRO benefits from a stable power source. The kit includes in-line fuses, protecting the device and the vehicle’s electrical system from abnormal current spikes. This method is much more reliable than using a potentially loose or overloaded cigarette lighter adapter and contributes to the system’s longevity and reliable performance, especially for features like the 24-hour parking monitor.
Despite its many strengths, it’s worth noting a few drawbacks. As mentioned, the front camera is fixed on the right side of the mirror unit. While this is fine for right-hand drive countries, it can mean the camera is partially obscured by the vehicle’s mirror shroud on some left-hand drive models, slightly impacting the field of view. Also, the lack of direct speed or GPS stamping on the video files themselves means you *must* use the specific AUTO-VOX player to see that data, which can be inconvenient if you just want to quickly review a video clip on any standard player. Finally, while the provided 64GB recommendation is stable, users reporting issues with larger cards indicate a potential limitation on maximum storage for continuous recording.
Overall, the long-term use of the AUTO-VOX V5PRO rear view mirror camera demonstrates its robust feature set, reliable performance, and thoughtful, integrated design. The benefits in terms of enhanced visibility, security, and ease of use have significantly improved my daily driving experience.
What Others Are Saying
Having spent considerable time with the AUTO-VOX V5PRO, I also looked online to see what other long-term users think. Reviews consistently highlight the excellent video quality, particularly the clear night vision and the benefits of the large, anti-glare touchscreen. Many users praise the OEM-style installation and how it looks like a factory part, noting the stability compared to strap-on models. The helpfulness and responsiveness of Auto-Vox customer service are frequently mentioned as a major positive. Drivers of larger vehicles, especially vans, find the wide-angle rear view significantly improves safety. Some users did point out minor concerns, such as the front camera placement for left-hand drive cars or the desire for speed/GPS data embedded in the video files, but the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many recommending it as a high-quality and reliable system.
Final Thoughts
Poor visibility and the potential for incidents are real concerns for any driver. The stress of blind spots, difficult parking situations, and the need for reliable evidence can detract from the driving experience. The AUTO-VOX V5PRO 1080P 9.35” OEM Rear View Mirror Camera offers a compelling solution to these problems. Its dual 1080P recording provides crucial documentation, the large anti-glare screen enhances visibility, and the OEM bracket mount offers a clean, stable installation that looks great. For anyone seeking to significantly improve their situational awareness and add a layer of security with a discreet, reliable dash cam, the V5PRO is an excellent fit. Don’t wait to enhance your driving safety and gain peace of mind on the road. To learn more and purchase this fantastic rear view mirror camera system, Click here to check it out.