Like many drivers, I’ve faced those moments on the road where you wish you had an extra pair of eyes or undeniable proof of what actually happened. Whether it was an unexpected fender bender in stop-and-go traffic or witnessing something questionable unfold ahead, the lack of a reliable record was a constant low-level anxiety. The thought of being in a situation where fault was disputed without any evidence was a real concern, making it crucial to find a solution to capture events clearly, both front and rear. This is where something like a good mirror dash cam could have made a significant difference early on.
Before You Invest in a Vehicle Recording System
Opting for a vehicle recording system, or dash cam, is often driven by the desire for increased safety, peace of mind, and objective evidence in case of an accident or incident. Someone seeking to buy such a device likely spends a good amount of time driving, perhaps commutes frequently, or simply wants to be prepared for the unexpected. The ideal customer for a product like the AZDOME PG17 WiFi Rear View Mirror Camera is someone who wants dual recording capability without cluttering their dashboard or windshield, appreciating an integrated solution that replaces or clips onto their existing rear view mirror. They might also value advanced features like GPS tracking, WiFi connectivity, and parking surveillance. Who might *not* be the best fit? Someone who relies heavily on their standard rear view mirror’s traditional reflective quality (especially at night), or who already has a factory-installed backup camera and doesn’t need that functionality from their dash cam. If you just need basic front recording, a smaller, windshield-mounted unit might suffice. Before purchasing, consider crucial aspects like video resolution (for both front and rear), screen size and usability (is it touch screen?), connectivity options (WiFi, GPS), parking monitoring features (and if they require extra hardware), ease of installation, and overall build quality for reliability.
Introducing the AZDOME PG17 Mirror Camera
Stepping into the world of integrated driving safety, the AZDOME PG17 WiFi Rear View Mirror Camera presents itself as a comprehensive solution. It’s essentially a large digital mirror that clips onto your existing rear view mirror, housing a front-facing camera and connecting to a separate rear camera you install at the back of your vehicle. The promise is a seamless recording experience with enhanced rear visibility displayed on the large touch screen. When you purchase the AZDOME PG17, the package is quite generous, including the main mirror unit, the rear camera with necessary cabling, a car charger, a GPS module, installation tools, a user manual, and a free 64GB TF card to get you started immediately. Compared to traditional dash cams, its form factor is the main difference, aiming for a less conspicuous setup on your windshield and providing a digital rear view. This specific dash cam is ideal for drivers seeking dual recording, a large display, and integrated features like GPS and WiFi, particularly useful if your vehicle lacks a built-in backup camera. It might be less suitable if you prefer minimal technology integration or rely solely on a traditional reflective mirror.
Pros:
* Large 12″ IPS Touch Screen is easy to use and view.
* Dual camera recording (2.5K Front + 1080P Rear) captures good detail.
* Built-in WiFi allows easy access to footage via smartphone app.
* Includes GPS module for tracking speed and route data.
* Comes with a free 64GB SD card.
* Waterproof rear camera allows flexible mounting.
* Provides backup assistance lines when reversing.
Cons:
* The digital mirror can be affected by glare or bright lights at night, potentially hindering traditional rear visibility.
* 24H Parking Mode requires an additional hardwire kit purchase.
* Some users report limitations or blurriness in night recording, especially for the rear camera used as a constant rear view.
* Customer support communication might be challenging for some.
* Potential for isolated hardware issues (e.g., touch screen non-responsiveness out of the box, moisture in the rear camera).
Exploring the Features and Benefits Over Time
Having used the AZDOME PG17 WiFi Rear View Mirror Camera for quite some time, I’ve gotten a real feel for its various functionalities in day-to-day driving. It’s more than just a camera; it integrates several helpful features into one unit.
The 12″ IPS Touch Screen Experience
The most immediate thing you notice is the sheer size of the display. The 12-inch IPS touch screen replaces your standard mirror with a vibrant, large display. After getting used to it, navigating the menus is quite intuitive thanks to the touch interface. You can easily switch views between front, rear, or a split screen showing both simultaneously. I’ve found the split screen particularly useful for keeping an eye on traffic ahead while still monitoring what’s behind me. The brightness is generally good during the day, though direct sunlight can sometimes make it a little harder to see clearly, typical of any screen in bright conditions. At night, the display provides a clear view of the rear camera feed, which is especially helpful if your car’s rear window is blocked by cargo or passengers. However, as noted, intense headlights from vehicles behind you *can* be quite bright on the digital screen, occasionally making it harder to judge distances compared to a traditional dimming mirror.
Dual High-Definition Recording: Front and Rear
The core function is, of course, recording. The AZDOME PG17 records the front view in sharp 2.5K resolution and the rear in 1080P. In good lighting conditions, the front camera captures a remarkable amount of detail – license plates are clear, and road signs are easily readable. This resolution difference means the front footage is definitely primary for capturing crucial details. The 1080P rear camera, while not as high resolution as the front, is perfectly adequate for capturing the actions of vehicles behind you, which is vital in rear-end accidents or disputes. The wide-angle lenses (140 degrees for both) cover multiple lanes and sidewalks, ensuring you get a broad view of the surroundings. Over months of driving in various weather, the recording quality has remained consistent. The captured files are labeled clearly, making it easy to find specific recordings if needed.
Seamless Connectivity with Built-in WiFi
The built-in WiFi is a feature I didn’t think I’d use much initially, but it’s become indispensable. Being able to connect my smartphone to the dash cam via the AZDOME app allows me to view live footage, review recorded videos, and download clips directly to my phone without needing to remove the SD card. This is incredibly convenient if you witness something you want to save quickly or if you need to check footage right after an incident. The connection range is decent, usually working reliably when I’m inside or standing right next to the car. Playback through the app is smooth, and the download process is straightforward. It removes the hassle of transferring files via a computer, which is a big plus for quick access.
GPS Tracking for Comprehensive Data
The included GPS module is a small addition that provides significant value. It plugs into the unit and quietly records your driving data alongside the video. Using the AZDOME GPS Player software on a computer, you can view your route overlaid on a map, see your speed at any given moment, and even check latitude and longitude coordinates. For documenting journeys or providing irrefutable evidence in a collision, this data is invaluable. It adds another layer of credibility to the video footage, confirming location, speed, and time stamps precisely. I’ve found it reliable in tracking my routes, and the software is simple enough to use when reviewing trips.
Reliable Rear View: IP68 Waterproof Camera and Parking Assistance
The rear camera is built tough with an IP68 waterproof rating, meaning it can withstand rain, snow, and dust when mounted externally, typically near the license plate. This external mounting is great for getting a clear view without the rear window obscuring anything. I’ve driven through heavy rain, and the camera has continued to function without issue. When you engage reverse gear (requires proper wiring), the screen automatically displays the rear camera feed with adjustable parking assistance lines. This backup view is clear and wide-angled, making parallel parking and backing into tight spots much easier and safer. It’s a feature I’ve come to rely on heavily, especially in larger vehicles or when visibility out the back is limited. However, as mentioned earlier, the *night vision* aspect when using it as a constant digital mirror replacement is not perfect; very bright headlights can cause significant glare and make it hard to see detail behind the blinding light source.
Always Watching: Parking Modes
The AZDOME PG17 offers two parking surveillance modes: Collision Detection and Time-lapse recording. The Collision Detection mode uses the built-in G-Sensor to detect sudden impacts while the car is parked and automatically records a short, locked video clip. This is great for capturing hit-and-runs or vandalism. The Time-lapse mode records continuous footage at a low frame rate, condensing hours of parking into minutes of video – useful for monitoring longer periods. It’s important to note, as highlighted by the manufacturer, that enabling 24-hour parking surveillance requires purchasing an additional hardwire kit. Without it, the dash cam relies on its internal battery or main car power, which usually only works for a short time after the ignition is off or until the car’s power saving mode kicks in. So, for true 24/7 monitoring, factor in the cost and installation of the hardwire kit.
Peace of Mind with an Included 64GB Card and G-Sensor
A nice touch that sets this dash cam apart is the inclusion of a free 64GB TF card. While the camera supports up to 128GB, having a card included means you can install and start recording right out of the box. A 64GB card provides a decent amount of recording time before loop recording overwrites the oldest files. The G-Sensor is another standard but crucial safety feature. It detects sudden movements, like those experienced in a collision, and automatically locks the current video file to prevent it from being overwritten by loop recording. This ensures that critical footage from an incident is saved and easily accessible later. I’ve had the G-Sensor trigger on rough roads or hard braking, which shows its sensitivity and readiness to protect important files.
What Others Have Experienced
Looking around online, it seems many users share positive experiences with the AZDOME PG17. People frequently mention the ease of installation, with some noting that even less experienced users found it manageable, particularly praising the ample length of the power and rear camera cables allowing for neat routing. The picture quality is often highlighted as impressive during the day, and the large touch screen is generally well-received for its clarity and ease of use. Many find the included SD card a great bonus, and the utility of the backup camera feature for reversing is a recurring positive point, especially when the rear window is obstructed. However, some reviews echo my own findings regarding nighttime performance, particularly for the rear camera being used as a primary mirror replacement, citing blurriness or blinding from headlights. A few users have also reported isolated issues like moisture getting into the rear camera or the touch screen not working correctly from the start, though these seem less common. Overall, the sentiment leans towards positive, particularly for the feature set and value provided by the rear view mirror camera.
Final Thoughts on the AZDOME PG17
In conclusion, having a reliable way to document your time on the road is becoming increasingly important in today’s driving environment. The potential complications of not having evidence in the event of an accident – from disputed claims to financial headaches – make a strong case for investing in a quality recording system. The AZDOME PG17 WiFi Rear View Mirror Camera offers several compelling reasons why it’s a great fit to solve this problem. Its dual high-definition cameras cover both front and rear, the large touch screen provides an excellent interface and improved rear visibility (especially during the day), and features like built-in WiFi and GPS add significant utility for reviewing and documenting drives. If you’re looking for an integrated dash cam solution that replaces your mirror and offers a wealth of features, this model is definitely worth considering. Click here to learn more and check out the product page.