Stepping into my vehicle each day, I used to feel a familiar pang of une safety. Driving on increasingly busy roads, navigating tight parking lots, and simply having peace of mind that I had an objective witness in case of an incident was a constant worry. This problem needed a definitive solution; the thought of being involved in an accident or a parking lot ding with no evidence to back up my story was a significant concern. Without a reliable recording system, dealing with insurance claims or proving innocence in disputes could become incredibly complicated and stressful.
Before diving into a specific model, it’s crucial to understand why you might need a dash cam in the first place. Dash cams serve as your vehicle’s vigilant eyes, providing recorded evidence in the event of accidents, capturing incidents of road rage, documenting reckless drivers, or even protecting your parked vehicle from bumps and vandalism. Anyone who spends significant time on the road, particularly commuters, professional drivers, or those with new or valuable vehicles, would benefit immensely from this layer of security. However, if you rarely drive, or if your primary concern is just a basic parking sensor and not recorded evidence, a full dash cam system might be overkill. For very infrequent drivers, simpler parking aids might suffice.
When considering a dash cam, think about these factors: the number of channels you need (front, front/rear, front/interior/rear), video resolution and clarity (especially for night vision), features like GPS (for speed and location data), G-sensor (for impact detection and file locking), loop recording (to prevent the card from filling up), and parking monitoring (requires constant power). The mounting type is also important – some suction cup to the windshield, others replace or strap onto the rearview mirror. Finally, consider storage capacity and ease of accessing footage.
Introducing the PORMIDO Triple Mirror Dash Cam
After years of using various dash cam setups, I stumbled upon the PORMIDO Triple Mirror Dash Cam 12″. This isn’t just a front and rear recorder; it’s an ambitious system that promises comprehensive 3-channel coverage – recording simultaneously from the front, rear, and interior of your vehicle. It comes as a 12-inch mirror screen designed to strap over your existing rearview mirror, along with the three separate cameras, necessary cables, mounting hardware, a GPS antenna, a 32GB SD card to get you started, and an installation tool.
This particular model is designed for drivers who want maximum recording coverage and desire the flexibility of placing cameras where they work best, especially in vehicles where integrated camera placement might be difficult or where a clear view of the interior is needed (for ride-share drivers, parents, or security). It stands out from typical mirror dash cams that have the front camera built directly into the mirror unit, offering detached cameras for more versatile installation. It’s likely not the best fit if you want the absolute smallest, most discreet single-channel camera, or if you specifically require 4K resolution (this model records at 1296P front/1080P interior/1080P rear).
Here’s a quick look at the advantages and drawbacks I’ve experienced:
Pros:
* True 3-channel simultaneous recording (front, interior, rear).
* Detached cameras offer significant installation flexibility.
* 12-inch anti-glare screen provides a wide view and functions as a normal mirror when off.
* Excellent night vision performance with Sony Sensor and Starvis technology.
* GPS tracks speed, route, and location.
* Useful features like Loop Recording, G-Sensor, and Parking Monitoring.
* Touch screen interface is responsive and easy to navigate.
* Long rear camera cable is suitable for larger vehicles.
* Customer service is generally responsive and helpful.
Cons:
* Requires a hardwire kit (sold separately) for continuous parking monitoring without draining the main car battery.
* The mirror screen can still be quite bright at night, even on the lowest setting.
* Managing the multiple cables can be challenging for a clean installation.
* Included installation tool might not be sufficient for all vehicle trims.
* No direct mobile app connectivity for viewing/downloading files; requires removing the SD card.
* The included internal camera cable can be short depending on desired mounting location.
Key Features and How They Help
Having used the PORMIDO Triple Mirror Dash Cam for quite some time now, I can speak to how its features perform in real-world, long-term use. It’s these specific capabilities that make it a valuable addition to my vehicle.
Three Channels for Comprehensive Coverage
The headline feature, the ability to record simultaneously from the front, interior, and rear cameras, is a game-changer. Most dash cams offer one or two channels. Adding the interior camera means you have a complete 360-degree recording of events happening around and *within* your vehicle. This is invaluable for ride-share drivers needing proof of passenger behavior, parents wanting to keep an eye on kids in the back, or simply having evidence if someone were to enter your vehicle. I’ve found it particularly reassuring to know that every angle is covered, whether I’m driving or parked. The system records files for each camera separately on the SD card, making it easy to find the footage you need, even if you’re only displaying one view on the screen at the time. This simultaneous recording is active regardless of which camera view you choose to display on the mirror, ensuring you never miss anything from any perspective.
Anti-Glare and Wide 12-Inch Screen
The 12-inch touch screen replaces your standard rearview mirror. What sets PORMIDO apart here is the anti-glare, full-laminated screen. In my experience, this feature makes a real difference. Driving directly into low sun or having bright headlights behind you at night can render traditional mirror screens useless or blinding. This screen significantly reduces glare, providing a clearer, more usable image even in challenging lighting conditions. When the screen is off, it functions as a standard, albeit larger, mirror. The wide 12-inch size also gives you a much broader view behind your vehicle compared to a smaller mirror or even some factory backup cameras, helping to eliminate blind spots, as many users have noted.
Detached Cameras for Flexible Installation
Unlike many mirror dash cams where the front camera is fixed to the mirror body, the PORMIDO dash cam features detached front and interior cameras. This might seem like a small detail, but it offers tremendous flexibility. You can place the front camera optimally on the windshield without being limited by the mirror’s position. This is especially useful if your car’s existing mirror shape interferes with a camera body, or if you use a sunshade – you can position the front camera below the shade line, ensuring it can still record parking incidents even when the windshield is covered. The interior camera can also be mounted independently, perhaps facing forward to capture the driver and front passenger, or backward towards the rear seats. This adaptability is a major advantage for fitting the system into diverse vehicle interiors and ensuring the cameras capture exactly what you need them to.
High-Quality Recording and Night Vision
Recording at 1296P for the front camera and 1080P for the interior and rear cameras, the system provides sharp, clear video footage. Paired with the Sony Sensor and Starvis technology, the night vision performance is particularly impressive. I’ve been genuinely surprised by how well this unit captures detail in low light. Headlights from other cars are managed well with HDR technology, preventing overexposure and allowing you to still make out important details like license plates. This superior night vision drastically improves safety and recording quality during evening or early morning drives.
Built-in GPS Functionality
The included GPS antenna adds another layer of data to your recordings. It logs your speed, route, and location data, embedding it into the video files. This information can be crucial additional evidence in an accident scenario, verifying your speed and the precise location of the event. The system can also display your current speed on the screen, and some users have noted options for speed alerts, though with somewhat limited increment settings. The GPS adds verifiable context to the visual evidence provided by the cameras.
Essential Recording Features: Loop Recording and G-Sensor
Standard for most quality dash cams, this unit includes Loop Recording and a G-Sensor. Loop recording ensures that when your memory card is full, the oldest unprotected files are automatically overwritten by new footage, allowing for continuous recording without manual intervention. The G-sensor detects sudden impacts or vibrations (like a collision or a hard bump). When triggered, it automatically locks the current video file, preventing it from being overwritten during loop recording. You can adjust the sensitivity of the G-sensor depending on your vehicle and typical road conditions to avoid triggering it unnecessarily or to ensure it catches even minor incidents.
Parking Monitoring for Added Security
With the addition of a compatible hardwire kit (note: sold separately, and specific models are recommended for full compatibility), the PORMIDO mirror dash cam supports parking monitoring. This feature allows the camera system to continue recording or to activate and record when it detects impact or vibration after your vehicle is turned off. It provides protection against hit-and-runs or vandalism while parked. The compatible hardwire kit also typically includes battery protection, shutting down the dash cam if your car battery voltage drops too low, preventing it from being drained completely – a common concern with dash cam parking modes. Without the hardwire kit, the parking monitor functionality relies on the cigarette lighter socket, which often turns off with the ignition, limiting its usefulness for true 24/7 surveillance.
Adjustable Reverse Lines and Long Cables
When connected to your vehicle’s reverse light (an optional but recommended step), the rear camera view automatically displays on the screen when you shift into reverse. The system allows you to adjust the parking assist lines on the screen to accurately match the dimensions and trajectory of your specific vehicle, which is a practical feature for drivers who rely on backup cameras. PORMIDO also includes a generous 33ft rear camera cable, which is long enough for most cars, SUVs, and even some larger vehicles. For very long trucks, RVs, or trailers, longer cables are available for purchase separately. This foresight with cable length addresses a common frustration with dash cam installations in bigger vehicles.
Touch Screen Interface and Ease of Use
The 12-inch IPS touch screen is generally very responsive and makes navigating the menu and settings straightforward. You can easily switch between displaying single camera views (front, interior, or rear), or a split screen showing multiple views simultaneously. Reviewing recorded footage directly on the mirror is also possible, which is convenient for quickly checking an event without needing to remove the SD card and use another device. While the settings are locked during recording (a safety feature to prevent distraction while driving), stopping the recording allows full access to adjust configurations or playback videos.
Build Quality and Temperature Resistance
The cameras and the mirror unit feel reasonably solid. The rear camera is waterproof, designed for exterior mounting if desired (though interior mounting is also possible and protects it from the elements and dirt). PORMIDO highlights high-temperature resistance, which is crucial for dash cams mounted in cars exposed to direct sunlight, potentially extending the lifespan compared to units prone to overheating. My unit has held up well over time, operating reliably through different seasons.
While the system boasts many strengths, a couple of points bear repeating from the ‘Cons’ list. The cable management for three cameras, GPS, and power can be a bit of a challenge to route neatly, resulting in a cluster of wires near the rearview mirror if not carefully tucked away. Also, the lack of a mobile app for easy wireless access to footage means physically removing the SD card is the only way to transfer files, which feels a bit dated compared to some competitors.
What Others Are Saying
I’ve checked out what other users think online, and it seems my positive experience is shared by many. People frequently praise the three-channel recording capability and the flexibility provided by the detached cameras, finding it particularly useful for larger vehicles or specific monitoring needs like keeping an eye on passengers. The wide, anti-glare mirror screen and excellent night vision are also commonly highlighted as significant improvements over standard dash cams or factory rearview mirrors. Many users appreciate the responsiveness of the touchscreen and the inclusion of essential features like GPS and parking monitoring (when hardwired). While some mention the challenge of hiding all the cables and the need for the separate hardwire kit, the overall sentiment is that this system offers a robust and versatile solution for comprehensive vehicle recording and enhanced visibility, often backed by positive comments about customer support responsiveness.
Putting It All Together (Conclusion)
Ultimately, driving without the security of a dash cam system in today’s world leaves you vulnerable to disputes and complications in the event of an incident. The lack of objective evidence can turn a simple fender bender into a stressful ordeal involving insurance companies and potentially legal battles. The PORMIDO Triple Mirror Dash Cam 12″ offers a compelling solution to this problem.
This unit is a great fit because, first, its unique three-camera system provides unparalleled recording coverage inside and outside your vehicle. Second, the detached cameras and large, anti-glare mirror screen offer superior installation flexibility and visibility compared to many alternatives. Finally, features like excellent night vision, GPS, and reliable parking monitoring (with the hardwire kit) give you essential tools for safety and evidence collection around the clock.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive, versatile, and reliable dash cam solution that covers all angles, I highly recommend considering this system. Click here to check out the PORMIDO Triple Mirror Dash Cam and learn more!