Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 Owner’s Review

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Published 2021-07-21
SALE: as of November 6, 2023 it’s on sale at B&H for $99: www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1646728-REG/garmin_…

UPDATE 9/21/21: I just got an email from Garmin saying that with firmware v2.70 they now allow you to turn off the annoying beeps! Yay!
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Two years ago I bought and reviewed the original Garmin Dash Cam Mini. Now the new Dash Cam Mini 2 is out, and I have been testing it for over 2 weeks in the July Texas heat, and here are my results.

It's still the smallest and most discreet 1080p dash cam on the market, but the Mini 2 adds some new features while apparently fixing the overheating issue that we experienced with the original Mini.

0:00 - Intro
1:15 - Features & Cost
2:39 - Polarizing Filter
4:09 - Power & Parking Cables
5:32 - Sample Footage
8:34 - Annoying Beeps
9:34 - Parking Mode
14:33 - More Settings & Features
15:41 - The Vault
19:40 - Viewing Footage
22:42 - Conclusion

All Comments (21)
  • This video review is excellent, No music, informative, clarity, personal review. Well done Sir.
  • @matthewpham
    It’s rare to find review videos this comprehensive and straightforward these days. Thank you; I watched the whole thing.
  • @buccaneer5666
    Stunning monologue, no prompts, no aid-memoirs, no idiot boards, very impressed.
  • Brian...I've watched a LOT of product reviews during the preceding 15 years and this is HANDS-DOWN the most PROFESSIONAL, UNDERSTANDABLE, USEFUL I've seen. Just SUPERB! I hope other YouTubers take a lesson from you regarding how it should be done. You set the standard with this one! Thank you sir.
  • @stanhalen4072
    “That’s what we call, EVIDENCE.” Lmfao thanks for the review.
  • @ghoulbladee
    Straight to the point, doesn’t beat around the bush, no annoying music. Great review, I’m highly considering cancelling/returning my Gramin 57 for this. You made great points.
  • You're an amazing person for doing reviews. You have such a real down to earth personality & yet professional of detail is spot on. Your speaking of details is flawless. Thank you. 😊😊😊 Sharon in SC
  • @bobcarter5548
    Hi Brian. Just came across this vid and your channel by accident. Great explanation of the pro’s and con’s of this cam. I will certainly investigate getting one of these fitted. Very impressed by your content. A must subscribe and I have passed on your link to others. Keep up the good work.👍
  • @yakmaharg
    You sir are a brilliant reviewer. You should be on TV with your own review show.
  • @arxvphoto809
    They’ve since updated with the ability to turn off the beeping on/off and alerts. Purchased this camera because of this review. Thanks for the review.
  • @JP1050x
    Great review. I use a Garmin 57 on my primary car, and Mini 2 on my secondary cars. The 57 is better in every way (resolution, build quality, ease of use). But the 57 still works well if you need a smaller, more discrete camera. The Mini 2 resolution is ok, but hard to make out license plates unless you are close. The plastic feels cheap all around, and can wiggle a bit more on the mount compared to the 57. The Garmin dash cams work well powered by a cigarette lighter or usb, and turns off and on reliably when you turn the car off and on. No need for the parking cable, unless you want it to record while the car is parked. Also, the Mini 2’s had a firmware update that enables you to mute the beep if you find it distracting.
  • @y2kmadd
    I prefer a small camera without a screen. The camera should be almost invisible.
  • @finchers_garage
    Excellent review, sir. Didn't expect to watch the whole thing but I was impressed by your delivery. I've been thinking about getting a camera for a few months now. Had a moment today with my mom in the car and finally decided to get a camera. It was between this Mini 2 and the 47 but settled on the Mini 2. Thanks, and that Aston Martin sounds amazing!
  • @holkomichal
    Brian, thank you very much for this review. I must admit that this is the best review of a product that I have seen in a very long time. Super informative!
  • Thanks for great review. Especially thank you for not having annoying music. Many you tubers think music makes their videos somehow better. But music makes many videos inaccessible to older folks who are a little hard of hearing and cannot tolerate the distraction of music. (My pet pieve.)
  • @kevind.6137
    Such a thorough and thoughtful review. So many cameras to choose from and this review said everything you need to know! Thank you.
  • @user-we9pd4ym3h
    Well thought out review sir! Simple and straightforward description and explanation. Purchased one on the basis of this review 3 days ago. Very pleased so far. Thank you!
  • @stevehorvat69
    Nice follow up review. I too had the overheating issues with the original mini and ended up returning it for a 2 channel Thinkware unit. I just picked up the Mini 2 for my son’s SUV and will be installing it this week. I’m hopeful after seeing your review. Thanks.
  • @eddie918
    “Because that’s what we call… Evidence” When I tell you I fell out of my chair