Normal Dash cam vs. 360 Mirror Dash cam

Looking to buy a dash cam for your car, something that acts as a third eye, recording your drives, keeping an eye on unexpected incidents, and protecting you in case of accidents or insurance claims? You’re on the right track.

Dash cam technology has advanced rapidly in recent years. Today, you’re no longer limited to a basic front-facing camera. The market now offers options like 360° mirror dash cams and standard dual-channel dash cams, some even marketed as 720° for their all-around coverage.

You’ve probably come across these options and wondered: Which one should I buy? What’s the real difference? Is a 360 mirror dash cam better?

This comprehensive guide explains both types in detail and compares them across key aspects, so you get a clear picture of what suits your needs best.

What is a Normal Dash Cam?

By a normal dash cam, we mean the traditional camera setup that’s mounted on the dashboard or windshield and records the front view of your vehicle, and in some cases, the rear view as well through an additional rear camera. Mostly, it’s a simple forward-facing recorder that continuously captures footage while you drive.

What is a 360 Mirror Dash Cam?

A 360 mirror dash cam, as the name suggests, is a system designed to capture a full 360-degree horizontal view around your vehicle, including the front, rear, and both sides.

In the context of this article, we’re specifically referring to the Akeeyo 360 Mirror Dash Cam. This type of cam is built into a rearview mirror-style display. When turned off, it looks and functions like a standard rearview mirror. But when powered on, it transforms into a touchscreen monitor, displaying real-time footage from multiple angles.

Normal Dashcam vs 360 Mirror Dash Cam: Key Differences

A better choice be made when you compare both options side by side, looking at how they differ across important aspects like coverage, installation, display, and clarity.

Installation

In terms of installation, the wiring for both cams is mostly similar, they plug into the cigarette lighter/auxiliary power outlet to draw power.

For mounting, a standard dash cam usually sticks to the windshield using suction or adhesive mounts. On the other hand, the AKY-V360S mounts directly over the existing rearview mirror using silicone bands. The wires are routed neatly along the side trims, and there’s no need for permanent fixes.

Field of View (FoVs)

Field of view refers to how much area the camera can capture. With a standard dash cam, you get a wide-angle front camera, and sometimes a rear camera too, but coverage is limited.

Akeeyo 360 mirror cam provides much broader visibility. It features a wide front camera that gives you a full horizontal 360° view, including sides and even part of the interior. It also includes a 135° rear camera. There’s an optional side camera, which is mounted under the side mirrors, to cover any blind spots that might be missed by the front camera.

Display & Controls

A normal dash cam mainly focuses on recording. Some don’t even offer a real-time display, and if they do, it’s usually a small screen that sits at the back of the camera.

In comparison, the Akeeyo 360 mirror cam features a touchscreen display that replaces your rearview mirror. The display is fully customizable; you can adjust viewing angles and switch between different camera feeds. For instance, you can view the 360 view with rear, front with rear, or even show all camera angles at once.

Aesthetics

Aesthetics vary from model to model. In many cases, standard dash cams are bulky or stick out, which makes them visible on the windshield or dashboard.

With Akeeyo’s mirror cam, the design is sleek and minimal. It looks just like a regular rearview mirror. When the screen is off, no one can even tell if it’s a dash cam or not. Since it fits over your existing mirror and usually doesn’t need hardwiring, it keeps the cabin clean and uncluttered.

Night Vision

Most dash cams on the market perform well during daylight, but as the outside dims, their results fade too. That’s not the case with Akeeyo 360 mirror cam.

Even in low light, the footage remains clear, and details like number plates and road signs are easily readable. Since the display is real-time and glare from headlights can be distracting, the cam comes equipped with a Sony IMX335 sensor, which helps reduce high-beam glare and ensures smooth visibility during night driving.

GPS, Parking and other Smart Features

Standard dash cams usually just record video, and some may offer basic GPS stamping. In contrast, Akeeyo 360 cam is fully loaded with smart features. It assists with parking by showing live visuals and on-screen guidelines; you can touch the screen to switch views while parking.

It has a built-in GPS that records your car's speed and displays it directly on the video. There’s also a G-sensor (gravity sensor) that detects any collision, and automatically locks the relevant footage so it’s not deleted during loop recording.

Which One is Right for You?

By now, you might have a clear idea of the difference between a normal dash cam and a 360 mirror dash cam. The former is a basic recording device, good for just capturing the front or rear view.

But if you want an all-around device that not only records but also assists while driving and parking, because that's what gadgets are for, you should definitely go for a 360 mirror dash cam.

And when it comes to reliability and features, there’s hardly a better option than the Akeeyo AKY-V360S.