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An action-camera-sized dash cam with a big screen, loop recording and a parking guard, tested in my Fiat 500.
Those dash cam videos from Russia on YouTube are hilarious, but honestly we’re getting to the point where almost everyone needs one. I’ve seen good people in accidents where the other driver’s story changed later. So I bought my first dash cam, this ProLanv with a 2.5-inch IPS screen and Full HD 1080p, for protection and for some fun road footage. It’s no longer listed, so the button goes to a current dash cam with a 3-inch IPS screen.
- Turns on and records automatically with the car
- Big, bright screen that shuts off after a bit
- Car adapter has two USB ports for your phone
- Adjustable loop length
- Built-in battery keeps recording after power cuts
- No microSD card in the box
- Cheap plastic housing
- Mini-USB rather than micro-USB
▶ Watch the full review on YouTube
In the box
The camera is basically an action camera: small, really light, plastic, with the big screen on the back. It has an AV port, a TF card slot, menu buttons, mini HDMI, a mini-USB port, a mount slot and a shutter button.
You get a very long mini-USB power cable with an L connector, a shorter straight one, a car power adapter with two USB ports so you can still charge your phone, and a suction cup mount with a lock lever and adjustable angle.
Settings
Resolution goes up to 1080p, and loop recording can be three, five or ten minutes. It keeps deleting the oldest block. There’s also WDR, a G-sensor, exposure, motion detection, parking guard, audio recording and a date stamp you’ll want to set.
There’s no SD card included, so bring your own.
Mounting tips
I put it just right of my rear-view mirror in my Fiat 500. Don’t put the suction cup on the black dotted band at the top of the windshield, or over the edge of an aftermarket tint strip. It won’t hold.
Breathe on the suction cup before you stick it on, or moisten it slightly. That gave me a really good seal.
About the buy link
The video had no product link, and the ProLanv dash cam is no longer listed. The button goes to the iZEEKER dash cam with a 3-inch IPS display and loop recording. It’s a different model, so check the listing for resolution and what’s included.
On the road
Plug it in, and it turns on and starts recording on its own. The screen goes dark after 30 to 60 seconds, so you just trust it’s working.
Set the auto-off delay longer than zero. After a crash, or if police have you shut off the car, you probably want it to keep recording a bit. It’s also great for showing people a drive through an old neighborhood. Maybe not the best for a track day.
FAQ
Does it come with a memory card?
No. Bring your own microSD card.
Does it start recording automatically?
Yes, when the accessory port gets power.
How long are the loop clips?
You can pick three, five or ten minutes.
Where should I mount it?
Near the rear-view mirror, off the dotted band at the top of the windshield.
Is this an affiliate link?
Yes. The buttons are #ad affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It costs you nothing extra.
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