My dash cam review of the Garmin 55. It is compact and discreet, yet powerful given its size, less than 2 inches. Shop Dalton’s Dash Cams & Driving Accessories.
In-Depth Dash Cam Review Garmin 55
Additionally, it has numerous unique features not standard on many other dash cams in its price range. Let’s look at these in this dash cam review.
However, these features would be beneficial at any price. What’s more, it assists the driver with alerts and blind spots — even if your car does not have these options such as lane departure and forward-collision warnings. New car buyers would expect to pay nearly $3,000 for these options.
My dash cam review of the Garmin 55 will give you the information you need to make an informed decision to find the right dash cam for your truck, car, or van.
Dash Cam Review — Voice Control
The driver can simply say, “OK, Garmin” and the Garmin Dash Cam 55 will activate automatically to record the road ahead or use one of its features like a still image or photograph. You can also change the volume, stop or start recording, you’re your cell phone, and many other features.
This feature could be useful in Cumberland County, Maine, in the fall when foliage is something you’ll want to capture with still photography or to capture a picture of a moose on a highway outside Portland, Maine.
Advanced Alert System
I will also not in this dash cam review possible electronic alerts that are possible with this device. As noted earlier, forward collision or stalled traffic and lane departure alerts are possible with the Garmin 55 — whether or not your car, truck, or van is equipped with these options.
These will activate to tell the driver when they have left their lane. This alert could be valuable on long trips when you get drowsy. It could warn you that it’s time for a break.
Additionally, its forward collision warning will alert the driver when they are about to strike something ahead of them. However, it can be disconnected easily during heavy traffic. Although it’s not that common around Portland, Maine, it does happen.
Dash Cam Review of Specifications & Other Features
The Garmin 55 dash cam permits the driver to sync videos directly to their cell phone with:
- A 3.7 Megapixel (MP) camera at 1440P
- Loop recording
- Low light recording capabilities
Dash Cam Review & Feedback from Verified Amazon Buyers
The Garmin 55 had 7,220 verified amazon reviews at the time of this review. Those verified buyers gave it an average of 4.6 stars. Customers like the capability to sync video to their smartphones and other features. Out of 7,220 verified buyers who left a rating, 89 percent rated it either four or five stars.
“I updated the firmware in Garmin Connect prior to installing the camera, and it has worked flawlessly ever since. The controls are easy to use, it has several helpful features, and best of all, the camera is very small, so it doesn’t get in the way while you’re looking out of your windshield. Video quality is excellent, and wireless connection with the Garmin VIRB app works well.” — Snapdragon, verified purchaser, June 22, 2017.
“I expected it not to work… But after installing it, I am impressed that it works this well.” — Vivian Z., verified purchaser, February 14, 2018.
Amazon
“The resolution upon playback is highly detailed and it sees well at night. The features that sets this Garmin apart from the ‘imported’ cams are unique. It uses voice commands – after saying ‘Okay Garmin’ it allows the user to take a picture, save a video, etc. When sitting at a light or in traffic, once the traffic starts moving, it signals me to look forward – which really comes in handy at times when I’m distracted by my dog or my phone. If I veer from my lane, another warning sounds. But the warning that I disabled is the collision avoidance. I found it annoying – especially in ‘stop and go’ traffic.” — K9Jeeper, verified purchaser, December 23, 2017.
Amazon
Garmin 55 Dash Cam Review
This Garmin dashboard camera is a practical value for the price. Many dashcams under 200 dollars do not perform this well. A significant selling point for you could be touch-free integration. Maybe you’ll enjoy the ability to sync it to your smartphone; if so, you should buy this dashcam for your car, van, or truck.
According to Motor Biscuit, “it may actually be illegal to use a dash cam if it records a conversation in your vehicle without the knowledge of all the participants.” Likewise, in Maine, it may be illegal to affix the dashcam to your windshield. It is your responsibility to know and adhere to local laws.
Don’t Forget the Hardwire Kit
Many wait and buy the hardwire installation kit separately, but you definitely want the hardwire kit to avoid the hanging wires. Many DIY installers plug the dashcam into their vehicle’s lighter, leaving the wires hanging.
This install doesn’t look professional, plus, if someone hooks the wire while getting out, it could pull the dashcam off the windshield and cause damage. Spending another $12.99 for the hardwire kit and plugging into the car’s fuse box, then pushing the wires under the car’s interior will look much better and it’s safer — there’s less chance someone will pull out the wires.
Shop for your next dashcam at Dalton’s Dash Cam & Driving Accessories.