The latest trend in driving is to use a dash-camera to record everything in-front of your car at any time. If you have a crash, it’s very easy to work out who was a fault and therefore who should be paying. Insurance companies love this approach and are reducing car premiums to those that use a dash-camera. Garmin have taken this approach with the DriveCam 76 which now includes a camera that records everything in front of you. The unit can also be combined with a rear camera for full 360-degree coverage.
In principle this is a great idea and an even better sat nav. The reality is that its only worth buying, if you going to use it correctly, and all the time. The problem is that I don’t always drive around with my satnav attached to my screen and switched on. If it not switch on, it will not be recording and therefore there is no real point in having such a large unit. That all said if you want both a dash-cam and a sat nav the DriveCam is a great device.
Garmin
Garmin Ltd. is a multinational technology company known for its innovative GPS (Global Positioning System) technology and various other navigation products. The company was founded 1989 by Gary Burrell and Min Kao and released its first device in 1990 being the Garmin GPS-100 which was a handheld GPS receiver primarily designed for marine and outdoor use.
Garmin’s first car navigation system, known as the “StreetPilot,” was introduced in 1998. The Garmin StreetPilot was a pioneering device that made GPS-based navigation accessible and practical for use in automobiles. It featured a compact design with a monochrome LCD screen and provided turn-by-turn directions and mapping data for drivers.
Today, Garmin manufactures a wide range of GPS and navigation products, including devices for automotive, aviation, marine, fitness, outdoor activities and has built a strong reputation for the quality and reliability of its products, making it a trusted brand in the navigation and outdoor technology industry.
Garmin DriveCam 76
The DriveCam 76 comes with a large 7-inch display touch screen, high resolution screen that provides enough screen space for direction, driving information and the ability to record using the built-in dash cam and save that recording onto an internal memory. If you have an accident the device contains a G-Sensor that is set so any footage of impact is saved allowing to you easily play it back later. While the glossy plastic build might feel a litte cheap compares to the latest smartphones, the included mount is sturdy and allows for easy positioning on the windshield.
The interface is user-friendly, with clear menus and large icons for both navigation and dash cam functions. Switching between the two is seamless, making it easy to access both features while driving.
Just like its GPS-only counterparts, the DriveCam 76 utilizes Garmin’s trusted mapping software. This translates to accurate directions, real-time traffic updates (with a smartphone connection), and efficient route recalculations. Finding points of interest is a breeze with the built-in search function, making road trips and navigation in unfamiliar areas less stressful.
DashCam
The integrated dash cam is the star attraction of the DriveCam 76. It captures clear 1080p footage at a wide angle, ensuring a good view of the road ahead and surrounding lanes. While night vision capabilities might not be top-of-the-line, the footage is still usable in low-light conditions.
The dash cam features automatic recording, capturing footage continuously and saving incidents in case of accidents. Saved footage can be easily reviewed on the device or transferred to a computer for further analysis. The voice control feature allows users to trigger photo capture or manually save recordings without taking their eyes off the road.
Beyond navigation and recording, the DriveCam 76 offers additional safety features. Lane departure warnings alert drivers when they unintentionally stray from their lane, while forward collision warnings provide a heads-up about potential dangers ahead. These features, combined with the dash cam footage, can be invaluable in case of an accident.
The downside of the DriveCam 76, is that it comes at a premium price compared to dedicated GPS devices or basic dash cams. If a standalone navigation tool or a basic dash cam suffices for your needs, the DriveCam 76 might be overkill. However, for drivers who value the peace of mind of having both features in one convenient package, the price tag becomes more justifiable.
Navigation Features:
- Garmin trusted mapping software: Offers accurate directions, real-time traffic updates, and efficient route recalculations.
- Search function: Easily find points of interest (POIs) like restaurants, gas stations, and ATMs.
- Large, 6.95-inch display: Provides clear visuals for map details and turn-by-turn navigation.
- 1080p HD recording: Captures clear footage of the road ahead and surrounding lanes.
- Wide-angle view: Ensures good coverage of the driving environment.
- Automatic recording: Continuously records footage and saves incidents in case of accidents.
- Manual recording: Allows users to capture photos or save recordings with voice control.
- Playback: Easily review saved footage on the device or transfer it to a computer.
- Lane departure warnings: Alerts drivers when they unintentionally stray from their lane.
- Forward collision warnings: Provides a heads-up about potential dangers ahead.
- User-friendly interface: Clear menus and large icons for easy navigation.
- Voice control: Allows for hands-free operation of navigation and dash cam functions.
- Bluetooth connectivity: Enables hands-free calling through the device (when paired with a smartphone).
- Wireless updates: Keeps the device updated with the latest maps and software.
- Sturdy mount: Allows for easy positioning of the device on the windshield.
Overall, the Garmin DriveCam 76 is a well-rounded option for drivers seeking a comprehensive navigation and safety solution. Its reliable GPS features combined with the integrated dash cam provide peace of mind and invaluable evidence in case of an incident.