Which Pocket-Sized Dash Cam Performs Better?
FineVu GX300 vs. Garmin 57
A dash cam can be handy and heavy at the same time. With handy, we mean portable. With heavy, we mean feature-packed. Two of the dashcams that can attest to this are the Garmin 57 and the FineVu GX300. Let's find out in this review which among these tiny drive recorders perform way better.
Review: Garmin 57 Dash Camera
Along with the 2021 release of the Garmin 47 and 67W dash cams, the brand also introduced its mid-range level entry - the Garmin 57. Building on previous variants, the single-channel Garmin Dash Cam 57 managed to fit a slew of features into its small frame, including voice control, parking guard, and driver alerts. When we say small, we mean 2 inches wide, 1.5 inches tall, and 1.35 inches deep.
Garmin 57 Image Quality and Recording Capabilities
The Garmin 57 dash cam records crisp video of important details day and night thanks to 3.7 MP, 1440p HD video, a 140-degree lens, and Garmin ClarityTM HDR optics. The device's 2" LCD display can play back video while also offering a live view option in the Garmin Drive App.
With the Garmin 57, saved videos are kept securely in the virtual Vault and can be accessed via the Garmin DriveTM app. This enables you to share video clips with others using an active Wi-Fi connection. It also has a Travelapse feature which uses still photos from your recording to create a short video of your trip.
Does the 57 Have Parking Mode?
In terms of security, the G-sensor and parking mode function on the Garmin 57 tracks your car's surroundings while the car is parked or the engine is turned off. When movement is detected, it begins recording automatically. This feature necessitates the purchase of a separate Garmin Parking Mode Cable.
What other Security Features does the Garmin 57 Have?
Moreover, the Garmin 57 also includes an integrated GPS as well as a number of driver alerts such as lane departure, forward collision, red light camera, and speed camera warnings. You can also use voice commands to control the unit.
The Garmin Dash Cam 57 has a micro SD card slot on top where a 16GB card is included and pre installed, as well as heat venting. This version of the camera claims to run much cooler than the predecessors, which should improve longevity.
Review: FineVu GX300 2K Dual Dash Cam
FineVu GX300 Dual Dash Cam Image Quality and Recording Capabilities
The FineVu GX300 is a two-channel dash cam system with 2K QHD front and Full HD rear-view resolution that covers a total of 250° of your vehicle. These features are compressed in its compact design - measuring 78 x 64 x 50 mm for the front and 53 x 30 x 41 mm for the rear.
The FineVu GX300 front-facing camera's 5.14MP Sony STARVIS IMX335 image sensor captures great 2K QHD video captures of the road ahead at a 122° wide-angle. As a result, you get the best coverage while minimizing distortion. A 2MP SOI F37 image sensor is used in the rear cam to capture 1080p Full HD dash cam footage of traffic behind at a 134° field of view.
Does the GX300 Have Night Vision?
The FineVu GX300 includes HDR and Auto Night Vision for optimal video quality. HDR is a feature that improves object visibility by combining two videos with different luminance settings. Behind the scenes, the high-performance Allwinner V536 DualCore processor ensures that all of these technologies run smoothly.
What is the GX300's Maximum Storage Capacity?
When you purchase this, you will also get a Samsung Pro Endurance 32GB microSD card, which can record for up to 193 minutes in standard mode. The FineVu GX300 accepts memory card sizes up to 128 GB in size, and loop recording ensures that when the microSD card is full, the oldest files are overwritten first, so you won't lose any new, unwatched files.
You also have Smart Time Lapse, which is an intermittent recording mode in which the dashcam takes snapshots at regular intervals and replays them at normal speed. If an event is detected, the dash cam resumes standard recording at 30FPS, allowing you to record up to 1,134 minutes without overwriting - which can be enabled in both driving and parking modes.
What are the other Safety Features of the FineVu GX300?
With the installation of a FineVu hardwiring kit (or a dash cam battery pack such as the BlackboxMyCar PowerCell 8 or Cellink NEO), the GX300 can also record in three modes: motion with collision detection, standard Time-Lapse (15FPS), and Smart Time Lapse for an added layer of security.It also has a suite of safety features, including an Advanced Driver Assitance System (ADAS), Speed Camera Alert, and Driving Rest Guide.
The FineVu GX300 is intended for use in both hot and cold conditions. The GX300 and the video files saved on the micro SD card are both protected by the built-in high temperature protection feature. The GX300 will turn off automatically to prevent overheating if the ambient air temperature exceeds the maximum operating temperature.
How Can You Watch Videos of the GX300?
The FineVu GX300 does not have an LCD screen. However, playback is even more convenient. Because the GX300 has built-in WiFi connectivity, you can connect it to your smartphone - iOS and Android - and use the free FineVu mobile app to change camera settings and stream/download saved footage. You can also play your videos on your computer by downloading the free FineVu PC Player compatible with both Mac and Windows.
Product Comparison: Garmin 57 vs. FineVu GX300
Garmin 67
Resolution (F+R)
1440P @ 30 FPS
2K QHD @30FPS | 1080p Full HD @30FPS
Image Sensor
Garmin Clarity Optics
Sony STARVIS IMX335 Sensor (approx. 5.14 MP)
Parking Mode
Yes
Yes
G-Sensor
Yes
Yes
Wide-Angle View
140°
122° + 134°
GPS
Built-In
Built-In
Operating Temperature
-20°C - 70°C
-20°C - 70°C
Loop Recording
Yes
Yes
Maximum SD Card
512GB
128GB
LCD Screen
2" LCD
None
Wi-Fi
Yes
Yes
Microphone
Yes
Yes
Speaker
Yes
Yes
Special Features
Garmin Drive App, driver alert warnings, parking mode, speed camera alerts, Voice Control, Free 16 GB micro sd card
2K QHD, front and rear cameras, Sony STARVIS, Night Vision, Smart Time Lapse Feature, Voice Controls, Heat Resistance, Free Samsung 32 GB sd card, FineVu app, Parking Mode, Speed Camera Alerts, Driving Rest Guide, Free Hardwiring and Cigarette Cable, Wi-Fi, GPS
Country of Origin
USA
Korea
Warranty
1-Year Manufacturer Warranty
3-Year Manufacturer Warranty
Verdict: Garmin 57 vs. FineVu GX300
The Garmin 57 and FineVu GX300 are both small but satisfying dash cam options.
With its popularity in producing GPS navigation devices, Garmin did a great job in producing the Garmin 57, especially in terms of security features. With its GPS, incident detection and driver warning alerts which can be controlled hands free via Voice, drivers can have a more convenient experience compared to having no dash cam at all.
However, the Garmin 57 is only a single-channel dash cam, thus not being able to cover the traffic and incidents behind. Its video resolution is quite low, especially at night time.
On the other hand, the FineVu GX300 works excellent in capturing footage - which is the main purpose of your dash cam. Not only do you get front and rear video recordings, you also get crystal clear 2K QHD that makes it possible for drivers to capture license plates and road signs in terms of an incident.
While Garmin 57 has a slew of favorable features, the FineVu GX300 offers more especially with the Smart Time Lapse mode that is an advantage in terms of storage. Speaking of storage, a purchase of the FineVu GX300 also comes with a 32GB micro SD card - offering bigger capacity compared to the Garmin 57's 16 GB.