Ticks the boxes
Ah, dash cams. We can't be sure, but there might be as many different makes and models of dash cams out there in the world right as there are individual cars. We should know: we've reviewed a huge load over the years, each with something slightly different from the next, and each with their own specific uses. So, for this particular review, it's quite nice to find one that is slap bang in the middle of the road, covering all the important bases without drizzling on too many bells and whistles. We check out the Mio MiVue 766 WiFi.
What do we mean by 'middle of the road', and surely that's an awful metaphor to use for a dash cam? Well, the Mio MiVue 766 WiFi is a solid choice of dash cam because it ticks many of the boxes for features we consider important for a modern car cam to have, without blowing you away with needless (but cool) extra features. To be honest, this kind of approach to tech is our preferred method, especially with something utilitarian and minimalist like a dash cam - after all, you're not wearing this on your wrist or whipping it out at parties. If you are, you're odd.
So, what has the Mio MiVue 766 WiFi got to snag your interest. Well, as the name suggests, there is WiFi present, which is always a handy feature. Possessing WiFi connectivity means you can hook up your phone to the cam wirelessly, to download and review footage on a larger screen (the Mio MiVue 766 WiFi's 2.7 inch is okay, but not amazing). This is good if you have to quickly watch a moment back on the scene, or easily present evidence to someone else, such as a police officer.
Next, the Mio MiVue 766 WiFi has a 1080p Full HD sensor, which is the baseline for decent in our opinion. So long as the lens is clear and of a good quality, and this one is, 1080p is all you'll ever need for this kind of videography. The footage is clear, clean, and at 30 frames per second, smooth. Higher resolutions and frame rates are great for your actual camera or an action cam, but not at all needed to record road incidents.
That aforementioned 2.7 inch screen is also a touchscreen, which always preferred to the alternative. Day in day out, you shouldn't have to touch your dash cam at all, as it should start recording the moment you switch on the engine and save the footage in a loop so as to never fill up the storage space. However, for initial setup, and in case you ever do need it, having a touch screen is by far easier and quicker to operate than limited, multi-use buttons.
The Mio MiVue 766 WiFi features GPS, which many other cams at around this price tend not to have. About more than simply tracking your position on the road, having GPS on your cam opens you up to the world of extra features like speeds warnings, and speed camera alerts. All GPS data is saved alongside your footage, so should you ever need to prove you were where your cam seems to suggest you are, you're well set with the MiVue 766.
Lastly are those other little features that you might not normally consider when shopping for a dash cam, but help make the experience of using one so much better. The Mio MiVue 766 WiFi is equipped with lane departure warnings, so it will chirp up if it detects that you are drifting out of your lane, and also forward collision alerts, for when it detects a sudden forward presence. Both useful, especially when you're driving alone at night and might be tired. It's got your back.
So, add all those good features to a physical cam that is small (8.7cm wide, 3.2cm deep), light (100g) and that attaches easily to your windscreen via the included suction cup. We would have preferred a powered connector to make removing the Mio MiVue 766 WiFi easier without leaving a USB wire dangling, but all told for the price you will pay for this, this is an excellent bit of kit.
If you're looking for something that covers all of your bases while on the road, without going overboard in the specs department, the Mio MiVue 766 WiFi is a solid choice.
£139.99
Available from www.amazon.co.uk