Navman's range of crash sensitive GPS enabled drive recorders is here to provide clear, unequivocal evidence in support of motor vehicle insurance claims.
And with any luck, Australians will also begin contributing to the oft disturbing, sometimes hilarious pool of YouTube videos along with our Russian driving friends.
"We've seen digital drive recorders really take-off in the last two years, that's why we are really excited to launch this new range that offers a variety of models that include more top-notch abilities and are more generous on features than ever before, " said Wendy Hammond, Country Manager for Navman Australia.
This range consists of the miVUE 530, 560 and 580 models. Both the 560 and 580 models sport a 2.5" (6.4cm) touch screen, whilst the 530 has a slightly reduced 2.4" (6.1cm) screen.
Each recorder sports a 130 degree wide angle lens that essentially captures everything outside the windscreen in a continuous 1080p (full HD) resolution.
For the camera buffs, the MiVUE sports a six-glass lens with F1.8 aperture. According to Navman this is the best combination for image clarity and ensuring footage is recorded in sharp colour despite the weather conditions.
All models include night vision capabilities with the MiVUE 580 stepping up the low-light capability sporting a Sony Exmor CMOS sensor with the ability to pick out even more detail in the darkness – perfect for those people that do most of their driving during the night.
The MiVUE 580 we had for test is a little sparse on out-of-the-box accessories. Apart from the small recorder device iNavman provide an essential in-car charger, and small windscreen mount. There is no micro SD card for storage, nor is there a computer USB cable.
GPS coordinates and speed details are recorded along with the images, and remember... by default the MiVUE records sound, so it will capture the colourful words following a vehicle impact. And, as we found out when reviewing video footage, singing along to the radio can be embarrassing.
The MiVUE uses a three-axis G-Shock Sensor to detect when a collision has occurred. When a collision is detected the MiVUE automatically saves a clip of the event.
It is a little tricky to decide what sensitivity to set the sensor to, given you don't usually have the ability to test-crash your car to see. Our suggestion; set the device to the highest sensitivity and review after the first few drives around town.
Recording will auto start when the engine fires up and the car begins to move. When parked the MiVUE automatically goes into Parking mode, just in case somebody runs into your car while you are in the shops.
Unfortunately, Navman suggest positioning the MiVue behind the rear view mirror, however, with the screen activated the recorder has a little over two hours battery life before requiring a recharge. This means you are forced to have the device plugged into the 12V auxiliary plug constantly. This becomes a driving distraction, ironically making a crash all the more foreseeable for being recordable.
Transferring recorded files into the MiVUE PC desktop manager will give you endless enjoyment managing your clips for YouTube upload, collating evidence for your court appearance or stalking your spouse's use of your car.
The MiVUE 530 is priced at an RRP of $149, the MiVUE 560 comes in at $179 and the premium MiVUE 580 tops out at $249.