Mio MiVue 538 Full 1080P HD GPS Dash Cam Accident Recorder Dashboard Camera

So many options re dashcams I wasn't sure what to choose but eventually opted for this because of the GPS option. Initially had problems with screen display starting / recording OK and then freezing. MIO support asked me to do a couple of things to try and pin the problem to the camera or the card (the card was the recommended Samsung 32GB card). Frustration took over in the absence of any firm resolution and when looking at options for returning the unit I noticed the price had dropped £20 after I purchased. Fair play to Amazon who allowed me to return the original unit for credit and re-order at the lower price. Pleased to say that since the new camera arrived I have had no problems. Fits neatly behind left hand side of RV mirror in my V40 and the power cable was easily hidden away around the windscreen rubber, down the window pillar, under and across below the steering wheel and along the central console leaving just the plug to fit into the 12v socket in the central storage bin. Great playback on PC with the software downloaded from MIO and the GPS tracking on Google maps is impressive. All in all happy after the initial frustration.

I wanted one of these having read a very good review in The Telegraph, and saw this one at a good price ! It certainly meets my expectations - the quality of video is excellent, in varying light levels, and road signs and number plates can be clearly read when playback is paused to test this, and I find the location (in Latitude and Longitude) and speed (in km/hr) of interest. I have not (yet) tested the device in an emergency situation ! I am using it with a 32Gb memory card, which provides plenty of room for storage. I do still have reservations about the installation - I am using BluTack to fix the power wire around the windscreen, which seems to work well, and my car ('04 Ford Focus) has two power outlets within easy reach - however, I have my 'hands free' permanently in one of them, which calls for even more wires ! I do wish, though, that the power supply had a USB end rather than the big charger that it does (which can get in the way) - I think it must be possible to replace the wire with a USB to mini USB lead, but you still need the 'charger' to provide the right amperage for the device.I deliberately chose this Mio model, rather than the deluxe version because I could see no point in having a speed camera facility (the only obvious difference) since I use a SatNav as well . . .The Mio is a bit more expensive than many such devices - but a lot cheaper than many others! I am sure that they all do their job, and this seems excellent for the price.

What a shame, the cam is in its self well constructed the video is perfect and the size is perfect , unfortunately the firmware and software let it down, it has a software issue i.e the emergency capture mode (file lenght has 3 options) only records a couple of seconds prior to activation so if you want to keep the file leading up to it you have to manually search through menu to protect it (if you are not a professional driver (min 9hr driving etc) it might be ok because it will not get overwritten in apprx 3.5hrs depending on mem card) , also the buttons are nice and easy to use but very slow to respond to selection, firmware issue, the online 'FILE MANAGER' for this is very informative but lacks full control of the camera i.e managing the files (removing/deleting etc).After talking to mivue support to check i was not missing something, i did not agree with with the suggestion of buying multiple memory cards to change during my journey in case i do not have time to search and protect the file for every near miss that i need to keep for evidence whilst awaiting for the issues to be addressed by their technical department. Before you ask..... yes I have returned it . (Husbands response)

Having bought a few of these, either for me (I have 2 in my car, 1 forward, 1 backwards) or for friends as presents, I think it is a good dash cam.It's not perfect, I always feel the image could be a little better when dealing with moving images (getting a registration plate from a car going in the other direction can be a little hit and miss).Also doesn't like being powered up without external power, either to change settings, use the park mode or to use as a camera to record pics.The suction holder is a bit awkward and doesn't give you a great choice in where it can be fitted.The 538 has the better optics from the older MiVue range (508/518) and the delux only add's the speed camera database warning feature.The camera works well at night but don't expect too much detail at night.A video I've recorded from using this camera can be found here: [...]Using the program that comes with the camera is good, allows you to view the forces on the car in XYZ directions (measured in G's), the GPS position of the car and sync's with the video playback. The video only part can be played back on other video players providing they have the correct codec's installed (K-Lite codec's).

bought this to replace the Mi Vue 518 that I have used for nearly a year until Mi Vue manager stopped working with google maps. I updated Mi Vue manager and the software to the camera the result was missing video codecs and still no link to google maps. I bought the MiVue 538 to replace it, same outcome, support from mio tried to say that these models do not have gps support, not true, and told me to download the K-LITE codec pack, which I am loath to install on my computer as there are malware issues with this download, so left to my own devices, and having tried Quicktime which will play the video files but not with the Mi Vue manager, so not one to give up easily I uninstalled Mio MiVUE MANAGER then downloaded NAVMAN MIVUE MANAGER first, installed it, then downloaded MIO MI VUE MANAGER, installed it and whoop da doo all works perfectly, so one up to the little guy and I have kept both dash cams so I have a spare. I use Windows 8.1 and no problems with other programs, also you will now get sound if you playback the driving files in Media Player, so an added bonus.