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Pros/Cons of OEM Digital rearview mirror vs Dashcam rearview mirror

tommyd52

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I am thinking of getting a dash cam and the Wolfbox’s look attractive but concerned about what I lose having the OEM digital mirror option.
Thoughts?
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Nodak

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1. you can see the hitch in addition to rear
2. you can adjust the left, right, up, down, zoom in/out
3. integrated mounted solution
4. built in high beam filter
5. you can always switch it to manual mode
6. you will need to add the oem dashcam to get recording features and forward view
7. if you get the 360 view system, it will be superior to any dashcam and it feeds into the main head unit display (but no recording ability)

wolfbox
1. cheaper than oem cost (you have to buy a trim that includes is as standard/option)
2. you have to wire it yourself
3. you would have to buy the 3 cam version to get close to the oem dashcam, digital mirror (and/or 360 view) features
4. the 360 view system (depending on model, off road trd models get a better 360 view system than the higher trims like the limited/platinum)
5. 360 view system is far superior than any dashcam system currently (but you get no recording ability). but you can pair a 3rd party dual cam dashcam to get front/rear recording ability)


a combo of viofo 329 series with 360 pvm and digital rearview would be my ideal setup.
 
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Nodak

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forgot to add, going with the wolfbox, you might want to check the clearance of the front camera housing and the black area surrounding the rear view mirror attach point.

the wolfbox front facing camera may be affected by the oem placement of the front safety system housing.
 
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tommyd52

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oem

1. you can see the hitch in addition to rear
2. you can adjust the left, right, up, down, zoom in/out
3. integrated mounted solution
4. built in high beam filter
5. you can always switch it to manual mode
6. you will need to add the oem dashcam to get recording features and forward view
7. if you get the 360 view system, it will be superior to any dashcam and it feeds into the main head unit display (but no recording ability)

wolfbox
1. cheaper than oem cost (you have to buy a trim that includes is as standard/option)
2. you have to wire it yourself
3. you would have to buy the 3 cam version to get close to the oem dashcam, digital mirror (and/or 360 view) features
4. the 360 view system (depending on model, off road trd models get a better 360 view system than the higher trims like the limited/platinum)
5. 360 view system is far superior than any dashcam system currently (but you get no recording ability). but you can pair a 3rd party dual cam dashcam to get front/rear recording ability)


a combo of viofo 329 series with 360 pvm and digital rearview would be my ideal setup.
Wow thank you so much! You’ve confirmed a lot of my concerns and provided a lot I didn’t know! I was super reluctant to “override” the OEM mirror and now I won’t!

Would love a dash cam and I was thinking about the OEM, but want more so was actually looking at the viofo line. My research continues, thanks a million!!! This is the exact response I was looking for!
 

Nodak

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Wow thank you so much! You’ve confirmed a lot of my concerns and provided a lot I didn’t know! I was super reluctant to “override” the OEM mirror and now I won’t!

Would love a dash cam and I was thinking about the OEM, but want more so was actually looking at the viofo line. My research continues, thanks a million!!! This is the exact response I was looking for!

you only need the dashcam for accidents (either nature's beasts or people being distracted). outside of that, toyota's pvm (360 view system), digital mirror is all you really need.

if you can go test drive a limited and a trd off road model (these are the model with the different 360 pvm setups. the off road version you can turn on full time, the pavement princess models only use the 360 view when needed ie: backing up, slow speed parking lot stuff or coming up to a stop sign/light)

you can decide if you like one system or the other.
 
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tommyd52

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you only need the dashcam for accidents (either nature's beasts or people being distracted). outside of that, toyota's pvm (360 view system), digital mirror is all you really need.

if you can go test drive a limited and a trd off road model (these are the model with the different 360 pvm setups. the off road version you can turn on full time, the pavement princess models only use the 360 view when needed ie: backing up, slow speed parking lot stuff or coming up to a stop sign/light)

you can decide if you like one system or the other.
The ORP has the 360 PVM No?
 
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tommyd52

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you only need the dashcam for accidents (either nature's beasts or people being distracted). outside of that, toyota's pvm (360 view system), digital mirror is all you really need.

if you can go test drive a limited and a trd off road model (these are the model with the different 360 pvm setups. the off road version you can turn on full time, the pavement princess models only use the 360 view when needed ie: backing up, slow speed parking lot stuff or coming up to a stop sign/light)

you can decide if you like one system or the other.
“Pavement princess” lol… never heard that one, that’s great! lol
 

Archer

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Used the camera's while off-roading yesterday, WOW, what a game changer, I could maneuver through close stuff using only my camera once I got the hang of what all the lines were used for.

I've been off-roading for decades in many different rigs but this is the first camera system and I got to say, it's GREAT.

I'll make a post with some vids once I figure out how to upload them to youtube. Kinda tech illiterate... : )
 

DustyLens

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The main issue I have with electronic/digital/automatic mirrors is loss of control.

I prefer a fully manual mirror. And, no, "but you can turn it off", isn't good enough.
 

Hacksaw

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you only need the dashcam for accidents [...]
There are a lot of YT videos where people's dashcam saved them from false tickets too. Or car dealership techs going on joy rides abusing the vehicle. And if you have the type that records events while the vehicle is parked, even more beneficial uses for the dashcam besides just accidents. Front, rear, and interior camera recording for max potential benefit.
 

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The main issue I have with electronic/digital/automatic mirrors is loss of control.

I prefer a fully manual mirror. And, no, "but you can turn it off", isn't good enough.

Why not both...........

It is..... : )


.
 

MikeD

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you only need the dashcam for accidents (either nature's beasts or people being distracted). outside of that, toyota's pvm (360 view system), digital mirror is all you really need.

if you can go test drive a limited and a trd off road model (these are the model with the different 360 pvm setups. the off road version you can turn on full time, the pavement princess models only use the 360 view when needed ie: backing up, slow speed parking lot stuff or coming up to a stop sign/light)

you can decide if you like one system or the other.
Thanks very much for all the insights, Nodak.
My simple perspective has been: why the heck would I buy a dashcam when I already have 8 cameras on this new vehicle that look and work great with tons of real time viewing flexibility (I have TRD ORP) - the only thing I need is a way to view/save past videos....
Unfortunately, it seems that previous solutions (e.g., Toyota Integrated Dashcam App https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.toyota.integrateddashcam&hl=en_AU) don't work with 2025 (according to service dept. at my dealer today).
So my question is related to your earlier note:
"6. you will need to add the oem dashcam to get recording features and forward view
7. if you get the 360 view system, it will be superior to any dashcam and it feeds into the main head unit display (but no recording ability) "

So I've got #7 with ORP. But I just want to make sure, before I pull the trigger, that you are recommending PT949-34222 . And that there isn't some secret way of getting hands on the video that the vehicle is ALREADY RECORDING (Ughh).
Also, just making sure what folks think of the OEM version vs. aftermarket. (I'm likely to go with Toyota part but looking for strong alternate opinions.
(Note: my "https://www.toyota.com/owners/dashcam/" page says:
"Toyota Dashcam is not available for this model.
We apologize for the inconvenience. More models will be supported soon. Please check back for updates."
This is a bit disconcerting. And one more reason I'm looking for advise. Thanks in advance to anyone who weighs in.
 

Nodak

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i personally use viofo dashcams, i prefer the features over the oem one.

the camera quality is way better on the newer viofo cams since they all (most of the well known dashcams have also moved) have moved to the new sony starvis 2 series optics
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