Garmin Dash Cam™ Mini 3, Ultracompact 1080p HD Dash Cam

Why it's worth it

The Dash Cam Mini 3 is about the size of a car key and disappears behind the rearview mirror. It records 1080p with a polarizer built into the lens, and it backs up saved clips to Garmin's online Vault so you're not digging for a card.

Size is the entire argument, and it's a better argument than it sounds. A camera nobody notices doesn't invite a smashed window, doesn't block your view of the road, and doesn't start a conversation every time a passenger gets in. At roughly two inches long, this one tucks behind the mirror and stays there.

The built-in polarizer is a real advantage on a sunny commute. Windshield glare and dashboard reflections wash out more footage than low light does, and most cameras make you buy a CPL filter separately and remember to rotate it. Garmin builds the polarizing lens in. On a bright morning heading east, that's the difference between a readable plate and a white smear.

From our review of 7 dash cams, by Mark Jennings, Senior Product Reviewer

What we like

• +Size is the entire argument, and it's a better argument than it sounds
• +The built-in polarizer is a real advantage on a sunny commute
• +The Vault handles the part everyone skips

What to know

• –It records 1080p and only looks forward
• –The features that make this camera interesting — Vault backup, live view, parking notifications — need a paid subscription,…