Technical Details
– Max. resolution: 2304×1296 or 2560×1080 @ 30fps
– Price: n/a
– Bit rate: up to 21 Mbps
– Aperture: F2.0
– Optional GPS
– High Dynamic Range (HDR) (at 1080p only)
– 1.5″ Screen
– Small size (65mm x 37mm x 35mm)
– Omnivision OV4689 sensor (4 Mega Pixel)
– Ambarella A7LA50 processor
– Angle of view: 135° diagonal
– Operating temperature: from 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
– Video format: .MOV
– Supports up to two 128GB MicroSD cards for a total of 256GB of storage
– Time/date/speed stamp on video
– Loop recording, auto on/off, G-Sensor, parking mode
– 1/3/5 minute clips
– No gaps between video files
– Interfaces: HDMI, USB 2.0, AV
– Optional CPL (circular polarization lens) filter with magnetic mount
– Upside down mounting option
– Lock file button
– Internal microphone and speaker
– 3M tape mount with bracket
Mini 0806 Review
The latest installment of the popular Chinese Mini series, the Mini 0806 adds a couple of very interesting features to this line of cameras. It was released in December of 2014.
While the design is a little different from the Mini 0801, 0803, and 0805 models (which all used identical casings), the Mini 0806 has a similar but slightly more edgy form factor. Like its predecessors, this camera is near-cylindrical, with a 1.5″ screen and a “foot” or mount that can contain an optional GPS receiver.
Just as before, the power cable goes into the mount, so you don’t have to unplug it if you want to take the camera with you. However, be aware that sliding the 0806 out of the mount does take some effort at first. It comes off a lot smoother once you’ve removed it a couple of times.
The Mini 0806’s maximum video resolution is 1296p (2304×1296 pixels) at 30 frames per second. Alternatively, you can choose 1080p (1920×1080 pixels) at up to 45 frames per second. The higher frame rate allows for smoother video that will capture more details, which may come in handy in case of an incident.
Another interesting video option is the 2560×1080 wide screen resolution, which is great for use in a dash cam: Wide screen puts the focus on the center of the screen (where the road is) and takes away from the top and bottom (where you’d see the sky and your car’s hood, respectively).
There are also several lower resolution options that will save you disk space. Not that you would need to save space, as the Mini 0806 has quite a lot of storage capacity: It supports not one, but two 128GB memory cards for a total of 256GB maximum storage. At a bit rate of 21Mbps (the maximum for this camera), this results in an impressive total recording time of more than 24 hours.
Video quality is very good, both at day and at night time. The Mini 0806’s HDR feature (High Dynamic Range) allows for great night vision that captures pretty much all of the necessary details. HDR is only available at 1080p, so use this resolution if you do a lot of driving at night. That said, night video quality is also quite decent at the other resolutions that don’t have HDR.
Another welcome feature is the magnetic CPL (circular polarization lens) mount that allow you to add an optional polarization filter in front of the camera’s lens. This filter reduces glare from sunlight during the day time, but should be removed at night, otherwise your night videos will turn out a bit darker than usual.
In summary, the Mini 0806 records high quality video day and night, and offers a lot more features than most other dash cams of a similar price. Initially this camera got mixed feedback from customers, and some users complained that they received dysfunctional units. This seems to have improved over time though, and also depends a lot on where you order your unit from. Please check our “Where To Buy” section below for best quality.
Comparison of Mini 0806 vs. Mini 0805
The Mini 0806 was released just a little while after the Mini 0805, which continues to be a top seller.
If you’re undecided which of the two units to get, here’s the main advantages that the Mini 0806 has with regards to its predecessor:
- Mini 0806 has 256 GB maximum capacity instead of 128 GB
- Mini 0806 has a 135° viewing angle instead of 120°
- Mini 0806 has a magnetic mount for a CPL filter, 0805 doesn’t
- Mini 0806 has 21 Mbps bit rate vs. the Mini 0805’s 13 Mbps, resulting in higher video quality
Of course, the Mini 0805’s main advantage is that it’s cheaper.
UPDATE: For an overview of all the Mini cameras (from Mini 0801, the original, all the way up to Mini 0903/Nano Q, the latest of the series), check out this article.
Mini 0806 Video Samples
For full original video quality, make sure to watch on full screen and select maximum video resolution (use the cog icon in lower right corner). You may have to rewind the video after changing the resolution.
Day Time Video Sample
Day time video is very good, with crisp, bright colors. All details are clearly visible, and license plates are easy to read at medium distance.
Night Time Video Sample
Night video is very clear. Details are clearly defined, and signs and license plates can easily be read, except when washed out by your own head lights. This happens occasionally and it’s a problem that all dash cams have at night.
Where To Buy
The Mini 0806 is no longer available for sale.
