Mini 0805

Mini 0805

The Mini 0805 dashboard camera is another in the series of Mini 080X cameras.  The original Mini 0801 and Mini 0803 have been popular sellers given their small size, GPS and good video quality but reliability has been hit or miss.

The Mini 0805 looks nearly identical to the Mini 0803 with the exception of the lens.  Internally the cameras are different as well.  While the Mini 0803 uses the Ambarella A7LA50D processor and Aptina AR0330 CMOS sensor, the Mini 0805 uses the Ambarella A7LA50 processor and Omnivision OV4689 CMOS sensor.

Video quality during the day is very good and night quality is good.  Overall it is slightly better than the Mini 0803 due to the higher quality Omnivision CMOS sensor.  Another improvement over the Mini 0803 is that the 0805 runs much cooler.  This is a welcome change since heat and dash cams typically do not mix well.

The Mini 0805 has the same small size (75x47x35mm), 62g weight, 1.5″ screen and G-sensor as the 0803.  The Mini 0805 comes with a quick mount that has electrical contacts built it.  The mount is much improved over the Mini 0801 and early Mini 0803 which was quite wobbly / loose.  But note that attaching and removing the Mini 0805 to the mount is a bit difficult when new.  Be careful on how much pressure is applied to the mount.  Owners indicate the mount loosens up with repetitive installs / removals.

Our member Mtz has created a video review here:

Mini 080X Comparison

The following photo from our member Mtz compares the Mini 0803, Mini 0805 and Mini 0806.  While the Mini 0803 and 0805 have identical cases, the Mini 0806 uses a completely redesigned case.

0803 0805 0806
Mini 080X Comparison

A quick comparison table of the Mini 0801, 0803, 0805 and 0806 has been prepared by the Mini 0806 team.

Checking the video resolution that your camera supports is the easiest way to know which Mini 080X version you have.

Known problems

Inaccurate GPS Details

A number of owners have indicated the GPS details / coordinates are incorrect.  One potential solution is to use Registrator Viewer when viewing the videos and utilize the option to reverse co-ordinates.  Alternatively, this may be fixed with a firmware update.

MPH Issue

With MPH selected, the on-screen display on the recorded video will state KPH but records the correct speed in MPH.   This appears to be a firmware issue and has not been resolved yet.

Out of Focus

Some owners have indicated that their cameras are out of focus or blurry.  Our member David L. has provided step by step instructions to correct this problem.

Mini 0806 Teardown 1

1. Open the camera using a knife or other sharp object from the side of the camera, where the power button is located.

Mini 0806 Teardown 2

2. Put the knife on the side, the cover is slightly glued so it’s very easy to open.

Mini 0806 Teardown 3

3. After removing the cover, you will see 4 phillips screws, remove them all.

Mini 0806 Teardown 4
Mini 0806 Teardown 5

4. Be careful when removing this ring with the holder because it has a very tiny small metal ball with a spring and it’s really easy to fall and get lost.

Mini 0806 Teardown 6

5. Open the camera for the side with a flat screwdriver.

6. Locate the glue on the focus lens ring and remove it. I think it was very easy to remove because it was something like hot glue and not super glue.

Mini 0806 Teardown 7

7. Plug a mini hdmi / hdmi cable to a computer monitor and start to rotate the lens, first clockwise and then counter clockwise until you see the objects more clearly and not blurry. I focused on a wall clock at 5 or 6 meters from me and adjusted the lens until I saw the numbers clearly

Mini 0806 Teardown 8

The results.

Before:

Mini 0806 Teardown 9
Mini 0806 Teardown 10

After:

Mounting the Camera

Mini 0801 Mount 2

Sample Videos

Day Video

Night Video

A118 (top) vs Mini 0805 (bottom)

Mobius (top left) vs Panorama X2 (top right) vs Mini 0805 (bottom)

Should I Purchase?

The Mini 0805 is an evolutionary improvement over the Mini 0803 and Mini 0801.  Great discreet form factor, improved video quality, runs at a lower temperature and at a $90 price make this a great value.  Reliability is the main wild card for this camera but initial feedback has been positive.

Alternatively, the Mini 0806 has a few more features for a slightly higher price which should be a consideration if you are looking for an affordable, discreet camera with screen and GPS.  Overall a great camera for the money.  To see what other owners are saying, visit our Mini 0805 Forum.

Firmware

WARNING! MAKING CHANGES TO YOUR FIRMWARE ARE PERFORMED AT YOUR OWN RISK. WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE TO YOUR DASH CAM AS A RESULT OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

Firmware Update Instructions

  1. Format the MicroSD Card
  2. Copy the firmware file (.bin) onto the root of the MicroSD Card
  3. You may need to rename the firmware file to firmware bin
  4. The camera should prompt to update automatically (yes/no)
  5. After the firmware update is completed be sure to delete the files or you will be prompted to update again

Latest Firmware

CHECK TO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A MINI 0805 BEFORE UPDATING.  SOME VENDORS ARE SELLING 0803 CAMERAS AND CLAIMING THEY ARE 0805 RESULTING IN BRICKED CAMERAS WHEN UPDATING.

Previous Versions

User Manual

The English User Manual can be downloaded here.

Specifications

Detailed Specifications

Read Review
Camera Type Single Channel
Form Factor Cylindrical
Country China
Processor Ambarella A7LA50
CMOS Front Omnivision OV4689
CMOS Rear N/A
Channels 1
Screen 1.5"
GPS Yes
G-Sensor Yes
Wi-Fi No
Parking Mode No
Lock Files Auto or Button
Max Resolution Front 2304×1296p
Front Frames Per Second 30
Max Bitrate Front (Mbps) Variable (approx 13)
Max Resolution Rear N/A
Rear Frames Per Second N/A
Max Bitrate Rear (Mbps) N/A
Video Format MOV
Compression H.264
Diagonal Viewing Angle Front 120°
Diagonal Viewing Angle Rear N/A
SD Card Type MicroSD
Max Size (Spec) 128GB
Max Size (User) 128GB
Size Front (mm) 75 x 47 x 35
Size Rear (mm) N/A
Mount Adhesive
Power Supply 5V
Operating Temp -10°C to 65°C
Battery 320mAh
Error Notification Screen
Swivel (To Record Side Windows) No
Apps PC
Cloud Connectivity No
Release Date Nov 2014
Unique Features Lane Departure Warning System
Front Collision Warning System
Advantages Compact and discreet
Good video quality
Disadvantages None
Final Word Great discreet form factor, good video quality, does not run hot and at $70 this is an excellent value. Best in the Mini Series.

Published: January 6, 2015

Last Updated: March 23, 2016

Mini 0805 - DashCamTalk
Mini 0805

The Mini 0805 has a great discreet form factor, good video quality, good reliability. Excellent value at $70.

Product SKU: Mini 0805

Product Brand: Mini

Product Currency: USD

Product Price: 70

Price Valid Until: 2023-01-01

Product In-Stock: SoldOut

Editor's Rating:
7.3