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Hello everyone, who here has a back-up camera system and what type? I want to hear your opinions in order to help me decide which one may or may not be better: in-dash, rearview mirror, or a separate screen all together.
Does size matter? (the screen!)
Please tell me the type of camera, where it is mounted (top, bottom, in bumper etc.)
Thanks,
GPII
Mirror is most intuitive place for screen - finally found a unit @ SEMA that was a complete replacement mirror that included LED map lights and a 4" screen. Will get pricing and pics up this week. The cameras I offer on my site have not been bettered this year and fit the rear hump very well. I use a 7" in dash screen for front and rear camera display, DVD, TV and MP3/radio control as the best option to do everything in one unit but of course it costs more. Anything smaller than a 4" screen IMHO is too small for a backup display as there will not be enough data presented to make adequate corrective manuevers.
I have the factory camera (jap model) mounted on the outside of the spare wheel cover. The camera rotates around so when you drive on dusty roads the lens does not get dirty. The position gives you a very good view of whats behind you and it gives you a good perception of how close you are to stuff behind you (i have found myself parking extremly close to cars and making other people crap themselves).
I have a non factory screen (clarion 7inch) mounted fairly low inbetween the gear lever and ash tray. But I find this fairly hard to look at side mirrors, rearvision mirror and screen all at once. I would suggest to have the screen placed a bit higher.
[off topic]
I dont know if this is common knowledge and if it applies to the US but the Australian sony PS2 can be wired straight to 12 volt, so no need for a power inverter. But the newer smaller PS2 can't because it runs on 8.5 volt. Because this is what I have done and have found it the cheapest and best way to get DVD and games into the car.
Tone, I'm curious as to how big that would be compared to the stock one. I'll check it out when you do post info.
-X-, cool photos - any more info on your camera?
OZ VX, can you tell me the model no. of your camera, that sounds interesting, the fact it can turn around.
Thanks for the replies!
GPII
I fitted a camera supplied by Tone to replace my defunkt original equipment unit, it works great and was also less than half price.
Col
The ones I offer are smaller than stock, see even better in low light conditions and are easy to fit in the hump where it was designed to go. The sliding cover on the stock one is very cool but very expensive if you can even find them.
I've gone the eBay route and spent 150 bucks to install a mirror that houses a hidden 5 inch monitor. It works with this 30 led color night vision cam. They are not the best quality, although with a bit of work they can be just as good if not better than the expensive products. It's just I found quite a few defects which took time to correct but brought everything up to spec.
The mirror works almost like tinted windows I guess, and has a second video input, on/off, and a built-in reversible switch that makes a world of difference in backing up. The camera from jap sux at night if cars are close behind you, but works great in the day or when there's no immediate headlights on your tail... like backing into a spot for example. I also have a 7 inch monitor connected to my computer, which I might have a second USB video for maybe capturing and/or alternative view angle. I kinda want to mount a second IR camera facing forward, but that's too much of a waste of money for right now.
I had to file a big portion of the moon to get this 30 led to fit in right, so it's a perminant addition to the vehicle. As is the mirror which now uses the stock mirror mount. It all still kind of looks like they belong there, the camera follows the lines of the rear and the mirror isn't too oversized.
There's actually a few choises out there, I believe tone's camera has a much better view angle and picture quality. The one I bought is a bit too big, which just ment more work making it look/fit/work right.
here are some pics:
http://www.geocities.com/bugging75/PICT0264.JPG
http://www.geocities.com/bugging75/PICT0252.JPG
http://www.geocities.com/bugging75/PICT0249.JPG
http://www.geocities.com/bugging75/PICT0259.JPG
I have got no idea what model no. the camera is. But if you are considering it, the camera also uses a control box, so it only turns around when you put the stick in reverse. I got mine with the car and its factory, but you would probaby get just as good if not better quality from aftermarket stuff, plus it would probably be cheaper too.
Also I think that cutout in the half moon has the right angle that you would want the camera for, as you can actually see the back of your car and a far distance behind you.
I'm not sure how this would work, but maybe think of one of those tiny spy cameras like you see on ebay.
*also Francesco Rizzo have you seen http://www.carbotpc.com/index.php
Turning on the camera for reverse only is a simple matter that only requires a relay. I have mine turn on when I back up OR change lanes. I can also turn it om manually as necessary. I also have front camera that is manually switched but will be connected to a DVR for next Moab - probably put another on the roof as I don't want the camcorder up there again!
Small cameras I offer require NO cutting of the rear crescent, are waterproof and easily adjustable up or down once installed. Rizzo, can you shoot a picture of your mirror in the daylight? I need to call on the one I found at SEMA but it cost more than what you paid!
Wow, small computer for 3 times the price of mine.. maybe when I have $$ to burn…
Tone, wireless2826 is the eBay s/n of the dude who sold me the mirror. He doesn’t off anything for sale right now, but I could probably find out more if you need. The mirror is excellent, I love the reaction from when I turn off the monitor and people are surprised to see it turn into a normal rearview.. I just had to remount the lcd in the mirror case and now have a serious ground-loop problem which is effecting the quality.. ENOUGh WIRES already!. Quality of image in my pic is a result of poor input from a wack camera.
http://www.geocities.com/bugging75/lcdoff.JPG
http://www.geocities.com/bugging75/lcdon.JPG
I also need to say that this mirror is specifically designed for backup cameras considering the lead to the reverse light and the reverse image selector.
Advice for those buying the cheap ebay camera.. Seal the lens with silicone adhesive or it will leak. I need to mail-return mine to China!!!
Wow, that is a BIG mirror! I will call the company whose we saw at SEMA next week as it was little bigger than a standard mirror with a 4" screen.Thanks.
I second that. That mirror is fairly large. I thought the standard one was a bit big. But having the screen in the mirror would be the best position you could get.
Its a pity they didn't put the camera on the US model, It would of been much easier for a lot of you. You would of thought that knowing the crap rear visibility that they would of just used the same gear as the Japanese model. Spose isuzu US would of had some boring reasons.
The pictures throw off the size.. I moved it around only so that the sun did not glair... It's actually about half an inch shorter and the same height as a stock mirror, only it maintanes this legth throughout the width, making it cover a greater arear.. once it's in, it's got a stock look to it.
holy sh*t tat looks awesome....not bad for 150.....
________
SexyOrquidea
What does it take to mount the mirror on the stock post?
Thanks. Roy