backup camera - this one any good?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(smackoww @ Sep 13 2006, 07:50 AM) [snapback]318855[/snapback]</div>

I have no idea about the Coastalteach camera. Sorry.

That said, in my experience, the backup camera which came with my 2006 is of minimal use & I rarely look at it.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(smackoww @ Sep 13 2006, 07:50 AM) [snapback]318855[/snapback]</div>

Are you still looking and wondering? No experience with that specific model, but I've looked at it in the past. I've tried a fair number of cameras, most of which I got for home security, starting out with CMOS as they were less costly. All installations where clarity mattered, I've replaced the CMOS with CCD models and all are brighter, sharper and clearer (or, technically, more nearly clear). The model you show, doesn't say and so is most likely not CCD, but it may work well enough that you're happy with it.

A "feature" included on that camera seems to be only hype, but maybe someone can explain it so it makes sense. The IR LED arrays, so popular on small cameras, produce very little light but enable one to see a close image in an otherwise darkened environment. In the case of a backup camera, that meager light source is totally washed out by a vehical's backup lights. So... what's the point? ...in case both backup lights burn out at the same time??

Good luck with your installation. I just got and installed my Ultimate Camera Lockpick and hooked up my backup cam (CCD) which looks incredibly good BUT it's not wide-angled enough. Hope to replace the lens.

Aloha

 

Just a side comment, some cameras come with fisheyed lenses which will not give you an accurate picture. These lenses just give you a better zoomed in center view.

 

On a cautionary note, I had planned to purchase a less expensive model than the one I now own with the intention of having an after market camera installed. The dealer was involved in the plan. It turned out that the installation required a connector that Toyota would not sell to the after market retailer. I have no idea what brand or make the proposed camera was. (It worked out well for me because the dealer honored the price we had negotiated for the lesser package on the higher package I'm so in love with.)

I really wanted the back-up camera because I had real concerns about the Prius rearview visability, esp at night. I'm still learning to use it, but I find it very handy once you get the hang of it.

 

Don't use those cheap ones on eBay. Those are mostly C-MOS-based.
Things to watch when buying a rear view camera (some have been mentioned above).
- CCD (charge-coupling device ?)
- wide angle (at least 150 degree)
- low light sensitivity (2-lux min, 1lux is better)
- ease of installation (need to drill a hole thru metal? There is no keyhole on Prius hatch!)

I used the RV-2000NC one. It is OK and can be installed with the bracket.
http://www.savv.com/rearview.html

Some photos here:
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/ceric_64/alb...m/ph//my_photos

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(smackoww @ Oct 12 2006, 01:55 PM) [snapback]331838[/snapback]</div>

The only thing I dislike about my RV-2000NC is the low light sensitivity (2lux). I wish I could have used a 1-lux camera instead. The tricky part is that if the low light sensitivity is poor, you have to dial up the brightness on the G-Net (or whichever you choose as interface). When that is the case, the day light image would be too bright. I had to tune the Contrast, Brightness and Color (three dials) several times to get acceptable images for both daytime and nighttime. So far, I am OK with them.

I will add some in-use images to my Yahoo-Photos folder.
The images on my Yahoo-photos basically indicate where the wiring went through. The dificult part is for the wiring to go thru the rubber boot under the hatch. Use some oil would help greatly.

Good Luck.

 

I took 3 photos with my cell phones today. Sorry for the poor quality.
From bright one to the dim one
- day time under some trees
- night time under street light (plus backup light)
- night time under moon light (plus backup light)

 

Has anyone tried a WIRELESS backup camera? Would the car electronics interfere with it? Considering the Lockpick camera version...

 

Since you are ordering the camera, I need to remind you that the
SAVV NC-2000RV comes with a poor-quality fuse. Mine had very poor contact and took me 1 hour to debug the problem (imagine taking the hatch panels off and putting them back on four times). It was OK when I test it, and then, no image after I put all panels back in place. Anyway, here I warned you about it. Finally, I took the fuse off the wires. It worked ever since. :angry:

 

http://canadiantire.ca/browse/product_deta...7b5a834e4ad60b5

i was wondering if i could get away with the wireless ones, since I heard wireless signals can sometimes mess with the hybrid battery... is this true?

 

I used the camera from CostalETech and it has been great in good light and in poor light. I am using it with the CAN View as a interface. It was all set up and ready to install with good directions. I know one person who got a look alike to the one I have but because it could not be removed and turned upside down it never worked. The licenes frame camera must be adaptable to go on the bottom of the plate or you can not get at the hatch button. This means the camera must be turned 180 to get a right side up picture. A word of caution.

 

:mellow: The backup camera on my new 2007 Touring Edition Prius is "fair to middling" in my opinion. Never having used a backup camera before, I have no basis for comparison with others.

The image is good and clear, adequate color, good sensitivity even at night with the backup lights. The wide-angle lens does distort the image somewhat but to avoid running over a pedestrian, your garbage can or kid, it serves its purpose well. When good common sense prevails and I combine the camera view with the interior and exterior rearview mirrors, I believe it is worth the $$$.