Looking for reversing camera

charleshardin · 10-07-2017 8:15pm #1

I am looking for an automatic (perhaps a Nissan or Honda) with a reversing camera.

In Limerick (where I am), I have found two, but neither with a reversing camera.

In each case, the sales person has suggested I could fit a reversing camera - describing this either as "common" or "simple".

However, I have asked a number of local mechanics, none of whom are too interested, so I wonder if anybody knows of a specialist fitter of reversing cameras (presuming such a person exists!), in or around Limerick.

Thanks.

Eric Cartman · 10-07-2017 8:37pm

An auto electrician or soundsystem/security installer would be best.

what model car is it and is there a factory monitor which could display the image ?

jimbis · 10-07-2017 8:41pm

Are you looking for the camera to show up on a screen originally fitted to the car or would you be happy to have one dash mounted?
Any competent auto electrician would be able to do both but you'll probably find it easier to get some to fit the dash mounted option. dont know anyone to recommend down your way though sorry.

ION08 · 10-07-2017 8:54pm

You'd want to be looking at parking sensors in addition the camera. (If it doesnt already have them)

A camera on its own is not much use if youre not confident enough with your spatial awareness to the extent that you feel you need a camera. (Not a dig)

I have a camera and sensors on my car which automatically come on when Reverse is engaged, I do find it quite good but I definitely wouldnt be relying on just the camera.

freshpopcorn · 10-07-2017 8:59pm

I don't know many mechanics who'd be interested in doing this.
What size car are you looking for?

colm_mcm · 10-07-2017 9:22pm

Just get the rear view mirror with LCD screen built in.

ironclaw · 10-07-2017 9:24pm

Some models of cars needed to be VAGCOM or similarly coded in to work with these cameras (Audi and BMW to name two) . Its not tricky but it would be beyond some electricians, hence the lack of interest from some corners.

kirving · 10-07-2017 10:10pm

The problem with retrofitting a camera is that any third party model you buy will basically be pure rubbish. You need to have the factory camera installed into the car.

Now, if that was an option and the car just wasn't specced with it, the manufacturer may supply a kit to the main dealer. That would cost so much that you're better off looking for another car.

You can get sensors fitted for far less money, which will actually be far more useful.

Unless the camera is of extremely high quality, is linked to parking sensors, and your steering wheel for overlays, or has it's own 3D object detection, it's not worth wasting your money on.

colm_mcm · 10-07-2017 10:13pm

What's your budget for the car OP?

Eric Cartman · 10-07-2017 10:19pm

Kevin Irving wrote: »

The problem with retrofitting a camera is that any third party model you buy will basically be pure rubbish. You need to have the factory camera installed into the car.

Now, if that was an option and the car just wasn't specced with it, the manufacturer may supply a kit to the main dealer. That would cost so much that you're better off looking for another car.

You can get sensors fitted for far less money, which will actually be far more useful.

Unless the camera is of extremely high quality, is linked to parking sensors, and your steering wheel for overlays, or has it's own 3D object detection, it's not worth wasting your money on.

to be fair even the crappest ebay camera will save you from hitting bollards and kids, well worth it either way.

But if theres a factory display available or space for a double DIN stereo then that has to be done, 3rd party displays thrown on the dash are crap looking and the mirror screens are tiny.

kirving · 10-07-2017 10:31pm

Eric Cartman wrote: »

to be fair even the crappest ebay camera will save you from hitting bollards and kids, well worth it either way.

But if theres a factory display available or space for a double DIN stereo then that has to be done, 3rd party displays thrown on the dash are crap looking and the mirror screens are tiny.

That's the thing, they're so rubbish that in anything less than perfect conditions, they're useless. Parking sensors are far more effective in than a bad camera in most cases, and easier to retrofit cleanly.

I was in a Kia Sorento rental the other week in the US. Mandatory reversing camera was absolutely rubbish, on what looked to be a 3“ low res screen. Couldn't see a thing out of it.

Eric Cartman · 10-07-2017 10:43pm

Kevin Irving wrote: »

That's the thing, they're so rubbish that in anything less than perfect conditions, they're useless. Parking sensors are far more effective in than a bad camera in most cases, and easier to retrofit cleanly.

I was in a Kia Sorento rental the other week in the US. Mandatory reversing camera was absolutely rubbish, on what looked to be a 3“ low res screen. Couldn't see a thing out of it.

the kia cameras coming out of the factory tend to be pretty crap. I fitted a $45 ebay camera to my e38 and routed it through the factory display , worked an absolute treat and quite good on the 8" screen even in the dark. you need a full navigation sized screen to use the camera effectively

honda boi · 11-07-2017 12:42am

colm_mcm wrote: »

Just get the rear view mirror with LCD screen built in.

This. Looking to get meself one

charleshardin · 11-07-2017 1:03am

Thanks for all the advice. I do really appreciate it.

Both care have screens, but not of course cameras.

I did try the camera in a friend's old Nissan Primera, and to be honest, did not find it all that effective.

Meantime, I have come across a number of small automatics advertised by a dealer in Co Dublin, many of which have reverse cameras fitted, so I will have a look at those.

Again thanks for all the advice - it is much appreciated.

Wildcard7 · 11-07-2017 2:13pm

I don't know if that's any use to you, but if you're looking for a small automatic with a reversing camera built in, your best bet are >= 2012 Toyota Yaris. All but the most basic models have a reversing camera:

http://www.carsireland.ie/search-results.php?make_id%5B%5D=88&model_id%5B%5D=758&min_year=2012&max_year=&colour_id=&body_type_id=&doors=&ncap_overall=&min_price=0&max_price=&road_tax_cost=&mpg=&min_engine_id=&max_engine_id=&fuel_type_id=&transmission_type_id=2&max_power_bhp=&green_rating=&max_odo=&odo_type=m&added=&seller=&fts=&fts_or=0&submit=Search+used+cars

Marcusm · 11-07-2017 3:06pm

Kevin Irving wrote: »

That's the thing, they're so rubbish that in anything less than perfect conditions, they're useless. Parking sensors are far more effective in than a bad camera in most cases, and easier to retrofit cleanly.

I was in a Kia Sorento rental the other week in the US. Mandatory reversing camera was absolutely rubbish, on what looked to be a 3“ low res screen. Couldn't see a thing out of it.

The mandatory reversing camera is to stop you reversing over a small person. It probably fulfils that objective.

freshpopcorn · 11-07-2017 3:09pm

Wildcard7 wrote: »

I don't know if that's any use to you, but if you're looking for a small automatic with a reversing camera built in, your best bet are >= 2012 Toyota Yaris. All but the most basic models have a reversing camera:

http://www.carsireland.ie/search-results.php?make_id%5B%5D=88&model_id%5B%5D=758&min_year=2012&max_year=&colour_id=&body_type_id=&doors=&ncap_overall=&min_price=0&max_price=&road_tax_cost=&mpg=&min_engine_id=&max_engine_id=&fuel_type_id=&transmission_type_id=2&max_power_bhp=&green_rating=&max_odo=&odo_type=m&added=&seller=&fts=&fts_or=0&submit=Search+used+cars

Their's a good few Auris's with them as well!

charleshardin · 11-07-2017 4:13pm

Thanks very much for that advice.

I had been looking more at Nissans and Hondas and had not thought of Toyota. I will look at that.

Quoting.....

"All new cars must include a backup camera by May 2018. That's the latest from the federal government's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which recently announced the finalized regulation on backup cameras after years of back-and-forth".

In addition, the same law is being brought in for Canada and India, so I suppose it will eventually make its way to Ireland.

Looking for reversing camera

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