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Help me pick out a cheap backup camera

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Yuriman

Yuriman

Diamond Member
My wife recently backed into someone in a parking lot, just some paint scuffing thankfully, and so I've decided to install a backup camera. Amazon has something like 10,000 cheap cameras for sale, all of them claiming outrageous specs. For $15, I can supposedly get something that is HD, waterproof, and has a 170 degree viewing angle, but I suspect at least 2/3 of that is false advertising considering Crutchfield's cameras tend to start at about 120 degrees and get considerably more expensive for just a few extra degrees, nevermind the resolution. I'm looking to keep this cheap and have no issues with doing the installation myself, I'm just not sure what to buy.

Ideally I'd like to keep it under $60. I'd like a camera with a wide FOV, and preferably a step above utter garbage image quality. How do I tell the good from the garbage?
 
xBiffx said:
This comes standard on all vehicles. It's called a rear view mirror. If that doesn't work, there is always the head turn. :\

You said cheap........
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My car has rather large blind spots, unfortunately.

I have no issues with backing out using mirrors, but my wife on the other hand has already demonstrated that she can run into someone.

MiataNC said:
Where are you planning on displaying the image?
Click to expand...

Perhaps I should have said "backup camera system" instead. Amazon sells plenty of cheap LCDs, that shouldn't be hard to pick.
 
Yuriman said:
My car has rather large blind spots, unfortunately.

I have no issues with backing out using mirrors, but my wife on the other hand has already demonstrated that she can run into someone.
Click to expand...

The problem with the cameras is that they do nothing about the blind spots. If anything, they make them worse because you become reliant on just staring at the camera.

I would suggest a setup, if possible, that changes out the rear view mirror with one that has an integrated display to help cut down on this issue. That way you are already looking into the mirror and not down at the dash somewhere.
 
I don't see how you can get a decent camera and display for @$60.00

What is the make model you are planning to install it on?
 
xBiffx said:
The problem with the cameras is that they do nothing about the blind spots. If anything, they make them worse because you become reliant on just staring at the camera.

I would suggest a setup, if possible, that changes out the rear view mirror with one that has an integrated display to help cut down on this issue. That way you are already looking into the mirror and not down at the dash somewhere.
Click to expand...

Thank you, I'll look into that. Correct me if I'm wrong, but you're recommending something like this?

http://www.amazon.com/Sourcingbay-Bl...+camera+screen

41tZ1tZ5qUL._SX425_.jpg
 
MiataNC said:
I don't see how you can get a decent camera and display for @$60.00

What is the make model you are planning to install it on?
Click to expand...

I'll spend more if it's an unreasonably low budget. I was encouraged by seeing lots of $10 LCDs and $15 cameras.

2000 Honda Insight

Again, not concerned about myself, this is so my wife doesn't destroy the car. This is image is not of my car (image is of a CRZ), but the blind spots are very similar:

honda-crz_177.jpg
 
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If you don't have a mirror with a ton of crap built into it, those are a no brainer. Backup cam is so useful for parallel parking, etc.
 
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