Reversing camera monitor - Mirror or standalone?

[The Cone of Silence]

Hi guys,

A reversing camera probably should have been the first modification instead of one of the last. Trees are forever jumping out at me but I'd have more chance of avoiding them with a reversing camera.

As far as I'm aware there are two different types:
1. The rear view mirror that doubles up as the monitor.
2. The specific monitor just for the camera.

I'm trying to figure out the pros and cons of each.

In terms of space, there's plenty of options for where to put a monitor so I'm not overly worried about that; I'm far more concerned about quality, glare, cost and reliability.

Has anyone tried both types of monitor?
Are the rear-view mirror monitors really big?
Is the rear-view mirror quality compromised?
Is the camera view while reversing compromised by the mirror being used for two jobs?

Advice sought as always from forum members

Bobby

[Phil B]

Hi Bobby,

I had a mirror type camera in a work ute last year.
I'm glad I didn't pay for it because it was utter c..p.
During the day (when most of us do most of our driving) I normally couldn't see anything at all because the brightness and clarity in the mirror was very poor. It was better at night provided the reverse lights work well.
If you do get one i would go for the type integrated into the car stereo or part of the GPS, purly from a visability point of view.
I would also make sure the camera was mounted as high as possible to get it out of the mud and dust. I was forever having to clean the one on the ute which was mounted next to the number plate.
Hope this helps.
Phil

[BilboBoggles]

There is a third. You can get radio head units with LCD/monitors that pop out - or even smaller ones that have a LCD unit in the front face of the head unit. The pop out ones can be setup to pop out when you select reverse. Might require a bit of hunting for the right unit.

I always thought that would be a very neat solution, but have not got around to looking into it yet...

[stealth]

I have a 130 ute with a canvas canopy on the rear so the rear view mirror is useless. I installed a rear view camera wired up permanently when the ignition is on. I removed the rear view mirror and installed the screen in its place. Vision is hampered during the day and it works best on dull days or evening. But it is still better than the mirror. The camera has a fish eye lens and with the use of side mirrors I get 360 degree vision around the vehicle when operating in the best light. Best value is when changing lanes

[Marty110]

I have a 7inch Hema navigator with the camera hooked up. Great screen and very clear picture. I used a Polaris camera. Make sure you mount the camera so you can use it for coupling up the trailer or van, very useful

[p38arover]

I have one in the rear view mirror. As PhilB says, utterly hopeless in daylight. There's far too much light coming in through the windows.

[ProjectDirector]

Best investment I did for $45.
Sony ccd heavy duty camera with 3.5" LCD screen and easy to install on my 110.
http://www.rainbowlife.com.au
Cheers
8134281343

[p38arover]

Our Forester has a factory fitted unit in the dash as shown below. It is very clear and easy to view but I find I rarely use it. I keep forgetting it's there. My wife uses it a lot.

http://www.zcars.com.au/images/2009-subaru-forester-interior1.jpg

[Landy86]

Best investment I did for $45.
Sony ccd heavy duty camera with 3.5" LCD screen and easy to install on my 110.
Rainbowlife - Australia online shopping store (http://www.rainbowlife.com.au)
Cheers
8134281343

Hi,
We're abouts did you get this kit from.
And how much if you don't mind me asking

[ProjectDirector]

Hi,

We're abouts did you get this kit from.

And how much if you don't mind me asking


http://www.rainbowlife.com.au/4-3-inch-tft-lcd-car-monitor-a01-car-rear-view-camera-e629.html
This is the site, I bought it 12 months ago $44 shipped to Melbourne and it was 4.3" screen.
Cheers

[illinbah]

There is a third. You can get radio head units with LCD/monitors that pop out - or even smaller ones that have a LCD unit in the front face of the head unit. The pop out ones can be setup to pop out when you select reverse. Might require a bit of hunting for the right unit.

I always thought that would be a very neat solution, but have not got around to looking into it yet...

I have one installed although it was not fun to install. The plugs on the rear is different from the Defender and there is not much room behind that dash. They cost about $300 from china and come with Oz maps on a 4G microSD card. It also has a second Micro SD slot for media. The GPS is quite good but can lock up if you start pressing too many buttons. I have tried uploading a pic so will see what happens.

[landy]

I have an ARB unit. I bought it because I liked the size of the rear view mirror and that it didn't just clip to the exiting mirror. You can fit a second camera and it has a trailer kit option.
The mirror has the ability to be left on which is good as I can't see squat with the gull wings. It's got a really good microphone so I can hear kids etc behind me before I see them. And it can be switched between two cameras if you fit a second one. I don't have a second camera yet but intend to fit one just under the roof rack to give me good views of the road behind. Currently the camera is set up above the tow hitch so I can use it to reverse onto the trailer hitch.
Cons are that I can't get the window mount to bond to the screen (I cut the ball from the old mirror arm and drilled and tapped the arm to accept the mount) and the kits a bit expensive.
However I've not really noticed it hard to see in the daytime. Unless in really bright sunlight.

Cheers

Nino.