This tread is to try and pull together post on these subjects as they are all over the forum but not in a central location, hidden in threads that a lot of us would not know they are out there. So if you have some ideas of interest post away. If you have sources for outside/inside mirrors or rear view camera setups both for motoring or for video, post them here with all the great details. Tell us about the mirrors you are using and their good and bad points.
I am currently adapting a set of RX7 mirrors that WERE motorized. I got them from a salvage yard. I will save this story for another post.
Here are some of the specifics on rear view systems that I have found to be good. It is kind of long, but the info is specific and should help the novice as well as the well versed:
Tadi Brothers | Backup Camera system, Wireless Backup Camera for RV and trucks
Backup Camera System | Vehicle Safety Products | RearViewSafety.com
This site even has a "Black Box" recording camera that is mountable almost anywhere. It records at 30 f/s and can hold a 32GB card. It also can hold a second camera.
Search results for: 'black box'
Wholesale Stand-Alone Rearview Monitors - Rear View Monitor * Video Monitor - ESPOW
rear view camera - Google Search
I hope this guide helps you with your purchase of a quality rear view camera system. Please note that I've tried to provide accurate information in simple, non-technical, layman's terms. I want you to understand exactly what to look for in a rear view camera system, so you'll have the best system available.
Automatic System Switching
This is accomplished by connecting a single wire to the vehicle's backup light circuit, sending a signal to the rear view camera system, causing it to switch on without any action by the operator.
You can manually switch the system on every time you want to see behind you using the monitor's front panel power button (or wireless remote control, if so equipped). The better multiple camera systems can automatically switch more than one camera.
Mirror Image Capability
A rear view camera system should have the capability to produce a 'mirror' (or 'reverse') image through the camera and/or monitor. It doesn't matter whether the camera produces a 'mirror' image, or the monitor reverses the image left to right, or as on some high end systems, both the camera and monitor can switch between 'normal' and 'mirror' images.
This capability will provide the same type of image through a rear view camera system that you would see if you were looking into a rear view mirror. Many high end systems not only allow you to select between a 'normal' and 'mirror' image, but also permit you to 'flip' the picture vertically for additional camera mounting options.
Wide Angle Field of View
The field of view provided by any camera is determined by a combination of image sensor (see "CCD vs. CMOS Image Sensor" below) size and lens focal length. The larger the image sensor, the wider the possible field of view. However, a larger image sensor does not necessarily guarantee a wider field of view. Many rear view camera systems utilize a 1/4" image sensor. You should absolutely avoid any system that produces lower than a 90 degree field of view. Most high quality rear view cameras that utilize a 1/3" image sensor produce a 120 degree field of view. That is ideal for most applications.
On the other hand, there are some rear view systems advertised with fields of view as wide as 210 degrees. These super wide field of view cameras are not intended for use on rear view systems, and will generally produce a 'fish-eye' image that will be extremely distorted and can be very dangerous to use as part of a rear view system. They should be used for backing up only.
CCD vs. CMOS Image Sensor
The two types of image sensors that are available for rear view (backup) camera systems are the CCD ("charge coupled device") and CMOS ("complementary metal oxide semiconductor"). The type of image sensor that your rear view camera system uses will be the most important factor in determining picture quality. Besides the overall resolution, a camera that utilizes a CCD image sensor will provide significantly better image under very low and very bright lighting conditions.
All professional digital photographic and video equipment utilize CCD image sensors. Although there are some reasonably high quality CMOS image sensors, no CMOS image sensor will deliver the quality image that a CCD image sensor will provide(my opinion). Get the highest lines of resolution(420 TV lines or so) and contrast ratio(around 250:1) that you can find. Look for monitors that can accept nore than one camera and have the ability to show more than one camera at a time(split screen) for expandability. Look for high resolution where possible(1024x768
Given the option, you should always select a rear view camera system that utilizes a high quality CCD image sensor from a well known manufacturer. Sharp and Sony CCD image sensors are the best available. If the system you're considering purchasing doesn't state that it utilizes a "CCD" image sensor, then it almost certainly doesn't.
Weather Resistant Camera, Cables & Connectors
Remember, a camera mounted on the exterior will be subjected to more than just water. It may be exposed to a wide variety of elements, including road grime, oil, dust, detergents, and high pressure washes(I hope not!!). Just as the camera can be exposed to these elements, so are the exterior cables and connectors.
Weather resistant cables and connectors should also be used for all exterior installations. RCA connectors are not made for external systems.
Exterior connections should always be made of weatherproof connectors. Weatherproof connectors screw together, so they can't accidentally come unplugged.
Many systems include interior RCA connections, which are perfectly acceptable. In fact, these interior RCA connections can be useful for adding additional cameras (even those from other manufacturers), or for connecting other video and/or audio devices.
Infrared Night Vision
This is probably one of the least understood features available, and yet, it is one of the most important features. Although a high quality camera (especially a high quality CCD camera) can provide a picture under a wide variety of lighting conditions (including very low light), it can't provide a clear picture in near or total darkness. That's where the infrared night vision illumination LEDs (light emitting diodes) come in.
On a high quality night vision equipped camera, the infrared LEDs turn on automatically whenever the ambient light drops to a level that's too low for the image sensor to produce a high quality picture. The infrared LEDs operate at a light frequency that is well above the human eye's ability to see, but the image sensor in the camera is designed to detect this light.
The primary difference between visible and infrared light is seen when using a color rear view camera system. Since infrared light doesn't produce colors that are visible to the human eye, all color systems will produce a monochromatic image at night(ususlly).
One big difference between a high quality rear view camera and a lower quality one, is its ability to illuminate the area seen by the camera. Ideally, the infrared illuminators will illuminate the entire field of view produced by the camera, and will illuminate out to a distance of at least 20 feet from the camera. The higher end cameras will typically illuminate out to a distance of 30 to 50 feet from the camera.
While the number of infrared LEDs may or may not be important (just as with light bulbs, various infrared LEDs have higher or lower light intensities), the total light output and the camera's sensitivity to infrared light, will determine the overall performance of the camera's night vision capabilities.
Never consider purchasing a rear view camera system that does not include infrared night vision illumination.
Automotive Power Source
Nearly all rear view camera systems will work on any vehicle that operates from 12 volts DC. The lower quality systems (including some sold on eBay) do not include any type of voltage regulator or filtering circuit. The lack of such a circuit will cause the constant varying voltage produced by the vehicle's electrical system to either damage the system, or at a minimum, produce serious variations in picture quality.
Types of Monitors
When selecting a rear view system that uses an LCD type monitor, always choose the TFT-LCD type monitor for the best picture under the wide variety of lighting conditions.
In most cases you should avoid those rear view systems that use a monitor with less 5" diagonal measurement, as they do not provide adequate detail. Any system that has a monitor with less than a 5" diagonal measurement should only be considered for use as a backup camera system only.
Types of Cameras
There are three common types of cameras used for rear view camera systems. These are 'surface' (or 'standard') mount, 'flush' (or 'keyhole') mount and 'license' mount type cameras. Each type of camera has its own specific advantages, and each is designed for a specific type of use.
The surface mount camera can be attached to any flat (or near flat) surface. These cameras are best mounted up high This mounting position provides a commanding view of the area behind you. That will probably require an enclosure. They can be mounted inside the rear glass if preferred. These usually have brackets for mounting.
The 'flush' (or 'keyhole') type camera mounts through a hole in the body of the vehicle, and provides a view that is more or less directly level with the road surface (the better 'flush' mount cameras include rings that permit slight angling of the camera). While this type of camera does not provide the degree of depth perception provided by the 'surface' mount camera, it provides a much cleaner and unobtrusive installation, since the only part of the camera that is visible is the lens cover and bezel.
The 'license' mount cameras attach to the existing license plate mounting screws, so no new holes are required to attach the camera to the vehicle. Depending upon the location of the license plate, this may or may not be a good solution.
Most cameras are infrared night vision capable, although availability varies from one system to another. In most cases, the night vision capability of 'flush' or 'license' mount cameras will provide less illumination distance than an equal quality 'surface' mount camera (this is due to the limited number of infrared LEDs that those cameras have). While audio is available on many of the 'surface' mount cameras, I'm not aware of any 'flush' or 'license' mount cameras that include audio.
Wired vs. Wireless
While the picture produced by a high quality wireless system may be okay when the vehicle is stationary, every wireless device (every one!) is susceptible to interference, and that interference will be worse when the vehicle is in motion. Because a wireless system transmits a video image through the air, instead of via a cable, there can be some interference from a variety of sources, including electrical interference, high power radio and television transmitters, and many other sources encountered as the vehicle moves. You can pick up video from survelance cameras in reaturants, banks and parking lots, as mopst of their systems are wireless.
I personally prefer a wired system. If you absolutely insist upon a wireless rear view system, then you will have to settle for a lower quality picture than you would have with a high quality wired system. Check the specifications of any wireless system you are considering purchasing very carefully, and if you decide to buy a wireless system, buy the best wireless system available!
Well this is a start, so add to it. I will include my RX mirrors that are being altered for the cameras.
Bill
I am currently adapting a set of RX7 mirrors that WERE motorized. I got them from a salvage yard. I will save this story for another post.
Here are some of the specifics on rear view systems that I have found to be good. It is kind of long, but the info is specific and should help the novice as well as the well versed:
Tadi Brothers | Backup Camera system, Wireless Backup Camera for RV and trucks
Backup Camera System | Vehicle Safety Products | RearViewSafety.com
This site even has a "Black Box" recording camera that is mountable almost anywhere. It records at 30 f/s and can hold a 32GB card. It also can hold a second camera.
Search results for: 'black box'
Wholesale Stand-Alone Rearview Monitors - Rear View Monitor * Video Monitor - ESPOW
rear view camera - Google Search
I hope this guide helps you with your purchase of a quality rear view camera system. Please note that I've tried to provide accurate information in simple, non-technical, layman's terms. I want you to understand exactly what to look for in a rear view camera system, so you'll have the best system available.
Automatic System Switching
This is accomplished by connecting a single wire to the vehicle's backup light circuit, sending a signal to the rear view camera system, causing it to switch on without any action by the operator.
You can manually switch the system on every time you want to see behind you using the monitor's front panel power button (or wireless remote control, if so equipped). The better multiple camera systems can automatically switch more than one camera.
Mirror Image Capability
A rear view camera system should have the capability to produce a 'mirror' (or 'reverse') image through the camera and/or monitor. It doesn't matter whether the camera produces a 'mirror' image, or the monitor reverses the image left to right, or as on some high end systems, both the camera and monitor can switch between 'normal' and 'mirror' images.
This capability will provide the same type of image through a rear view camera system that you would see if you were looking into a rear view mirror. Many high end systems not only allow you to select between a 'normal' and 'mirror' image, but also permit you to 'flip' the picture vertically for additional camera mounting options.
Wide Angle Field of View
The field of view provided by any camera is determined by a combination of image sensor (see "CCD vs. CMOS Image Sensor" below) size and lens focal length. The larger the image sensor, the wider the possible field of view. However, a larger image sensor does not necessarily guarantee a wider field of view. Many rear view camera systems utilize a 1/4" image sensor. You should absolutely avoid any system that produces lower than a 90 degree field of view. Most high quality rear view cameras that utilize a 1/3" image sensor produce a 120 degree field of view. That is ideal for most applications.
On the other hand, there are some rear view systems advertised with fields of view as wide as 210 degrees. These super wide field of view cameras are not intended for use on rear view systems, and will generally produce a 'fish-eye' image that will be extremely distorted and can be very dangerous to use as part of a rear view system. They should be used for backing up only.
CCD vs. CMOS Image Sensor
The two types of image sensors that are available for rear view (backup) camera systems are the CCD ("charge coupled device") and CMOS ("complementary metal oxide semiconductor"). The type of image sensor that your rear view camera system uses will be the most important factor in determining picture quality. Besides the overall resolution, a camera that utilizes a CCD image sensor will provide significantly better image under very low and very bright lighting conditions.
All professional digital photographic and video equipment utilize CCD image sensors. Although there are some reasonably high quality CMOS image sensors, no CMOS image sensor will deliver the quality image that a CCD image sensor will provide(my opinion). Get the highest lines of resolution(420 TV lines or so) and contrast ratio(around 250:1) that you can find. Look for monitors that can accept nore than one camera and have the ability to show more than one camera at a time(split screen) for expandability. Look for high resolution where possible(1024x768
Given the option, you should always select a rear view camera system that utilizes a high quality CCD image sensor from a well known manufacturer. Sharp and Sony CCD image sensors are the best available. If the system you're considering purchasing doesn't state that it utilizes a "CCD" image sensor, then it almost certainly doesn't.
Weather Resistant Camera, Cables & Connectors
Remember, a camera mounted on the exterior will be subjected to more than just water. It may be exposed to a wide variety of elements, including road grime, oil, dust, detergents, and high pressure washes(I hope not!!). Just as the camera can be exposed to these elements, so are the exterior cables and connectors.
Weather resistant cables and connectors should also be used for all exterior installations. RCA connectors are not made for external systems.
Exterior connections should always be made of weatherproof connectors. Weatherproof connectors screw together, so they can't accidentally come unplugged.
Many systems include interior RCA connections, which are perfectly acceptable. In fact, these interior RCA connections can be useful for adding additional cameras (even those from other manufacturers), or for connecting other video and/or audio devices.
Infrared Night Vision
This is probably one of the least understood features available, and yet, it is one of the most important features. Although a high quality camera (especially a high quality CCD camera) can provide a picture under a wide variety of lighting conditions (including very low light), it can't provide a clear picture in near or total darkness. That's where the infrared night vision illumination LEDs (light emitting diodes) come in.
On a high quality night vision equipped camera, the infrared LEDs turn on automatically whenever the ambient light drops to a level that's too low for the image sensor to produce a high quality picture. The infrared LEDs operate at a light frequency that is well above the human eye's ability to see, but the image sensor in the camera is designed to detect this light.
The primary difference between visible and infrared light is seen when using a color rear view camera system. Since infrared light doesn't produce colors that are visible to the human eye, all color systems will produce a monochromatic image at night(ususlly).
One big difference between a high quality rear view camera and a lower quality one, is its ability to illuminate the area seen by the camera. Ideally, the infrared illuminators will illuminate the entire field of view produced by the camera, and will illuminate out to a distance of at least 20 feet from the camera. The higher end cameras will typically illuminate out to a distance of 30 to 50 feet from the camera.
While the number of infrared LEDs may or may not be important (just as with light bulbs, various infrared LEDs have higher or lower light intensities), the total light output and the camera's sensitivity to infrared light, will determine the overall performance of the camera's night vision capabilities.
Never consider purchasing a rear view camera system that does not include infrared night vision illumination.
Automotive Power Source
Nearly all rear view camera systems will work on any vehicle that operates from 12 volts DC. The lower quality systems (including some sold on eBay) do not include any type of voltage regulator or filtering circuit. The lack of such a circuit will cause the constant varying voltage produced by the vehicle's electrical system to either damage the system, or at a minimum, produce serious variations in picture quality.
If the system you're considering doesn't specifically state that it has a voltage regulator or filter, then it probably doesn't. So ask!!
Types of Monitors
When selecting a rear view system that uses an LCD type monitor, always choose the TFT-LCD type monitor for the best picture under the wide variety of lighting conditions.
In most cases you should avoid those rear view systems that use a monitor with less 5" diagonal measurement, as they do not provide adequate detail. Any system that has a monitor with less than a 5" diagonal measurement should only be considered for use as a backup camera system only.
Types of Cameras
There are three common types of cameras used for rear view camera systems. These are 'surface' (or 'standard') mount, 'flush' (or 'keyhole') mount and 'license' mount type cameras. Each type of camera has its own specific advantages, and each is designed for a specific type of use.
The surface mount camera can be attached to any flat (or near flat) surface. These cameras are best mounted up high This mounting position provides a commanding view of the area behind you. That will probably require an enclosure. They can be mounted inside the rear glass if preferred. These usually have brackets for mounting.
The 'flush' (or 'keyhole') type camera mounts through a hole in the body of the vehicle, and provides a view that is more or less directly level with the road surface (the better 'flush' mount cameras include rings that permit slight angling of the camera). While this type of camera does not provide the degree of depth perception provided by the 'surface' mount camera, it provides a much cleaner and unobtrusive installation, since the only part of the camera that is visible is the lens cover and bezel.
The 'license' mount cameras attach to the existing license plate mounting screws, so no new holes are required to attach the camera to the vehicle. Depending upon the location of the license plate, this may or may not be a good solution.
Most cameras are infrared night vision capable, although availability varies from one system to another. In most cases, the night vision capability of 'flush' or 'license' mount cameras will provide less illumination distance than an equal quality 'surface' mount camera (this is due to the limited number of infrared LEDs that those cameras have). While audio is available on many of the 'surface' mount cameras, I'm not aware of any 'flush' or 'license' mount cameras that include audio.
Wired vs. Wireless
While the picture produced by a high quality wireless system may be okay when the vehicle is stationary, every wireless device (every one!) is susceptible to interference, and that interference will be worse when the vehicle is in motion. Because a wireless system transmits a video image through the air, instead of via a cable, there can be some interference from a variety of sources, including electrical interference, high power radio and television transmitters, and many other sources encountered as the vehicle moves. You can pick up video from survelance cameras in reaturants, banks and parking lots, as mopst of their systems are wireless.
I personally prefer a wired system. If you absolutely insist upon a wireless rear view system, then you will have to settle for a lower quality picture than you would have with a high quality wired system. Check the specifications of any wireless system you are considering purchasing very carefully, and if you decide to buy a wireless system, buy the best wireless system available!
Well this is a start, so add to it. I will include my RX mirrors that are being altered for the cameras.
Bill