Quality of BMW Backup Cam?

[phil47]

Well it's done and I'm pretty satisfied with the results. The image is actually quite good...even at night. More than enough illumination of objects up to around 20 feet behind the X with just the reverse lights. This is a quality camera. Compares very closely to the Honda camera. Yes, it is a bit boxy, but not too bad.

I actually like the angle they have positioned the camera at. I get a good view of objects just behind the bumper and up to around 30 feet behind the X as it has a very wide angle lense. Completely adequate for it's purpose.

I was a bit surprised to see a slight left shift of the image on the display...maybe around 4 mm. It looks like a black strip only on the right side of the display. I thought this was a video adjustment problem until I saw the attached image in the DIY article here on X5world:

http://www.xoutpost.com/articles.php?...ticle&artid=24

where I noticed the same thing...so I guess it is inherent to all of them. Not a big deal really.

[Mindfull]

Glad the install went well & you're pleased with the results.
Sensors/cams will be one of the next projects for me, too!

[phil47]

For comparison purposes, I thought it might be useful to snap some shots of the cams (and associated display images) for both my X5 and my Honda Odyssey. They are both sitting in a double garage looking down my driveway to the street with both cameras about the same distance from the street.

You can see that they both do a good job of showing what is behind you. The Honda cam seems to have a bigger field of view, but the BMW cam is sufficient for the job. I actually prefer the image quality of the BMW cam as it has better color saturation and image detail. Both are good.

[TQ2K]

Phil,

Thanks for sharing the pics. I actually like the camera view from the X5 since it provides a more realistic image; moreover, it shows you the edge of the bumper which IMHO is great since you can really backup to spots more precisely.

[Mindfull]

WOW. The color is SOOo much better on the Bimmer screen!
Considering the Honda system was your benchmark going in, you must be very pleased indeed.
Nice add-on. Thanks so much for the pics. They made my mind up entirely!

Mindfull

[jaaX3]

That's looks great!

Ok, fine, I'll put it on my list of things to-do...

[GeneArch]

Instead of a new thread, why not resurrect this one?

Any thoughts on this setup: (though I'd have to do something about the chrome, I'm the "anti chrome")
$229 (color, 1lux)




By no means am I looking to "cheap out". I like the BMW camera, it's a tad big but the image looks nice. Does anyone have the LUX rating on the BMW? BMW Part #?

[GeneArch]

There is also this one:



$199

• Wide 120° Deg Panoramic Viewing Angle
• Reversed Color Image
• NTSC Image Format
• 1/3" CCD Image Sensor
• Resolution: 250,000 pixels (512 h x 492 v)
• 380 TV lines
• 1.0 Lux
• Auto White Balance
• Composit video output (RCA)
• Power Voltage: 12VDC @ 180mA 2.4W (MAX)

[GeneArch]

Last one. (This looks like the one EAS sells)

• Resolution: 420TV lines
  
• Sensing Area: 4.9mm x 3.7mm
  
• Minimum IIIumination: 0 lux at F1.2 with IR
  
• Night Vision: IR LED - 9 LED Lights
• IR Distance: 20ft at low light condition
• Wide Angle 110° Deg
• Scanning System: 2:1 interlace
  
• Video Output: 4pin female connector (screw-on)
  
• AGC: Auto
  
• Lens: f=2.8mm /F=2.0 110 degree view angle
  
• White Balance: Auto
  
• Special Functions: Auto, Color-B/W switcing
  
• Electronic Shutter: 1/60 ~ 1/10,000 Second
• Operating Temp: <> -20C to +60C Rh95% Max
• Power Source: DC 12V/100mA (Tolerence: 8 to 15V)
  
• Dimension: 63mm L x 31mm Diam

$229 + $15 for RCA cable

[phil47]

Originally Posted by GeneArch

Instead of a new thread, why not resurrect this one?

Any thoughts on this setup: (though I'd have to do something about the chrome, I'm the "anti chrome")
$229 (color, 1lux)

By no means am I looking to "cheap out". I like the BMW camera, it's a tad big but the image looks nice. Does anyone have the LUX rating on the BMW? BMW Part #?

I can get you the BMW part # if you're interested (must be on my invoice somewhere...). So far I have been very happy with the BMW camera. It may look a bit big from that pic, but you have to realize that I am kneeling down to get a shot "straight on". If you are standing or driving behind it you can barely see it.

As for lux rating, it's probably not very low as it does not perform as well as the Honda cam at night. You can still make things out, but it is not as clear as a true low lux camera.