Aftermarket rear and side view cameras

[Yuriman]

I'm looking into aftermarket rear and side view camera systems, but it's hard to find reliable information. Some questions:

-Why do all of these systems appear to be analog? Seems silly when you have digital cameras and digital displays.

-How well do so-called "night vision" systems work, and are some significantly better than others?

-Can I trust the resolution ("vertical lines") claims?

-Can I trust FOV claims?

-Random Google sources suggest that CMOS vs CCD will be the largest determining factor in image quality. Is this true, and what else should I look out for?

-Ideally I'd like to use one screen for 3 or 4 cameras, rather than 3-4 screens. I've seen a few systems that have this functionality, but it's hard to know how well they work or how configurable they are without having them on hand. Does anyone have any experience with this?

-Most backup systems I've seen have terrible image quality. Why is this, when a $10 webcam can produce a crisp 1080P image?

-What should I look for in a screen?

-Anything else to look out for? Advice? It seems like it would be very easy to get burned buying a cheapo off of Amazon or eBay.

 

[razel]

I've been looking into the rear view ones myself. The best ones I found are the integrated rear view mirrors with the display right on it. It sounds like you didn't get a chance to see the aftermarket ones in real life. Too many questions about theoreticals and specifications. It's still analog composite because that's what's supported by current in car video standards. You are not filming what's behind you for posterity. So you don't need accurate pixels. The camera is an adjunct for safety. You cannot rely on tech to see for you what's behind. The thing you hit might be someone you truly care for.

Check out SonicElectonix's YouTube channel. They have at least 5 rear view product detail videos. By the way, despite me shopping for 3 years, I ended up just using those side mirror convex add-ons and a larger convex rear view mirror.

 

[kitatech]

Pioneer ND-BC8: installed in my 05 Camry....no "traffic lines" makes for an uncluttered view....good coverage and bright at night.

 

[NutBucket]

I've read the lines are in the camera. Not sure if that's universal tho.

 

[Meghan54]

I've been investigating rear view cameras myself, but have resisted purchasing one with the replacement rear view mirror with the screen integrated within...to replace or attach to your stock rear view mirror. Hate to give up the thermometer and compass readouts in the stock mirror and the autodimming function the mirror has.

Guess I'm going to have to buy a cam with separate screen...just don't know where to mount it.