Basic backup camera

[jwight]

Had several people ask about backup cameras at our Saturday meet in Columbus after they saw one of the Easton cars with the full nav system and backup camera. Here's one (of many) alternatives - just a basic camera and LCD screen:

Amazon.com: 3.5" LCD Wireless Backup Camera System - Truck RV Rear view Camera + Color 3.5" LCD Monitor + Night Vision: Automotive

Amazon.com: 3.5" LCD Wireless Backup Camera System - Truck RV Rear view Camera + Color 3.5" LCD Monitor + Night Vision: Automotive

A Google search will show many more.

[PlainCityVWBug]

Hopefully people at the meet got a chance to look at the backup camera system that was installed to both the red demo "orphan" and to the black demo with the dealer decals on it. I drove both of those Fortwos Saturday and I can confirm the camera was on both of the cars.

[Napoleon12]

its a really great feature. yep both of the demo's plus most of the oprhans have them.

[Cruising n Coasting]

Camera?!? Are you kidding me? Parking spots are 20 feet long!
I am planning on adding one of these to the Kenwood radio in my truck which is 10 feet longer than the smart, has 4 doors and a 6 foot bed.
But unless you have REALLY bad parking issues like NYC, it is pure vanity.
Ha-ha-ha just kidding, I am getting one too

[JIM VINYARD]

Costco is the best place to buy back up camera's. I've purchased two there so far for about $60.00 each.

[curtis]

I purchased a cam but haven't installed it yet, I will be connecting it to my in-dash DVD player. Just curious to know where is the best place to install the cam on the Smart. Also, I have been thinking about getting a license frame with built in cam, anyone have any experience with one of those?

[SunDiego]

Originally Posted by curtis

I purchased a cam but haven't installed it yet, I will be connecting it to my in-dash DVD player. Just curious to know where is the best place to install the cam on the Smart. Also, I have been thinking about getting a license frame with built in cam, anyone have any experience with one of those?

My S550 has one of those (didn't come with the car). It's a chrome finish license plate the the camera blends in well. Looks very nice. Helps me a lot when parking that boat.

[rwjrn]

I love my back up cam. It's not vanity with this car. There are some bad blind spots especially with the top down. My driveway slopes down and when backing out I can't be entirely sure there isn't a small child behind me. As I have a lot of experience with backed over children I want to make sure I am never the cause. Just a warning for those of you who aren't really into DIY. Many of the Costco type back up cameras that say "wireless" actually require you to wire the unit to your reverse lights. That involves splicing into wires and may involve drilling into your car. The wireless part is the signal from the camera to the monitor. I mounted my camera right next to my license plate under the lip on the tailgate.

[Stretchmobile]

Has anyone looked at car DVR's? Has 1,2 or 3 cameras and records constantly looping over itself. You can download the video, has GPS and shock sensors that automatically save a user specified length of time before and after impact. Kind of ties in with the thread about smart haters. When jerks cut you off, tailgate, intimidate or actually hit you, you have it recorded, save it and take them to court with it. New cars will be coming with them as standard equipment soon, you can get big discounts with insurance because fault cam be easily detirmined. Cost is around $150 up to $450 depending on options etc. Google "car dvr."

[jkjahobbs]

I hadn't thought about installing a back up camera in my smart.
I used to have one on the back of our camper that then connected to a monitor on the dash of my full size van. It was a big help not only when parking the camper but also driving down the road. I could see who was behind me. I wanted a sign on the back of the camper that I could have triggered to say "Your following too close" or "Smile your on candid camera"