Is the backup camera worth it?

RunNgun · 01-21-2012, 10:19 PM

I had a backup camera linked to a 6" nav screen and hardly ever used it. I mean it was nice knowing it was there, and made parallel parking a little easier, but I actually feel more confident looking over the headrest instead. I just dont really see the point in a backup camera. It's not like a fire hydrant or shopping cart can mysteriously appear behind you, anything behind your car you would notice as you approached it and got inside. Assuming you have a good judge of your vehicles space, the only thing it really helps from is distancing yourself from curbs and stuff.

silentnightz · 01-22-2012, 12:11 AM

Get the color you want and then add the color. You can always add in the camera later.
unrelated question
I was interested in the back up camera too. For those who went to dealer to install it, does the rear view mirror look the same or noticeably larger then the original?

Nismo63 · 01-22-2012, 11:48 AM

I added a back up camera to my Sony head unit and use it when I need it. I wired it so its on all the time. It's very helpful especially at night.

Figtuna · 02-04-2012, 10:28 PM

Hey....It's likely that you'll replace the crappy stereo anyway so get a head unit that does it all and has the option to connect a back up camera. My camera gives a wide-angle view so backing out of a parking space affords me a better rear view that I could get by simply turning and looking behind. Makes sense as the camera in located just above the plate whereas I'm seated 5 ft forward from the camera lens. I love it for those instances when ya have a massive SUV or truck blocking the view.

My 2 cents
Steve

pen · 02-04-2012, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silentnightz

For those who went to dealer to install it, does the rear view mirror look the same or noticeably larger then the original?

The mirror looks the same, not bigger than normal. For the NISMO, the wide angle lense is nice for backing out of tight spots since the wing pretty much blocks most of the FOV.

JoeVL · 03-30-2012, 12:29 AM

Definitely worth it! Mine came with it and it's been so helpful when parallel parking to see how close I am to the curb and the car behind me.

fuct · 03-30-2012, 10:06 AM

screw a rear view camera, can we place one somewhere in our grill for a forward facing camera. i dont back up into spots, i go nose first 99% of the time. be nice to see the curb as i drive up to it. i know it wouldnt activate since you arnt in reverse, but is it possible? even better can we have it on while driving?

koffeegy · 03-30-2012, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miller

Hello,

I am about to order a new Nismo 370z and I have two choices:

Gun Metallic or Brilliant Silver

I prefer Gun, however the silver one has a backup camera.

In your opinion, is the backup camera a feature that is needed? I heard the rear wing takes up a lot of the rear window.

Thank you,
Miller

I would opt for the camera.

koffeegy · 03-30-2012, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fuct

screw a rear view camera, can we place one somewhere in our grill for a forward facing camera. i dont back up into spots, i go nose first 99% of the time. be nice to see the curb as i drive up to it. i know it wouldnt activate since you arnt in reverse, but is it possible? even better can we have it on while driving?

I have seen that on here somewhere. Aftermarket headunits have an optional video input. I guess it is as simple as mounting the camera and running the wires.

fuct · 03-30-2012, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by koffeegy

I have seen that on here somewhere. Aftermarket headunits have an optional video input. I guess it is as simple as mounting the camera and running the wires.

yea my headunit has an A/V in.... would it play while moving though? hack?

koffeegy · 03-30-2012, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fuct

yea my headunit has an A/V in.... would it play while moving though? hack?

Where there is a will, there is a way. I do think you can do that. Bypassing that pesky "you have to have the emergency brake on and the car in park" switch is a common routine at audio installation places. So I am told. Than ask Bigaudiofanatic. I think it might depend on the type of radio too. I have a Kenwood DNX-9960 in my unit and it was done on that. My brother has a Pioneer AVIC-110 and he also had it done.

Bonzo · 03-30-2012, 04:54 PM

I did it myself.....although I don't have a Nismo. Do Nismo's have the little pop out square in the middle of the bumper?

I think the OEM one is a rip. $785? I bought a cool new head unit for about $285. I got a high quality camera for about $100. I bought some lead wire for about 5 bucks. I installed it all myself for free.

So for me it was a tiny screen in your mirror, a crappy performing/looking stock radio, and zero labor for $785. Or a good performing great looking radio & DVD player with a large screen and several hours of labor for $390. Saved me $395 for other stuff.

Your call.

latromi · 03-30-2012, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fuct

screw a rear view camera, can we place one somewhere in our grill for a forward facing camera. i dont back up into spots, i go nose first 99% of the time. be nice to see the curb as i drive up to it. i know it wouldnt activate since you arnt in reverse, but is it possible? even better can we have it on while driving?

It can be done. I've seen it on cars before. It can wired up to be on whenever you want it. Looks pretty cool when driving but it is a distraction.

RedNismoZ · 03-31-2012, 01:20 PM

I've never had a back up camera, I've never hit anything, parallel park 85% of the time no problem. I just know how to drive.

iSteve370 · 03-31-2012, 02:05 PM

Has anyone ever tried mounting an aftermarket camera behind the rear fog light cover?

01-22-2012, 11:48 AM	#33 (permalink)
Nismo63 Base Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL Posts: 65 Drives: 2010 370Z Nismo # 63 Rep Power: 14	I added a back up camera to my Sony head unit and use it when I need it. I wired it so its on all the time. It's very helpful especially at night. __________________ 2010 - 370Z Nismo #0063 - Injen CAI, Ark Grip True Dual Exhaust, H&R Sports Springs, Sony 770BT - Rockford Fosgate Sub & Amp. - Nismo Shift Knob - LED bulb upgrade - 370Z Nismo owners? Come Visit my pages http://www.facebook.com/groups/232194736829502/ https://www.facebook.com/pages/Proje...7010574?ref=hl

02-04-2012, 10:28 PM	#34 (permalink)
Figtuna Base Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Birmingham, Alabama Age: 69 Posts: 75 Drives: 15 Nismo Wht Tech Rep Power: 15	Love my back up camera Hey....It's likely that you'll replace the crappy stereo anyway so get a head unit that does it all and has the option to connect a back up camera. My camera gives a wide-angle view so backing out of a parking space affords me a better rear view that I could get by simply turning and looking behind. Makes sense as the camera in located just above the plate whereas I'm seated 5 ft forward from the camera lens. I love it for those instances when ya have a massive SUV or truck blocking the view. My 2 cents Steve

03-31-2012, 01:20 PM	#44 (permalink)
RedNismoZ Enthusiast Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Lexington, SC Posts: 429 Drives: a broken Nismo. Rep Power: 14	I've never had a back up camera, I've never hit anything, parallel park 85% of the time no problem. I just know how to drive. __________________ Nismo or no go

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01-21-2012, 10:19 PM	#31 (permalink)
RunNgun Base Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: USA Posts: 80 Drives: 2011 370z black AT Rep Power: 14	I had a backup camera linked to a 6" nav screen and hardly ever used it. I mean it was nice knowing it was there, and made parallel parking a little easier, but I actually feel more confident looking over the headrest instead. I just dont really see the point in a backup camera. It's not like a fire hydrant or shopping cart can mysteriously appear behind you, anything behind your car you would notice as you approached it and got inside. Assuming you have a good judge of your vehicles space, the only thing it really helps from is distancing yourself from curbs and stuff.

01-22-2012, 12:11 AM	#32 (permalink)
silentnightz Base Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: North Jersey Posts: 90 Drives: 12 370z Silver Auto Rep Power: 13	Get the color you want and then add the color. You can always add in the camera later. unrelated question I was interested in the back up camera too. For those who went to dealer to install it, does the rear view mirror look the same or noticeably larger then the original?

03-30-2012, 12:29 AM	#36 (permalink)
JoeVL Base Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Orlando Posts: 14 Drives: 11 Nissan 370z GM A6 Rep Power: 13	Definitely worth it! Mine came with it and it's been so helpful when parallel parking to see how close I am to the curb and the car behind me.

03-30-2012, 10:06 AM	#37 (permalink)
fuct A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2009 Location: Sugar Land Posts: 3,692 Drives: 97' Ranger :) Rep Power: 24	screw a rear view camera, can we place one somewhere in our grill for a forward facing camera. i dont back up into spots, i go nose first 99% of the time. be nice to see the curb as i drive up to it. i know it wouldnt activate since you arnt in reverse, but is it possible? even better can we have it on while driving?

03-31-2012, 02:05 PM	#45 (permalink)
iSteve370 Base Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: NC Posts: 93 Drives: 2012 PW Nismo 0505 Rep Power: 13	Has anyone ever tried mounting an aftermarket camera behind the rear fog light cover?