Backup cam possibility?

BRocky

I saw that the Japanese version has a backup camera option, but no mention in on the US site. With the blind spots and limited view through the rear window according to Car & Driver, a backup cam would seem helpful at least for parking maneuvers. Is there at least some sort of plugged opening like on other cars I could route a wired camera through? Don't really want to drill hole in the car if I end up getting one

ZCarGo

I've been trying to install one. From my experience, do not go with a wireless. They really blow. The signal is very flaky and the camera options aren't as clean as I'm looking for.

My first round was XO wireless.
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RM800HT

My second attempt will be a wired soution from Boyo.

This is what I ordered.

Vision Tech America

and

Vision Tech America

I can't really tell what additional equipment I'll need because the info on the items isn't very detailed.

In order to wire this, it requires you taking out just about all the panels in the hatch area just to fish the wire through. I hate having these monitors mounted to the window, so I plan to custom manufacture a bracket that I'll velcro fit to the dash just behind the instrument cluster and between the three guages, so it'll look like a 4th guage. (I wish I could find a round LCD and replace the clock with it.)

I hope to tackle this next weekend.

I'll be posting pics when it's done.

-ZCarGo-

BRocky

Thanks! Can't wait to see the install pics I have a backup cam on my accord currently - it required me to splice into the reverse lights.

ZCarGo

I drove into work this morning for the first time with the XO.

Turns out the signal is much better when you get away from the neighborhood WiFi networks. It was fairly steady. There is what looks like an iris artifact in the center of the picture at night time, which is kind of distracting, but not terrible. I wish it had a contrast adjustment (or better yet, an auto light balance) to minimize the glare from headlights. The field of view is very wide and I'm not sure if you can trust it for judging distances.

I still plan to swap out with the license plate frame and larger monitor. The 2.5" XO screen is a bit too small. The Boyo is roughly the same exterior dimensions, but provides a 3.5" screen and has contrast and color balance adjustments.

-ZCarGo-

Namir

How about a back up cam where the Euro-spec rear fog would go?
I know it would be a little low but if it was angled slightly upward with a nice wide angle lens it could give a good view of how much distance you have behind you.

And it would be an inconspicuous location.

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Asheth

I would like to see your install pics if possible. I am also wondering about a back-up cam with the factory nav install

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Robert_Nash

Having had back-up cameras on several vehicles including my current M45, I can say that they are really nice to have but seems like a bit of overkill for the 370.

And, considering some of the posts I've read on some sites about the lack of substantial weight savings in the 370 compared to the 350, it seems a bit ironic that folks want to do things that add yet more weight (even if it's a small amount)!

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arcticreaver

i think people just want to have what other cars have. like the cams, the side mirror heater, the parking senors, etc.

Robert_Nash

I have an M45X for all that "stuff" which I admit is really nice to have and I wouldn't mind it I had it in my Z but not something I'd expect in what is supposed to be a sports car aimed primarily at performance' especially at the Z's price point.

Backup cameras make some real sense in large vehicles but I just don't see any logic in it for a sports car...as hard to see out of as the Z might be it's just not that large of a care nor the sight lines that bad...even with a camera, if you aren't using your outside rear-view mirrors when backing up then you are asking for trouble!

Of course, if people want to install one for themselves; more power to them!

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Robert
-My Basset Hound Is Smarter Than Your Honor Student and Barack Obama -

tvfreakazoid

i would wait until they come out something that is more fitted for the 370

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gatorfast

If the JDM Z's have a backup cam, why cant you just buy that factory one and have it installed instead of going aftermarket?

arcticreaver

hehe lots of bad drivers out there.

ZCarGo

The additional weight of the camera is about three pounds. If I was that nuts over the weight, I think I'd either choose to not drive my wife around with me or stop eating McDonalds and lose 3lbs. I ride bicycles and it's always funny how riders obsess over additional grams for accessories, when they themselves could lose pounds much cheaper then paying the extreme premium to take off the equivalent in bicycle weight.

I'm not racing my Z. I use it as a commuter car..100miles per day. I have had it for a month and already have 2400 miles on it. I like the visibility the always on camera provides. I'm surprised "always on" cameras aren't options on cars. It's only a matter of time before Infiniti does this on their surround view system.

-ZCarGo-

Robert_Nash

I know exactly what you mean about cyclists obsessing about weight; I used to cycle about 3K miles a year on average and am just now getting back into it after a 10+ year hiatus.

Anyway, what I find odd is the contrast between all the angst I read on boards (like this and others) complaining the new cars weight too much and that whatever a manufacturer did to reduce weight or at least hold it steady with ever increasing government mandates is never good enough...then many of those same people complain about all the equipment a car doesn't have!

And of course they want Luxes/Infiniti/Acura level of equpipment at a Toyota/Nissan/Honda price (or less).

I love back-up cameras and GPS systems, intelligent cruise control, abs, lane departure warning systems, heated seats and mirrors and monster sound systems, etc. etc. but I find the contradiction of wanting all that stuff and complaining about weight to be a bit amusing; not to mention the fact that most of those "essentials" were the stuff of science fiction just a few years ago.

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arcticreaver

these days it's all about functions. when people think 09 model or the newest models, they expect to have the latest "tech" in their car. i mean with Japanese 370z the cam is there for you to add onto the car from Nissan Japan. but again like i said, it's all about functions. people want fast cars and all the latest functions. i think there will be ones who are obsessed with the weight of the car and there are going to be ones who are going to be obsessed with what kind and how many other functions they can add on the new Z. and then, there will be people in the middle.

me, personally? i'm all in it for the functions. the car is fast enough even without mods and the weight is not an issue for me. but again, my own opinion.