$785 Camera Mirror Upgrade Worth It?

Bonzo

I've seen a lot of threads about people adding (or wanting to add) their own back up cameras to their cars. I'm assuming this is because after living with this car for a while you've all learned that it's a pain to see while backing up? Yes? Or is just an item that people want because it's cool and you can? Basically, is it out of necessity, techy cool, or a bit of both?

I'm planning to order my car soon (Sport Package only, no NAV), and I'm wondering if I should just fork out the $785 up front, or go the aftermarket route and install it myself? I know that you can get a Homelink Mirror for a lot cheaper on line, but then it's the whole install thing. So assuming the back up camera is necessity, it's a matter of money up front vs. my time, effort, opening stuff up in the car, and making sure it works.

So can anyone tell me off the top of their head how much a Homelink Mirror with Camera should cost online? When I went looking last year at just the regular Homelink Mirror (no camera), they were about $225 to $250. I just need to weigh the cost to effort ratio and be done with it when I order the car.

Thanks for any advice or answers you can offer --- Bonzo

DJ-of-E

It's funny, the camera still does not have a wide enough focus to see a shopping cart hitting your rear at a super market. I know, I had the dealer tried to prove a point in buying me a more expensive touring version that has this mirror. I told him "it's useless, sell it to me 33k + ttl." Of course he says no. =P

Red__Zed

I find the blind spots aren't really helped by the camera. The car is just hard to see out of.

kenchan

OP- if you're getting just the sportpackage just get an aftermarket HU and camera. check out the audio section where some are discussing about the camera that mounts to the rear license plate lamp. it's got reference lines and all.

since i hated the base HU that was the first thing i swapped out. the rearview camera is very useful and even without the reference lines on mine i can still park in reverse just looking at the HU's image.

SiXK

I have the alpine rear view camera and IMO its not really practical for aiding the driver while backing up. I mean you could use it for that but it seems awkward to me. Its best use is simply making sure there's nothing behind you - and below the rear windows sight lines - like a child or a dog, etc. In that regard the 370Z is no different than any other car. Its impossible to see things that may be directly behind and up close to the car.

Once I see I am clear I do not really use the camera, just backup normally with mirrors. You probably could use the camera but it would take some getting used to and the mirrors show exactly what you need to see anyway.... With the mirrors set correctly I have no issues.

IMO if you want an aftermarket audio system just get one ready for a rear-view camera. $785 would be a great start towards a nice system.

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Magnetic Black 2009 370Z / Pearl Yellow 1991 300ZXTT