Dash cams, reversing cams, and fancy rear view mirrors

[moglite]

I've got a dashcam in my daily driver - I like the concept, and I'd like to fit one to my Daimler Double Six

But I've also been spoiled by moderns with reversing cams and parking sensors, so either of those would be good too.

But I don't want loads of modern electronics stuck to my windscreen, or be drilling holes in the bumpers for the parking sensors.

I tried a number plate surround with parking sensors built in, but the plate is quite deeply recessed, so the rear bumper was triggering it all the time 

Anyone got any experience of stuff like this ?




Here is a typical one on eBay

Even taking into account potential shipping charges and duty, seems too cheap ?

Cheap is good, but useless junk isn't


I looked at wifi reversing cams too, that link up to your phone, but they seemed almost useless as the reversing cam app doesn't auto launch.

I don't want my lovely Daimler to look like this 

[ferny]

I've got a cheaper version in my van which I use as guidance before reversing and as a rear view mirror. It's great when it's not being a bit temperamental.

[moglite]

Well I've ordered on up - I'll report back how I get on with it.

[winchman]

I go for the wired cameras with a 4" or 7" screen some nice folding ones are available, fitter a few always with good results

[granvia]

I’ve got a rear view (not reversing) camera linked up to an interior mirror monitor , I can take a pic so you get an idea of the image quality from the monitor if you like ?
Tony

[badhuis]

Any updates here? Would be nice to hear from someone with experience fitting a backup camera (and where did you leave the screen).

[tristanh]

I fit them in work very regular.
I use either Durite or ParkSafe ones. You want the camera as high as possible.

[moglite]

I fitted the mirror and spent ages routing the cable for the reversing cam to the back of the car.
Didn't like it, and ripped it all out.
It is now gathering dust in the garage.
It has been a while, but I think the problem was the mirror would either act as a dashcam, or a reversing cam. When I was driving around, I just wanted it as a mirror, which it wouldn't do which I found annoying.

The Daimler is all about the interior ambiance, and this just did work right.

I've now got a compact dash cam tucked behind the original mirror, and just take parking slower and more cautiously.

[nomad]

I've been using cheapo mirror cams for a few years now, not "movie quality" but fine for showing what happened if needed.
You can make out number plates but it sometimes takes a couple of viewings depending on the angle the other car came into the picture. Night time is worst.
If anyone wants a couple of clips to show the quality, PM me your email address.

Oct 26, 2018 20:33:17 GMT moglite said:

When I was driving around, I just wanted it as a mirror, which it wouldn't do which I found annoying.

On the cheap ones I've had, you can set the time that the display is on, ie it goes from a display to a plain mirror after 2 minutes etc.

Some modern cameras have no display, you view using an Ipod or Android tablet, maybe an option?

Reversing & rear view cameras :
Some units include a reverse / rear camera, many don't. Adverts often say "dual cam" / "reversing cam".
Mine is fixed to the interior dome light in the headlining, works ok to record what's happening behind but not much use as a reversing camera. Quality is a lot better on the front facing camera.
Have seen some cameras built into the boot lock area, fine for modern cars with recessed plastic surrounds but not for retros with a metal handle on a flat steel panel.
Another option - some satnavs have built in reversing camera.
Newer versions of either often have wireless reversing cams, this would make wiring a lot easier.

Tips :
* the cameras are fairly reliable but I found the power supply to be a weak point (I normally use mine on a cigar lighter / USB splitter, I've killed 2 cams by plugging high demand items - type inflator etc - into the splitter - guess this gave a power spike.)
* look on Eb@y etc for mirror cameras (from £10 - see item 153215638463 ) using the search ("accident","traffic","dvr") recorder mirror
* wire a hidden cigar lighter which comes on with the ignition, use this for the dashcam, also handy for satnav power.
* many have an option to start recording when there's movement and/or vibration (crash) when the unit is off, for night time idiots / carpark knocks etc.
* personal choice, I like units where buttons are not obvious on the mirror, also prefer a 4"-7" mirror display not 3"