Thread: Rear View Camera Selection - Night

I am looking for a good quality rear view camera as I am mounting a larger spare tire on a tire swing soon, obstructing my view. This isn't just for reversing, it'll have to be decent enough to use for rear view, and during the night. I have heard that often cameras have a tough time being sensitive at night without becoming flooded with light by headlights.

The best two options I have identified are these:

MP3Car $169
http://store.mp3car.com/ProductDetai...Show=TechSpecs
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/yanlab...ew_camera.html


Color CCD Flush Mount Night Vision Infrared Wide View Angle Vehicle Camera. This new model can now be used as a rear-view or front view camera. Uses standard vehicle power supply of 12V DC unregulated (some vehicles have a very high momentary voltage at the vehicle starting time and the overload might cause damage to the camera. If that is the case for your vehicle, you will need to install a fuse, voltage regulator, etc. to protect the camera). Water-proof without extra housing: for part (camera glass lens) exposed to outside ONLY and for normal usage ONLY. Camera body and cables are not designed to be exposed to outside and must be properly sealed against moisture. Incorrect installation and abnormal usage MAY result in loosing water-proof feature. Wide View Angle 110 degree - If you just buy a cheap 40 degree rear view camera, why bother? You can see more with your own eyes (through standard vehicle mirrors) than the camera can see! Without a wide view angle lens, it is not a vehicle rear view camera! Standard RCA video output

Image Sensor 1/3" SHARP CCD Sensor
Effective Pixels 519(H) x 492(V)
Sensing Area 3.6mm x 2.7mm
Video Out Signal 1.0 Vp-p 75 ohm
Auto Electronic Shutter 1/60 - 1/100,000 second
Dimensions 30 mm x 63 mm
Standard RCA Video (Yellow) & DC (Red) Jack
White Balance Auto
Operating Temperature 14°F - 122°F (-10°C - 50°C) / RH 95% Max
Current Consumption Max 200mA
Horizontal Resolution 420 TV Lines
Minimum Illumination LUX (w/IR LEDs on) / F:2.0
Sync System Internal
Power Supply DC 12V
S/N Ratio Better than 48dB
Weight Approx 50 g
Built-in Lens f=2.8mm / F=2.0
TV System NTSC
Lens Angle Wide View Angle 110° Min

Review by RoyN posted here:





StarTek CN-58-WH $139 bare + $39 cable
http://www.startekvideo.com/rear_vision.htm

link to full pic: http://www.startekvideo.com/CAM%20%20CN-58-WH.JPG

WEATHERPROOF, COLOR and B&W NIGHT VISION
High Resolution CCD Image Sensor
photodiode switches on IR LEDs in low light
Auto Iris - <0.5 Lux Color, 0 Lux B&W
IR Illumination 30+ft for Automatic B&W Night Vision
420 TV Lines
oper temp: -10° to +50°C
12VDC Pwr jack (10-15VDC)
Aluminum case 1.9" dia x 2.4" long, Hood 3.3" long.
COLOR: BLACK Aluminum case.
Weatherproof with Mtg Bracket
100 ft Audio-Video-Power Cable with connectors





Thoughts:
The MP3Car doesn't have a waterproof body for mounting in the bumper and I don't know if its night vision LUX rating is as good, nor do I know if it switches to B&W at night.

The StarTek probably can't be flush mounted, is larger, and is a bit uglier. I don't know if anybody here has one to say anything about its quality.

Do you know anything more about either of these? Any other good options?