Is this a good rearview camera system?

[belfert]

Is this a good rearview camera system?

http://cgi.ebay.com/7-MONITOR-IR-CMOS-REAR-VIEW-CAMERA-CAR-PARKING-SYSTEM_W0QQitemZ220139514977QQihZ012QQcategoryZ149976QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

The downside is the 92 degree viewing angle on the camera, but is that an issue?

I'm shocked at how far the prices on these systems have dropped.  Not that long ago you were lucky to get a either a 7" or 9" CRT monitor or a little 2.5" LCD monitor for this price.  I've looked at rvcams.com, but not sure what I would really be getting for the extra $130.

[TomC]

About a year or so ago I bought a 5" monochrome (green) monitor with single camera from Northerntool.com for $165.00 delivered to the house.  Works OK, picture burns out a bit in bright light.  This system looks like a great deal.  Good Luck, TomC

[belfert]

I would never have thought to check northerntool.com.  Unfortunately, their color system with LCD is $450.  I wouldn't consider a B&W CRT system with today's LCD prices as most of the B&W systems aren't much less than the LCD systems.

The 92 degree angle on the system from Ebay is the only reason I haven't hit the buy button yet.

[DrivingMissLazy]

What is the problem with the 92 degree angle? It seems like that would be great for backing into a close space to be able to see on both sides.
Richard

I would never have thought to check northerntool.com.  Unfortunately, their color system with LCD is $450.  I wouldn't consider a B&W CRT system with today's LCD prices as most of the B&W systems aren't much less than the LCD systems.

The 92 degree angle on the system from Ebay is the only reason I haven't hit the buy button yet.

[belfert]

What is the problem with the 92 degree angle? It seems like that would be great for backing into a close space to be able to see on both sides.

I don't really know if it is a problem never having used a rearview camera before.  Most of the other systems that are a bit more expensive have a 110 or 130 degree viewing angle.  Some are up to 170 degree.

[Dallas]

What is the problem with the 92 degree angle? It seems like that would be great for backing into a close space to be able to see on both sides.

I don't really know if it is a problem never having used a rearview camera before.  Most of the other systems that are a bit more expensive have a 110 or 130 degree viewing angle.  Some are up to 170 degree.

Brian,
You could always mount the camera on a swivel inside a watertight box and use the remote control from a model airplane or other RC toy to move the camera wherever you need it.
Or you could think in terms of the electric rearview mirror on a car and use the guts out of one of those.

An old Military saying: Improvise - Adapt - Overcome

[belfert]

It would be easier and probably less money to just buy a camera with a wider viewing angle.

[Ncbob]

Brian, I bought one the rigs you linked us to and the camera only lasted one trip....moisture got into it and I haven't been able to use it since.

Dallas felt I could take it apart and clean it up but it's been almost a year that way so it's not on the top of my list of things to do.

FWIW...they're shipped directly from Hong Kong and I  don't know if they have a domestic agent here to solve problems.

Bob

[belfert]

I guess camera failure would be a good reason not to buy from this place.  I know of lot of this stuff comes direct from Hong Kong.  This particular place lists a location in California, but it still doesn't mean they don't drop ship from Hong Kong.

Maybe it would just be best to buy from rvcams.com in hopes they actually support their products.

[Jerry32]

Have you checked with rvcams.com yet?? Jerry

[belfert]

Have you checked with rvcams.com yet?? Jerry

Yes, I looked at their site and placed a call to them to find out viewing angle of their camera.  I was hoping to not spend $350, but it looks like that might be the best solution.

[Busted Knuckle]

Yes, I looked at their site and placed a call to them to find out viewing angle of their camera.  I was hoping to not spend $350, but it looks like that might be the best solution.       

Brian just keep in mind the Ol' saying "Ya get what ya pay for!" and also I love the back up camera system in my 45'er it is a factory option and I'm not sure who built it but it's 12 yrs old and works great! It might not be the cheapest unit but I know Ward Electronics is building and installing the systems used in UPS's package cars these days! (931)260-5974 is the last # I had for Anthony Ward himself I'm not sure if it's still good or not. But he also has a salesman by the name of Tom (I think) who answers the toll-free # 800-695-1670 they have nice systems and I've had several of their video systems over the yrs with no complaints at all! I have no affilitation with them except that they've gladly excepted thousands of my $ to install DVD/VCP systems in OTR coaches for me in the past! And as I said NO COMPLAINTS! FWIW   BK 

[belfert]

I ended up buying the 5.6" system from rvcams.com.  I called and talked to Tim and he said there is no reason to get the 7" for the extra $46.  The 7" is widescreen and the camera cannot do widescreen.

I did check Ward Electronics web site and they are selling various brand name systems that are not cheap, but also not sure they are any better than the rvcams.com system.

[Busted Knuckle]

I ended up buying the 5.6" system from rvcams.com.  I called and talked to Tim and he said there is no reason to get the 7" for the extra $46.  The 7" is widescreen and the camera cannot do widescreen.

I did check Ward Electronics web site and they are selling various brand name systems that are not cheap, but also not sure they are any better than the rvcams.com system.                               

As I said before you get what ya pay for! We've had yrs, and many miles on their systems and no complaints! But hey they are not cheap! Also your not gonna have mad customers hollering because your back up cam quit! FWIW ;  BK 

[TomCat]

I'll try to find out for you, as I don't recall right now exactly what the field of view on my rear camera is, but I can see half of the towbar, and about 20-30 feet behind my toad.
Side to side, I can see about 20 feet beyond my lane stripes at the widest point. I have a 7 inch widescreen LCD, 420 line, color monitor/camera system, and don't see how one any smaller will give much useful detail. The camera image fills the screen completely.
It also has night vision and sound, as well as two extra inputs, to which I was thinking of adding a camera to each side of the coach, as blind spot 'mirrors'.

I paid just over $175 on the e place in 2005.

Jay
87 SaftLiner

I just looked on RVCAMS, and the model they sell closest to what I bought is the 70-CHSN for $415. My camera is a Sony as well.