My Aftermarket Backup Camera Review

[sushiguy732]

Hi All,

As you may know, I have been posting a lot in the past few weeks, mostly regarding my new head unit and the aftermarket Sony CCD backup camera I bought.

I thought I'd take a few moments to post a review about the camera.

First and foremost, I have said it before and I'll say it again. the camera was less than $20.00 delivered and it wold cost hundreds to get the factory camera installed. But for $20.00 I REALLY happen to like this camera.

The fit was about 99% accurate and it replaces the current light bulb holder for the rear license plate. I had to use the included double sided sticky tape to make it a snug fit or the camera would move and not give me a full view. Once the tape was installed all was well.

The picture quality is great. Daytime especially, whether it is in full daylight or even in the shade. Nighttime the camera gets a bit grainy but I was able to compensate for it by adjusting the output settings on my head unit.

Installation was simple once I figured out what I was doing wrong in setting it up. I had the power to the camera hooked up to my backup bulb but then I also had to have the wire from the head unit hooked up to the fuse panel which I didn't. Once done it works as expected. The only other install note I will make is the RCA cable which runs to the front was a bit short so I bought a F2F coupler and used a spare RCA cable I had in the house to extend the whole thing.

All in all I am very pleased and if given the chance I would do it all over again.

[vanib]

Try installing some LED rear bumper reflectors. I am sure they will help at night.
They work exactly like the rear brake lights. i.e ON when headlights are ON and brighter when the brakes are pressed.

[03rav4inPA]

Great write-up! I hear the Sony CCD cameras are the BEST aftermarket ones to buy. If I bought the Eclipse one it would be over $200

Glad to hear it worked out for you, I'm going to get this rig for my 4.2 and make it fit in the same location

[sushiguy732]

Originally Posted by vanib

Try installing some LED rear bumper reflectors. I am sure they will help at night.
They work exactly like the rear brake lights. i.e ON when headlights are ON and brighter when the brakes are pressed.

I actually wanted to install an LED license plate light bulb but I am not sure which one to buy.

Truth be told, I can more than live with the way it is, I don't mind it at all.

[sushiguy732]

Originally Posted by 03rav4inPA

Great write-up! I hear the Sony CCD cameras are the BEST aftermarket ones to buy. If I bought the Eclipse one it would be over $200

Glad to hear it worked out for you, I'm going to get this rig for my 4.2 and make it fit in the same location

thanks and good luck! Let us know how it goes...

[CanuckRAV4]

Originally Posted by sushiguy732

Hi All,

As you may know, I have been posting a lot in the past few weeks, mostly regarding my new head unit and the aftermarket Sony CCD backup camera I bought.

I thought I'd take a few moments to post a review about the camera.

First and foremost, I have said it before and I'll say it again. the camera was less than $20.00 delivered and it wold cost hundreds to get the factory camera installed. But for $20.00 I REALLY happen to like this camera.

The fit was about 99% accurate and it replaces the current light bulb holder for the rear license plate. I had to use the included double sided sticky tape to make it a snug fit or the camera would move and not give me a full view. Once the tape was installed all was well.

The picture quality is great. Daytime especially, whether it is in full daylight or even in the shade. Nighttime the camera gets a bit grainy but I was able to compensate for it by adjusting the output settings on my head unit.

Installation was simple once I figured out what I was doing wrong in setting it up. I had the power to the camera hooked up to my backup bulb but then I also had to have the wire from the head unit hooked up to the fuse panel which I didn't. Once done it works as expected. The only other install note I will make is the RCA cable which runs to the front was a bit short so I bought a F2F coupler and used a spare RCA cable I had in the house to extend the whole thing.

All in all I am very pleased and if given the chance I would do it all over again.

With thanks to your posts & review, I will be installing the exact same radio+camera set-up as soon as the camera arrives

Hmmm, my camera cost $30 delivered from the same link on your profile . . . must have missed the deal

If I run into trouble with the install, I know exactly whom to contact


Thanks again.

[sushiguy732]

Originally Posted by CanuckRAV4

With thanks to your posts & review, I will be installing the exact same radio+camera set-up as soon as the camera arrives

Hmmm, my camera cost $30 delivered from the same link on your profile . . . must have missed the deal

If I run into trouble with the install, I know exactly whom to contact


Thanks again.

I just checked the link again and it is still $19.50 US. Is it possible that yours comes up in Canadian currency?

Good luck with the installs. I had a lot of fun and frustration! Feel free to reach out anytime.

[CanuckRAV4]

Originally Posted by sushiguy732

I just checked the link again and it is still $19.50 US. Is it possible that yours comes up in Canadian currency?

Good luck with the installs. I had a lot of fun and frustration! Feel free to reach out anytime.

I now know why it was US$30. I've to use the Highlander backup camera from the same eBay vendor. Due to the SAP trim (Sport Appearance Package) my cargo door doesn't have a spare wheel hanging out the back, and the license plate is not offset likes the typical Rav4. It should be a straight license plate light swaps for the camera assembly.

I am scoping out the install while waiting for the camera . . . should be fun ironing out the kinks should any pops up.