Royal Coachman

There seem to be 2 distinct components to a backup camera system: The camera and the monitor. If you have a monitor built in to your console, it likely has an input port/connector for a camera. But if you don't a built-in monitor, you need to either
1: mount a monitor somewhere in your cab
2: get a clipon montior for your visor
3: use a rear-view mirror monitor

Option 3 seems interesting because it functions as a regular rear-view mirror but an image from the camera appears in a portion of it when you shift into reverse. I'm interested in this option, but they seem to vary widely from $60 to $700 and I haven't seen any good reviews or comparisons. Anybody have any feedback on these?

camera-source.com

Option 3 is the most popular because it not only looks like it was installed at the factory, but it deters theft since you don't have a monitor sitting on your dash. When it comes to cameras and mirrors there is a wide spectrum of quality levels as you pointed out with the varying price tag. There are several foreign manufacturers of video capable rear view mirrors and they essentially rip off the technology from US based Gentex, build an inferior product, and try to sell it as an equivalent for a fraction of the price. We learned the hard way because we used to sell the knock-off's until we learned that they were in violation of the patents... not to mention they all started coming back for warranty replacement. Chinese auto dimming video mirror - $109, Gentex auto dimming video mirror - $376 but it's money well spent because it's going to last forever and it works like it's supposed to.

Now for the cameras...lot's of factors here as well. We have sold (and currently sell) everything from CCD cameras to basic CMOS III and have found that we can get the best quality image from our Super CMOS sensor. This is because we build the program that the sensor uses so the color, contrast, and clarity can be built in to give the best quality image. This includes the white balance, which helps when the sun is shining directly on the camera. Since we control the program we were also able to duplicate the parking guidelines that Ford uses so the camera display will look very similar to the factory camera. With this Super CMOS sensor comes a more expensive price tag but it's worth it for someone who is looking for a factory grade kit. Camera Source Super CMOS has 600 TV lines of resolution, CMOS III has 480, and your standard automotive CCD has anywhere from 420-520 TV lines. Though we do have a commercial/Agriculture CCD that has 700 TV lines but the sensor is way too big to fit in the camera housing for most automotive applications.

One more thing to point out is that up until 2013 Ford had a compass gyro located in the rear view mirror that controls the compass in your dash. At some point in 2013 the gyro got removed from the mirror so it's no longer an issue when installing a new video rear view mirror. The way to be sure your gyro isn't in the mirror is to simply unplug your mirror and see if the compass still works. If so, then you don't need the compass relocation kit.

We also sell a mirror that has the gyro built in so if you have the gyro controller in your existing mirror this gives you a simpler alternative to relocating the gyro circuit board.

You can see all our Ford kits on our website here:
https://camera-source.com/products/automotive/ford

Don't hesitate to ask questions as we are here to help!

Regards,
Camera-Source.com
414-939-5226

Kytann

I considered the mirror solution, but rejected it because it is such a small screen.
Not only that, but you can't use your mirror when it's on. I like using both in the Wifes car.

Also, I don't think the resolution on the small screen matches the high resolution of the camera you guys sell. And even if it did, can your eye pick out those small details?

Any way you look at it, the tiny screen in a mirror is difficult to see clearly, expcially compared with the 6.2"-7" screen in a double-din stereo install.

And that's why went with a stereo instead of a mirror replacement.

Haven't got it all installed yet though, so I cannot comment on the picture quality.

2013 Blue Flame

Royal Coachman, I went with your option 3. I am attaching photos of it installed and working so you can see that the mirror is still usable when the camera is on and this is a $600 one from CameraSource. I think that this is an awesome set up and it is crystal clear. This set up was up there in price, but the only option I was considering on my 2013 was replacing the whole center stack and the only replacement (in my opinion) was a step back in appearance not forward. Let me know if you want any other pics or anything,

Greeny

I had the plain-Jane radio, swapped it out for a cheap Boss head unit with GPS, bluetooth, DVD, and several inputs. Added a universal license plate mount camera and love it. The head unit automatically switches to the camera input when it is powered, so it would be an easy mod to add cameras in the front, on chassis points, in the back seat, and have them on a rotary select switch.

Kytann

Well, my backup camera is installed and functioning. I still haven't tapped into the reverse wire, but I can turn it on manually.

Some feedback.

• I like the 170 degree viewing angle. Couldn't imagine having any less
• Picture quality seems very good.
• Haven't tried night vision yet.
• It looks like the camera is adjusted too low. Instead of a view straight back like in the wifes car, I'm looking down. I realize some of that is to allow the camera to be used to hookup trailer hitches and such. But it doesn't have to be this low to accomplish that. After all, I am seeing a good chunk of my bumper in the bottom of the screen. Is this adjustable in any way?
• The backup lines aren't parallel to the direction of travel. They lean inwards. This can be verified as more than just fish-eye lens parallax by turning it on on the highway and viewing it's angle relative to the angle of the white lines on the road.
• The "Red" danger zone section, is still a couple of feet from whatever is behind me.

I should get measurements and pictures on some of these things.

lidolfan

I have installed the camera-source backup camera it looked factory and the picture is awesome I have factory nav so I used their lock pick also 2 1/2 hour install for both and well worth it

buck16hunter

Has anyone used the aftermarket camera to back into a trailer by themselves? Can you see well? Any issues with not seeing well enough to back in and hook up?

buck16hunter

Has anyone backed up to a trailer or camper by themselves? Is the picture detailed enough to see? Any issues?

buck16hunter

Has anyone tried backing up to a trailer or camper with the after market set up? Is the picture in the mirror detailed enough? Any issues?