2022 backup camera quality vs prior years

[BlackWorksInc]

Do any of you have the concave outline blocking the top corners of the lens? I never had this before and saw a full picture without the rounded blacked out corners.

I've been noticing the more circular look of the camera image on multiple models. I think it has to do with the way the camera is designed so that it can swap between "wide-angle" and "narrow-angle," I haven't really looked into how Toyota is doing that (I assume by using a different camera unit and software processing). But on every vehicle I have seen so far that has that dual angle option it seems like the image is very fisheyed/circular; I personally hate the wide angle view, it's so distorted and distracting.

Here is Toyotas response to my complaint on the cameras and crap resolution. If Everybody writes them, it would be more useful then complaining on here. Dealer typical response was...said it was normal, is what it is and they would update it for free if a firmware or software update comes out.

Toyotas contact info to complain is at the bottom of your Toyota owners page.

Yeah... that sounds like a typical hand-waving response... honestly if you're all seeing this issue then I'd just let your dealer and Toyota know. The more squeaky the wheel the more likely they'll at least acknowledge it (though some days I wonder if that still holds true even from my end of things).

I had thought that maybe the image quality seemed a little different recently on a couple customer's vehicles, but I had chalked it up to dust/grime on the lens since it's still a bit wet and dirty out here. Now you guys are making me wonder if they actually did something different than prior years.

 

[Superjet]

I wonder if it's the head unit. I tried to replace the stock one in my 22 the week I got it, and when the shop pulled it out, it had a completely different wiring harness from every other Toyota (so they couldn't, and I'm stuck with entune). Maybe they had to change to some low quality system because of the chip shortages? The screen is really bad compared to the Kenwood I had put in my Tacoma.

You need a new shop if they couldn't figure out the wiring, there are solutions.
Maestro RR with TO3 harness and Metra has updated their kit for 21+

It wouldn't surprise me at all if Toyota went with a lower resolution screen from all the shortages. Aftermarket headunits have been in very short supply as well.

 

[Sempre Nissart]

The "text" that is overlaid over the camera image flickers, like it's not getting enough power. Definitely a difference in quality not only in the camera image, but also the simple text when you activate that screen.

You’re spot on.
When going in the “secret menu” the resolution of the screen looks decent, but when entering the camera menu, it gets a lot worse.

Notice the difference of quality in the word “setting” from one menu to the other:

 

[ZackDanger]

You’re spot on.
When going in the “secret menu” the resolution of the screen looks decent, but when entering the camera menu, it gets a lot worse.

Notice the difference of quality in the world “setting” from one menu to the other:

Nice comparison.

My working theory is in order to keep shipping 4runners with the same feature sets amidst the chip shortage, they've reverted to using older camera modules... the screen isn't the issue, it's that the output of the camera module is decreased.

 

[stiles_s]

Nice comparison.

My working theory is in order to keep shipping 4runners with the same feature sets amidst the chip shortage, they've reverted to using older camera modules... the screen isn't the issue, it's that the output of the camera module is decreased.

At least I got 2 keys

(for those if you who don't know, keys are like gold these days given the chip shortage)

 

[rageandlove]

At least I got 2 keys

(for those if you who don't know, keys are like gold these days given the chip shortage)

Yup. I had a friend that bought a new Audi. Besides only 1 key fob (with a promise of 'another one when things are back to normal'), the car came with non-functioning heated seats, non-functioning wireless charging, and one or two other things the dealer will address when they get a shipment of parts.

 

[Tanley]

I got mine from YEE PIN because it had the fastest delivery at the time. But they’re all essentially the same with a different Chinese seller. I wouldn’t pay over $20, most are below that.

Edit: fit is very good, I installed it straight on looking at the head unit, when I should’ve accounted for the view from the drivers position. It’s off by MAYBE a millimeter, but it doesn’t bug me enough to rip it off and try with a new one, just something to keep in mind. It’s held up really well so far and cleans beautifully with just a soft cleaning cloth.

Thanks for the reply and tip on installation. Don't think I would have thought about that.

 

[bill444]

Interesting, I did try to find the camera part number like others did (8679035061) and it does seem to be the same for 2015-2022 4runners. That would make me think there is something going on software wise as well.

Have you figured out if these cameras are really the same?

The folks that make RigD UltraSwing are telling me that their backup camera kit won't work on 2021+ with regular non-360 cameras. (They seem to have a different option for 2020 vs 2019 and prior)

They said to check out Anytime Backup Camera and they seem to differentiate trucks 2019 and before vs. 2020 and newer. Looking at his directions, it appears the physical head unit connection is different.

 

[RobS10]

We have had our new 2022 ORP for a couple weeks now. I've never owned a car with a backup camera before and been a while since we rented one, but have to say the image quality on our new 4Runner is better than I was expecting, after reading this thread.

 

[2021nightshade4x4]

Could it be the pixel density of the bigger screen? Same resolution camera but now stretched on the new Entune 3.0 system?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[RunTheJoules]

We have had our new 2022 ORP for a couple weeks now. I've never owned a car with a backup camera before and been a while since we rented one, but have to say the image quality on our new 4Runner is better than I was expecting, after reading this thread.

It's not as bad as everyone is complaining about... I had a 20 and now a 22 with the 360 camera. The camera resolution looks exactly the same to me. I guess people are expecting a 4K HDR10+ resolution for their backup camera or something. I have a Sony at home for the 4K stuff. All I need my camera/cameras to do is let me see if there's any obstacles in my path or not. I don't need to see every grain of sand and blade of grass as I'm going in reverse. :shrug:

 

[RobS10]

It's not as bad as everyone is complaining about... I had a 20 and now a 22 with the 360 camera. The camera resolution looks exactly the same to me. I guess people are expecting a 4K HDR10+ resolution for their backup camera or something. I have a Sony at home for the 4K stuff. All I need my camera/cameras to do is let me see if there's any obstacles in my path or not. I don't need to see every grain of sand and blade of grass as I'm going in reverse. :shrug:

The main thing is:
1. Is the perspective to scale and are the pathway guideline overlays accurate?
2. Are there any blind spots that obscure possible hazards?

What I'm finding is I'm so old school I still need to turn my head to parallel park as I just don't trust driving by camera monitor backwards. What IS good is the blue line tells me just how close I am getting to the car behind me. Wish I had your MTM for the front/side hazard though.

 

[RunTheJoules]

The main thing is:
1. Is the perspective to scale and are the pathway guideline overlays accurate?
2. Are there any blind spots that obscure possible hazards?

What I'm finding is I'm so old school I still need to turn my head to parallel park as I just don't trust driving by camera monitor backwards. What IS good is the blue line tells me just how close I am getting to the car behind me. Wish I had your MTM for the front/side hazard though.

The perspective is fine, but the only thing that looks off(understandably) is the 3D projection of a car parked next to you. It just looks like a 2D print against a flat wall, but still lets you see what's there. I always check mirrors and look behind both ways before I take off anyway. Every camera has a limited range so it's always best to look back for any vehicles or people moving your way.

 

[RunTheJoules]

I guess this thread is kinda worthless without some pics.

Backup camera vs YouTube video

 

[bill444]

I guess this thread is kinda worthless without some pics.

Backup camera vs YouTube video

How do you mirror your phone to the head unit? Assuming that is mirroring.. unless you're running Android apps on it natively?

 

[stiles_s]

Thanks for the video. The camera quality is really garbage. Regardless of whether I am in ‘top’ view or wide screen. Our cx5 is better. I swear the ‘21 sr5 I rented was clearly better. Anyone verify of the part numbers for ‘22 are the same? I bet we will be digging into swaps before long.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Tuco Ramirez]

It's not as bad as everyone is complaining about... I had a 20 and now a 22 with the 360 camera. The camera resolution looks exactly the same to me. I guess people are expecting a 4K HDR10+ resolution for their backup camera or something. I have a Sony at home for the 4K stuff. All I need my camera/cameras to do is let me see if there's any obstacles in my path or not. I don't need to see every grain of sand and blade of grass as I'm going in reverse. :shrug:

No, you’re wrong, Colonel Sanders.
I’ve had a 2010, 2016, 2018, 2019, and now a 2022. The camera image in the 22 is utter dog shite. My beater 2012 Camry has a better image.
While I agree that the main use is to make sure there is nothing behind while backing up, it would be nice to be able to make out some details such as differentiating a raccoon from a mailbox.
At night the thing is totally worthless. To say it is not as bad as everyone is saying is a completely erroneous statement.

 

[jp.vegas]

No, you’re wrong, Colonel Sanders.
I’ve had a 2010, 2016, 2018, 2019, and now a 2022. The camera image in the 22 is utter dog shite. My beater 2012 Camry has a better image.
While I agree that the main use is to make sure there is nothing behind while backing up, it would be nice to be able to make out some details such as differentiating a raccoon from a mailbox.
At night the thing is totally worthless. To say it is not as bad as everyone is saying is a completely erroneous statement.

Hey Mr Magoo, maybe you’re getting older and need your eyes checked?

 

[RunTheJoules]

No, you’re wrong, Colonel Sanders.
I’ve had a 2010, 2016, 2018, 2019, and now a 2022. The camera image in the 22 is utter dog shite. My beater 2012 Camry has a better image.
While I agree that the main use is to make sure there is nothing behind while backing up, it would be nice to be able to make out some details such as differentiating a raccoon from a mailbox.
At night the thing is totally worthless. To say it is not as bad as everyone is saying is a completely erroneous statement.

Sure thing, Lieutenant Dan.

If you can't tell the difference between a raccoon and a mailbox, you have bigger problems than camera resolution.

 

[RobS10]

:lmao:

Sure thing, Lieutenant Dan.

If you can't tell the difference between a raccoon and a mailbox, you have bigger problems than camera resolution.