Cheap backup camera?

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I've got a new head unit on order, planning to install sometime next week. I'm considering adding a backup camera, but since it's not something I feel is a true necessity, I don't want to spend much on it to keep cost down. Are there any cheap backup cameras out there that are of decent quality? Thanks!

 

[dpodo]

Backup Cam

I went with a Boyo VTB170, I think about $60 at Amazon. Seems to work fine so far, but there are a couple of things to be aware of--cables that are included are only about 5 feet long. You will need to buy/fab a considerably longer cable. The camera also displays a 'Caution: Image may be reversed' warning on the screen, which is not mentioned in the product description and you can't get rid of it. Low light performance is just okay (grainy), but attribute that mostly to the weak back up lights on the 4runner. I ended up mounting mine in the spoiler.

 

[Asmara]

There are inexpensive ones on eBay if you can wait for it to come from China. Don't, however, buy this one that mounts in the license plate garnish light housing for the Prado. The measurements make it look like it will fit if you make a small bracket but the sheet metal under the garnish has a bump which makes it too big. Believe me, after a few house of trimming the camera and other attempts, it won't fit. I finally just ordered one that looks like the factory one for about $20 and will mount it when it warms up here.

You will need a longer cable. Note that if you run the wiring through to the door, just cut the connectors off. I tried to leave them on but it wasn't worth the hassle and eventually I inadvertently tore them off when I was trying to get them through the rubber wiring harness between the lift gate and body.

I can't make any comments about the quality of the eBay cameras since mine isn't hooked up but I'm guessing adequate.

 

[leftyguns21]

i got this one from amazon i dont have any pictures of it installed yet, but all the reviews and my initial impressions are good. it has night vision and the cables that came with it are pretty long. its a little larger than i wanted so im having trouble finding/making mounting brackets for it right now. i do have it wired and have tested it out and from what ive seen it would do the job just fine for only $30

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

That's the price range I'd like to look at, as I don't think I'll use it just yet. Were the cables long enough to reach the rear? What connections do these use? I may just get the cables run now, and do the camera later if that'd be an option.

 

[leftyguns21]

it just comes with the one video cable and it was long enough to get to the rear. i ran a power cable too while i was at it. it just uses a regular RCA type video cable and a power/ground cable. super easy.i will fuse the power cable once i fully install it with a 5a. i plan on installing it to the left of the license plate in that opening after i cut out an opening and remove the tailgate panel.

my first idea so far is to use a PVC elbow at 45d angle and hide the camera in the piping and tuck it up in the tailgate. painting the pipe of course to match the car