Backup Camera: How's this one?
 

I'm looking for a back-up camera to connect with my in-car PC and wanted some opinions. I searched on ebay and one that sort of caught my eyes was the Boyo VTL400, seen here:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Brand-New-Boyo-V...QQcmdZViewItem

http://boyovta.com/products/VTL400.html

http://boyovta.com/products/VTL400/VTL400_Web.jpg

Basically, it looks like it connects on top of your license plate, so it shouldn't require any additional drilling. Of course, I'm assuming that you can simply pass the wires through the hole that is directly behind your license plate.

In any case, here are the specs:

Image 1/3 DSP Color CCD
Effective Pixels 512 (H) x 582 (V)
Horizontal Resolution 420 TV Lines
Total Number of Pixels 320K
Min Illumination 0.5 Lux at F2.0
Synchronizing System Internal
Scanning System 2:1 Interlaced
Video Output 1Vp-p 75 Ohm
S/N Ratio More than 48db
Electronic Iris 1/50 to 1/1000 sec
White Balance Auto
Lens Mount 2.8 mm pinhole lens
Power Source DC12V
Operating Temp -4°F~ +122°F (~20° C~ +50° C)
Storage Temp -40°F ~ +176°F (-40°C ~ +80°C)
Water Proof Ip67
Wide Angle 130°
Input 100mA

So yeah, I have no idea what any of that means. Are those specs good? All I know is it's waterproof and good for 130*. I don't know what any of the other numbers really mean.


Or are there any other suggestions? I know somebody is going to paste a link to another person who drilled their plate and flush-mounted their camera. Although this looks fine, I don't want drill through my plates because I often times run different plates ;)

Thanks guys!

I thought it was some adult toy hahaha. I say no, it looks too ricey. Go for something that looks more stock and attracts less attention.

Haha. But as far as ricey? It looks fairly clean, although as far as attracting attention that's true. Once mounted on the license plate frame, it would look something like this:

http://www.boyovta.com/products/vtl100s.jpg
http://www.boyovta.com/products/vtl200s.jpg

Those are their other 2 license plate frame cameras. I would actually consider one of those, but I want to run with my Z license plate frame.

But can somebody tell me if the specs are okay?

what ever happened to turning your head back too look...

+ 1

In fairness, I'd get that back up cam if I was driving a 10 wheeler or a limo.

Turning your head and looking back? That's for suckers! :icon17:

But seriously, the only reason I want one is because I have Streetdeck, and I use it pretty much only for music/nav. I never got around to installing the Bluetooth for my cell phone plus my camera. And since it's only $100, it's not all that expensive. ;)

(I'll also be getting a smaller camera for the front bumper/grille area. Now this WOULD be helpful for me so I don't damage my front lip when parking in unfamiliar areas.)

Any useful info on the specs guys?

i have this rear view on my z. i got it hooked up to my pioneer d3 and love it. it looks great at all times and really good at night

+100

here's a link to my install, maybe it will help you:
https://my350z.com/forum/audio-video-and-electronics-diy/273813-diy-rear-view-camera-install.html

Nice. Do you have this one:

http://boyovta.com/products/VTL400/VTL400_Web.jpg

Or one of these ones:
http://www.boyovta.com/products/vtl100s.jpg
http://www.boyovta.com/products/vtl200s.jpg

Can you post a picture of how the frame looks outside?

Thanks for the link. I may have missed it in your thread, but where did you route the wires from the camera through? Was it one of the top 2 holes?

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y25...wCamera007.jpg

nope right through the center one, the gromit is right behind it.

BTW Im not impressed with the performance of mine at night

Thanks for the clarification. And you have the Fahrenheit, how does it compare to the one I listed above, at least spec-wise?

Obviously we all know how awful the Z's rear windshield is. Especially at night with tint on the window you cant see a damn thing. I'm looking into a camera thats night vision enabled as well, that way at night I never have to worry. Fahrenheit's are good cameras, its hard to find a good night vision camera besides on EBay, and god knows if thats actually a camera or some kids toy:icon8: .

I just want to continue using my original license plate frame:

http://www.courtesyparts.com/Merchan...-Z33BP_big.jpg

So the one I posted originally allows me to do so. I can get it tinted black chrome too. I think it will work out fine, and gives me the option to easily switch out/remove the camera for a better one in the future, versus permantently mounting/drilling a different style one.

I'm having a tough time finding the specs. Your plate frame is nice, and given the better low light performance I would continue to pursue your original choice. I got mine because it was right in front of me and I couldn't resist.