OK, I'm prolly the first to post this, but after seeing this link https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....threadid=79038 , I went ahead and got me the reverse camera.

I must say there are some drawbacks to having this camera. Like, 1) You have to cut up your license plate, 2) You will lose the use of your outside hatch release button, and 3) Your license plate will no longer be illuminated by the lights.

Here are the pics for those interested:

 

closer shot

 

screen shot

 

another

 

do you honestly get a good pic or is it always blurly or grainy?

 

Uh, correct me if I'm wrong, but driving without license plate lights is against the law in California and probably everywhere, right?

 

Bastard, Yes...it is.

If you're losing those features, I would be willing to bet that something went wrong with your installation. I had the Pioneer AVIC-N1 installed, which has the rear camera option. There is a dedicated line for it and would not interfere with anything that was already wired there.

Cain96, The camera is more for seeing something stationary behind you, ie. - before reversing, or looking at something in tow. It isn'e meant for use during driving as a rear view mirror.

 

To clear up, it's not that the lights don't illuminate anymore, they do. It's just that the top of the frame is so thick that it protrudes beyond where the lights can illuminate the plate, and also blocks the hatch release button. It would be okay if the vehicle had a deeper license plate recess. Otherwise, it's a high quality product.

I'll be using it solely for backing up purpose, but the lens has such wide angle that it could actually be used for making lane changes. Because when a passing vehicle disappears from the screen, it's already at your side. It's that wide of an angle.

 

here is another option that works well for me

 

does the camera look conspicuous? Would someone end up stealing it?

 

nope blends right in and its attached extremly firmly and they would have to cut the wires.. but hey i live in japan.. don't really have to worry about that over here

 

Yeah, that Nissan's JDM optional camera is the sweetest. You're lucky to be in Japan. Do you have the front corner cameras as well ether?

 

For my rearview camera, the license plate was drilled and a small "platform" was built behind the bumper. I have had it for over a year and never had a problem, including a couple of cops right behind me at stop lights. You see it because you are looking for it, but at shows/meets when I have the hatch open and the screen on it usually takes people a little while to figure out where the camera is. The quality of this camera (Sony) is similar to the video of a video camera.

 

Or you can do this

 

Love your installs, Anyone2u and D@ActiveTuning! How's the picture quality at night? Mine is really bright at night, even brighter than during the day on my Xenarc.

 

Mine is pretty low lux so I can see OK at night (obviously much more grainy vs almost crystal clear during the day), but on the other hand the headlights from cars behind me at night really overwhelm it.

As far as it's usefullness, I justified installing it (at least to my wife ) by saying it really saves me from backing into things, opens up the blind spot, etc, but realistically I don't use it that much. It's more just for "***** and giggles".

BTW, D@active Tuning, I am really jealous of that lens you have! I searched for months to find the right camera and never saw anything that small.

 

Mine works only when I shift into reverse.

 

I actually have not even tested it yet. I'm waiting on Xenarc for my monitor. I'll let you guys know how it is ASAP.

 

Zakira, what kind of monitor is that??? brand and price plz..

 

D@Activetuning... that image in your sig is photochopped right? I never seen a LeMans Sunset look that orangy and sweeeeeet.