Backup camera upgrade

[AnnDee4444]

I can't say what vehicle has a better camera than the JL, but I do know that better cameras exist and that their differences are apparent in low-light situations. Most everyone can agree that the JL's camera sucks at night, but the majority of the suggestions here are basically to "make it not night" with brighter lights. Upgrading the camera is another method.

It's not about resolution either. Take a look at what cell phone cameras are doing. I know that there is some software being applied to a some of these, but the sensor itself can actually make a difference.

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[rubileon]

I can't say what vehicle has a better camera than the JL, but I do know that better cameras exist and that their differences are apparent in low-light situations. Most everyone can agree that the JL's camera sucks at night, but the majority of the suggestions here are basically to "make it not night" with brighter lights. Upgrading the camera is another method.

It's not about resolution either. Take a look at what cell phone cameras are doing. I know that there is some software being applied to a some of these, but the sensor itself can actually make a difference.

Thanks for being the only person to make intelligent replies relevant to the thread so far. When people want to upgrade tires, bumpers, fender flares, suspension, engine, put on angry grilles the most you hear is "your money your jeep". But I seem to have hit a nerve with others insulting the much praised backup camera which the Wrangler is apparently known for. Not going to bother replying to them.

As for what you said about low light visibility, the software based (and optical image stabilisation) approaches in phones are mostly to reduce blur from shaking hands when using relatively long exposures. For a vehicle the difficulty is not only in getting the exposure but having enough sensitivity to be able to have usable frame rates plus having low latency. If it's for recording and if you want to make out plates by pausing recorded video, shorter exposures are needed as well. So, even if it's SD resolution, like you said, there's massive room for improvement in terms of sensor quality and optics.

Speaking of optics, a wider angle lens (ideally combined with a wide aspect ratio screen) is quite useful when backing out of tight spots in traffic.

I would experiment with the stock camera but I don't want to fry it, or worse, the uconnect

 

[InvertedLogic]

I'm curious which vehicles you have been in with a better camera than the JL's with 8.4" screen?

It's at least the second best I've ever seen - behind my buddy's M2. I do agree that low light performance it a bit lacking. My Subaru had better low light performance but far less detail. Auxiliary reverse lights seem to be the simplest fix if it's an issue. For me, I can still see good enough with the stock LED reverse lights and tail lights casting a red tint. I figure if I get bored one day I'll wire up a single LED pod back there or something.

 

[AnnDee4444]

I'm curious which vehicles you have been in with a better camera than the JL's with 8.4" screen?

It's at least the second best I've ever seen - behind my buddy's M2.

Ok, I have some experience with a M240i and M340i, which are probably similar to the M2. They are better than the JL.

Now, back to the topic.

Thanks for being the only person to make intelligent replies relevant to the thread so far. When people want to upgrade tires, bumpers, fender flares, suspension, engine, put on angry grilles the most you hear is "your money your jeep". But I seem to have hit a nerve with others insulting the much praised backup camera which the Wrangler is apparently known for. Not going to bother replying to them.

As for what you said about low light visibility, the software based (and optical image stabilisation) approaches in phones are mostly to reduce blur from shaking hands when using relatively long exposures. For a vehicle the difficulty is not only in getting the exposure but having enough sensitivity to be able to have usable frame rates plus having low latency. If it's for recording and if you want to make out plates by pausing recorded video, shorter exposures are needed as well. So, even if it's SD resolution, like you said, there's massive room for improvement in terms of sensor quality and optics.

Speaking of optics, a wider angle lens (ideally combined with a wide aspect ratio screen) is quite useful when backing out of tight spots in traffic.

I would experiment with the stock camera but I don't want to fry it, or worse, the uconnect

Just some random thoughts:

• I wonder if there could be some sort of pre-processing unit between an upgraded camera & uConnect. This could open up many possibilities without having to upgrade uConnect. Would obviously need to be real-time.
• Wider-angle lenses for the OEM camera? Not sure if it is a sealed unit though.
• If the "cargo cam" has a lower quality input, why not some sort of input switcher for the good uConnect input? Re-purposed AUX button?
• Infrared LEDs for better night vision without adding backup lights? Something like the ring lights for CCTV

 

[rubileon]

Just some random thoughts:

• I wonder if there could be some sort of pre-processing unit between an upgraded camera & uConnect. This could open up many possibilities without having to upgrade uConnect. Would obviously need to be real-time.

I doubt FCA made a whole new standard or protocol to need a pre-processor. I wish someone had an idea about what type of a signal the stock camera is or at least a way way to check safely.

• Wider-angle lenses for the OEM camera? Not sure if it is a sealed unit though.

Yes, an interchangeable lens unit will struggle to seal. I was speaking about replacing the entire unit which has a wider lens also.

• If the "cargo cam" has a lower quality input, why not some sort of input switcher for the good uConnect input? Re-purposed AUX button?

The cargo cam needs a Tazer plus I don't have the Aux. I just want it to switch on like factory but be superior.

• Infrared LEDs for better night vision without adding backup lights? Something like the ring lights for CCTV

Sorry, this is for seeing without lights for long ranges... without light bars or anything Plus everyone's got cameras everywhere and I don't want my lights to mess up footage of law enforcement or whatever and land me in trouble or have my insurance declined for some fine print reason.

 

[AnnDee4444]

I doubt FCA made a whole new standard or protocol to need a pre-processor. I wish someone had an idea about what type of a signal the stock camera is or at least a way way to check safely.

I was thinking more along the lines of an aftermarket signal processor containing software similar to what the cell phones use (image stabilization, low lighting adjustments, etc).

Sorry, this is for seeing without lights for long ranges... without light bars or anything Plus everyone's got cameras everywhere and I don't want my lights to mess up footage of law enforcement or whatever and land me in trouble or have my insurance declined for some fine print reason.

Good points.

 

[Punkindave]

I'm trying to use a goggle anti fog treatment on the lens, it keeps it cleaner and repels water/dirt.
The resolution and clarity is spectacular, but I'd love to see better low light performance. Perhaps better backup lighting would solve that

 

[rubileon]

I was thinking more along the lines of an aftermarket signal processor containing software similar to what the cell phones use (image stabilization, low lighting adjustments, etc).

One word: latency. It's not so much an issue for a majority of what people do because they record but for real time use, even a few milliseconds here or there can be an issue. The simplest and most robust solution is to start with better hardware (camera sensor and lens).

 

[1996cc]

I know this is not PC but I'm sorry... this person was just making a joke. Why are people so sensitive nowadays?

Personal attack? Where I come from that was like a hug... a personal attack is when someone hits you

Exactly. Apparently there are snowflakes in Australia too...

 

[AnnDee4444]

Exactly. Apparently there are snowflakes in Australia too...

There's no need to be an ass.

 

[jred321]

It's at least the second best I've ever seen - behind my buddy's M2.

Before this I had a GLA45. The camera was better than the JL as well. Especially at night - looked like it had some sort of infrared or possibly just a software layer to improve low light situations. Plus, it flipped away when not in use so it wasn't dirty all of the time

 

[Foggy47]

I have a '17 Honda Ridgeline and the backup camera has three choices for view angles. Straight down at the hitch, wide angle, long angle. I do like the hitch view when hooking up trailers. The quality of the picture is greatly affected by road film, dirt and snow.

 

[Mwags]

Anyone tried upgrading the backup camera to maybe a higher quality one or something that gives a wider view?

(I mean replacing the stock camera rather than adding a secondary one or getting a Tazer which will also mow my lawn?)

Thanks

I wish the back up camera had an alarm sound as well...like most back up cameras do.

 

[AZRocks]

Supplemental reverse lighting is what you need.

 

[Dan S]

I wish the back up camera had an alarm sound as well...like most back up cameras do.

Back up sensors have alarms, not cameras.

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