Upgrading the backup camera

I wish if anything, it had another channel, for one mounted to the 3rd brake light.

 

I’ve looked at the popular anytime camera and it’s an option of course. I just wanted to see if there was a simple plug and play, minimally invasive option first. Plus it would be cheaper but I believe it uses the same rear camera. I’ll look into how it’s wired and see if I may be able to just hit up Amazon for a decent replacement and wire it in.

 

This is a fantastic idea. For those times when the tailgate is down or for a larger view. Great idea. I’m sure someone could do it if it got enough traction.

 

this brake light has a camera slot https://mesocustoms.com/collections...rd-gen-3rd-brake-light?variant=21207507402865

 

Interesting the dependence on back up cameras.

The field of view is limited to directly behind the truck.

Unfortunately, objects can be traveling from the sides, outside of camera view, to enter your path.

I get the best clarity of everything behind me when backing by simply turning my head around with a slight body twist to see.

Remember, when in reverse, you are at fault for any collision. If you can't see it, then you can't avoid it. Also very weak excuse, "But they came out of nowhere. I didn't see them."

 

Dude is activating big brain mode. I’ll take my backup cam so I can be more sure no child or small object is sitting behind my vehicle between the time of walking up to my vehicle and getting in the driver seat. Backup cams don’t fit into the “I didn’t have it when I learned to drive so it’s bullshit” category. I look at them as safety items. Any intelligent driver won’t solely rely on it anyway.

 

I understand the want for a better quality camera, but your not watching HD porn on it, if you can see the whats behind you, then its doing its job. You dont need to be able read each merit badge on the girl scout your running over to know she is back there.

 

Ah, yeah the license plate lights do glare super bad off the camera.

 

I don’t think you’ll get much better in the aftermarket. What I would do is check wiring schematics between the year models of interest, and if it’s the same, get a used OEM cam off eBay for that year you want that would be more or less plug n’play. The aftermarket offerings across price ranges are pretty subpar for the current day and age in my opinion compared to OEM. And that says a lot because even OEM cams aren’t so great in comparison to standard tech available. It’s like they are recycling old optics from 10 years ago to save money.

 

I would love to be able to get a clearer view when hooking up a trailer. I get by with the camera as it is, but it could be so much better.

 

I'm surprised at how much flak the OP is getting over this topic. There is no limit to the mods on this forum so I don't see this one as being out of bounds. There are mods that have way less relevance than this one yet lots of people do them. To each their own, but damn, people are feisty on here!

 

The camera isn't great, but it works. Having driven vehicles with better rear view cameras, I can see why some would want an upgrade. However, it is no substitute for looking around and it still tells you all the information you need, such as how close you are to something. It works well for me, but I certainly wouldn't be so harsh on someone who wants to do an upgrade. There's so many more ridiculous things that people upgrade and get less flak for it. FFS, I'd think someone wanting an upgraded rear camera would get a little less judgement than someone who wants to swap their hood just for a non functional scoop.

 

Looking at the pictures posted, they must of downgraded the camera when they added all the other cameras. I have a 2018 and it looks good, but that picture posted of the 2020 looks terrible.

Perhaps the upgrade is to put a 2016-2019 camera in.

 

Not sure why you're getting so much hate.... I completely agree with you. The camera does it's job, but it could be so much better.

My friend has a 2016 or so Ford F150 w/ a much clearer picture and night vision as well...

If there was an affordable, easy to install mod for the camera I would do it in a heartbeat.

 

Yeah, I believe that was mentioned in another comment. His 2018 was great, but 2020 isn't.

 

So I guess it could come down to 2 things. They downgraded the rear camera because they added more cameras (cost savings), or they downgraded the rear camera resolution in headunit because the headunit needs to process 4 cameras at the same time and stitch them into that fancy overhead shot.

 

If I had to guess, I'd say the second one is more likely, especially with the new head unit. I just don't see how much they could possibly save by downgrading from an already standard def camera that they've been using before, even with the other cameras added.

 

Yeah, looking at the part numbers there are 2 cameras made for the tacoma. 16-17(early) and 17(late)-2020


So OP, looks like this may come down to you having to replace the headunit to get better picture.

 

Mine is a 2017, but made in 2016, so I'm guessing I have that first one. It's definitely not the best view, but definitely shows me what I need it to. I'm not sure what my camera is rated for, but if I had to guess it would be standard def. Backup cameras weren't mandated until 2018, so prior to that it was still just a feature on most vehicles. Even having it wasn't guaranteed so I can't imagine they put a ton of effort into making that HD at the time. Especially since you aren't using it that often.

That being said, haven't others gotten HD cameras for the front camera mod and gotten them to work well? If so, that may not be as much of a head unit issue. Although I believe someone mentioned the head unit may be standard def resolution anyway, so it may not get much better. I digress

 

Wonder if OP is interested in shelling out $500 on the ‘16 camera and report back. Not sure what else needs to be swapped.

edit: here is the ‘16 https://parts.olathetoyota.com/oem-parts/toyota-camera-8679004030

and the ‘17+ https://parts.olathetoyota.com/oem-parts/toyota-camera-8679004040