Adding live rear-view camera

ThatOneGuy · 02-27-2020, 07:11 PM

So I've been in the MY19 Camaros that have the live rear-view camera installed. I'm referring to the one that's in the rear view mirror that's activated by "flicking" the switch position.

Is there any way to retrofit this onto cars (say a 2017/2018 ZL1) that didn't come with it? Any help would be much appreciated, I love the way the new rear camera eliminates blind spots and would really like to add it.

TIA

~Jb · 02-27-2020, 07:59 PM

How deep are your pockets?

Here you go... Gen5DIY

ThatOneGuy · 02-27-2020, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ~Jb

How deep are your pockets?

Here you go... Gen5DIY

I actually saw that but it says in the video that the kit only works on 2019 Camaro's that didn't originally have the rear-camera. I'm wondering if there's some coding that is in the system that prevents this on MY17 or MY18 cars

nighttowl · 02-27-2020, 10:16 PM

i had Gen5DIY reprogram the HMI in my car to add the nav and pdr.
they also unlocked the navigation so that i can set it on the go.

it will view the rear camera on the move - live.

TWG1 · 02-28-2020, 01:29 PM

I’ve got a MY19 w/ the mirror-camera. Took a while to get used to, but I now use it most of the time in widest zoom-out mode to help out w/ quartering blind spots. Keep in mind, the factory uses different physical cameras for reverse (displayed in console) and mirror. I say that because the views are totally different from each other (aim-point, clarity, and lens width or aperture). You could use the reverse camera to augment your rear-view mirror, but I sincerely doubt you’d use it in-place of one.

As it is, the factory camera mirror has serious weak points: horrible night resolution, bloom-out from headlights, and the fact that your eyes have to refocus every time you look at it. One good point: you can view it from crazy angles, which helps with glare if your sunroof is open or your passenger wants to see the same rear view as you.

TLDR: Its not a magic blind-spot eliminator, and I personally wouldn’t DIY it for more than 3hrs of my time and $500 from my pocket.

PROMETHEUS · 02-28-2020, 02:51 PM

I only use mine on the track, because it gives you a much better view of what is behind u. Don't know if it is a wide angle lens, but it is great on the track!

arpad_m · 02-28-2020, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TWG1

As it is, the factory camera mirror has serious weak points: horrible night resolution, bloom-out from headlights, and the fact that your eyes have to refocus every time you look at it. One good point: you can view it from crazy angles, which helps with glare if your sunroof is open or your passenger wants to see the same rear view as you.

TLDR: Its not a magic blind-spot eliminator, and I personally wouldn’t DIY it for more than 3hrs of my time and $500 from my pocket.

I'll have to take a trip to the dealership and ask for a 2020 to test drive, I'm really curious how bad this refocusing issue is for us 40+ folks. Wouldn't want to burn my eyes out with all those frequent, forced focus shifts.

JD64 · 03-02-2020, 06:04 AM

definitely drive one to check it out. the rear view mirror camera is a great idea, i have had it in a 2020 Silverado HD for a few months now and have tried to get used to it but my old blind, non focusing fast, 55 year old eyes cant seem to catch up with the refocus to get used to it. i haven't really had a chance to try it in the camaro yet since i just got it recently and we are still in the winter months. you younger guys will have no problems at all.

arpad_m · 03-02-2020, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JD64

definitely drive one to check it out. the rear view mirror camera is a great idea, i have had it in a 2020 Silverado HD for a few months now and have tried to get used to it but my old blind, non focusing fast, 55 year old eyes cant seem to catch up with the refocus to get used to it. i haven't really had a chance to try it in the camaro yet since i just got it recently and we are still in the winter months. you younger guys will have no problems at all.

Thanks very much, JD64, for responding to me in your first post, and

to the forums of course

The thing is, my eyes can take up to a second to perform a full refocus from closest to farthest, depending on fatigue level, and this won't work at all with quick glances. Set up an appointment at the dealership for the weekend to check this out.

ThatOneGuy · 03-09-2020, 06:28 PM

Thanks for all the replies everyone. I'm really tall, combined with the high sill and blindspots of the car, the live view camera is a lifesaver for me. For me, being able to actually see whats fully behind-and nearly every angle covering the side of the car-is incredibly comforting.

I'm still under 40 and my eyes adjust to the different focus of the LV nearly instantly. TBH, I want all of my cars to have it. Beyond blind spot awareness, you can also see handy things about the car behind you (license plate, whether driver is paying attention etc).

bereic · 02-20-2023, 05:30 PM

Is it possible to find out the video resolution of the 2019+ Camaro rear View live cameras?

I've retrofited the spoiler with the camera and Live mirror.. now thinking about to add one camera from the new Chevy Silverado in the front and get a switch to change between the sources.

But i would need to know the specifications/Image resolutions of the two cameras to get a picture if it might be possible.

would be happy if someone has any informations.

ShockingZ · 02-20-2023, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arpad_m

I'll have to take a trip to the dealership and ask for a 2020 to test drive, I'm really curious how bad this refocusing issue is for us 40+ folks. Wouldn't want to burn my eyes out with all those frequent, forced focus shifts.

Its not great. Took me a while to get used to it, but its so easy now. The best part is since I use it 100% of the time, I can push the mirror up and in and I can maximize the windshield since it doesnt need to be pointing in a specific place to work.

Gunkk · 02-20-2023, 09:42 PM

If you're dependent on reading glasses, the camera screen "mirror" is not gonna be good for you only 12-16" away.

Good thing I'm already too old to give a rats. The depth of focus shifts would drive me nuts even if I could even focus on something that close up.

But if you want to retrofit, then the Gen5DIY folks are pretty good at what they do.

Olli1LE · 02-21-2023, 05:44 AM

I added live rear view camera to my 2019 2SS 1LE by exchanging the roof antenna to the one with camera (because of 1LE blade spoiler) and bought the GM rear view mirror with LCD function.
It was quite easy to add, the only thing was that I built my own adapter wire. I ordered the single parts (connector & pins) from US supplier and build some wires more in case somebody in Europe wants this modification too.

The OnStar function is not used in Europe, so the conversion to live rear view mirror is easier for 2018 and earlier models as in the US.

02-27-2020, 07:11 PM	#1
ThatOneGuy Drives: 2016 Golf R Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: NC Posts: 18	Adding live rear-view camera So I've been in the MY19 Camaros that have the live rear-view camera installed. I'm referring to the one that's in the rear view mirror that's activated by "flicking" the switch position. Is there any way to retrofit this onto cars (say a 2017/2018 ZL1) that didn't come with it? Any help would be much appreciated, I love the way the new rear camera eliminates blind spots and would really like to add it. TIA

02-27-2020, 07:59 PM	#2
~Jb Drives: 2018 ZLE Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Des Moines Posts: 227	How deep are your pockets? Here you go... Gen5DIY __________________ *2018 ZL1 1LE* (CARBON/PDR/NAV)**

02-27-2020, 10:16 PM	#4
nighttowl Sarcasm loading -------- Drives: 2018 ZL1 1LE Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: TX Posts: 1,808 View My Garage	i had Gen5DIY reprogram the HMI in my car to add the nav and pdr. they also unlocked the navigation so that i can set it on the go. it will view the rear camera on the move - live. __________________ "The salesman actually told me to stop getting it sideways during the test drive" 2018 MBM ZL1 1LE - Stock 2014 CRT ZL1 574 rwhp, 537 rwtq - SOLD 2010 IBM SS Camaro VVT L99 w/ TR6060 swap, 489 rwhp, 444 rwtq - SOLD

02-28-2020, 01:29 PM	#5
TWG1 TWG1 Drives: 2019 Camaro ZLE Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: PENSACOLA, FL Posts: 179	I’ve got a MY19 w/ the mirror-camera. Took a while to get used to, but I now use it most of the time in widest zoom-out mode to help out w/ quartering blind spots. Keep in mind, the factory uses different physical cameras for reverse (displayed in console) and mirror. I say that because the views are totally different from each other (aim-point, clarity, and lens width or aperture). You could use the reverse camera to augment your rear-view mirror, but I sincerely doubt you’d use it in-place of one. As it is, the factory camera mirror has serious weak points: horrible night resolution, bloom-out from headlights, and the fact that your eyes have to refocus every time you look at it. One good point: you can view it from crazy angles, which helps with glare if your sunroof is open or your passenger wants to see the same rear view as you. TLDR: Its not a magic blind-spot eliminator, and I personally wouldn’t DIY it for more than 3hrs of my time and $500 from my pocket. __________________ 2019 ZLE M6 2019 ZL1 A10 (Sold) 1967 Jaguar XKE Series 1 Roadster 2021 F150 Powerboost (on order)

02-28-2020, 02:51 PM	#6
PROMETHEUS Drives: 2019 ZL-1, Shadow Gray, Sold Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Fredericksburg, VA Posts: 1,390	I only use mine on the track, because it gives you a much better view of what is behind u. Don't know if it is a wide angle lens, but it is great on the track!

03-02-2020, 06:04 AM	#8
JD64 Drives: '19 Camaro ZL1 A10 Riverside Blue Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: N.E. Ohio Posts: 62	definitely drive one to check it out. the rear view mirror camera is a great idea, i have had it in a 2020 Silverado HD for a few months now and have tried to get used to it but my old blind, non focusing fast, 55 year old eyes cant seem to catch up with the refocus to get used to it. i haven't really had a chance to try it in the camaro yet since i just got it recently and we are still in the winter months. you younger guys will have no problems at all.

03-09-2020, 06:28 PM	#10
ThatOneGuy Drives: 2016 Golf R Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: NC Posts: 18	Thanks for all the replies everyone. I'm really tall, combined with the high sill and blindspots of the car, the live view camera is a lifesaver for me. For me, being able to actually see whats fully behind-and nearly every angle covering the side of the car-is incredibly comforting. I'm still under 40 and my eyes adjust to the different focus of the LV nearly instantly. TBH, I want all of my cars to have it. Beyond blind spot awareness, you can also see handy things about the car behind you (license plate, whether driver is paying attention etc).

02-20-2023, 05:30 PM	#11
bereic Drives: Camaro SS 2018 Convertible Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Switzerland Posts: 116	Is it possible to find out the video resolution of the 2019+ Camaro rear View live cameras? I've retrofited the spoiler with the camera and Live mirror.. now thinking about to add one camera from the new Chevy Silverado in the front and get a switch to change between the sources. But i would need to know the specifications/Image resolutions of the two cameras to get a picture if it might be possible. would be happy if someone has any informations.

02-20-2023, 09:42 PM	#13
Gunkk Thank you Al Oppenheiser! Drives: Red Hot A10 ZL1 Convertible Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Sarasota, FL Posts: 4,978 View My Garage	If you're dependent on reading glasses, the camera screen "mirror" is not gonna be good for you only 12-16" away. Good thing I'm already too old to give a rats. The depth of focus shifts would drive me nuts even if I could even focus on something that close up. But if you want to retrofit, then the Gen5DIY folks are pretty good at what they do.

02-21-2023, 05:44 AM	#14
Olli1LE Drives: 2019 Camaro SS 1LE Join Date: Dec 2022 Location: Germany Posts: 5	I added live rear view camera to my 2019 2SS 1LE by exchanging the roof antenna to the one with camera (because of 1LE blade spoiler) and bought the GM rear view mirror with LCD function. It was quite easy to add, the only thing was that I built my own adapter wire. I ordered the single parts (connector & pins) from US supplier and build some wires more in case somebody in Europe wants this modification too. The OnStar function is not used in Europe, so the conversion to live rear view mirror is easier for 2018 and earlier models as in the US.

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