So I finally had backup camera installed on my 2006 RL. Bought the part from an internet store and had it installed at a local Acura dealer. I thought about doing the job myself but with recent tight schedule, buring a half day to full day was deemed inefficient.

Anyhow, question about backup camera on RL. I read it on one of threads that someone was experiencing "initial bright screen" issue. This was when you put the gear in reverse, screen showed *bright* image at first then simmered down to regular but somewhat dark image. I've tried turning the knob all the way but the image still seemed a bit dark.

Is this how Acura backup camera works? In comparison, my 2008 BMW X5, as crappy its backup camera may be, the image seems actually better than my RL's. And that would be pretty sad because bmw backup camera gets a lot of complains. Am I missing something? Could this be attributed to incorrect installation perhaps?

Thanks,

 

Not sure about brightness but what did you pay for the installation?

 

The closest dealer in my area wanted $400+ for installation. Knowing what is involved with installation, they were just asking too much.

Another dealer wanted $300+. Not the best price but better than $400+ so I went with this dealer. However, the job they performed was substandard because the hole for outside switch was hecked and not round. Also they managed to bend a trim where the switch lays. They said they will replace/fix the "bented trim" but I couldn't help being dissapointed knowing the job was not difficult, just time consuming. If you have half day free, I recommend you do the job yourself.

 

Are these Acura components you purchased?

It sounds like the camera was not calibrated in some manner?

I have never had that 'bright' experience when engaging the reversing camera. I think there is a calibration step in the install the dealer may have missed....my guess.

Once the camera is installed, there is limited user adjust-ability with the interface dial. Also, it does adjust when outside lighting varies. Examples are when backing out of a dim garage, the brightness automatically adjusts. Or in darkness / nighttime, it will adjust if a bright light comes into view. I notice this when backing into my driveway at night, as the car nears the coach lamps outside of my garage, it adjusts, then again when I back into the garage.

 

did you try the brightness button on the bottom left? I'm just throwing it out there, as in the night mode the picture is too dim to be used in daytime.

good luck either way.

 

sounds kinda odd.... i got the 06 oem backup camera and it's perfect.... installed it like 07 without any problem sound like it's a defective unit..... if you got it installed at dealer and it's a genuine honda parts, they'll get u a new one free of charge, or at least it should be covered under the warrenty

 

My 07 factory installed back up camera is unusually dark as well. Its pretty much useless

 

No problems here with my eBay camera.

 

Hi Heavy-RL, do you mind showing your camera looks like. My OEM backup camera also look dark and adjusted the brightest all the way.

 

Mind showing us a night shot?

 

night shots are dark not cause the camera sux but cause the backup lights suck...so...HID reverse lights fix that.

If you have LED reverse lights, that's even less light than stock.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jrNJiMRKTw

 

I've to disagreed with you on that one 037. I've a pioneer back up camera on my BMW and I don't have no issues at all and my license plate led's and I can see clearer day or night.

 

My OEM backup camera is also pretty dark during the day. It is very nice at night time but during the day, it is way too dark. It is an OEM camera, genuine Honda part. I installed it myself using the official Acura install procedure. I did not skip any steps.

Compared to the camera on our 2007 Sienna, the RL camera is very disappointing. And yes, i do have the brightness turned to the max. it is better but not good enough.

 

I didn't say anything about license plate led's, I have none and those are generally brighter than oem.

I got HIDs cause I was under the impression I'd get enough light to stop hitting curbs w/ the tires...failed there as the light shines past that point.

I had no issues seeing where I was backing up with oem lights, then again, I am in the city that never goes dark.

 

M Roadster, I have the same issue. None of my equipment is OEM, but it acts exactly as you described. I always assumed the initial brightness - than darken, was part of the automatic exposure adjustment in my camera. I was able to adjust to a satisfactory "brightness" using the adjustments on the back-up module AND the in-dash display settings.

HeavyRL's image looks great, but it appears that it's an overcast day. Mine looks VERY similar with the same conditions. I bet with some tuning, yours would be the same.

 

Lots of pics here: https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-rl-audio-bluetooth-electronics-navigation-90/i-018-heavy-vs-navtool-785873/