So found several threads confirming I'm not the only one who notices the image from the backup camera is awful. I mean worst I've seen on anything, ever, and I have a CHEAP aftermarket one on my ridgeline.

Doing a little nosing around, I've found that the MDX camera and the ILX/RDX camera are different part numbers, but that doesn't tell the whole tale:

39530TX6 Panasonic camera on the MDX vs 39530TZ5 Panasonic camera on the ILX/RDX (Which are reportedly much clearer) and 39530TZ3 on the TL, but the letters are just housing codes.

Digging a bit more reveals the 39530 Panasonic camera is a popular unit the automotive industry, and seems to be used on almost everything from every manufacturer. Standards are good, but unfortunately, the camera doesn't seem to be the problem here, it would SEEM to be the quality of the screen.

I did upgrade the backup lights to some ridiculously bright LEDs, and it resolved the night usefulness of the camera, but it still seems to have this "hazed type look" no matter what you do. It's like it's being interlaced or something.

Curious if the 2017/2018 models have the same issue?

The model number for the 2017 screen is 39810-TZ5-A21
The model number for the 14 and 15 screen is 39810-TZ5-A010-M1

Hunting forums, I made suggested changes to the display, and the DISPLAY on non-camera sources is much less washed out:

1- System Settings
2- Display
3- Brightness set to +11
4- Contrast set to +5
5- Black level set to -5

It didn't help with the camera though.

I'm tech savvy enough to transplant a camera or a display screen, and produce instructions on how to re-produce results without trashing the car; but don't want to play ebay parts bingo trying to find pieces that may not make any difference.

Any 2017/2018 guys and gals chime in on backup camera appearance? Since it seems washed out with both cameras, I'm inclined to believe it's an interlace/low res screen issue.


3G MDX Brighter LED Backup Lights
3G MDX Brighter LED Backup Lights

 

I don't have an issue with quality on mine or any vehicle that I have or had since my first on my 2004 MDX. It's only a reference data point for me, I still use mirrors and turn my head on the end of my neck when I back up.

 

My new MDX is the same way, the back up camera video seems washed out. My 2013 TL is way better in video quality, I also upgraded the back up light with much brighter LED but it looks the same.

 

It's really, really poor in comparison to anything in the market. The Civics have a better picture. I'm going to dig some today and see if I can get part numbers and pinouts.

 

Yup, backup camera on our 2017 MDX Sport Hybrid is horrible! First thing I noticed when taking a test drive.
I initially thought there was protective film on the camera lens, but no..it's just really bad.
My Lexus GS and Pioneer aftermarket backup camera are 1000x better in term of clarity and nighttime usefulness.

Real shame Acura use such cheap parts for such an expensive vehicle.

 

I think it's widely known that the MDX is at the bottom end of the luxury SUV market and the prices reflect that. Compared to other options its an excellent value but it lacks some of the super unnecessary options and features that some people get their panties in a bunch over. The MDX sells pretty darn well so I think the niche Acura have carved out in the market works pretty well. It's hard to be empathetic to people that buy an MDX and then afterwards complain about a lack of this or that feature. I pour over the specs and read/watch every professional review I can get my hands on, so there are no disappointments or surprises a week after I bring the car home.

The back up camera is on for 12 seconds a day for me at most. I'm not trying to read the wall street journal through the camera, I just need to know if one of my daughters left a bike behind the car and it's more than up to the task of letting you know if something is back there or not. If you want a 1080p back up camera, you should either add one on your own or find a brand that offers that.

 

Thanks for helping me with finding a resolution to the issue. Appreciate the input.
(The last three vehicle purchases have been a $65,000 Mercedes AMG Sedan, a $85,000 Mercedes Coupe, and the MDX - I'm overwhelmingly familiar with Tier 1 Luxury and fair expectations for investments.)

 

I find the camera to be pretty good. Way better than the camera in my 2014 RLX. Also, having the 360 view is great.
The camera can't be any better than the screen resolution.

 

I ordered a 2017 Altima camera for $50. I'll get that back out of it on eBay selling it, or lose a couple bucks. I believe I can pin it out, and make a temporary connector for the MDX to see if the camera makes a difference. Comparing the screen part numbers in the Odyssey, TLX, MDX, etc. - I'm not seeing much difference. If the camera isn't a huge improvement, I'll order a wrecked/broken MDX screen just to look for pinout and replacement options.

 

If the 2018 TLX loaner I just returned with the new higher rez upper screen for AA/CP is any indication of what's to come for the 18 MDX, it's really not much better than now.

 

How did you make out with the Nissan camera?

 

MY 2014 MDX Advance camera is not nearly as sharp, bright, or clear as my wife's 2014 Honda Civic with navigation. I am amazed how much better it is than the picture on my MDX .
I sure hope the 2018 MDX with the different screen and Apple Car Play will look better. I hate to wait another year or two for the neat Heads Up Display the next RDX will have as shown in reviews.

 

I do find that the picture looks better on my previous 14 RDX too compared to my 17 MDX. I do think it's the screen resolution that matters. If the display can be upgraded then I think that's what matters the most. On a side note, I wish the video entertainment can be played on the front screen too. But it could be that the resolution is so bad that Acura don't think it's good idea to do that.

 

I'm not sure why there is so much interest in this. For one, I believe it is illegal in all states. You can certainly search around for a hack and hope you never run afoul with the law or heaven forbid are in an accident.

 

Haha...Ooorrrr they think driving is the most appropriate activity to happen in the front row? Plenty of better options if your response is when sitting in the car while parked to watch movies.

 

Yes I kind of admit, the rear camera are pretty bad on my 17 MDX. Even my 11 Sienna's tiny little 3 incher screen are much clearer and sharp LOL

 

The one on my 2018 is not the greatest but def. better than the pics shown here, may be they updated the parts a bit for 2018? Also the tech's rear camera is supposedly a slightly higher resolution vs the advanced. The advanced though has 4 camera vs 1 on the tech for surround view.