Back up camera options

[iag48st]

I would like to have an OEM back up camera installed on my 2014 but not sure if I should just go straight to Subaru and have them install one for a lot of money or have a shop do it. Or are there better third party options to choose from?

Suggestions? Thanks

[Kids Heart]

Do you want it on the display or rv mirror?

[Manic]

$13 Reverse Camera

Reverse cameras can be extraordinarily cheap. I installed this one and it works perfectly. Granted, the install was a little tricky and there were some workarounds I had to do, but overall I'm very satisfied with the camera. There's a very helpful DIY on the forum if you want to do it yourself.

The camera itself didn't have quite enough angle by default so it was pointed too much at the ground. To remedy this, I picked up some toilet leveling wedges (yep, that's right) and ground them to the right shape.

[tobin]

Originally Posted by iag48st

I would like to have an OEM back up camera installed on my 2014 but not sure if I should just go straight to Subaru and have them install one for a lot of money or have a shop do it. Or are there better third party options to choose from?

Suggestions? Thanks

Are you comfortable doing basic electrical stuff? The reverse camera is a pretty simple DIY. I bought a kit a few years ago from Camera Source which I am very happy with.

If not, any car audio/electronics shop will be much cheaper than a dealership, who may not even do it for you. Try getting a few quotes and pick the one you are happiest with.

[iag48st]

I have no electrical knowledge what’s so ever. So it seems like a shop would be the most affordable choice. I want the feed to be displayed on the oem head unit. Any cameras you guys recommend? That $13 camera doesn’t look half bad at all!

[Manic]

Originally Posted by iag48st

I have no electrical knowledge what’s so ever. So it seems like a shop would be the most affordable choice. I want the feed to be displayed on the oem head unit. Any cameras you guys recommend? That $13 camera doesn’t look half bad at all!

Probably best to have someone install it then. It's not the most difficult of DIYs, but having some electrical experience would be recommended. There are a lot of good options on Amazon, and you probably wouldn't have to spent more than $30 or so dollars for a decent one. Install would be around $100 give or take based on their labor costs so I would budget $150 to be safe. Any more would be a bit much.

As for camera options, I'd suggest one that you'd attached on that top portion of the trunk. There are a lot of license plate frame style cameras that look nice, but they may be easier to steal. The trunk mounted ones will require you to drill hole through that part of your trunk but it isn't a huge deal.

[tarzan_nojane]

I recently completed an install of this camera
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Update-2in1...72.m2749.l2649
looking very much like the one posted by Manic. Turns out it works just fine using the 6V supplied by the 2014 FR-S head unit - no relay required.

Too funny: I ended up with toilet shims as well - 4-pack less than $3 from HD. Two above and two below the license lamp housing to keep the mounting surfaces parallel.

Here is the best deal ($21) I found for the Axxess AX-TOYCAM1 head unit harness adapter:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Axxess-AX-T...72.m2749.l2649

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by tarzan_nojane

I recently completed an install of this camera looking very much like the one posted by Manic. Turns out it works just fine using the 6V supplied by the 2014 FR-S head unit - no relay required.

Here is the best deal ($21) I found for the Axxess AX-TOYCAM1 head unit harness adapter:

Did you use the Axxess AX-TOYCAM1, which includes the relay, or are you saying that you connected it directly without the kit's relay?

[soundman98]

Originally Posted by tarzan_nojane

I recently completed an install of this camera
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Update-2in1...72.m2749.l2649
looking very much like the one posted by Manic. Turns out it works just fine using the 6V supplied by the 2014 FR-S head unit - no relay required.

speaking as a previous camera tech, running any camera at the absolute minimum input voltage will result in issues down the road. i highly recommend using the relay to boost the input voltage to 12v to minimize issues down the road.

[tarzan_nojane]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

Did you use the Axxess AX-TOYCAM1, which includes the relay, or are you saying that you connected it directly without the kit's relay?

Used the kit's harness adapter, but did not need the relay.

Many of the cameras actually only require 3.3 - 5 or 6 volts, including the factory cameras. These will also operate with the 12V if using the relay, but do not require it. Did my homework, then tested the setup without a relay before installing.

I believe the specs for the camera I purchased stated 6V minimum. (Power: DC12V±6V)