Backup cameras have a huge price range?
 

I am deciding which backup camera to buy and am starting to realize they can range from 15 dollars all the way up to 200+..
20 example:
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/TaoTronics-TT-CC06-Universal-Waterproof-Distance/dp/B0088LXTTM/ref=sr_1_54?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1372803018&sr =1-54&keywords=Backup+Camera"]Amazon.com: TaoTronics TT-CC06 Universal Car Rear View Bracket Mount Backup Camera (Waterproof IP67 / Color CMOS / 170 Degree Viewing Angle / Distance Scale Line): Automotive[/ame]


250 example:
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Kenwood-Universal-Rear-Front-Camera/dp/B007M9ZBG0/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1372804008&sr= 1-1&keywords=kenwood+cmos-310#productDetails"]Amazon.com: Kenwood Universal Rear View/Front View Camera: Automotive[/ame]

AFAIK a camera is a camera and even the cheap one has guide lines. I assume the resolution or night vision might be better on the expensive ones but is that it?

my $15 shit the bed after a couple months. Just outputs gray.

which one did you get?

The more expensive ones will probably live through the elements a lot longer, and can probably withstand temperature extremes. The cheap ones will probably crap out after a few days in the cold winter, or overheat on a hot summer day. That's just my guess.

It was one from ebay in a chromed steel wedge-shaped enclosure. I think my pressure washer probably angered it.

Yeah more expensive ones have better environmental performance through climate extremes plus some of the more expensive ones let you switch between camera angles mimicking fancy BMWs (but not as cool).

Find something in the middle. My Rydeen Duo rocks.

I have a Rydeen Miny and am about to swap it out for the Miny LED2. No problems with my Miny but would like some extra light when backing up at night. (I have to parallel park every night).

My shop sells Rydeen cameras, usually the Miny for $145, and we have been installing them on cars for about two years now. Have never had one come back with problems. Super durable, small & discreet, and great picture.

I can vouch for my Rydeen Duo as well. Bought mine at an Al & Ed's for $100 (so midrange pricewise) and has worked flawlessly. Feels like high quality and video quality day and night are great.

Only thing I want (not related to the camera really) is for there to be ~2 sec lag in switching the video off when getting out of reverse. I want the video to turn on instantaneously when going into reverse, but I want a lag when leaving reverse.

Do we have any Electrical Engs that can educate me what are the parts I need to do this? [I'm a EE by credentials but not in practice :) ]

LED reverse lights/license plate lights may solve your lighting problem

Already have them. Its not that bad, picture at night with the Miny is pretty damn good, but I got the miny LED 2 for free from a Rydeen rep so I might as well use it.

The clearness at night differs too, don't forget that.

Where can you purchase Rydeen Miny LED2's from? Amazon and Ebay seem to have none.

Went for a Boyo VTL425HD. Did some research that told me to get a CCD camera instead of a CMOS.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/BOYO-VTL425HD-Rear-View-Camera/dp/B0051XB46A"]Amazon.com: BOYO VTL425HD HD Rear View Camera: Car Electronics[/ame]