Considering adding a digital rearview mirror. What are your thoughts?

[Lakersfreak]

This idea came to me as I can't deal with the insane refraction lights from my new tint. I figured a work around would be adding a digital rearview mirror, like the Rexing - M2 Max Pro 4K WiFi GPS Mirror Dash Cam - Black. I like the idea of having a dash cam, a rearview mirror that I can actually see out of, and seems to be a pretty easy install. I haven't figured out yet if the rear camera would have to be placed inside our outside (like near the license plate holder) to get a good view of the rear. If it would be clear enough, I'd love to just put the rear camera inside facing out, assuming I won't have any light refraction issues if the camera is right up against the rear window.

What do you guys think?
Has anyone installed a rear camera on the outside?

Sponsored

 

[Stonehauler]

I saw my first one about a month ago in the GMC Sierra HD (it was in a Denali model).

I love the idea of a digital Rear View Mirror (RVM), but there are some drawbacks, some depending on where you live. There are also some good bonus features as well.

1) know where the camera is mounted. If you have an outside mounted camera it WILL get dirty. If it's on the inside, it's usually located in a place where it's easy for the window to get dirty. This is especially true during winter in the snow belt. If you have ice or snow covering that small area, or a lot of salt crusting on that area, it's going to severely limit visibility vs a mirror. After all, that mirror has a whole window to see through, and some of it won't be as bad as other parts. Better just hope that the camera isn't in one of those spots that seems to love gathering salt.

2) it's a light source. That means at night, it's going to ruin your night vision a lot easier. I do get it. Your GPS map, display, radio, etc. are all light sources, so what's one more? Well, most of the time while driving, your attention is one two things. What's in front of you through the windshield, and what's around you via your mirrors. That means you are going to be glancing a lot at that rear view mirror. There is a reason that tail/brake lights are red. Yes, part of it is that we associate red with stopping something. The other is that red light does not deplete your night vision nearly as easily as blue light. (something that a digital RVM will be producing). This means it will be harder to see the stuff in the shadows, away from your headlights. So things like deer, coons, skunks, and stupid people wearing dark colored clothing at night walking down the street will be harder to spot.

3) For positives, your dog no longer takes up most of the view of the mirror when your wife decides to take along the retriever because "it will be fun for the dog". Same is true for kids in the back seat, cargo, obstructions on the back shelf (even though you know you should not put stuff on the rear shelf, you do) deal with weird reflections due to the angle of the light, or other things. This is a big benefit

Look, I loved it as a feature, but there are also drawbacks to it. Make sure it has a real mirror mode so you don't rely on the camera and that it doesn't bother your night vision when on. Be aware of the potential drawbacks and make the decision that fits what is right for you.

 

[Pmamba]

At the end of the day it’s your preference and money. I personally use the rear view camera that comes with the car. I hardly ever look out the back since I can see more. I only really look out of the side windows.

Without all of the extra functions and as a rear view camera only, I don’t see the benefit of it unless you see more out of the smaller screen if it has a wider camera lens. Again, personal preference.

 

[LoneRanger57]

I am only concerned with what's in front of me not with what I just passed.

 

[Lakersfreak]

At the end of the day it’s your preference and money. I personally use the rear view camera that comes with the car. I hardly ever look out the back since I can see more. I only really look out of the side windows.

Without all of the extra functions and as a rear view camera only, I don’t see the benefit of it unless you see more out of the smaller screen if it has a wider camera lens. Again, personal preference.

This is why I'm looking into a digital rearview mirror, I can't clearly see through my back window now that I got it tinted, see pics below. This is exactly how the image is through my eyes; the images are not altered due to my camera!

Sponsored