Backup camera for 2010 model

[pinda]

Hi,

Few months ago, I bought a 2010 LX model, which only has a radio in the dashboard socket (no navigation, no dvd player, no screen..). I constantly keep finding it difficult to reverse with the view being as restricted as it is, so I was toying with the idea of getting a rear camera and some screen in place of the radio (possibly with a navigation system). However, I don't know where to look. The cameras are easy to buy, but what about the screen? Where/how to get one? Do they even exist without a navigation? I don't mind getting a full unit with nav/player and that, but can any camera be connected to any screen? Also, is installing the devices the kind of job that I might be able to do myself (never even replaced a wheel myself), or do I need to take the car and the pieces to some garage when I buy them? I noticed there are some "wireless" cameras out there, would that make it easier? How about the power, does it need to be connected to the car's circuit somehow? I find it difficult to find anything relevant on the internet because I'm not sure what it is that I'm looking for in the first place. Could someone help me? Point me out to a product/brand, suggest what to seek and how much this kind of thing can cost?
Thanks in advance

[Cruatchi]

are backup sensors something you're willing to consider?
some complaints I have with a back up camera:
1) the lens gets dirty making the image not very clear
2) the lens get water droplets on it and once that happens, the image gets very distorted
3) if condensation builds up, for example, when it's raining out and you drive into an underground parking lot, the lens will instantly fog up and you can't see anything.

Backup sensors have none of these problems.

If you really want navi + backup camera, then I suggest a Pioneer unit + a pioneer camera. OR get a kenwood unit + a pioneer camera. Although the pioneer camera is pricey, my local installer says that they are much better in terms of build quality.

[skicrv]

Gentex sells a rearview mirror with a rear view camera display. If you go this route, you will also get the Homelink integrated garage door openers.

[pinda]

Thanks for your input. I actually haven't known backup sensors existed until now. But I don't think it would solve my issue - I'm more concerned about what's around me when reversing (like a kid riding a bicycle in my blind spot) rather than knowing how far the closest pillar is. I had a backup camera on a rental car that I had for two days and liked it there, but you seem to have some valid points, so I may need to reconsider it.

The price of the camera ($200) wouldn't bother me on its own, but it looks like the screen comes at much higher cost (at least the Pioneer unit you suggested), and I probably need to expect some cost on the work, unless I do it myself, which seems unlikely.

[pinda]

Gentex sells a rearview mirror with a rear view camera display. If you go this route, you will also get the Homelink integrated garage door openers.

Thanks for the suggestion. I looked at it briefly, but I don't think I'd like hamper the view through my rear view mirror.

[Cruatchi]

Thanks for your input. I actually haven't known backup sensors existed until now. But I don't think it would solve my issue - I'm more concerned about what's around me when reversing (like a kid riding a bicycle in my blind spot) rather than knowing how far the closest pillar is. I had a backup camera on a rental car that I had for two days and liked it there, but you seem to have some valid points, so I may need to reconsider it.

The price of the camera ($200) wouldn't bother me on its own, but it looks like the screen comes at much higher cost (at least the Pioneer unit you suggested), and I probably need to expect some cost on the work, unless I do it myself, which seems unlikely.

unless your vtec'ing in reverse, I think the sensors will give u sufficient time to stop if a kid is near your bumper. You were playing with the idea of getting a Navi setup, so going with the pioneer setup will get you all you asked for. i haven't priced it out, but i'm sure it's less than the cost of getting a higher trim from the get go. The install shouldn't be too difficult, most of it is plug and play, and the most time consuming part would be hiding wires,so another thing you could potentially do is hide all the wires then pay someone to hook everything up.