Truth and Lies in Automotive Cameras: OEM Doctor

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OEM-Doctor

Guest Editorial by the “OEM Doctor:”

I can recall a time back in the day when mobile video sales started dropping off and companies began making moves in desperation.  The category began inflating their specs.

 

For example, a standard resolution 10” overhead became a 10.2” super wide High Definition GAZILLION pixel count resolution television for the deal of a lifetime at $395 complete!!!

 

Well, it seems to be happening again, only this time it is in the camera category.   So, I feel it necessary to educate you all on the truth about cameras from my own testing.

 

First, any in-car camera has specs like waterproof certification, off axis viewing or parking line options.   But the key specifications to look out for are:

 

-Lines of resolution

-Pixel count

– LUX

-Operating temperature

 

Any supplier can assign any numbers they want for each of the above specifications, and the last time I checked, there was no regulatory agency keeping everyone honest in 12 volt.  So, I want to give you true specifications and their ranges so you can be the judge of who is telling the truth and who is stretching it a bit too far.  Because if a company is willing to fudge their specs, what else are they trying to get away with?

 

Cameras use a video sensor, and mostly commonly, they use an entry level version, which is a CMOS chip (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor).  It typically has an image quality range of 420-580 lines of resolution.

 

A CMD (Change Modulated Device aka Super CMOS) is a much more refined image sensor with a range of 520-620 lines of resolution.  It has a much better image, and less sensitivity to pixelation (graininess).   Only a few suppliers use this.  The cost is a little more than CMOS.

 

Then there’s CCD (Charge Coupled Device).   This is the best of the best in car but it has the highest cost and few use it in the 12 volt market.    CCD has an image range of up to 960 lines of resolution.   It has the best low light sensitivity, delivering great picture (day and night) as well as a sharp and crisp image.   However, this is the most overused (lied about) term in our market.  Many overseas companies state their camera is CCD and the camera costs $19-$39.   Yeah right!   A true CCD camera should run somewhere around $79-$119.

In a true CCD, to achieve full picture quality you also need a CCD lens.  Without this, a CCD chip would be like having a scuba diving snorkel on the air intake of your turbo charged Subaru.  The engine would run, but you would suffocate your engine to the point of lethargy.

Other spec info:

 

We are using these cameras to patch into factory camera inputs on OEM head units.  Understanding this, it is important to know what these inputs can take, reproduce, etc.

 

Most factory camera inputs are composite video.   Typically they can reproduce roughly 480-600 lines of resolution.   Factory radios can take RGB or DIGITAL inputs for their cameras but usually not without an adapter or converter module of some type offered by many companies today.

 

However, these modules are conversion modules, and as such will also cause a slight degradation of the camera signal thus reducing its full potential. But it is necessary in order to have a properly displayed and functioning camera for the customer to use.

 

Any company that is touting a camera with 720-, or worse, 960-lines of resolution through a composite video signal connection for the amazing price of $39 may also offer first class tickets to the fountain of youth!  Clearly not possible.   And it is important to know this to protect you and your clients.

 

I am not saying there are no quality cameras on the market, but be in the know!  Truthful, honest specifications are typically signs of a truthful and honest company who won’t get caught up in the hype of trying to steal every nickel of business out there any way they can!—OEM Doctor

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