2012 backup camera stinks at night

[medic]

I'm not sure if this is just our car or something with all of the 4th gens, but when we shift to reverse at night our backup camera in the rearview mirror looks horrible. It's super grainy and seems to have a ton of glare. The glare issue also comes up when it's wet out which is pretty common up here in Seattle. It's almost unusable. Anyone else experience this or have a fix?

It's my wife's car which we rarely use at night, but now that it's winter we're running into this more often as it's getting dark sooner. Our backup camera in the Honda has a simialr rearview mirror setup, but there video still looks fine day or night, rain or shine.

[Somerset Max]

No, I haven't experienced this problem, but I have the large backup monitor in the center of the dash (combined with the Nav system and the audio system), so that may explain some of the difference.

In fact, one of the things that immediately impressed me was that the system apparently has the ability to amplify the available light coming into the camera at night. When I put the car in reverse, even in extremely dark conditions, I can clearly see at least 50 feet behind the car.

As to a problem when it is raining, I suggest that you try wiping off the camera lens before you get into the car. When there are rain drops on the lens, they act almost like a prism, and can cause distortion in some parts of the image.

[SeanU]

I do have the bumper cover (on a 2013), which may cut down on the glare. All cameras must increase gain in the dark which adds grain... but I am pretty impressed with how well it works in the dark.

[upflying]

Try adding another backup light.

[Nickshu]

Must be yours. Mine works great in the dark. Pitch black in my driveway and I see just fine. Maybe have your dealer check it, but check to make sure your backup lights are working first.

[Rockin Ronnie]

Make sure that the lens is clean of mud, dirt etc.

Ron

[medic]

Thanks, wanted to check before going and testing other Subarus at the dealer. I'll have the service department check it when I go in for the 7500 mile service and ECU reflash.

And yes, we have a bumper cover and reverse lights work. I'll try wiping the lens regularly, but usually we're backing out of a dry garage.

Upflying, do you have any suggestions for the augmentd backup light?

[vr4Legacy]

I'll just mirror what everyone else has said. I'm actually impressed with how well the camera works at night. Of course it gets bad when the lens gets wet, but otherwise it seems rather clear in the dark.

[Freelancer]

Originally Posted by medic

I'm not sure if this is just our car or something with all of the 4th gens, but when we shift to reverse at night our backup camera in the rearview mirror looks horrible. It's super grainy and seems to have a ton of glare. The glare issue also comes up when it's wet out which is pretty common up here in Seattle. It's almost unusable. Anyone else experience this or have a fix?

It's my wife's car which we rarely use at night, but now that it's winter we're running into this more often as it's getting dark sooner. Our backup camera in the Honda has a simialr rearview mirror setup, but there video still looks fine day or night, rain or shine.

I had the same conversation not too long ago, I recently traded in my 2011 for a 2013 with the display in the dash. A little better but not much.

Q: 2011 Backup Camera At Night

[iainb]

I find the backup camera in our car works great at night- rain or inclement weather aside.

The reverse lights do a great job of illuminating behind the car and camera has pretty good clarity.