Worth replacing OEM backup camera after installing new head unit?

Augy

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I just installed the Dynavin D9 head unit in my 2012 GT Premium. Previously, the car had the OEM navigation head unit and the quality of the screen and camera were so-so. I integrated the OEM backup camera into the Dynavin using 2 pins from the Nav harness. It works, but the video quality is pretty poor. I'm not sure but suspect it's because the OEM camera and OEM screen were of much inferior resolution.

Has anyone replaced their OEM backup camera and been pleased with the results?

Thanks
 

Txbluebeast

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I’m looking to do a rear camera at some point, I have a 2010 so mine didn’t come with a screen. If i see a unit that doesn’t look so cheap and ugly for my application I’ll definitely do it. I’d love to be able to keep my factory look , I wonder if there’s just a backup alert system with no camera lol
I just need that notification for when I’m close to an object or a car is passing by. We’ll see maybe I’ll find a really nice system that doesn’t look like it was made in china and sold on temu

I like that classic muscle car look, afraid the fancy screen will make it look too modern or not really fit the look

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Augy

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I’m looking to do a rear camera at some point, I have a 2010 so mine didn’t come with a screen. If i see a unit that doesn’t look so cheap and ugly for my application I’ll definitely do it. I’d love to be able to keep my factory look , I wonder if there’s just a backup alert system with no camera lol
I just need that notification for when I’m close to an object or a car is passing by. We’ll see maybe I’ll find a really nice system that doesn’t look like it was made in china and sold on temu
I didn't want to spend as much as the Dynavin cost but, for me, it was worth it. I agree completely that most of the dash kit installs (with typical 2D head units) just looked out of place. Plus...you can't find a good head unit with a volume knob which drives me nuts. All the variety of Android head units on Amazon and eBay looked like headaches...too many average (at best) reviews. I had the Dynavin in my GT500 and was happy with it. When I picked up this GT Convertible, I really missed having CarPlay so another Dynavin to the rescue. I think they look the most "stock" or OEM, I doubt most people would know it didn't come from the factory.

Pics attached show the Dynavin installed and the pretty lousy picture quality of the OEM backup camera. I built a new wiring harness with pins and RCA connector this evening that I will try. Initial install I just tapped factory + / - video with vampire clips...could be part of my video quality problem. If the new harness doesn't fix it...I'll either live with it or try to find a better quality camera. The OEM camera is built into the rear spoiler so finding a suitable replacement might be a challenge in itself :)

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Andrea

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I’m looking to do a rear camera at some point, I have a 2010 so mine didn’t come with a screen. If i see a unit that doesn’t look so cheap and ugly for my application I’ll definitely do it. I’d love to be able to keep my factory look , I wonder if there’s just a backup alert system with no camera lol
I just need that notification for when I’m close to an object or a car is passing by. We’ll see maybe I’ll find a really nice system that doesn’t look like it was made in china and sold on temu
You could install a rear view mirror with integrated camera. My 2010 GT comes with a factory one and, despite the screen being very small, it still allows me to back up easily.

For now, I'm leaving the original unit installed; I really like the look compared to a larger, more modern screen.
 

Augy

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If I didn't have the factory Nav (with screen) I might have left it alone as I can see where having the standard unit feels more appropriate in a muscle car.

The Dynavin (left) looks almost identical to the OEM (right) and brings a lot of modern features. I also splurged on the Heads Up unit which mounted on the dash by the A Pillar and gives me my MPH or turn directions (analog gauge's look great but I am spoiled by digital speedos :) ).

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slonison

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Ok guys, give me about a week. I have an OEM backup camera that is currently wired into the rear view mirror. My wife got me a Dynavin 9 that is currently waiting to be installed for warmer weather. As soon as I have it installed, I will share pictures.
 

Augy

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Weather is turning so moved the Mustang (convertible) from storage to the garage. I finally got around to trying the different harness (RCA to pins) which made minimal, if any, difference. While I was waiting I contacted a replacement camera seller and they have one that is a direct replacement for the OEM camera in my rear spoiler. They said it would be of much better quality but also said Ford limitations (not specified) would prevent it from being HD. It's $150 so I'm not sure if I'll splurge...I can see if something is behind me now and the parking sensors are more than happy to bark at me LOL.
 

Alcatraz1862

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I replaced the stock camera in the spoiler with an alternative one. Since I didn't like the quality, I also replaced the stock multimedia system with an Android.
I'm just about to write a thread about this.
 

Augy

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I replaced the stock camera in the spoiler with an alternative one. Since I didn't like the quality, I also replaced the stock multimedia system with an Android.
I'm just about to write a thread about this.

Would you say the aftermarket camera is superior to the stock (image quality)? If so, significantly or not? Which camera did you go with? I was looking at Master Tailgaters version. Thanks!
 

Alcatraz1862

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Would you say the aftermarket camera is superior to the stock (image quality)? If so, significantly or not? Which camera did you go with? I was looking at Master Tailgaters version. Thanks!
I of experimentation and choosing different cameras. I had to improvise, as I can't buy everything I need in my country.
 

Alcatraz1862

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I just installed the Dynavin D9 head unit in my 2012 GT Premium. Previously, the car had the OEM navigation head unit and the quality of the screen and camera were so-so. I integrated the OEM backup camera into the Dynavin using 2 pins from the Nav harness. It works, but the video quality is pretty poor. I'm not sure but suspect it's because the OEM camera and OEM screen were of much inferior resolution.

Has anyone replaced their OEM backup camera and been pleased with the results?

Thanks
 

Steve13210

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I put one of these PixelMan Backup Camera,AHD 1080P Metal 170 Degree Wide Angle Rearview Reversing Camera,PMD2A-S on mine with a new Pioneer head unit this winter. (My car never had a camera, navigation, or bluetooth, and I wanted to add those features.) Very pleased with the image quality on this camera. Feel like I could watch feature films on the screen. :)
 

Skidmarc

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Quick question Augy, I've got a '14 Premium with what looks like the same Navigation package as yours. I'm looking mostly to add Android Auto and have all the other stock controls remain. Anything you don't like about it? How did the install go?


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Augy

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Quick question Augy, I've got a '14 Premium with what looks like the same Navigation package as yours. I'm looking mostly to add Android Auto and have all the other stock controls remain. Anything you don't like about it? How did the install go?
It functions like a stock unit would. It's android-based so you'd be a step ahead of me on the interface but I mainly just connect to CarPlay anyway. All the controls work and are easy to use...climate controls, seat heaters, etc. all work perfectly. It really has no quirks and is the second one I've bought (had one in a previous Mustang). I opted for the Heads Up Display which I highly recommend...having a digital speedo on the dash is a massive upgrade (for me at least) over the hard to read analog speedometer.

Install is easy and essentially plug-and-play. Depending on a few variables (OEM system...which stock radio, which camera, etc) you will have to get info from different places but it's all sourced from the Dynavin product page.

The only issue I have at the moment is the screen is such better resolution and larger than the OEM that the backup camera display is pretty poor. Well, technically, it's probably the same but the nicer screen makes it looks worse (and bigger) :). I am considering replacing the camera with a much higher resolution one but it's such a minor issue I can't justify spending the money.
 

Skidmarc

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Thanks for this info, it's pricey but may be worth it since I have no plans to get rid of this car and I don't have nor want a back up camera.
 

slonison

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Ok guys it's been a few weeks, finally got my dynavin 9 installed. Bear in mind, I am using a cheapo Amazon splitter for this to get the video on both the mirror and the dynavin screen.

TL;DR the Dynavin screen sucks...

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I'm wondering if the split is impacting the graininess. So I will try to hook it up tonight without the splitter to see how that impacts it.
 

Andrea

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Are your camera/rear-view mirror OEM?
I don't have that kind of grain at night.
 

Augy

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I'd be suspecting the splitter as the graininess seems more like a signal issue than a resolution issue.
 

Augy

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I've ordered a new camera which should arrive Sunday. I'll post back once I have it installed and comment on the quality vs the OEM camera in my spoiler now.
 

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