Model 3 Backup Camera Sucks

[White]

Harsh title, I know. It's true though. For a bit of context, I already own a Model S and love the backup camera. I know, the M3 isn't the MS... but wow... the M3's backup camera is seriously awful.

There is a terrible fisheye effect going on and the camera is so dark, in both day and night situations, that I thought the lens was covered with something. I have since checked out the lens and it is clean an unobstructed.

With my Model S I rely on the camera for backing down the driveway and parking. I love it. It inspires confidence when reversing.

With my Model 3 I sigh every time I put the car in reverse. It is worse than a 2000 year end vehicle from just about any manufacturer. The camera is so bad that I can't tell how close I am to other cars, etc...

I can't imagine that the MS camera cost that much more... I also can't imagine Elon has seen how bad this thing is. I wonder if it is just mine or if this is a common thing.

I have attached a few quick pictures (which oddly enough look better than reality).

 

[run-the-joules]

Seems to be a common complaint. FWIW, it's entirely possible they're using a super-unoptimized stream from the camera. Most cameras can support a number of codecs and resolutions (not to mention exposure settings, etc) and maaaaaybe if we're lucky this can be fixed in software.

 

[gg_got_a_tesla]

That’s just sad. Yeah, I love and rely a lot on the camera in the S too, so much so I leave it on fulltime in the top half of the screen even when driving forward. I guess that’d not be possible or would be too embarrassing and bugging in the 3.

The S itself went through a hardware upgrade for the camera in the initial years and some improvements were seen through firmware updates too as I vaguely recall. Hope for the same in the 3.

 

[bonnie]

FWIW, I've been riding (mostly) shotgun in my sister's Model 3 for 2 1/2 days now (sometimes driving) - and it never once occurred to me that the backup camera was anything but fine. I think this is a nonissue, honestly. It's different, yes. But it's not unacceptable.

 

[run-the-joules]

That’s just sad. Yeah, I love and rely a lot on the camera in the S too, so much so I leave it on fulltime in the top half of the screen even when driving forward. I guess that’d not be possible or would be too embarrassing and bugging in the 3.

I really hope that
1. They can improve the quality in software and
2. that simultaneous camera & nav becomes a thing in the 3. In the S I used the camera all the time because the visibility via the rearview mirror is pretty crappy, and really enjoyed the added info a lot.

 

[White]

I really hope that
1. They can improve the quality in software and
2. that simultaneous camera & nav becomes a thing in the 3. In the S I used the camera all the time because the visibility via the rearview mirror is pretty crappy, and really enjoyed the added info a lot.

Agreed!

 

[White]

FWIW, I've been riding (mostly) shotgun in my sister's Model 3 for 2 1/2 days now (sometimes driving) - and it never once occurred to me that the backup camera was anything but fine. I think this is a nonissue, honestly. It's different, yes. But it's not unacceptable.

Have you seen the Model S camera. Night and day. One is 2017 good and one is 1997 bad.

 

[White]

That’s just sad. Yeah, I love and rely a lot on the camera in the S too, so much so I leave it on fulltime in the top half of the screen even when driving forward. I guess that’d not be possible or would be too embarrassing and bugging in the 3.

The S itself went through a hardware upgrade for the camera in the initial years and some improvements were seen through firmware updates too as I vaguely recall. Hope for the same in the 3.

Sooooo hope you are right!

 

[Robert831]

Those pictures look as good as the backup camera in my ICE car that has all the fancy upgrades. And this was a massive improvement over the Prius I had, which had NO backup camera and a horrible view out the back. I realize it's not fair to compare a Tesla to a Toyota, but that's my only perspective.

 

[kbecks13]

Yea i just sold a 2010 luxury (base level) sedan in preparation for a Model 3 and honestly think those photo's look equal or better to what i had on the old car.

 

[svp6]

Have you seen the Model S camera. Night and day. One is 2017 good and one is 1997 bad.

I imagine after 15,777 posts, ownership of the roadster, model S, and model X Bonnie would know a little about Tesla

 

[White]

Those pictures look as good as the backup camera in my ICE car that has all the fancy upgrades. And this was a massive improvement over the Prius I had, which had NO backup camera and a horrible view out the back. I realize it's not fair to compare a Tesla to a Toyota, but that's my only perspective.

I also have a 2010 Prius and will shoot a video of both tomorrow to show a comparison.

 

[White]

I imagine after 15,777 posts, ownership of the roadster, model S, and model X Bonnie would know a little about Tesla

Sorry. Was more interested in the cars than the amount of posts.

 

[White]

Yea i just sold a 2010 luxury (base level) sedan in preparation for a Model 3 and honestly think those photo's look equal or better to what i had on the old car.

Anyone in NorCal that wants to see what I am seeing is welcome to meet up and take a look. Feel free to PM me.

 

[kbecks13]

Well luckily I'm taking delivery this weekend and will get back to you

 

[svp6]

Sorry. Was more interested in the cars than the amount of posts.

I am not challenging what you say about the camera on your model 3. But before posting a sarcastic reply, you may want to check to whom you are talking to. Bonnie is one of the most respected forum members here, had close connections with Tesla for a very long time, and knows quite a bit about all Tesla models.

 

[DS 5/15]

Quoting myself from another thread..

My delivery specialist told me that this is being worked on. He said the autopilot computer likes the the fisheye but a software release will flatten it out for us humans sometime in the future.

Hopefully the quality will improve too.

 

[White]

I am not challenging what you say about the camera on your model 3. But before posting a sarcastic reply, you may want to check to whom you are talking to. Bonnie is one of the most respected forum members here, had close connections with Tesla for a very long time, and knows quite a bit about all Tesla models.

Good thing I didn't post anything sarcastic. It was an honest question. Back to what matters to me... the car. Geesh.

 

[bonnie]

Have you seen the Model S camera. Night and day. One is 2017 good and one is 1997 bad.

I have a Model X.

 

[LargeHamCollider]

The fisheye effect could be largely fixed with post-processing, also looks like the exposure is off if it's always dark like that; which can also be fixed with software.