Backup camera almost useless at night--improved camera?

[sajurcaju]

I have a 2023 XLT. The backup camera is ok during the day, but it works. At night, the image has poor resolution/is blurred. I thought adding more light would help (hitchmount from DD), but all that does is make what was there washed out.

Is there a better quality aftermarket camera? Do all lightnings have this problem, or is there a better camera at a higher trim level/later model year? Is my camera junk and I should just replace it with the same model?

Thanks,
Steve

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[bryce]

I have not had any issues with the cameras on my '23 Lariat. But I do live in the city, so it is never truly dark. And compared to my last car, Cayenne e-Hybrid, the Lightning cameras are a big step up. The Cayenne's backup camera was pretty much useless in any dark situation.

 

[Maquis]

Are your backup lights working? If not, it could be related to the lightbar recalls.

 

[K6CCC]

I routinely back into my driveway at night. I have not backed into my wife's car for which I am totally dependent on the camera to see when I get close. So I guess it's working.

 

[Altivec]

I've owned/own some high end vehicles and the lightnings cameras have got to be right up there, probably the best I have encountered in a vehicle. Even the shutter speed adjustment as it reacts to different lighting conditions is fast and produces a good image from bright to dark.

Not sure what's going on with your cameras. All cameras suffer in the dark adding more and more noise as the aperture opens, so not sure if something is wrong or your expectations are maybe a bit too high . Adding more light on the objects (not at the camera) will allow the aperture in the camera to close giving you a better image.

 

[Harman023]

Have you tried cleaning the lens? Could have a little soap scum or minerals from the water on the lens. Just guessing

 

[StrikesTwice]

The quality of the image is just adequate for me. It’s not as good as my 2017 Volvo, but it works well enough at night. Though, I’d like to see the center high mount camera with better resolution.

 

[LightningRob]

I have the same opinion about the cameras on this truck. I feel like it's one of the weak points. I came from a GMC before this that had HD cameras and looked crystal clear both day and night. When I first got my lightning that was my first complaints I had (I took ownership at night!). On sunny/bright days it's not bad, but as soon as it gets dark or I'm in a parking garage it's less than ideal. I have searched around to see if it's possible to replace with higher quality cameras, but I can't find much information. I guess most people are just ok with it. I'll be watching this thread to see if anybody has ever upgraded their cameras.

 

[Maquis]

The quality of the image is just adequate for me. It’s not as good as my 2017 Volvo, but it works well enough at night. Though, I’d like to see the center high mount camera with better resolution.

My Lightning is better than my 2024 Volvo.

 

[DavidS]

The XLT’s lack the rear light bar which might be the difference. My Lariat is pretty good as long as the camera is clean. (Backing up after driving salt covered roads is a hassle.) Tesla cameras used to be awful until someone at Tesla figured out how to recalibrate the firmware and software to make it 10x better. Ford’s implementation is somewhere in between. I second making sure your backup lights are functioning and the camera lens is clean.

 

[sajurcaju]

The XLT’s lack the rear light bar which might be the difference. My Lariat is pretty good as long as the camera is clean. (Backing up after driving salt covered roads is a hassle.) Tesla cameras used to be awful until someone at Tesla figured out how to recalibrate the firmware and software to make it 10x better. Ford’s implementation is somewhere in between. I second making sure your backup lights are functioning and the camera lens is clean.

My backup lights work, and I just added a hitch backup light from DD. The problem is blur. My lens is clean, and I don't see any scratches on it.

 

[Lightning Rod]

My 23 Lariat works pretty well in the dark. Clean and clear.

 

[Maquis]

If it clean and still blurry, you need to replace the camera.

 

[sajurcaju]

Here's what it looks like during the day. How does this look compared to others?

 

[Heliian]

Pretty normal I guess

How does this look

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