DOBA's vs Mentholguy's Backup Camera

[M3_LIN]

Hey guys

I know im probably an A$$ for putting up this thread but i want to know what are the exact differences between DOBA's kit and Mentholguy's kit.

From what i know so far. The Multi media component is the same. So is the only difference the camera and the placement of the camera? I know Mentholguy's kit is also cheaper.

Any other differences? Anyone else?

Thanks

Ed Lin

[Technic]

That's it. Close thread.

[mazda3ndp]

the only difference I know of which you mentioned is the backup camera itself. I htink doba is a sony ccd and mentholguy is a sharp ccd. Im curious about any other differences as well.

[swamp2]

Don't be hesitant about such a thread. It's a free market. I'd like to know of any differences as well. May the best product win. Of course it is up to each of us to determine what is "best". Now that being said there is also something to be said for supporting your local, friendly m3post.com regular! Where is the Mentholguys kit described?

[dvn]

Originally Posted by swamp2

Don't be hesitant about such a thread. It's a free market. I'd like to know of any differences as well. May the best product win. Of course it is up to each of us to determine what is "best". Now that being said there is also something to be said for supporting your local, friendly m3post.com regular! Where is the Mentholguys kit described?

http://www.modmynav.com

[swamp2]

Originally Posted by dvn

http://www.modmynav.com

Bad link.

[Tio///M]

I'm down to know the differences....but other than location of camera my money is on DOBA for R&D and forum support to include he is more car guy than the other. My two cents

[MatthewDavid]

TWO Bay Area M3 owners selling their own kits now?! They've both done great, tasteful mods including a lot of DIY, so this should be a great competition... as long as they're not colluding to drive up price, given they know each other j/k

[Technic]

Doba's camera detailed specs are printed in his website. Mentholguy's camera detailed specs are not printed, but a quick Google search of the "1/4" Sharp CCD .1 Lux" will give you the main specs (sensor size, resolution, etc) for comparison.

The main module is exactly the same, a quite versatile video hub fully OEM integrated to either OEM screen (HD or non-HD).

[M3_LIN]

can doba and methanol guy chime in about their Camera specs?

Thanks

Ed Lin

[dds02400]

i decided to get Doba's cam, reason is i don't want to mess up the OEM locking mechanism, and give up the size of the handle for my big hand.....and possible warranty issue? plus, not sure i want to put the camera when i am going to be in contact everyday. i decided to give up the oem license plate light..to me..that's not a big deal, plus...it looks like oem anyway. again, this is my own opinion.

[doba_s]

Ed Lin,

Camera specs were posted on my website since the day one. You can check it here


or here


Image Sensor - 1/3" SONY COLOR CCD

Effective Pixels - 628X582/628X512

Resolution(TV Lines) - 480

Min. Illumination(Lua/f1.2) - 0.2

Lens Angle(Deg.) - 170°

Power Supply(DCV) - 12V

Waterproof - IP66

Operating Temperature(Deg.C) - 20+75(RH95% Max.)

Storage Temperature(Deg.C) - 30~+85(RH95% Max.)


The reason I decided to pick this type/design of camera because after speaking with a Service Manager who works at a BMW dealership he pointed out that by using a camera that is integrated into the after market rear trunk handle may jeopardize the factory locking system warranty. He also mentioned that if somebody is going to break into your vehicle, such an aftermarket part of the locking system may raise a red flag with your insurance company. I decided it was best to stay away from that route. Also, the handle size becomes smaller and inconvenient for use.

As you can see, I am not trying to push my kits and sell them fast to everyone on the forum.

It is very important for me to conclude my own R&D to make sure each one of my customers will be happy with their product.

I hope it helps
Aleks.

[doba_s]

Originally Posted by dds02400

i decided to get Doba's cam, reason is i don't want to mess up the OEM locking mechanism, and give up the size of the handle for my big hand.....and possible warranty issue? plus, not sure i want to put the camera when i am going to be in contact everyday. i decided to give up the oem license plate light..to me..that's not a big deal, plus...it looks like oem anyway. again, this is my own opinion.

Mike,

Just to make it clear, you are not loosing your license plate lights

The rear camera will have White LED Light that should match the OEM light.

[MentholGuy]

Here are some pictures of trunk handle camera (top) vs OEM trunk handle (bottom),





and about the locking system, you are just going to replace the trunk door handle #1 in the picture below (Boot lid/tailgate pushbutton Part# 51247118158),
Locking system is #5, (Trunk lid lock, with micro switch Part# 51248196401), So we are talking about totally different system, Trunk door handle and Trunk lid lock.


Lastly, here is spec chart,

Pick-up Device : Sharp 1/4" Color CCD Sensor
Number of image Pixels : 512X492/512X582
Output Image : Mirror
Dperating Voltage : DC12V (6V~16V)
Consumption Current : 80mA (Max), at DC12V
Lens : Wide View (170°), F=2.5
Video Output : 1.0Vp-p (75ohm), Composite
Shutter Control : Electronic Auto IRIS (1/60, 1/50~1/100,000)
Horizontal Resolution : 380 TV Lines
Min. iLLumination : 0.1 Lux
S/N Ratio : More Than 42dB
Operating Temperature : -30°C ~ +70°C
Storage Temperature : -40°C ~ +85°C
Material : Zinc
Material Color : Black
Cable Length : Camera 2.5m, Extension 6m, Power 1.5m

Hope this helps

[ching]

Originally Posted by Technic

Doba's camera detailed specs are printed in his website. Mentholguy's camera detailed specs are not printed, but a quick Google search of the "1/4" Sharp CCD .1 Lux" will give you the main specs (sensor size, resolution, etc) for comparison.

The main module is exactly the same, a quite versatile video hub fully OEM integrated to either OEM screen (HD or non-HD).

The camera specs are on Mentholguy's website.

Mentholguy's camera appears to operate in a wider range of colder temperatures. Not so important for those in Cali, but something to consider for those of us in the colder climates.

Doba's camera appears to have a slightly higher resolution, but it's hard to tell if the resulting output screen image is improved based on the posted screen shots. Does anyone know what the resolution on our monitors are? I have a 08 so I'm guessing it wont matter to me.

[Technic]

Originally Posted by ching

The camera specs are on Mentholguy's website.

Mentholguy's camera appears to operate in a wider range of colder temperatures. Not so important for those in Cali, but something to consider for those of us in the colder climates.

Doba's camera appears to have a slightly higher resolution, but it's hard to tell if the resulting output screen image is improved based on the posted screen shots. Does anyone know what the resolution on our monitors are? I have a 08 so I'm guessing it wont matter to me.

They are now...

CID = 640x240
HD CID = 1280x480

[M3_LIN]

Thanks guys. I just wanted to compile the information into one thread. It will be easier for others to compare.

Also, Doba, can you post side by side pics of the OEM license plate light and the license plate light with the camera? Side by side comparison will help alot.

Thanks

Ed Lin

[doba_s]

Originally Posted by M3_LIN

Thanks guys. I just wanted to compile the information into one thread. It will be easier for others to compare.

Also, Doba, can you post side by side pics of the OEM license plate light and the license plate light with the camera? Side by side comparison will help alot.

Thanks

Ed Lin

I'll do that in a few days

[tunawi7cheese]

This is amazing. Two vendors being perfectly transparent about their products and letting the customer decides.

for both Doba and Method

[doba_s]

Originally Posted by ching

The camera specs are on Mentholguy's website.

Mentholguy's camera appears to operate in a wider range of colder temperatures. Not so important for those in Cali, but something to consider for those of us in the colder climates.

Doba's camera appears to have a slightly higher resolution, but it's hard to tell if the resulting output screen image is improved based on the posted screen shots. Does anyone know what the resolution on our monitors are? I have a 08 so I'm guessing it wont matter to me.

1. Company that manufactures cameras for my kit assured me that it can work in the colder temperature and it comes with 1y warranty, so you don't need to worry about that.

2. It was very important for me to have a camera with a) High TV Lines Resolution b) High number of Effective Pixels. Little things like that will improve overall resolution.

[KKSigs]

PM sent

[doba_s]

Originally Posted by KKSigua

PM sent

Thanks a lot Kevin !

I'll let you know the tracking number very soon !