Surround Cameras

[pceresia]

Curious if members have any views on the surround cameras and their functionality. I've had this option on both my 2010 LR4 as well as my current 2016 LR4. While the back up camera is quite useful in spite of the severe distance distortion, I am particularly confounded by the cameras in each of the door mirrors. I haven't quite figured why anyone would want to look at the ground directly below the mirrors. Does anyone know how to change this view angle? If these cameras were faced rear ward and slightly outward, they could be great blind spot assistance aides. Additionally has anyone found a way to keep the backup camera clean?
Look forward to your thoughts, Cheers

 

[joey]

Welcome to the forum. Moving to the LR4 section as this would be more relevant there.

 

[ktm525]

The surround camera system introduced in 2010 was designed with off-roading in mind. The side cameras are useful when trying to place wheels in the proper spot.

 

[pceresia]

I don't have much off-road experience so I hadn't thought of this type of use. I'd still be interested in knowing if anyone has changed the viewing angle for the two mirror cameras. The blind spot assist strikes me as a very useful possibility.

 

[mbw]

I'm pretty sure they are designed for people to park the 20" wheeled vehicles outside the shops so they don't curb wheels.

I don't buy that they are great off road, the camera quality is so low (potato quality) and the depth perception also poor. It is easier to just lean out the window when off road. I didn't get this feature on mine because I thought it was a bit useless. The system on my wifes 2017 Infiniti QX50 is much much nicer, and she loves it for parking. You can see the lines in a parking lot and how close you are to things.

 

[ktm525]

Most drivers wont care if they curb their 20" wheels. I agree the resolution is horrible but it was introduced 8 years ago. I 'm not sure if LR upgraded the quality along the way or not. When off road how do you drive and lean out the passenger side window?

 

[iSurfvilano]

I back in my vehicle in a high traffic area at work, typically full size trucks park next to me blocking my view. The junction view provides an amazing view looking left/right from the front bumper allowing me to pull out without having to worry about getting clipped by cross traffic. I use this daily.

 

[aj22]

Most drivers wont care if they curb their 20" wheels. I agree the resolution is horrible but it was introduced 8 years ago. I 'm not sure if LR upgraded the quality along the way or not. When off road how do you drive and lean out the passenger side window?

Lots of people care about curb rash on expensive wheels. These are mostly for parking - pretty common feature on lots of sedans these days. My neighbors e350 with these cams sure isn’t made for off-roading. That said, I never found the LR4 hard to park because it isn’t that wide, and great sight lines in general. But lots of wide cars/trucks with high sills can be difficult. In NYC I want to be within an inch or two of the curb without rubbing.


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[pceresia]

Interesting views on the use of the surround camera option. I would find the mirror mounted cameras more useful if I could redirect their view to serve as blind spot assists augmenting the in mirror alerting system. Has anyone attempted to change the viewing angle of these mirror mounted cameras? Also, has anyone found a way to keep dirt off the backup camera lens, other than the obvious of manually wiping it regularly?

 

[cperez]

Also, has anyone found a way to keep dirt off the backup camera lens, other than the obvious of manually wiping it regularly?

Mine never seems to get so dirty that it becomes an issue. But your question gave me an idea. I may try hitting it with some Rain-X or some detailing spray to see if that helps reduce dirt and film.