Yes, but it does take a bit of tech skill to configure everything.
Complete Infotainment upgrade - 2005 LX 470
- Thread starter SeasportNZ
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Coming up next
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Hopefully, I'll describe the process well enough to make it easier for you. I solved most of the technical problems.
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- #24
Rear Camera
The new rear camera is a major step up from the 20+ year old factory camera. Video technology has come a long way since then. The Teyes screen is much bigger than the original screen, and is 2K high definition (2000×1200 pixels). The new rear camera is Full HD (1920x1080 pixels).
I actually tried a couple of cameras before I settled on the final one.
So I went looking for a better camera.
I was looking for a 1080p camera with excellent low light performance. That way you get a good colour picture, even at night. The Gold standard in low-light camera sensors are the Sony Starvis sensors (e.g. the IMX307). A few Chinese manufacturers ( GalaxyCore, SmartSens & OmniVision) have made alternatives. These are generally cheaper, but with reduced performance.
Here's a comparison of two popular camera sensors:
So I (well Gemini) looked for a good-quality rear camera using the Sony sensor. I ended up buying the "GreenYi AHD 1920*1080P Night Vision Vehicle Reversing Rear View Camera, 170 ° Golden Fisheye Lens, Full HD Cameras IMX307 G818" (gasp) on AliExpress. Gemini told me that GreenYi cameras are well rated by Landcruiser users.
The camera looks like this:
I managed to reuse the factory camera mount, and the new camera looks essentially like the factory original. I did have to grind off the hump on the original aluminium-alloy camera mount plate, to produce a flat plate mount suitable for the new camera. So the camera has the original footprint. Hint - don't try to reuse the old plastic screw mounts. You won't get them out, and you'll mangle the thin metal around the number plate lights (speaking from experience!) Drill the plastic screw mounts out and buy new ones. They're only a few cents each.
This is what the new camera looks like mounted:
Here's the rear camera image:
The camera has a 170 degree fisheye lens. So it gives a really wide field-of-view. I do miss the reverse guide lines on the screen though, compared to more modern vehicles. There is an option to add these by cutting a wire loop near the camera (or maybe the other way around). But these lines are static, i.e. they don’t change depending on the steering wheel position. So, I'm not sure whether the static lines are worth it, or would be annoying. Will have to try it. This camera also includes a 24V-12V voltage stepdown voltage regulator (if you happen to power it from 24V), which means the camera unit runs cooler. The original camera used a 6V power supply. So you can't use the factory camera power supply to power the new camera.
There is also an option to change the video format of the camera between AHD (Analog high definition) and CVBS (composite video baseband standard). Best to use the AHD with the Teyes as it’s a more modern standard.
As mentioned, I do run the camera continuously, rather than just in reverse. This is useful as you can show the rear camera image when you are driving - to keep an eye on a trailer or the cop car behind you
I had a problem finding how to display a constant rear image on the Teyes screen initially. I found how to do it eventually. The app to use is Cam REC, this has a red "record" logo. When I first tried this, I got a strange message about having to pay for it, and instructions to contact my local sales agent to activate it. Maybe Teyes were planning to charge extra for this feature. But, after hitting a few buttons randomly, it started working, and has done ever since.
The rear view camera also operates when the vehicle is in reverse, and the audio sound level is reduced.
Here's a picture taken at night when the car is in reverse:
I'm not completely happy with the camera positioning yet. There's too much of the hatch lid showing. I'll have another go at this when I get a chance. I did make up an ABS plastic spacer to offset the camera a bit from the tailgate, but haven't fitted it yet, or even verified if it makes any difference. There is also a rubber/plastic wedge which comes with the camera which can angle the camera down a bit.
Overall, I am very happy with this camera. Quality and performance are great, and, although more expensive than the Chinese sensor cameras, it's not too expensive. Fit is as close to original as you can reasonably get.
I'll add a follow on post to this one to describe how I installed/wired the camera with a few tips to hopefully save you some time.
The new rear camera is a major step up from the 20+ year old factory camera. Video technology has come a long way since then. The Teyes screen is much bigger than the original screen, and is 2K high definition (2000×1200 pixels). The new rear camera is Full HD (1920x1080 pixels).
I actually tried a couple of cameras before I settled on the final one.
- The Teyes comes with a free Teyes camera - it works, but it is only 720p. So I didn't progress with this one. Also, the camera mount wasn't what I wanted (it sticks out a long way)
- Someone here said they used the Aycetry rear camera and it is good. So I got one but found the quality poor. E.g when I cut through the camera cable (to join it), it wasn't even a shielded cable. The Aycetry camera is in a plastic housing, which slots into the space left behind when you remove one of the number plate lights. There are a few cameras like this around. They have a light in them to make up for the lost no. plate light. They are available on Amazon or AliExpress.
So I went looking for a better camera.
I was looking for a 1080p camera with excellent low light performance. That way you get a good colour picture, even at night. The Gold standard in low-light camera sensors are the Sony Starvis sensors (e.g. the IMX307). A few Chinese manufacturers ( GalaxyCore, SmartSens & OmniVision) have made alternatives. These are generally cheaper, but with reduced performance.
Here's a comparison of two popular camera sensors:
| Feature | Sony STARVIS (IMX327/307) | Chinese Equivalents (GC2053) |
| Low-Light Mode | True Color Night Vision. Can see with just tail-lights. | IR-Dependent. Usually needs IR LEDs or high ambient light. |
| Dynamic Range | High (Up to 120dB). Handles headlight glare well. | Moderate (~80dB). Headlights often "blow out" the image. |
| Signal-to-Noise | Very clean; minimal "crawling" pixels in shadows. | High noise in dark areas (digital "snow"). |
| Cost | $40 – $80 (for the camera module) | $15 – $35 (for the camera module) |
| Durability | High thermal stability (important for exterior mounting). | Variable; cheaper sensors can "purple" over time in sun. |
So I (well Gemini) looked for a good-quality rear camera using the Sony sensor. I ended up buying the "GreenYi AHD 1920*1080P Night Vision Vehicle Reversing Rear View Camera, 170 ° Golden Fisheye Lens, Full HD Cameras IMX307 G818" (gasp) on AliExpress. Gemini told me that GreenYi cameras are well rated by Landcruiser users.
The camera looks like this:
I managed to reuse the factory camera mount, and the new camera looks essentially like the factory original. I did have to grind off the hump on the original aluminium-alloy camera mount plate, to produce a flat plate mount suitable for the new camera. So the camera has the original footprint. Hint - don't try to reuse the old plastic screw mounts. You won't get them out, and you'll mangle the thin metal around the number plate lights (speaking from experience!) Drill the plastic screw mounts out and buy new ones. They're only a few cents each.
This is what the new camera looks like mounted:
Here's the rear camera image:
The camera has a 170 degree fisheye lens. So it gives a really wide field-of-view. I do miss the reverse guide lines on the screen though, compared to more modern vehicles. There is an option to add these by cutting a wire loop near the camera (or maybe the other way around). But these lines are static, i.e. they don’t change depending on the steering wheel position. So, I'm not sure whether the static lines are worth it, or would be annoying. Will have to try it. This camera also includes a 24V-12V voltage stepdown voltage regulator (if you happen to power it from 24V), which means the camera unit runs cooler. The original camera used a 6V power supply. So you can't use the factory camera power supply to power the new camera.
There is also an option to change the video format of the camera between AHD (Analog high definition) and CVBS (composite video baseband standard). Best to use the AHD with the Teyes as it’s a more modern standard.
As mentioned, I do run the camera continuously, rather than just in reverse. This is useful as you can show the rear camera image when you are driving - to keep an eye on a trailer or the cop car behind you
I had a problem finding how to display a constant rear image on the Teyes screen initially. I found how to do it eventually. The app to use is Cam REC, this has a red "record" logo. When I first tried this, I got a strange message about having to pay for it, and instructions to contact my local sales agent to activate it. Maybe Teyes were planning to charge extra for this feature. But, after hitting a few buttons randomly, it started working, and has done ever since.
The rear view camera also operates when the vehicle is in reverse, and the audio sound level is reduced.
Here's a picture taken at night when the car is in reverse:
I'm not completely happy with the camera positioning yet. There's too much of the hatch lid showing. I'll have another go at this when I get a chance. I did make up an ABS plastic spacer to offset the camera a bit from the tailgate, but haven't fitted it yet, or even verified if it makes any difference. There is also a rubber/plastic wedge which comes with the camera which can angle the camera down a bit.
Overall, I am very happy with this camera. Quality and performance are great, and, although more expensive than the Chinese sensor cameras, it's not too expensive. Fit is as close to original as you can reasonably get.
I'll add a follow on post to this one to describe how I installed/wired the camera with a few tips to hopefully save you some time.
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