You're so Far Away....
 

The Fit is the first car I've owned with a back-up camera.
I admit I was looking forward to it.

But in reality?

I'm not using it as much as I thought I would.

Maybe I'll start using it more, but IMO it sure takes some adjustment. The way the lens distorts the distance or how things look in scale in the distance is nearly dangerous.

I mean, it works. I don't think there is anything wrong with mine. But you just have to really embrace the old saying "Objects in Camera may be closer than they appear".

At first I was trying to use it probably too much, and I'd back up and think something was way off in the distance, then look in my mirror and be somewhat shocked that it was as close as it was.

You really have to trust the guidelines because they are really what creates the perspective of how close you are, or are not to something.

So far, I like the "Lane Assist" a whole lot more. As it just seems functionally more usable and really, especially at night, illuminates that blind spot.

Might just take some time, and it IS useful, but the back up camera does take some adjustment.

Use the different views. The wide angle view is great for seeing cross traffic when parked (inevitably) in the canyon between two giant SUVs and you're trying to back out. The close up view is great for not hitting curbs, other bumpers, or buildings. The middle view I haven't found much use for.

I love it, especially the cross traffic aspect. And, yeah, I wish I had Lane Watch on both sides it's so good.

Agreed ....I'll take a quick glance to survey the scene before beginning to back up, but still rely on the swivel-head-look-behind-me-with-my-own-eyes....I probably use the "downward view" more often, like backing into the garage or parking place so as to allow for enough room to open the hatch unimpeded. Yeah, the scale of the rearward view definitely takes some getting used to....still working on that...

I mostly use it to line up with the curb at the bottom, otherwise I usually ignore it.

I'm still a "swivel your head" guy, but I have found I can use it to better see approaching cars or people with the widescreen (fisheye) view before I'm backed out far enough to see them with my own eyes. I'll also use it if I need to nudge right up to a wall or curb.

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It's really helpful when parallel parking, both to see distance from the car behind you and distance from the curb.

got to use the dynamic lines that show up on screen give you an idea on how close you really are to it.

People Finder
 

My most relied upon use for the rear view camera is assuring myself that there are no pedestrians behind me when backing out of a parking space. I think your cautionary mind-set is well taken, and I never rely ONLY on the rear view camera or lane watch camera to make a final maneuvering decision. 'Happy Trails', and good luck!

100% agree with OP. Really only rely on it at night when I can't really see out the tinted rear windows... the backup lights work good enough for the camera.. when in doubt, touch the brakes and the extra light usually does the trick..

I use it to check both directions when my view is obstructed by other vehicles. It is also useful to avoid "parking by braille" in tight spaces.

I really wish I had a camera on the front that did the same!

I mostly use my backup camera to line up my neighbor's pet wallaby. Every time I hit the gas though he jumps out of the way. That little bugger can move.

The wide angle view is wide enough to show if cars or pedestrians are approaching when backing out of a nose-in parking slot. The backup camera is especially helpful in tight parking garages.

I find it useless for parking since it makes everything look far away.

Would rather have had the option to omit it it especially after dealer had to replace radio when screen messed up shortly after purchase.

A visibility standard enforced by law might do much better.

its definitely a useful tool.. but as with any good tool, unless u know how to use it, it's useless.

its not the camera, its u.

Change the view. It's great for parking.

Which view do you recommend?

Thanks

I never said it wasn't useful.
Just said I'm adjusting in relationship to expectation.
And it mostly has to do with perspective.

The wide angle reverse view, is like looking backwards through the skinny end of a telescope and backing up.
You really have to utilize and trust the guidelines.

That's not me...that's just how the thing works.

Of the three views, the one on the left is the wide angle I like for cross traffic when backing out. But, as you point out, it's distance distorted.

The one on the right is the opposite. It's up close and personal, and shows the ground right up to the bumper behind you. This one is great for parallel parking or getting out of tight spaces.

The middle one I haven't found a use for.

One does not know how much you rely on the backup camera until you rent a car without one.

This is my first car with a backup camera and I think it's a fantastic feature. It's hilarious that in such a small and easy to park vehicle they put a 3-view backup camera. Once you get used to the guidelines, it becomes second nature.

I've driven other cars with backup cameras and the Fit blows them out of the water. I didn't know how great the backup camera on the Fit was until I drove other cars. The dynamic guidelines on the EX is also an awesome perk.