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The Garmin BC 40 is a wireless backup camera designed to enhance your driving safety by providing a clear view of what's behind your vehicle. Compatible with select Garmin navigators, it features a 160-degree angle of view and 720p video resolution. The camera is easy to install with a snap-on license plate mount and is built to endure various weather conditions with its IPX7 rating. With a battery life of up to three months, it ensures reliable performance for your journeys.
Connector Type Used on Cable | wireless |
Real Angle of View | 160 Degrees |
Video Capture Resolution | 720p |
Compatible Devices | Garmin navigators |
Installation Method | Flush Mount |
Item Dimensions L x W x H | 6.3"L x 0.9"W x 1"H |
P**N
If you already have a Garmin GPS then this is the one
This backup camera works perfectly. The installation takes only a couple of minutes and is clearly explained in the brief manual. The device has obviously been carefully designed to adapt to various requirements. For example, most add-on cameras are located at the top of the license frame which is the default location for this one. However, those I have tried blocked the hatch handle on my SUV making it difficult or impossible to open. That was also the case with this device which completely blocked the handle, but the frame is designed so that the camera holder can be flipped and the bracket inverted with the camera on the bottom. That worked perfectly. If you have a compatible Garmin GPS which includes the DriveSmart series – a compatibility list is available on line – then you only need to insert 2 Li batteries, remove the license plate, and reinstall with the camera holder in place. Pop in the camera and you’re finished.The camera pairs automatically with the GPS and includes several convenient features. It turns on automatically whenever the car is started. The display is clear, adapts well to sharp differences in lighting such as when the car is in the garage with bright sunshine outside, and automatically turns off when the GPS senses forward movement or after a couple of minutes. A button appears at the upper right of the display to manually turn the camera on and off, and voice commands can also be used.It would be nice if the camera turned on automatically when the GPS senses backing movement like it turns off with forward movement, but that might require too much distance to be useful and it is no big deal anyway. Assuming that this camera proves to be sturdy and waterproof over time, then I will be really happy with it. As others have mentioned, the pop-in aspect of the camera is convenient for installation and battery changes, but also would make it a 2 second process to steal. It might be better to be a little less convenient to remove to reduce that risk, but perhaps that won’t be a problem. Time will tell, but for quality, ease of installation and overall convenience, this is definitely a 5.Edit: after using for several more weeks, this still rates a 5. It sometimes takes a few seconds to connect when starting the car, but not always and the delay is never more than 3-5 seconds. This makes backing up an SUV much easier. As for the easy theft issue, that could be partly addressed by adding a couple of metal tabs screwed into the bottom holes in the license plate (see photo). Not theft proof, but no longer a 2 second matter either. Garmin should include something like this by default. Overall, this camera is a good choice.
T**F
BC40 Garmin Camera
Perfect, easy to hook up and Garmin unit picked it right up, love it
D**T
Backup Camera easily adds an element of safety.
This is a great backup camera with guidance lines. It takes a maximum of 5 minutes to install. You can easily remove the camera from its receptacle and later just simply snap it in when you return to the vehicle. It has a very wide viewing angle and you can actually see the back of the cars adjacent to at a traffic light. Camera is wireless and totally Bluetooth which means that sometimes you may have connection difficulties with low batteries. To view the camera on a compatible device, you need only say, "Show Video". Pros: Priced acceptable. Easy to install. Camera snaps into position and easily removed from holder when leaving the car. Wide viewing angle. Acceptable video quality. Guidance lines can be adjusted from the linked device inside the car (remotely). Cons: Purely a backup camera that can be activated for a few seconds when driving. Does not store the video. So don't think you'll be able to argue with the policeman that caught you failing to stop and now writing you the ticket.
K**K
With Garmin’s latest update, camera works as intended!
Update: )( 10-1-2022)Camera now works as intended with Garmin update. I’m leaving the original post as to inform users of the issue I had. After repeated connecting issues came down to Bluetooth interference with the camera while Garmin Drive App is activated. Brand new camera with brand new lithium batteries. Removing or shutting down Bluetooth on the phone, camera works fine. Was told by Garmin it uses Bluetooth and WiFi to work. Good picture quality when I does connect. Easy to install but can be stolen easily. Not a good design for theft. I sent a video of the issues to Garmin and hopefully they can do a firmware upgrade to fix the issues.I can now proudly recommend the BC40 to work with Drivesmart 86, Garmin Drive App and BC 40!!
S**N
Great Back-Up Camera!
Have always wanted a backup camera for my truck, but I have a camper shell which makes it more difficult to find a place to put it - that and getting the wiring in once you find a good place. Already was in need of a new GPS, so bought this along with it and am happy about the combination. This camera took ten minutes to screw to the license plate, and immediately blue toothed directly to the GPS. Camera is clear and easy to set up the green/yellow/red boundary lines. You can also switch from GPS to camera while driving to see traffic behind you. The only complaint most have is it can be easily popped off and stolen, but I live in a State where the thieves are few and far between. Great camera!
N**E
Good idea, but......
I installed this camera on a 1982 chevy g20 van (all steel construction) the ad says good for 21 feet Bluetooth connection, it was 14 feet from the garmin GPS to the outside of the back door. It would sometimes connect but buffer ever 2 seconds, sometimes it would not connect. If I took it off the license plate and opened the door and played it inside, it worked great, move it outside and shut the door nope. I guess it's ment for modern plastic cars, not old vans.
R**N
Garmin back up alarm
Not good, three sets of lithium batteries less than three days, sending back. Garmin is better than this, love there GPS but not this
Trustpilot
2 months ago
2 months ago