Hey all, I just purchased a 2016 CX-5 GT with tech package. I absolutely LOVE this vehicle! However, the ONE complaint I have is regarding the backup camera and I'm curious if anyone else with a 2015 or 2016 has noticed this as well. With all the quality components and features on the 2016 it blows my mind that Mazda would allow such a garbage quality backup camera to be equipped. I mean, a high-def backup camera is what like $20-30? The camera looks fairly well during daytime hours, but at night is like comparing a blu-ray to a VCR tape (the Mazda being the latter). I mean it is BAD! I have owned several backup cameras on different vehicles and they have been crystal clear day or night. I know it seems trivial, but when dropping over $30,000 on a vehicle I would think a $20 backup camera would be the last thing they would skimp on. They definitely dropped the ball on this one. I'm surprised I have not seen more complaints about this on here. And yes, my lens is clean with no obstructions. I could live with the daytime view, but the camera is horrid at night. Very disappointed, because everything else about this vehicle I love.

 

What exactly is wrong? I personally do not have any problems. Perhaps have the dealer take a look.

 

The picture is crap. As said...comparing it to my previous vehicles...it is like comparing a blu-ray to a VCR tape. During the day it isn't so bad. At night, the picture is something I would have expected to see on the first backup camera ever put in a car in the history of time.

 

My 15 seems to be ok although I wish the lines were predictive during turning.

 

I don't mind the non-HD quality. It's mainly for safety purposes any way.

I do wish there's a way to switch on the backup camera without having to put the car into the reverse gear. Is it possible?

 

I just test drove a CX5 at night, and the picture wAs very clear and HD like. However that was underneath the dealerships well lit parking lot. Maybe different in darker areas. I cant imagine any camera looking great in the dark however.

 

I truly agree. We got our CX-5 touring with a trailer hitch. I would really like to turn on the backup camera when I am running a trailer, in traffic and a load. I had some lumber on the trailer for 200 miles and no way to check the load. It sucks, watching with a camera would have been a killer idea!!!

 

You just have to find the switch that is activated when placed in reverse and splice in your own switch to manually turn on and off. How complex or simple this is I dont know, it could vary greatly.

Best bet is to purchase the factory maintenance manual which should have wiring diagrams which you can follow.

 

They won't manufacture a vehicle with a camera that turns on while driving for the same reason you cannot watch videos or movies on the screen...its a safety issue. I only bring up the HD camera comment, because HD cameras are super cheap and there is no reason to use anything but that. My 2014 RAV4 had a camera that looked HD even in the middle of the night. During the day my camera isn't bad. At night, its like looking through a blurry camera lens without your prescription glasses...its atrocious and disappointing. An example (in my opinion, its worse than this pic portrays even...)
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are u serious? You post comparison images. two of which are in daylight, possibly dusk on one, and the other in pitch black. Do you see how that doesnt work? mazda looks just as good int the daylight as the others. Maybe try three pics all at night