Rear view cameras from the brand AND have long won the trust of car owners thanks to a combination of affordable price, reliability and ease of installation. These devices not only simplify parking, but also significantly increase the safety of maneuvers - especially in conditions of poor visibility or cramped city yards. However, not everyone knows that even among models from the same manufacturer there are critical differences: from viewing angle to compatibility with multimedia systems.
In this article we will look at how to choose rear view camera AND for specific tasks (from budget AND VC-100 up to premium AND VC-500 Pro), we will describe in detail the connection diagrams - including the nuances of working with CAN bus and standard radios, and we will also reveal setup secrets that are not mentioned in the instructions. We will pay special attention to typical installation errors, due to which the image โfreezesโ or interference appears, and ways to eliminate them without contacting the service.
Why AND cameras are the best choice for most cars
Brand AND (Japan) has specialized in auto electronics since 1977, and their rear view cameras stand out from their Chinese counterparts in several key ways:
- ๐น Adaptive backlight: In series models VC-500 and VC-300 are used
WDR sensors, which automatically adjust brightness when moving from shadow to sunlight - this eliminates camera โblindnessโ in contrasting conditions. - ๐น Viewing angle 170ยฐ: Standard for most models (versus 120โ140ยฐ for budget competitors), which allows you to see not only the space behind the car, but also the side โdead zonesโ.
- ๐น Universal mounts: Complete with brackets for installation on the bumper, license plate frame or in the interior (for cameras with a remote module).
- ๐น Compatible with 90% radios: Supports standard video formats
PAL/NTSC, and models withRCA connectorWork even with old head units.
Important: cameras AND certified according to the standard IP68, which guarantees protection against dust and jets of water under pressure. This is critical for regions with frequent rainfall or dirty roads. However, even such devices require proper installation - for example, laying a cable through the trunk without sealing can lead to corrosion of the contacts within a year.
Review of popular AND models: comparison of characteristics
Camera line AND includes more than 10 models, but for most car owners only 4โ5 options are relevant. Below is a comparison table of key parameters that directly affect ease of use.
| Model | Resolution | Viewing angle | Backlight type | Additional features | Average price (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AND VC-100 | 640ร480 |
120ยฐ | 6 IR LEDs | Basic model, without WDR | from 2,500 โฝ |
| AND VC-200 | 720ร576 |
150ยฐ | 8 IR LEDs | Automatic color correction | from 3,800 โฝ |
| AND VC-300 | 1280ร720 (HD) |
170ยฐ | 12 IR LEDs + WDR | Parking lines, mirror image | from 5,200 โฝ |
| AND VC-500 Pro | 1920ร1080 (Full HD) |
170ยฐ | 18 IR LEDs + WDR+ | 3D calibration, CAN bus integration | from 8,900 โฝ |
Critical nuance: models with lower resolution 1280ร720 (for example, VC-100) can produce a โpixelatedโ image on radio screens with a diagonal of over 7 inches. If you have an 8-10 inch head unit, select the minimum VC-300.
For car owners with CAN bus (most modern foreign cars) the optimal choice AND VC-500 Pro โ it is automatically activated when reverse gear is engaged without additional relays. In budget models (VC-100/200) will have to buy more matching block (about 1,500 โฝ) or connect the camera via 12V from reversing lights.
Connection diagrams: from simple to complex
Installing a rear view camera AND can take from 30 minutes to 3-4 hours - it all depends on the connection method and the type of car. Let's consider three main options:
1. Connect to the standard radio (the easiest way)
If your radio has RCA input (yellow โtulipโ), the algorithm is as follows:
- Connect the camera video cable to
RCA inputradios. - Positive wire (
red) connect the cameras toplus of reversing lights(usually the purple or green wire in the rear light assembly). - Negative wire (
black) - to the car body (be sure to clean the contact area!).
Check for an RCA input on the radio
Find your car's electrical diagram (to find the reverse light wires)
Prepare electrical tape/heat shrink to insulate the contacts
Make sure the camera has sufficient cable length (standard 6m)-->
โ ๏ธ Attention: If after connecting the image jumps or stripes appear, check grounding. A common mistake is connecting the negative to the plastic elements of the trunk. The minus should go directly to the metal of the body!
2. Connection via a matching block (for CAN bus)
For vehicles with CAN bus (for example, Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Passat B6+) you will need an additional block that simulates the reverse gear engagement signal. Popular block models:
- ๐ง CAN-Bus Adapter Universal (suitable for 80% of foreign cars)
- ๐ง AND CAN-Interface (specialized, for AND cameras)
Connection diagram:
[AND camera] โ [Coordination block] โ [Vehicle CAN bus]
โ
[Power supply +12V from battery] โ [Coordination unit] โ [Radio]
Important: matching blocks are polarity sensitive! If connected incorrectly, the radio fuse may burn out.
3.Connect to rear view mirror with display
If you have installed smart mirror (for example, Auto-Vox M1 or Yada Digital), camera AND can be connected directly to it AV-in connector. Features:
- ๐ You can power the camera from
12V cigarette lighter(via a converter), but better - from the reversing lights. - ๐ถ For wireless cameras (AND VC-200W) will be required
Wi-Fi module, which is synchronized with the mirror.
If after connecting the camera works, but the image is upside down, check the radio settings. In most cases, the problem is solved by activating the โMirror Imageโ option in the camera menu.
Installation subtleties: where and how to mount the camera
The location of the camera directly affects its effectiveness. Optimal options:
- On the license plate frame:
The most popular method is to attach the camera to the top or bottom of the license plate. Pros: easy access for angle adjustment, minimal contamination. Cons: on some cars (for example, Kia Rio) The frame is plastic - you will have to drill holes for mounting.
- In the bumper:
Ideal for cameras with a 170ยฐ field of view (e.g. AND VC-300). You need to cut a hole with a diameter of 18โ22 mm. Important: if the bumper is metal, use rubber gasketsto avoid corrosion.
- On the rear door (for hatchbacks/station wagons):
Suitable for cameras with a remote module (e.g. AND VC-500 Pro). Fastening is carried out on a bracket, which is fixed to the top of the door. Advantage: Maximum visibility, including under the bumper.
โ ๏ธ Attention: When installing the camera in the bumper, avoid places near parking sensors! Vibrations from ultrasonic waves may cause noise in the image. The optimal distance is at least 10 cm from the sensors.
How to drill a bumper without cracks?
1. Use a drill with step sharpening (for plastic).
2. Pre-stick on the drilling site masking tape - this will prevent the drill from slipping.
3. Drill on low revs (400โ600 rpm) with cooling (can be sprayed with water).
4. After installing the camera, sand the edges of the hole sealant (for example, ABRO WS-904).
To adjust the camera angle, use goniometer (or a smartphone with a level application). Optimal angle:
- ๐ For sedans:
15โ20ยฐ down(to see the bumper line and 2-3 meters behind the car). - ๐ For hatchbacks/crossovers:
20โ25ยฐ down(due to higher ground clearance).
Camera setup: how to avoid common problems
Even a properly installed camera may not function correctly if basic setup is not performed. Let's consider the main parameters:
1. Calibrating parking lines
In models AND VC-300 and VC-500 Pro parking lines are adjusted manually. Algorithm:
- Park the car on a level surface.
- Engage reverse gear and go to the camera menu (usually the
Menuon the radio remote control). - Select an item
Parking Lines Adjustment. - Drive up to any vertical object (for example, a rack) at a distance of 0.5โ1 m and adjust the lines so that they coincide with the actual dimensions of the car.
โ ๏ธ Attention: If the lines "float" when moving, check camera mount - even minimal play leads to a displacement of the picture. In some cases, fixing the cable helps plastic ties (so that it does not dangle when vibrating).
2. Adjust brightness and contrast
For models with WDR (for example, AND VC-500 Pro):
- ๐ Day mode: Install
Contrast: 60โ70%,Brightness: 40โ50%. - ๐ Night mode: Activate
Night Modein the menu and increase the brightness to70โ80%(but not higher - โnoiseโ will appear).
For cameras without WDR (AND VC-100/200) may be required at night additional lighting. Some owners install it next to the camera LED spotlight at 12V (for example, Osram LEDriving FOG).
3. Elimination of interference
If streaks or snow appears on the screen, check:
- ๐ Quality of contacts: Oxidized or poorly insulated connections are the main cause of interference.
- ๐ก Cable shielding: The video cable should not be routed near
power wiring(for example, speaker wires). Use corrugation for separation. - ๐ Supply voltage: If the camera is connected to the cigarette lighter, check the voltage with a multimeter - it should be
12โ14V. Jumping higher14,5Vmay damage the board.
If interference only appears when the engine is running, the problem is generator โ its โnoiseโ seeps through the diet. Solution: install LC filter (for example, Murata BNX002) to the positive wire of the camera.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
The experience of service technicians shows that 80% of problems with cameras AND occur due to errors during the installation phase. Here are the most common:
- Incorrect choice of mounting location:
Mounting the camera too high (for example, on a spoiler) causes it to โlook at the skyโ rather than at the road. Optimal height -
40โ60 cm from the ground. - Ignoring sealing:
If the cable is inserted into the trunk through a leaky hole, moisture and dust will penetrate into the cabin. Use rubber seals (for example, corrugation for wiring).
- Connection to permanent plus:
If the camera is powered directly from the battery (without being connected to reverse gear), it will work constantly, draining the battery. Correct: connect to
plus of reversing lightsor via a relay. - Poor polarity:
Confused
plusandminus- a common cause of camera failure. Always check with a multimeter!
Another common problem is camera fogging in wet weather. Reasons:
- ๐ง Absence silicone sealant at the joints of the body.
- ๐ง Moisture penetration through
unsealed cable.
Solution: dry the camera with a hairdryer (temperature no higher 50ยฐC) and treat the joints with sealant Permatex 81160.
Firmware update and factory reset
Cameras AND rarely require a firmware update, but in some cases this can solve compatibility issues or bugs. For example, in VC-500 Pro versions before 2022 had a bug with automatic switching to night mode, which was corrected by firmware v1.4.2.
How to update firmware:
- Download the current version from AND official website (section
Support โ Firmware). - Unzip the archive and copy the file
.binon empty MicroSD card (FAT32). - Insert the card into the camera slot (if there is one) or connect the camera to the computer via
USB cable(for models with OTG support). - Turn on the camera - the update will start automatically (the indicator will blink
red).
โ ๏ธ Attention: Do not turn off the camera's power during the update! This may lead to briku (impossibility of turning on). If the process is stuck, try:
- Remove and reinsert the MicroSD card.
- Reboot the camera by turning off the power for 10 seconds.
- If nothing helps, contact the service for flashing via
JTAG.
To reset settings to factory settings:
- Press and hold the button
Menuon the camera (or remote control) for10 seconds. - Or turn off the power to
1 minute(for models without reset button).
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to install an AND camera on a car with a factory surround view system (360ยฐ)?
Technically yes, but there are some nuances:
- If the standard system uses
digital signal(for example, Toyota Safety Sense), camera AND (analog) will not be able to integrate into it. You will have to connect it to a separate screen (for example, a mirror). - For vehicles with
analog signal(for example, Hyundai Santa Fe until 2018) you can replace the standard camera with AND VC-500 Pro, but it will be required connector adapter.
Why does the AND VC-300 camera show a black and white image at night, but a color image during the day?
This is normal work IR illumination. In the dark, the camera automatically switches to Night Vision, which uses a black-and-white matrix for better sensitivity. To return the color, you can:
- Disable
Night Modein the settings (but the image will become dim). - Add external LED lighting (for example, Philips X-tremeVision LED).
How to connect an AND camera to a Pioneer or Sony radio if there is no RCA input?
There are two options:
- Via AV adapter: For example, Pioneer CD-AV50 or Sony XA-C100. Connects to
USB/aux portradio and converts the analog signal to digital. - Via HDMI converter: If the radio supports
HDMI-in, use a converter RCA โ HDMI (for example, Portta PET0301S).
Important: before purchasing an adapter, check compatibility with your radio model on the manufacturerโs website!
Which AND camera should I choose for a car with tinted rear window?
When tinting over 35%, models with enhanced IR illumination:
- AND VC-500 Pro (18 IR LEDs, penetrate tint up to 50%).
- AND VC-300S (special series for tinted glass, with increased backlight power).
If the camera is already installed and does not โseeโ well at night, try sticking it on the tint in the lens area clear tape (for example, 3M Scotch 810) - this will improve the penetration of IR rays.
Can the AND camera be used for forward view?
Technically yes, but there are limitations:
- Cameras AND don't have shockproof housing for front installation (risk of damage from stones).
- A 170ยฐ viewing angle is too wide for a front view - there will be a lot of distortion at the edges.
- Will be required manual activation (for example, through a button), since binding to the transfer will not work.
For forward viewing it is better to use specialized cameras, for example, BlackVue DR750S.