I'm think of adding a rear view camera to my 08' ES350 but the OEM camera is pricey. I'm debating whether the cost of an OEM camera justifies its price or should I go aftermarket. Can someone tell me if the view from the OEM camera shows part of the bumper to assist in parking or does it just show a the view from the rear above the bumper? A snap shot of the view from the display would be nice. Thanks in advance!

BTW, sorry for the typo on the thread title. I couldn't figure out how to edit the title.

 

have you considered those object detector things? or you really want the camera,

Also i'm guessing you already have a screen for navigation?

 

I'm looking for one of those OEM cameras also.

 

I just checked mine and there is a view of the upper surface of the bumper across the bottom of the screen.
Steve

 

Thanks for the info Steve (oldcajun). That narrows my selection. Alot of the aftermarket cameras have adjustable tilting mounts. I prefer the looks of the factory camera with the fixed rigid mount.

 

The rear view camera on the ES has a very wide angle view - you can actually see your own license plate (a little distored, and covered up by "Check Surrounding for Safety") when the camera is on. It really helps for backing out of angled spots when your vision is blocked.

Druha suggested the parking sonar sensors, and that's also a good idea. I have the sonar sensors and the camera on mine (UL package) and I find that using them in conjunction makes for a very accurate parking/spotting system.

To get an idea of what the back up camera view looks like, browse to the ES home page http://www.lexus.com/models/ES/, click on "Photo Galery" then choose "Interior" --> Picture #12 shows the rear view camera looking back at an LS

 

Hi.
I have an 2009 ES with rear camera, nav,and parking sensors, and as oldcajun stated you can see the very top of the rear bumper. ( I love the rear camera and parking sensors) GOOD LUCK

 

Aftermarket options are priced well.

 

I have that wireless $99 aftermarket one on my truck. Nowhere near as good. It's not wide angle and the pieces they give you to angle aren't enough to get a good look at your bumper. It's a regular lens and it needs to be fisheye to really be useful for parking. I can only get to about 1 foot before it gets too risky.

With the Lexus, I can get to about an inch or two from an object. If the brakes were better (like my old BMW), I'm sure I could get within less than an inch consistently.