Right-Side Camera Cars: A Comprehensive Guide To Models

Side-view cameras are becoming an increasingly common feature in modern cars, improving safety by providing drivers with a view of the road on either side of their vehicle. This feature is particularly useful when changing lanes, merging onto a highway, or parking. While some cars offer a 360-degree view of the surrounding area, others provide a view of the right side of the car when the right turn signal is activated. This can be helpful for drivers who want to be extra cautious and aware of their surroundings. Some car models that offer side-view cameras include the 2016 Honda Fit, 2016 Nissan Maxima, and 2016 Mazda Mazda3.

Honda's LaneWatch

Honda LaneWatch™ is an innovative driver-assistance technology that enhances driver awareness of their surroundings. It is designed to provide a clear view of the passenger side of the vehicle, aiding in lane changes and overall road safety. This technology is especially useful when making right turns, as it offers an extra set of eyes to spot pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles in the driver's blind spot.

LaneWatch™ utilises a camera installed below the right passenger-side mirror, which activates when the right turn signal is switched on. The live feed from the camera is then displayed on the central screen inside the vehicle, giving drivers critical visual information. It is important to note that while LaneWatch™ enhances visibility, it is not a replacement for the passenger-side mirror and should be used in conjunction with proper mirror adjustment and shoulder checks.

This technology was first introduced by Honda in 2012, offering a clever and affordable alternative to traditional blind-spot monitoring systems. By mounting a second backup camera on the right side of the vehicle, Honda created a practical solution for drivers to check their blind spots easily. The system also includes a button at the end of the turn signal control, allowing drivers to activate the LaneWatch™ monitoring system manually without turning on the signal light.

Over the years, LaneWatch™ has been offered on various Honda models, including the Accord, Civic, Pilot, Odyssey, HR-V, Insight, and Ridgeline. However, Honda has started phasing out LaneWatch™ in favour of blind-spot monitoring systems, citing the proliferation of these systems in the market and the decreasing cost of radar sensors. As of 2024, LaneWatch™ is still available on a limited number of models, but it is unlikely to be continued in future redesigns.

While opinions vary among drivers, LaneWatch™ has been praised for its simplicity and effectiveness in improving road safety. It provides drivers with a clear and practical view of their blind spots, making it a valuable tool for navigating busy streets, parallel parking, and overall situational awareness.

Nissan's Around View Monitor

Nissan's Intelligent Around View Monitor (I-AVM) is a driver assistance feature that provides a 360-degree bird's-eye view of the vehicle and its surroundings. This system uses four wide-angle cameras mounted on the front, each side mirror, and the rear of the car to create a composite view, aiding in parking and manoeuvring. The I-AVM offers both split-screen close-ups and a single, overhead image, allowing drivers to see every side of their vehicle and its position relative to nearby objects. This feature is particularly useful for parallel parking, garage parking, and hooking up to a trailer.

The Around View Monitor also includes Moving Object Detection, which provides audio and visual alerts if movement is detected around the vehicle. This system can identify moving objects in real time and warn the driver through a display message, a warning chime, and a yellow frame on the screen. It can detect objects while the vehicle is stopped or in motion, with the ability to predict background movement based on steering angle and speed.

Nissan's camera monitoring technology also includes the RearView Monitor, which provides a live picture of the area directly behind the vehicle when the transmission shifts to reverse. This monitor displays coloured lines to indicate the approximate distance between the car and any objects, with red, yellow, and green lines corresponding to different distances.

The Intelligent Around View Monitor is available on various Nissan models, including the 2022 Nissan Pathfinder. It is part of Nissan's commitment to providing advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and enhancing the driving experience through innovative technology.

In addition to the Intelligent Around View Monitor, Nissan vehicles also offer Standard Safety Shield 360, which includes features such as Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Lane Departure Warning. These features work together to provide a comprehensive safety suite that monitors the vehicle's surroundings from all angles.

Blind spot warning systems

When an object is detected in the blind spot, the driver is usually alerted through a visual warning, such as a blinking icon or indicator light, commonly displayed in the side mirrors or on the front pillars next to the driver's window. Some systems also provide an additional warning, such as an audible alert or a vibration, if the driver activates the turn signal when it is unsafe to merge or change lanes.

Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Blind Spot Assist (BSA) are the two main types of blind spot warning systems. BSW detects vehicles in the blind spot and notifies the driver, sometimes providing an additional warning if the turn signal is activated. BSA, on the other hand, automatically steers or brakes when the turn signal is activated during a lane change and there is an obstacle in the blind spot.

Some manufacturers have their own names for their blind spot warning systems, such as Acura's "Blind spot information" and Ford's "Blind Spot Information System (BLIS)". It is worth noting that blind spot warning systems may not detect all vehicles or objects, especially motorcycles, bicycles, or pedestrians, so it is important for drivers to remain vigilant and not rely solely on the system.

In addition to blind spot warning systems, some vehicles are also equipped with surround-view cameras that provide a 360-degree view of the car's surroundings. These cameras can help prevent accidents and cosmetic damage to the vehicle. Together, blind spot warning systems and surround-view cameras can significantly enhance the safety of drivers, passengers, and others on the road.

Sideview camera

The side-view camera system shares similarities with blind-spot monitoring systems, aiming to reduce crashes by improving the driver's field of vision. When using the turn signal or manually activating the feature with a button, typically located on the turn signal lever, the video feed is displayed on the car's centre screen. This feature may also be available for both the left and right sides of the vehicle, depending on the model.

Some car models with side-view cameras include the 2016 Honda Fit, 2016 Nissan Maxima, and 2016 Mazda Mazda3. Additionally, the Infiniti and Nissan brands were pioneers of the Around View Monitor system, which includes side-view cameras that provide a bird's-eye view of the car and its surroundings.

While side-view cameras offer enhanced visibility, it is important to remember that they should be used in conjunction with proper mirror adjustments, shoulder checks, and visual observations to ensure maximum safety.

Side-view cameras are just one example of the advancements in automotive safety technology, providing drivers with valuable tools to improve their awareness and decision-making on the road.

Surround view cameras

Surround-view cameras, also known as 360-degree cameras, are an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) that enhances visibility and driver confidence in slow-moving parking situations. They provide a 360-degree view of the vehicle and its surroundings from above, as if viewed by a drone. This perspective helps drivers navigate their vehicles safely in and out of parking spots and prevents accidents and curb rash on wheels. The image is typically displayed on the central infotainment system on the dashboard, often alongside a backup camera view in a split-screen format.

The 360-degree view is created by stitching together images from multiple cameras located on the front and rear bumpers, the underside of side mirror housings, the front grille, or the wheel wells. This technology was first introduced by Nissan in 2007 on the Infiniti EX35, and it has since become available on various vehicles from different automakers. As of 2022, most cars offer some form of surround-view camera system, either as standard or optional equipment, particularly on uplevel models and trim levels.

When shopping for a car with a surround-view camera, it is important to consider the image resolution, the size of the dashboard display, and the seamlessness of the combined camera angles. Higher-end models may offer on-demand capability and wider lenses for a larger field of view. Additionally, some vehicles provide multiple viewing options, such as front-only, rear-only, or side-only views, to assist with specific parking scenarios.

Some automakers that offer surround-view camera systems include:

• Acura: Surround View Camera
• Audi: Top View Camera
• BMW: Surround View Camera with 3D View
• Buick: HD Surround Vision
• Cadillac: HD Surround Vision
• Chevrolet: HD Surround Vision
• Chrysler: 360° Surround View Camera
• Genesis: Surround View Monitor
• GMC: HD Surround Vision
• Hyundai: Surround View Monitor
• Infiniti: Around View Monitor
• Jaguar: Surround Camera System
• Jeep: 360° Surround View Camera
• Kia: Surround View Monitor
• Land Rover: Surround Camera System
• Lexus: Panoramic View Monitor
• Lincoln: 360° Camera
• Mazda: 360° View Monitor
• Mercedes-Benz: Surround View System
• Mitsubishi: Multi-View Camera
• Nissan: Around View Monitor
• Ram: 360° Surround View Camera
• Subaru: 360° Surround View Camera
• Toyota: Bird’s Eye View Camera
• Volkswagen: Overhead View Camera
• Volvo: 360° Surround View Camera

Aftermarket surround-view camera systems are also available for older models that do not offer this technology as a factory-installed option. However, these kits may be less sophisticated, harder to integrate, and may not work as seamlessly with the vehicle's infotainment system.

Frequently asked questions