Rearview mirror question
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,040
Likes: 416
From: hardyston new jersey
St. Jude Donor '09-'25
Rearview mirror question
When I glance at the rearview mirror when it is in camera mode, it takes my eyes a couple of seconds to focus. This does not happen in normal mode. Anyone else have this issue?
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 1,310
Likes: 1,836
It's because your focus has to go from something down the road to very close to your face when you look at the mirror in camera mode. When it's a normal mirror, you eyes focus on something behind you so it's not as big of an adjustment. It's never bothered me, but some people might have more trouble changing focus than others.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 251
Likes: 230
From: Milton NH
Yes. I don't like the camera mode for that reason. I have a convertible and never drive with the top up, so it is a non issue for me. But even if it were available, I wouldn't use it.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 68
Likes: 47
Same issue but I just skip the camera and keep it in the normal mirror mode. I wear multi focal
contacts and blame those rather than my age. My 18 year old daughter prefers using the camera mode when she has driven the car.
contacts and blame those rather than my age. My 18 year old daughter prefers using the camera mode when she has driven the car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 2,194
Likes: 1,898
From: Not too far from MacMulkin
2026 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C8 Z06/7/E-Ray of the Year Winner - Unmodified
2021 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
When I first got my C8, the mirror was adjusted in a weird way, and it was hard for my eyes to make the transition to camera mode. I'm not sure now how it was set, but since I adjusted it properly, it's been much easier to use.
You may want to try switching modes and then adjusting the mirror to see if you can find a better combination.
You may want to try switching modes and then adjusting the mirror to see if you can find a better combination.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 30
From: Fairfax Virginia
In addition to the focus issue the distance perspective in the camera mode is very different. Thing seem twice as far away as they really are. Do you also have that sense about camera mode?
Drifting
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 1,871
Likes: 247
From: Weatherford TX
I noticed this on our first trip in HTC. I wear progressive lens so that makes me have to tilt my hear a bit when I look at the mirror. But after a while I really like the view it gives me. A lot better than guessing what is behind or beside me. I think it is pretty neat to have. May not be in focus at times but I can still see what is there. I talked to some pilots about this camera and they said they can't wear progressive lens in a cockpit as they want to just shift their eyes and not their hear to look at things up above them. Makes sense.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 246
Likes: 26
From: Statesville NC
It takes me a while to focus on it as well. The rear view camera seemed like a nice feature to me but in real world use it isn't nearly as good as a normal rear view mirror due to lower resolution (duh), focus issues, less zoom, glare and ghost images.
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Drifting
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,927
Likes: 2,036
From: Columbus OH
I have the rearview mirror camera in my Blazer and Corvette. I use the rearview mirror camera every chance I get. It really gives you a view of exactly what is behind the vehicle.
Yes, it does take a second or two for your eyes to adjust when you switch from the regular rearview mirror to the camera view.
I really miss the rearview camera when I have the top down on my Corvette. Because of the design of the convertible, you only see the top half of cars in the rearview mirror. The camera gives you a panorama of what is behind you. I really wish the engineers could have devised a way to make it rearview mirror camera active when the top is down.
Yes, it does take a second or two for your eyes to adjust when you switch from the regular rearview mirror to the camera view.
I really miss the rearview camera when I have the top down on my Corvette. Because of the design of the convertible, you only see the top half of cars in the rearview mirror. The camera gives you a panorama of what is behind you. I really wish the engineers could have devised a way to make it rearview mirror camera active when the top is down.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 187
Likes: 153
I didn't know if that feeling about focus was just me, and I was thinking about posting the same question. So thank you for asking. The regular mirror is so poor versus what I'm used to for a review mirror, that I have tried the camera mode.
In addition to the focus issue the distance perspective in the camera mode is very different. Thing seem twice as far away as they really are. Do you also have that sense about camera mode?
In addition to the focus issue the distance perspective in the camera mode is very different. Thing seem twice as far away as they really are. Do you also have that sense about camera mode?
This is the issue I have the most problem with and have not found any setting that eliminates the distance issue . I can tell something is behind me however do feel comfortable judging the actual distance nor can I make out what kind of car is behind me at any distance except someone that is extremely close
Hopefully someone has found a solution because the sideview mirrors can not pick up something directly behind you because of the shape of the body. After 3 months I'm use to the change in focus required however the distance is no better then the first day .
Racer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 475
Likes: 158
I have tri-focal glasses, and I have to look at the mirror through the reading part of the lens. Drives me crazy. I generally don’t use it. If you have your side mirrors set to view the blind spot instead of down the side of the car, everything should be fine.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 276
Likes: 186
From: Houston Tx
I found it hard to adjust at first, but after a while, during a drive, my brain seemed to get used to it.
With the HTC you can only use it with the top up, which begs the question: can the brain get used to both near and far focus of the rear view mirror?
Maybe in a year I'll have an answer.
With the HTC you can only use it with the top up, which begs the question: can the brain get used to both near and far focus of the rear view mirror?
Maybe in a year I'll have an answer.
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 35,018
Likes: 12,401
From: NE South Carolina
Been perfect for a year. In fact I have it set with a wide view much like the convex passenger side mirror. Yep as that side mirror states (and the Meat Loaf Song) "Objects in the TV Mirror are closer than they appear!" Frankly it's so good I find I'm using the side mirrors less- NO NEED. I can see the cars coming up fast on the lanes either side of me who will soon be in my blind spot! IMO best thing since sliced bread! Helps me keep my 60 driving record of not having an accident with another car!
Try it and see if it's not better. Yep in a vert, understand with the top down you have to use the real mirror and view is fine. With the wife's SUV, which I drive often, I have to adjust the center mirror when I get in! No big deal!
PS: When I got my C8 Coupe I tried using the "real mirror." Rear visibility was worse than my C7 Z51 and Grand Sport (which had a limited view of the rear as the Stage 2 Aero option had side extensions on the spoiler.". Made the rear view almost as bad as a rag top Vette!
Last edited by JerryU; Jul 29, 2021 at 05:40 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: N.E. Suburb MN
Racer
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 301
Likes: 279
From: SoCal
Unmodified C8 of the Year 2021 Finalist
On my drive home from delivery, had a hard time focusing and glare from the back window [coupe]. The mirror was zoomed all the way in and tilted upward. Fixed for me by zooming all the way out and tilting downward. Went on my first road trip today [195 miles] and getting use to it. It will take a little bit to adjust.
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 35,018
Likes: 12,401
From: NE South Carolina
On my drive home from delivery, had a hard time focusing and glare from the back window [coupe]. The mirror was zoomed all the way in and tilted upward. Fixed for me by zooming all the way out and tilting downward. Went on my first road trip today [195 miles] and getting use to it. It will take a little bit to adjust.
PS: Although I need little correction for distance I wear my glasses from when I get up until I go to bed. In the Sunny South they make great sun glasses and are perfectly clear indoors.. Wife had cataract surgery and instead of a few pairs of progressive transition glasses (for different frames) now has at least 4 pairs of prescription reading glasses and about 5 pairs of sun glasses! I thought my $1200 frameless, progressive, transition, glasses were expensive but no match for what she has invested!
Last edited by JerryU; Jul 29, 2021 at 05:57 PM.