Garmin BC 40, Wireless Backup Camera, Works with Compatible Garmin Navigators, Black

This backup camera works perfectly. The installation takes only a couple of minutes and is clearly explained in the brief manual. The device has obviously been carefully designed to adapt to various requirements. For example, most add-on cameras are located at the top of the license frame which is the default location for this one. However, those I have tried blocked the hatch handle on my SUV making it difficult or impossible to open. That was also the case with this device which completely blocked the handle, but the frame is designed so that the camera holder can be flipped and the bracket inverted with the camera on the bottom. That worked perfectly. If you have a compatible Garmin GPS which includes the DriveSmart series – a compatibility list is available on line – then you only need to insert 2 Li batteries, remove the license plate, and reinstall with the camera holder in place. Pop in the camera and you’re finished. The camera pairs automatically with the GPS and includes several convenient features. It turns on automatically whenever the car is started. The display is clear, adapts well to sharp differences in lighting such as when the car is in the garage with bright sunshine outside, and automatically turns off when the GPS senses forward movement or after a couple of minutes. A button appears at the upper right of the display to manually turn the camera on and off, and voice commands can also be used. It would be nice if the camera turned on automatically when the GPS senses backing movement like it turns off with forward movement, but that might require too much distance to be useful and it is no big deal anyway. Assuming that this camera proves to be sturdy and waterproof over time, then I will be really happy with it. As others have mentioned, the pop-in aspect of the camera is convenient for installation and battery changes, but also would make it a 2 second process to steal. It might be better to be a little less convenient to remove to reduce that risk, but perhaps that won’t be a problem. Time will tell, but for quality, ease of installation and overall convenience, this is definitely a 5. Edit: after using for several more weeks, this still rates a 5. It sometimes takes a few seconds to connect when starting the car, but not always and the delay is never more than 3-5 seconds. This makes backing up an SUV much easier. As for the easy theft issue, that could be partly addressed by adding a couple of metal tabs screwed into the bottom holes in the license plate (see photo). Not theft proof, but no longer a 2 second matter either. Garmin should include something like this by default. Overall, this camera is a good choice.

Update: )( 10-1-2022)Camera now works as intended with Garmin update. I’m leaving the original post as to inform users of the issue I had. After repeated connecting issues came down to Bluetooth interference with the camera while Garmin Drive App is activated. Brand new camera with brand new lithium batteries. Removing or shutting down Bluetooth on the phone, camera works fine. Was told by Garmin it uses Bluetooth and WiFi to work. Good picture quality when I does connect. Easy to install but can be stolen easily. Not a good design for theft. I sent a video of the issues to Garmin and hopefully they can do a firmware upgrade to fix the issues. I can now proudly recommend the BC40 to work with Drivesmart 86, Garmin Drive App and BC 40!!

I purchaced this BC40 for the easy installation and my expected limited use as a front bumper parking camera. I prefer to hardwire everything, but gave in to the ease of installation and configuration of this unit. The start was a little shakey. It recongnized the camera, but then could not connect to the camera on second startup. After the Garmin did two restarts, things seem to have settled down and everything is function as designed. LIKES: You can flip the video and delete the guidance lines (for forward facing cameras). Perfect for my application as a front bumper camera (you cannot do this with the BC 30 hard wire camera). Voice command takes only a couple of seconds to execute which is acceptable. I park two vehicles inside in a garage with only 12" of clearance. The camera make this easy. You can use the "SHOW VIDEO" and "HIDE VIDEO" commands without the "HEY GARMIN", Great. DISLIKES: I hate the idea of changing batteries every few months. I will see how this works with my limited need to activate. I would have prefered the BC30 wired solution, have the limitations noted above for front use.

We purchased the Garmin BC 40 (along with a Garmin Drive Smart 61) to provide enhanced views behind our 2005 Chevy Suburban. As a very large vehicle, we found ourselves in some tight, downtown parking spots that were extremely difficult to exit from. The BC 40 gives us a broad and very clear view of what's behind us. It was quick & very easy to install and quick to synch (Bluetooth) to the Drive Smart 61. A single touch screen icon turns the view on and off with zero hassles. I do have some concerns about the security of the camera since it is easy remove from & install into the license plate mounting bracket. However, because it is so easy to remove, I tend to remove and store it in the vehicle if I intend to have the car parked in an unsecured environment for any length of time. Battery life does not seem to be an issue; we're using Eveready Lithiums. Overall, we are very pleased with the Garmin(s) and have more piece of mind when putting this monster in reverse.

Works well in warm weather. In cold weather, not so much. It won't work until the temperature goes above 50F, probably because the batteries need to warm up enough to deliver adequate current. Easy to install and compatible with Garmin nav systems.

I love this little backup camera. I put lithium batteries in it and it has been over a year since I put it on my car. The batteries have withstood a cool Wisconsin winter and just recently I got a notification that I need to replace my batteries, although the camera is still working. Because the camera clicks in to the holder and some people reported that theirs fell off, I just neatly placed a piece of duct tape along the side for a little extra security and still maintain easy removal when I need to change batteries. Be aware when viewing things behind you, objects are closer than they look. The camera provides 3 lines to help gage distance: green, yellow, and red for when you are in the danger zone. It’s an inexpensive little backup camera that works really well and only needs batteries replaced once a year. It’s one of those things that I’m no longer willing to be without.

died within 2 months AND almost fell off on a 2 hour drive

it actually looks nice on my vehicle. I read the complaints about it being easy to steal as you can grab it easily and RUN. The instructions say that you can't have a vanity frame around the license plate, which is true. However, I had a frame around my license plate, and still do. I cut the section out where this would fit and I was able to connect the frame to the license plate with no problem. By having the frame, the backup camera is not as noticeable as it looks like it is part of the frame now. Also, instructions say I should use lithium batteries. I did not have any but used regular batteries instead. After a couple of months the batteries are still working!!!!!! I am happy with the product as I needed for my truck. I looked at a GPS in dash for my truck which was very costly (over $900.00 without installation). This and the new Garmin were much less money and works great! Wish I had this years ago when I had a boat!

Not as easy to install as instructions outline however when paired to dashcam it operates very well. Peter

Great backup view, easily installed and adjusted for the angle. Perfect for connecting to wireless GPS

Aanbevelingswaardig. Snel geleverd. Het "tracen" van het pakket was wat lastig, maar het kwam allemaal goed.

Great camera. Would have rated 5 stars if delivered on time.

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