Modern high-end cars have backup cameras built right into their backs. Reversing a car easy for seasoned drivers. But there are times that accidents may still occur when backing your car up even if you are an experienced driver. You may hit a dog, cat, or a pedestrian if they are in your car’s blind spot. It is better to be safe than sorry, right?
In this article, we are going to take a look at two backup cameras from Garmin that are wireless – the BC 20 and the BC 30. Let’s go right into their similarities and differences.
| Garmin BC 20 | Garmin BC 30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |
 |
| Camera Resolution | 640 x 480 pixels | 240p |
| Frame Rate | Up to 15 fps | Up to 15 fps |
| Pair Multiple Cameras | 1 | Up to 4 |
| Camera Sensor | 1/3.7-type CMOS sensor | 1/3.7-type CMOS sensor |
| Camera Angle | 115 degrees (vertical); 140 degrees (horizontal) | 140 degrees |
| Waterproofing | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Wireless Transmission Type | 2.4 GHz ISM Radio Band | 2.4 GHz ISM Radio Band |
| Wireless Transmission Distance | 13.5 m (45 ft), North America;
10 m (32 ft), Worldwide |
Up to 45 feet |
| Compatible Devices | Camper 760LMT-D
dēzl 760LMT-Digital |
dēzl 570 / 580 / 770 / OTR700 / dēzlCam, RV 660 / 770 / 780, Garmin Drive 50 / 51 / 52 / 60 / 61, Garmin DriveSmart 50 / 51 / 55 / 60 / 61 / 65 / 70, Garmin DriveAssist 50 / 51, Garmin DriveLuxe 50 / 51, Garmin DriveTrack 70 / 71, nüvi® 55 / 56 / 57 / 58 / 60 / 2407 / 2408 / 2507 / 2508 / 2509 / 2609 / 2709 / nüviCam |
| Item Dimensions | 5.5 x 5.5 x 2.3 inches | 1.2 x 1.0 x 1.1 inches |
| Item Weight | 10.4 ounces | 6.5 oz (183 g) |
| What’s Included | BC 20 wireless backup camera with mounting bracket, wireless transmitter, power cable, hardware, documentation | BC 30 wireless backup camera with mounting bracket, wireless transmitter, power cable, hardware, documentation |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Similarities between Garmin BC 20 and Garmin BC 30
In some features, the Garmin BC 20 and the Garmin BC 30 wireless backup camera are very similar or identical. Take a look at the similarities of these backup cameras.
Garmin Branding
Most backup cameras in the market are unbranded or come from unknown companies. Both of these wireless backup cameras come from a well-known international tech company, Garmin. Garmin has been manufacturing and selling navigation, communication, and information devices. Get a wireless backup camera from a company you can trust and rely on. Additionally, it takes professional help when installing these wireless backup cameras as they may require some drilling on your car for wiring these cameras. This is particularly true for people who are not that car-savvy. Therefore, you can ask Garmin for professional assistance to install one of these devices.
Wireless Backup Camera
Waterproofing
Since these cameras are installed on the back of your car or truck, they are exposed to extreme weather. It is indeed necessary for both the Garmin BC 20 and BC 30 to have some kind of protection against unforgiving weather. Fortunately, both the BC 20 and BC 30 are rated at IPX7 which means it is waterproof. These devices can be submerged into water up to 1 meter for 30 without causing water damages.
Differences between Garmin BC 20 and Garmin BC 30
Let’s take a look at what makes these Garmin backup cameras different and which is better in those categories where they differ.
Camera Resolution
The camera resolution of a wireless backup camera is important. You need to see clearly what you are backing up to. Let’s see how they perform.
Garmin BC 20
The Garmin BC 20 has a better overall camera resolution even if it is the previous generation. It outputs a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels. It is not spectacular by any means especially with our advancing cameras today. But having a more detailed 480p picture is better than what the BC 30 outputs.
Garmin BC 30
Garmin BC 30 can only output 240p videos. That is only half of what the BC 20 can output. Some customers also complained about the horrible video quality. Some went to the extremes and said that some cheaper backup camera with an unknown brand is better. On top of that, both the BC 20 and BC 30 can only output video feed of only 15 frames per second. With that said, the Garmin BC 20 is indeed better between the two.
The Winner Is- Garmin BC 20
Compatible Devices
As you can see from the comparison chart, they have a huge difference in their compatible devices.
Garmin BC 20
Since Garmin BC 20 is the older device, it has limited device compatibility. It can only support the Camper 760LMT-D and dēzl 760LMT-Digital according to Garmin’s website. If you already have one of these satellite navigations displays, then you do not have a problem. Otherwise, look at the Garmin BC 30’s compatible devices and see if yours is included. With this limited device compatibility, it is either you look at other wireless backup cameras or be forced to buy one of its compatible devices.
Garmin BC 30
The Garmin BC 30 has a lot of devices it can connect to. I cannot even list it all here in this paragraph. Due to its wide compatibility, you have a higher chance of finding whether your device is compatible or not. And even if it is not, then you have a lot of satellite navigation displays to choose from. Due to its larger compatibility, the BC 30 wins this category.
The Winner Is- Garmin BC 30
Expandability
One of these cameras can give you the ability to expand.
Garmin BC 20
The Garmin BC 20 cannot connect with other wireless backup cameras. Again, it is a previous generation device. If you need more than 1 wireless backup camera, then you should look elsewhere.
Garmin BC 30
On the other hand, the Garmin BC 30 can pair up to 4 devices. This is particularly helpful when you need to point a camera from multiple angles. Moreover, if your car has multiple blind spots, you can easily add more BC 30 cameras. The BC 30 indeed is better in this category.
The Winner Is- Garmin BC 30
Pros and Cons
Garmin BC 20
Pros:
- Higher-resolution camera at 640 x 480 pixels
- Wide-angle view at 140 degrees
- Wireless
- Long wireless transmission distance at 45 feet
Cons:
- Limited device compatibility
- Video quality could be better
- Low fps at 15 fps
- Cannot pair multiple cameras
Garmin BC 30
Pros:
- 240p camera resolution
- Can pair up to 4 cameras
- Wide-angle view at 140 degrees
- Wireless
- Long wireless transmission distance at 45 feet
- Wide device compatibility
Cons:
- Video quality could be better
- Worse video feed at only 240p
- Low fps at 15 fps
Which Garmin Wireless Backup Camera is Better?
Both the Garmin BC 20 and BC 30 have their strengths and weaknesses. The BC 20 has a better video feed but cannot pair with multiple cameras. The BC 30 is its exact opposite. If you need only one wireless backup camera, the BC 20 is perfect for you. However, if your car has multiple blind spots, then it is recommended you get the BC 30.
Also read:
eRapta ERT01 vs ERT02
Garmin Drivesmart 55 vs 65
