Backing up into your garage is perhaps already a routine for you. You know it so well, that you can dare to park your car blindfolded. However, even if that is the case, there is a chance that you may hit something or someone when reversing your car. Whether you like it or not, your car has a blind spot and it may be a cause for an accident.
Luckily, in this article, we are going to compare two very compelling wireless backup cameras from Garmin – the BC 30 and BC 35. Let’s take a closer look at their similarities and differences. But first we will show you in Garmin BC 30 vs Garmin BC 35 comparison table all their features.
| Garmin BC 30 | Garmin BC 35 | |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |
 |
| Camera Resolution | 240p | 640 x 480 pixels |
| Frame Rate | Up to 15 fps | Up to 15 fps |
| Pair Multiple Cameras | Up to 4 | Up to 4 |
| Camera Sensor | 1/3.7-type CMOS sensor | CMOS sensor |
| Camera Angle | 140 degrees | 160 degrees |
| Waterproofing | IPX7 | IPX7 |
| Wireless Transmission Type | 2.4 GHz ISM Radio Band | Wi-Fi |
| Wireless Transmission Distance | Up to 45 feet | Up to 45 feet |
| Compatible Devices | 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 | Camper 785 / 890, dēzl 780 LMT-S / OTR1000 / OTR800, dēzlCam 785 LMT-S, Garmin fleet 770 / 780 / 790, Overlander, RV 701 Navigator and Remote, RV 785 & Traffic, RV 890 |
| Item Dimensions | 1.2 x 1.0 x 1.1 inches | 1.2 x 1.0 x 1.1 inches |
| Item Weight | 6.5 oz (183 g) | 8.3 oz. (235 g) |
| What’s Included | BC 30 wireless backup camera with mounting bracket, wireless transmitter, power cable, hardware, documentation | BC 35 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 30 and BC 35
Expandability
Expandability is important for vehicle owners whose cars or RVs have multiple blind spots. Unlike previous Garmin wireless backup cameras, both the BC 30 and BC 35 can be expanded and paired up to 4 cameras. This is particularly helpful for RV owners when they want cameras all over their RV trailers.
Waterproof
These wireless backup cameras are exposed to extreme weather and should have some kind of protection against splashes. Fortunately, both the BC 30 and BC 35 have an IPX7 rating. You do not need to worry about either of them getting wet because they can be submerged up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. Since your car will never be submerged underwater, both the BC 30 and BC 35 should work perfectly fine even in unforgiving weather conditions.
Price
Both the Garmin BC 30 and BC 35 come at the same price. You should read more about their difference to find which is more appealing to you.
Differences between Garmin BC 30 and BC 35
Camera Quality
BC 30 and BC 35 differ in their video feed quality.
Garmin BC 30
The BC 30 has a poor video feed quality. It can output only 240p video feed. That is too low especially nowadays where even webcams have a 4k resolution. Some people who bought the BC 30 also complained about its horrible quality. In addition to its lower resolution camera output, it has a narrower field of view of 140 degrees. This means that you can see less compared to the BC 35. Lastly, both Garmin BC 30 and BC 35 can produce a video feed with a frame rate of only 15 frames per second.
Garmin BC 35
Garmin BC 35 has a better-quality video feed. It can produce a feed with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels. It is nothing impressive by any means. However, if you place it side-by-side with the BC 30, it becomes clearer that the BC 35 has a better camera quality overall. Furthermore, you can see more things with BC 35’s wider field of view at 160 degrees.
The Winner Is- Garmin BC 35
Connectivity
The method of connecting these wireless backup cameras to the satellite navigation displays are also different. The other one relies on the 2.4 GHz radio band and the other connects to a more advanced Wi-Fi connection.
Garmin BC 30
While both the BC 30 and BC 35 are wireless backup cameras, they connect in two different ways. The Garmin BC 30 connects to a satellite navigation display via the traditional 2.4GHz radio frequency. In theory, radio frequency or RF signals are prone to interference from other sources which also emits RF signals. This is the exact reason why manufacturers now are steering away from radio frequency technology.
Garmin BC 35
More modern wireless backup cameras use Wi-Fi as a means of connection between the camera and the display. Unlike RF signals, Wi-Fi does not suffer from the same kind of interference. Fortunately for the BC 35, it connects to the satellite navigation through Wi-Fi. You do not need an internet connection for BC 35 to work. Therefore, it is obvious that the BC 35 edges BC 30 in this category.
The Winner Is- Garmin BC 35
Compatible Devices
Based on the comparison chart above, the Garmin BC 30 and BC 35 have an entirely different list of compatible devices. Let’s find out why.
Garmin BC 30
Garmin BC 30 is compatible with more satellite navigation devices just by looking at the comparison chart. If you already have a satnav that is listed in BC 30’s compatible device, your decision to pick the BC 30 is easy. Otherwise, if you are looking for a new pair of the wireless backup camera and satellite navigation, then read more. Since BC 30 connects via the RF signal, most of the compatible devices listed do not have Wi-Fi capabilities. Therefore, those satellite navigations are cheaper but will get the job done. If you want to save money, choose the BC 30 with an equally cheap compatible satellite navigation device.
Garmin BC 35
As mentioned earlier, BC 35 connects to satellite navigations via Wi-Fi. This is because all of the compatible devices listed in the comparison chart have Wi-Fi built inside them. These higher-end satnavs are more expensive in return. Since the Garmin BC 30 has a longer list of compatible devices and most of them are cheaper, BC 30 trumps the BC 35 in this category.
The Winner Is- Garmin BC 30
Pros and Cons
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:
- Worse video feed at only 240p
- Uses the outdated RF technology
Garmin BC 35
Pros:
- Higher-resolution camera at 640 x 480 pixels
- Can pair up to 4 cameras
- Wide-angle view at 160 degrees
- Wireless
- Long wireless transmission distance at 45 feet
- Connects via Wi-Fi
- No interferences unlike the RF signals
Cons:
- Limited device compatibility
- Compatible satellite navigations are more expensive
Which Garmin Wireless Backup Camera is Better?
Garmin BC 30 and BC 35 are great wireless cameras. They are priced similarly but their features are different. As mentioned above, get the BC 30 if you want a cheaper camera-sat nav pair. However, if you want a better video feed quality, it is easy to choose the Garmin BC 35 because it is better but has the same price tag.