Garmin BC 30 vs BC 40

Wireless backup cameras can help you see what is behind you when you are reversing your car. This is particularly helpful in the dark and you do not want to hit the car behind you. A wireless backup camera is an excellent upgrade you can add to an older car. 

In this article, we are going to compare two robust wireless backup cameras both from Garmin – the BC 30 and BC 40. Let’s dig deeper into their similarities and differences. First, let’s look at their basic characteristics in the Garmin BC 30 vs BC 40 comparison table.

Garmin BC 30 vs Garmin BC 40 Comparison Chart

Garmin BC 30 Garmin BC 40
Image
Camera Resolution 240p 1280 x 720 pixels
Frame Rate Up to 15 fps Up to 15 fps
Pair Multiple Cameras Up to 4 Up to 4
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 26 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 DriveAssist 51 LMT-S, DriveLuxe 51 LMT-S, DriveSmart 51 LMT-S / 55 / 55 & Traffic / 61 LMT-S / 65 & Traffic / 65 with Amazon Alexa /  DriveTrack 71
Item Dimensions 1.2 x 1.0 x 1.1 inches 6.3″ x 0.9″ x 1.0″
Item Weight 6.5 oz (183 g) 2.1 oz (58.9 g)
What’s Included BC 30 wireless backup camera with mounting bracket, wireless transmitter, power cable, hardware, documentation BC 40 wireless backup camera, bracket mount, documentation
Price Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Amazon

Similarities between Garmin BC 30 and Garmin BC 40 

Garmin Wireless Backup Camera

Garmin has been in the navigation market for quite some time. They have established themselves internationally as a reliable brand. While many wireless backup cameras in the market are from an unbranded or unknown company, both of the BC 30 and BC 40 come from a well-established company which you can trust. 

Expandability

Garmin BC 30 and BC 40 can be expanded up to 4 cameras. This is particularly useful for RV owners who wish to put wireless backup cameras at multiple locations. A car or truck that has multiple blind spots can also benefit from both of these.

Waterproofing

Waterproofing is crucial in all wireless backup cameras because they are subjected to harsh weather conditions. Protection to at least water splashes is important. Fortunately for both Garmin BC 30 and BC 40, they have a waterproof rating of IPX7. Devices that passed testing and rated at IPX7 can be submerged into water up to 1 meter in depth for 30 minutes. This IPX7 rating on both wireless backup cameras is more than enough to sustain even the most unforgiving climate.

Differences between Garmin BC 30 and Garmin BC 40 

Camera Quality

With the exponentially advancing technology, good video feed quality is an essential part of any camera. Wireless backup cameras should output detailed video feed to see clearly what you are backing up to.

Garmin BC 30

The Garmin BC 30 is stuck in the past with its low-resolution video feed quality. At only 240p, the video quality is blurry and less detailed. It is unforgivable to see a camera in modern times that only has a 240p output. On top of that, having a video feed with a frame rate of only 15 frames per second may look a bit choppy at times. It has an overall worse camera quality. Lastly, BC 30 has a narrower field of view at only 140 degrees.

Garmin BC 40

Being the more modern generation of the Garmin BC product line, the BC 40 has drastically better camera quality. It can output a high-definition video feed with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels. This alone makes the Garmin BC 40 better than the BC 30. However, like the BC 30, BC 40 has a frame rate of only 15 frames per second. Furthermore, you can see more of the surroundings with BC 40’s wider field of view at 160 degrees.

The Winner Is- Garmin BC 40

Voice Commands

Like other gadgets, wireless backup cameras are also getting ‘smarter’. Nowadays, even our refrigerators can be smart enough to ask for recipes. Let us see which wireless backup camera is also ‘smart’.

Garmin BC 30

As already mentioned above, Garmin BC 30 is stuck in the past. It is rightfully so because it does not have a voice recognition feature. It works as a traditional wireless backup camera. 

Garmin BC 40

On the other hand, Garmin BC 40 is the ‘smarter’ wireless backup camera as it can do voice commands. You can initiate the camera view by just saying ‘Show Video.’ To hide the camera view, you can say ‘Hide video’.

The Winner Is- Garmin BC 40

Wireless Transmission Range

Transmission range is important especially for people who wish to place wireless backup cameras to their trailers. 

Garmin BC 30

The Garmin BC 30 has a longer wireless transmission distance of 45 feet. Range won’t be a problem with the BC 30 as long as there is no interference and whatnot.

Garmin BC 40

In contrast, the Garmin BC 40 has a shorter wireless transmission distance of only 26 feet. The wireless backup camera will be pushed to its limit considering large motorhomes can be as long as 32 feet or more.

The Winner Is- Garmin BC 30

Connectivity

Garmin BC 30 and BC 40 differ in the method they connect to the satellite navigation. One uses the traditional radio frequencies, while the other uses the more modern Wi-Fi connection.

Garmin BC 30

Continuing BC 30 as being stuck in the past, it still uses the traditional radio frequencies or RF signals. One disadvantage of using RF signals over a Wi-Fi connection is interference. RF signals are prone to interference from other radio sources. 

Garmin BC 40

Garmin steered away from using the RF signals to a more favorable Wi-Fi connection. Interference is never a problem with Wi-Fi connectivity. Although the BC 40 connects through its Wi-Fi, no internet connection is needed as one might think. Garmin BC 40 is indeed the winner in this category.

The Winner Is- Garmin BC 40

Power


The source of the power of both wireless backup cameras comes from two different sources. 

Garmin BC 30

To power the Garmin BC 30, you need to connect it to a 12-volt power supply in your car. If you are not as car-savvy, you can contact Garmin to assist you with installing the BC 30. Garmin even recommends you ask them for professional help because drilling on your car may be needed. 

Garmin BC 40

In contrast, BC 40 is as wireless as you can hope. There is no drilling required to install. To power the BC 40, you need to buy two AA batteries. Garmin recommends using Lithium batteries. Garmin promises 3 months of use using a good Lithium battery. Some people, however, may find this inconvenient. Due to that, the Garmin BC 30 beats the BC 40.

The Winner Is- Garmin BC 30

Pros and Cons

Garmin BC 30 

Pros:
  • 240p camera resolution
  • Can pair up to 4 cameras
  • Wide-angle view at 140 degrees
  • Wireless
  • Longer wireless transmission distance at 45 feet
  • Wide device compatibility

 

Cons:

  • Video quality could be better
  • Worse video feed at only 240p
  • Has a narrower field of view at 140 degrees
  • Low fps at 15 fps
  • Uses the outdated RF technology

 

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Garmin BC 40

Pros:
  • Higher-resolution camera at 1280 x 720 pixels
  • Can pair up to 40 cameras
  • Wide-angle view at 160 degrees
  • Wireless
  • Connects via Wi-Fi
  • No interferences unlike the RF signals
  • Voice commands

 

Cons:

  • Has a shorter wireless transmission distance
  • Compatible satellite navigation are more expensive

 

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Which Garmin Wireless Backup Camera is Better?

Garmin BC 30 and BC 40 differ in a lot of ways. Based on their differences, you can confidently conclude that Garmin BC 40 is better overall. Not to mention, they have a very similar price tag. BC 40’s better camera quality alone makes it better. 

Also Read:

Garmin BC 20 vs BC 30
Garmin BC 30 vs BC 35
Garmin Drivesmart 55 vs 65

Home » Vehicle Backup Cameras » Garmin BC 30 vs BC 40: Which Wireless Backup Camera is Better?

Garmin BC 30 vs BC 40: Which Wireless Backup Camera is Better?