Tesla improves Model 3 backup camera image quality through software update

In our review of the Tesla Model 3, the backup camera was among our complaints due to poor video quality.

Tesla is apparently trying to fix the issue since Model 3 owners are now reporting that the quality has improved following a recent software update.

Electrek’s Jameson Dow wrote that he likes to use the rearview camera while driving to compensate for less than ideal rear visibility, but he was disappointed by the quality of the image he was getting.

He wrote:

“The touchscreen makes it very easy to activate the rearview camera while driving, and I believe this design choice was intentional by Tesla as a workaround to the poor rear visibility.  But the backup camera is a little too fisheyed, and a little too low-quality, especially at night, to make up for it.”

Now Model 3 owner Doug Martoccia says that he went to Tesla’s service center earlier this week and they pushed the latest software update to his vehicle.

He found that the video from his backup camera improved. Doug shared the images with Electrek:

While the fisheye effect is still there, the image quality has definitely changed and arguably improved.

Several other Model 3 owners have reported seeing the difference following a software update this week.

Electrek’s Take

Tesla seems to have changed its backup camera not just for Model 3, but also for the more recent Model S vehicles and presumably Model X.

I was driving a new 2017 Model S last month and I saw a significant difference compared to the backup camera of my 2012 Model S. While I didn’t have any complaint with the image quality, I did dislike the fisheye lens effect, which is significantly less visible than in my car.

It’s not clear when this change happened, but it’s apparently now also affecting Model 3.

At least, it looks like Tesla is aware that it is an issue for some Model 3 owners and they are working on the video quality via software.

As we previously reported, the automaker has yet to complete the Model 3’s software, but Elon Musk said earlier this month that it was the priority right now and they expect it to be completed “soon.”