Even after the camera improvements in Beta 11.4.7, HW4 cameras are still a leap ahead in clarity
DirtyTesla
Seeing is believing and more and more videos and images are popping up showing the difference between Tesla's Hardware 3 (HW3) and the latest Hardware 4 (HW4) cameras. The visuals highlight a radical transformation in video quality that paints an exciting future picture.
Improvements to HW3 Cameras
Tesla vehicles with the latest FSD Beta, version 11.4.7 include a notable visual improvement to the vehicle's camera feeds. With this update, Tesla introduced white-balance and color-balance corrections to the vehicle's camera feeds, making them look more realistic and accurate of the real world. But the biggest difference is actually the improvement in camera clarity. The visuals are noticeably sharper.
Our previous article and the included video demostrates the visual differences on HW3 cameras before and after applying FSD Beta 11.4.7. While these improvements are in a branch that is only available to FSD Beta testers (2023.7.30), it's likely that these video improvements will be applied to all vehicles in a future update.
Difference Between the Updated HW3 Camera Feeds to HW4 Camera Feeds
One of the best videos to date that compares HW4 to the new and improved HW3 cameras with Beta 11.4.7 was filmed by DirtyTesla, who did a nice job comparing the various cameras at the same location and in the same lighting. His findings and video are below:
Here is what stands out:
A Leap in Resolution: The images demonstrated the stark difference between the 1.2-megapixel HW3 cameras and the newly introduced 5-megapixel HW4 cameras. This substantial upgrade in resolution has translated to a noticeable increase in clarity, allowing for the easy reading of license plates and road signs that were previously indecipherable with HW3.
Even after the camera improvements in Beta 11.4.7, HW4 cameras are still a leap ahead in clarity
DirtyTesla
The Fish-eye Effect: Another captivating revelation from the images was the pronounced fish-eye effect in the rear camera of HW4. The images depicted a substantially wider field of view compared to the previous version, enhancing peripheral vision for a safer driving experience.
Night-time Brilliance and Vibrant Colors: The comparison was confined to resolution and field of view and highlighted the improved night-time footage quality, exposure control, and more accurate color representation. This promises a more realistic and vibrant visual experience for Tesla owners.
What Does It Mean for Full Self-Driving?
While the images are impressive, the next set is how the camera technology will translate into improved Full Self-Driving capabilities. Elon Musk has hinted that HW4-equipped cars could be 3 to 5 times more adept at autonomous driving. We know that HW4 has more ports for additional cameras as well.
Retrofitting Possibility: A Disappointment
Now to remind you about the disappointing news for existing Tesla owners. These amazing images, courtesy of the new cameras might lead to inquiries about retrofitting possibilities. Unfortunately, the idea of retrofitting has been shut down for some time, in fact, Tesla has been trying to entice current Tesla owners into new Teslas by offering a limited-time transfer of FSD.
The comparison images between HW3 and HW4 cameras are more than just a technical showcase. It's visual evidence of how fast technology is changing and how Tesla continuously updates the hardware in their vehicles.
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The greatly anticipated FSD v12.4 is around the corner, with Elon Musk mentioning that it will be going to employees this weekend, with limited external testers next week.
Several significant improvements are coming with V12.4, which is being compared to the leap in performance that was previously seen between V12 and V11.
Improved Comfort and Reduced Interventions
There are quite a few improvements expected with V12.4, which Musk has said will be focused on user comfort by reducing hard accelerations and sudden braking. According to Musk, FSD v12.4 is also expected to have a 5-10x improvement in time between user interventions, which means that Tesla is rapidly approaching its goal for the Robotaxi announcement on August 8, 2024.
Steering Wheel Nag Removal
FSD V12.4 is expected to eliminate the steering wheel nag, as Musk confirmed its removal last week. The camera-based driver monitoring system will be taking over, providing a hands-free experience. These improvements will most likely benefit owners who have cabin cameras with infrared lights the most, while Tesla may continue to use steering wheel nag as a fallback mechanism.
Driverless Autopark
The second key feature that may be included in v12.4 will be Banish Autopark, previously known as Reverse Summon, allowing you to choose a parking spot, exit the vehicle and have the car park itself. Whether this feature makes it in v12.4 is yet to be seen, but Musk has mentioned that parking without a driver is coming soon.
Automatically Seek Parking Spot at Destination
Finally, your Tesla will now traverse a parking lot and automatically enter Autopark mode when arriving at a destination, according to a post from Musk.
Eligibility and Branch
Tesla recently added FSD v12.3.6 to the 2024.14 branch with updates 2024.14.5 and 2024.14.6. This makes it very likely that Tesla’s next FSD version will also be based on 2024.14, meaning that it will be available to any vehicle on 2024.14.x.
For users on update 2024.3.25, this means that they’ll receive all of the features included in updates 2024.8 and 2024.14, which should make it a massive update.
Release Date
Musk has mentioned that FSD V12.4 is going out to employee vehicles for internal testing this weekend, with external testing starting next week. The rollouts typically go slower than predicted but looks like we may see this begin shipping to customers by the end of the month.
Today, as part of a broader change of tariff rates on Chinese goods, U.S. President Joe Biden announced that he’ll raise tariffs on electric vehicles imported from China, increasing the rate from 25% to 100%, effective this year.
This increase won’t just impact the import of vehicles, but also the rate for lithium-ion batteries produced in China, which will be moving from 7.5% to 25%.
Impact on Competition
The immediate impact of this new regulation is significant for Chinese manufacturers, who have been regarded as Tesla’s largest and greatest competition. Given the tariff hike, this means that new Chinese manufacturers, such as Nio, XPeng, or BYD, will either need to set up production in North America, or be subject to the increased import tariff.
Nio’s vehicles cost between $40,000 USD to $70,000 USD in China based on today’s conversion rates, and with an import tariff of 100%, an imported vehicle’s price would be doubled to $80,000 USD to $140,000 USD, not including other fees. Chinese manufacturers will have to closely weigh the advantages and disadvantages of opening up the North American market, with challenges including vehicle homologation, new tariffs, and a difficult EV market.
Tesla and Chinese Tariffs
Elon Musk recently visited China, engaging with officials to build a foundation for what is currently the world’s largest electric vehicle market. With the potential import of Chinese EVs becoming restricted to the United States, this places Tesla in an advantageous position over its Chinese competitors who have yet to establish their brands in North America.
On the other hand, this could also impact Tesla, as they import Chinese batteries for usage in some vehicles in the United States.
Tesla does not import Gigafactory Shanghai vehicles to the US, but has been increasing North American battery production lately, with expansions in Lathrop, California and a new facility in Sparks, Nevada.
Canadian Tariffs
In Canada, the Model 3 and Model Y are currently being imported from Gigafactory Shanghai. Given Canada’s close following of US foreign policy, this could impact either the prices of Tesla vehicles in Canada or have Tesla shipping vehicles from Fremont and Texas to the United States once again, should Canada also adopt a similar tariff policy.
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The official Tesla app only notifies you if your car is broken into. By installing Sentry Pro on your phone, you will be notified for all Sentry Mode events. Stay connected and avoid potential surprises by receiving notifications. Stop constantly checking the cameras to ensure safety. Check only when necessary, save battery and get peace of mind. Get a 7 day free trial here!
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