The Best Backup Cameras For Cars
No one has eyes in the back of their heads, which is why so many cars these days come with rearview backup cameras. Parallel parking becomes so much easier when you can see behind you. However, if your car doesn't have a camera, don't fret — you can add a backup camera to your car quickly and shockingly affordably. That's why we're bringing you this list of the top options, which can take the guesswork out of backing up.
What to Look For
To find the best rearview car cameras, we used three main questions to guide our search. Does it require power from the car or does it run off batteries? How is the image quality? What is the viewing angle? If ease of installation is your top priority, eRapta’s wireless backup camera system is the way to go. It doesn’t require any modification of your car’s internals to set up, which is always a relief. And for great image quality, our top choice by LeeKooLuu boasts a powerful camera and crisp display. To learn more, keep reading as we elaborate on these top-notch car cameras.
LeeKooLuu Backup Camera Rear View Monitor
Seeing is believing
Get ready for supreme visibility: this backup rear camera gives us a full view behind our car. This camera is the perfect companion for both parallel parking and simply backing out of a spot. Its wide viewing angle lets you see pedestrians coming from either side. And if it’s raining or dark outside, the bright LEDs illuminate your surroundings while the sensitive camera sensor picks up details as if it were daytime.
Pros:
- The camera is fully waterproof. Unlike some other rearview cameras, the inside is filled with a sealant so not even condensation will form inside.
- A separate windshield mount can be purchased to convert this into a front-facing camera. The monitor also accepts inputs from two cameras for a front and back camera system.
Cons:
- Installation can be a bit tricky for those without any experience working on cars.
AUTO-VOX CS-2 Wireless Backup Camera Kit
The speedy set-up
Installing a wired camera set up in a car sounds daunting and requires a bit of technical skill to thread the video cable along the length of the car. With this wireless system, however, the only thing to hook up is power. The instructions are simple enough for anyone to follow. The monitor just plugs into the 12-volt socket, so there’s no complicated wiring involved.
Pros:
- The camera can withstand extreme temperatures, ranging from about -4℉ to 149℉. Plus, it’s waterproof so snow and rain won’t damage it.
- The power supply for the monitor includes a USB port, so you can conveniently charge USB devices like smartphones, even with the monitor turned on.
Cons:
- The screen is only 4.3 inches, so it’s a bit on the small side.
Natika Rearview Backup Camera
A wider view for wider vehicles
This backup camera will come in handy for those that drive RVs, trucks, or large vans, so it’s a great way to reduce the risk of costly accidents when backing up. It can connect to 24V systems as well as more common 12V vehicles. And we especially like how small this camera is, too. It’s easy to install almost anywhere and is barely noticeable. The super-wide viewing angle gives great visual coverage, even for large RVs.
Pros:
- Even without LEDs, this camera works well in low lighting. The light from the reverse lights is enough for a clear image.
- The cable is long enough for large RVs. The camera and its long video cable are strong enough to withstand cold and hot temperatures without damage.
Cons:
- The installation is a lot easier for those with basic car electrical knowledge, so it can take longer for the inexperienced.
eRapta Wireless Backup Camera System with Battery for Cars
Put one and one together
With this battery-powered camera system, there’s no complicated wiring involved. The screen plugs into the car’s power socket, and the camera comes with a long-lasting rechargeable battery, fully charged out of the box. The screen is already paired with the camera for a quick, easy setup. The screen even orients itself in any direction, so the buttons can be on either the left or right side.
Pros:
- The setup only takes around five to ten minutes. To install the camera, you simply use the license plate screws.
- The camera housing is made of metal. Because of this, it will last for years instead of cracking from extreme heat or cold.
Cons:
- The suction cup for the screen doesn’t work well on heavily textured dashboards.
Auto-vox T9 Rear View Mirror Touchscreen Backup Camera
For the clean look
Adding a backup camera and display to a car has many benefits, but the monitor can clutter up the dashboard. Enter the T9 rearview mirror camera system. This replaces the rearview mirror with a fully functional touchscreen. It gives a much better view of the road than a regular rearview mirror. Whether for highway driving or parallel parking, this system works wonders. The camera uses the car’s power to function for constant visual coverage.
Pros:
- The view can be adjusted via the touchscreen. For example, you can scroll up for a wider view while driving and scroll down for a lower view when parking.
- When the display is off, this functions as a regular mirror. The display can be set to turn on only while reversing.
Cons:
- Due to the advanced design, it may be worth it to hire a professional for the installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I hook up a car camera to my car power?
To connect a rearview camera to car power, you’ll want to open the trunk and locate the reverse light wires — these are usually in the corner of the trunk, a red and black wire, and you’ll need to take off a small section of the rubber wire casing. You’ll attach the positive wire (red) to the corresponding exposed car wire, and the same for the negative wire (black). Once the connection is secure, wrap some electrical tape around the exposed wire. Finally, you’ll drill a small hole for the power cable and mount the camera per its instructions.
Do I need to know how to access my car’s electrical system?
Some backup cameras for cars include batteries so you don’t have to do any electrical work. The only downside to this is that the camera’s batteries need to be charged from time to time. These wireless car camera setups usually include a battery indicator on the display.
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