The Best Rear View Cameras for Cars for 2022

It is extremely difficult to park a car in a city, because you often have to back up, while maneuvering between various obstacles. In addition, there are various "dead zones" that are not available for the driver's view, and into which a person or animal can get. Therefore, to simplify the life of a motorist, it is better to use a rear-view camera.

In addition to the device, it is possible to install several parking sensors - a system of non-contact devices that will signal approaching obstacles.

How the rear view camera works

The camera itself is no different from a standard webcam or any other similar video surveillance device. It is usually mounted on the back of the car in the area where the license plate is located, and the image captured by it is transmitted to the driver in the car interior on the installed monitor. In this case, you can use both a separate monitor and a monitor integrated into the machine (for example, an on-board computer). For convenience, the picture is transmitted to the driver in a mirrored reflection, this effect is needed so that the driver does not get confused in the sides if he tries to secure himself through the rear-view mirror. The resulting image can be overlaid with parking sensors (a kind of coordinate grid), which will allow you to more accurately assess the situation behind the car.

The main advantages of the device

• Can work flawlessly in intensive mode;
• Have a long service life;
• Simple and easy to use;
• Most models comply with international standards;
• Have an aesthetic appearance.

In addition, in the Russian consumer market, rear-view cameras are technically complex devices and, before entering the retail market, they undergo multi-stage quality control. Therefore, the retail purchase of such devices is safer than ordering them on various Internet sites. This applies even to Asian manufacturers - their products are also confirmed by Russian quality certificates.

Varieties

For any car enthusiast, the appearance of his car is important, so the installed camera should be either the least noticeable, or harmoniously fit into the overall design of the car.

Devices are divided into the following types:

• Standard devices - they are delivered immediately with new cars and are mounted by the manufacturer in a specially designated place in the car body (for example, in the place where the rear number plate light is installed, while the backlight itself will be implemented using the camera. Other standard places include the rear emblem of the car brand or the trunk opening handle ). These regular gadgets are the least noticeable on the case - it is understandable, because everything is provided in advance by the manufacturer. Their main drawback is their extremely narrow specialization and the impossibility of being subjected to modernization, because they are made for a specific make and model of a car. Even if you try to install such a camera on another car, it simply may not be supported by the on-board computer of a car of another brand due to their incompatibility;
• Devices mounted in the license plate frame - are the most versatile gadgets and can be easily installed on any brand of car. The installation process is not complicated and it is quite possible to do it yourself.However, such cameras have a significant drawback - they are extremely easy to dismantle, so they can become objects of abduction for thieves. In addition, if the body of the car in the area where the back plate is located has a specific factory bend (this mainly applies to Asian car brands), then some problems may arise with installation.

There are also camera models whose versatility lies in their visual installation:

• Mortise devices - are installed in a special hole drilled in the rear bumper of the car and secured with latches / lock nuts. Drilling a special hole is the main disadvantage of installing such a camera, because if it is no longer needed in the future, then the bumper will remain with traces of damage. But from the pluses it can be noted that this device will be inconspicuous;
• Overhead devices - they are simply mounted on brackets on the rear bumper (again, a drilling procedure will be required). It is even possible to fix them on double-sided tape, but in this case they can easily be lost over time, when the adhesive base of the adhesive tape loses its operational properties.

Video output conditions

Devices for receiving a video signal can differ in several ways. Depending on their combination, the driver can choose the most suitable scheme for himself.

Display devices:

• External screen - can be installed on the dashboard in the car or installed on the rear-view mirror, as if replacing part of the reflected image;
• The screen of an integrated car radio or navigator (an appropriate resolution is required) or a regular DVR module.

Wired and wireless transmission:

• Cable connection - the video signal is first digitized by the camera processor, then the same processor is converted to analog and transmitted to the display device via wires laid inside the car. The main thing is that the display device supports either the American (NTSC) or European (PAL) color standard;
• Wireless connection - this option has an advantageous advantage, because it does not require laying a cable inside the car. However, it has restrictions on the distance of receiving the signal (no more than 15 meters) and with such a transmission, interference may occur in the image.

A wireless connection can also differ in the type of signal modulation:

• Connection via FM waves - both the monitor and the camera have an external receiver and transmitter, respectively, through which their message occurs;
• Wi-Fi connection - The camera creates its own password-protected access point, through which you can output to any external display device that supports Wi-Fi technology. The signal is transmitted in real time.

Image output options

As mentioned above, most cameras display images in a mirror format, so as not to confuse the driver about the image in the rearview mirror. However, professionals believe that it is better to choose the option where this feature will be disabled. There is a situation here that can be compared to forcing left-handers to write with their right hand - some people are better off perceiving images in direct form.

More about parking sensors

The rear view camera can superimpose a virtual coordinate grid on the displayed image with information about the distance to the nearest object.However, for this function to work fully, it is required to calibrate the camera as accurately as possible during its installation. Usually, the parameters required for this (viewing angle, installation height) are indicated in the operating instructions. If these recommended characteristics are not observed, then the camera grid will produce false information. It would also be nice if such functionality is optionally disabled.

More about viewing angles

The larger the camera model has a viewing angle, the more it will be able to capture objects behind the car. But it is always worth remembering that an extremely wide viewing angle will affect the image distortion (the “fish eye” effect). Also, with an excessive increase in this angle, the output image may seem “blurred”. Angles from 120 to 170 degrees are considered optimal. Below the minimum limit, cameras are considered to be directional, and above the upper limit, cameras are considered to be wide directional.

Sensors used in cameras

Currently, rear-view cameras practically do not differ from modern video equipment, and even in their designs you can find the use of professional elements (for example, lenses from Carl Zeiss). The following matrices are used as standard in modern samples:

• CCD - excellent image, excellent light sensitivity, but not the highest processing speed of the output image at a fairly rather high cost;
• HCCD - the same as the previous one, but the resolution of the output image has been increased;
• CMOS is the most common system and relatively inexpensive. It is characterized by a high speed of image processing, but the photosensitivity is somewhat lowered. Although this disadvantage when the camera is working at night can be easily compensated for by the taillights.Moreover, the rear lights can be set to turn on automatically when the car starts to move in reverse.

Minimum required light

In order for the camera to work reliably in conditions of minimal illumination, its light sensitivity should be in the range from 0.01 to 3 Lx. For a CCD matrix, an indicator of 0.01 Lux will be sufficient, but for CMOS, higher parameters are already required - 0.1 Lux.

Resolution used in rear view cameras

It is usually extremely small - only 628 by 582 pixels. Converting to standard values, this is only 0.3 megapixels. At first glance, it may seem that the resolution is extremely small, but more is not required. Hardly anyone wants to park on a 24-inch widescreen monitor that can support resolutions from 1900 x 1600.

Temperature for operation

Still, rear-view cameras are extremely sensitive devices, so they are quite capricious to environmental conditions. More expensive models are equipped with special housings that maximally protect the working elements of the device from external influences, through the use of special technologies for dust and moisture protection. Standard devices are capable of operating in the temperature range from +25 to -65 degrees Celsius.

Special functionality

Devices can be equipped with additional functions:

• Infrared illumination - devices are supplemented with special LEDs that emit light in the invisible infrared range. This option allows you to better coordinate the work of parking sensors.
• Auto Exposure - depending on the current illumination, the transmitted image automatically becomes lighter / darker.
• Auto-correction of white color - if there are heavy-duty light sources nearby (street lamps, bright sun, etc.), the picture will be darkened.
• Remote control - found in sets of expensive video cameras and it displays the ability to enable / disable various options (“mirroring” the rear view, changing the viewing angle, etc.).

Rating of the best rear view cameras for 2022

Mortise devices

3rd place: AUTOEXPERT VC-214 (393348)

This model is a classic budget option. It has a relatively large functionality, but at the same time its price is much lower than flagship samples with the same characteristics. Users speak of good picture quality when transmitting a signal in analog format. The ratio of image noise and color quality is quite satisfactory.

Name	Index
Manufacturer country.	China
Resolution, pixels	648x488
Viewing angle, degrees	170
Operating temperature, Celsius range	+25 to -70
Lighting, Lux	0.6
Supply voltage, V	19
Diameter, mm	19
Warranty, months	12
Price, rubles	1700

• Budget price;
• Multifunctionality;
• Excellent analog signal.

• Reduced light sensitivity.

2nd place: INCAR VDC-002 (408002)

Able to provide excellent visibility in practice thanks to a high-quality and large matrix based on CMOS technology. Visibility is maintained equally good both day and night. Has enhanced image clarity.

Name	Index
Manufacturer country.	China
Resolution, pixels	628x582
Viewing angle, degrees	170
Operating temperature, Celsius range	+25 to -60
Lighting, Lux	0.1
Supply voltage, V	18
Warranty, months	12
Price, rubles	2200

• Large matrix;
• High image contrast;
• Enlarged sensor.

• Completely no additional accessories;
• There is a non-switchable "mirroring" mode.

1st place: AVIS 311CPR (433954)

This sample is truly a leader among inset cameras. It has a reinforced CCD-matrix, maintains high light sensitivity, requires a minimum of illumination for normal operation. The direct and mirror display mode can be optionally changed at the request of the user. It is possible to purchase many different accessories for this model (for example, a remote control).

Name	Index
Manufacturer country.	China
Resolution, pixels	512x492
Viewing angle, degrees	170
Operating temperature, Celsius range	+25 to -55
Lighting, Lux	0.1
Supply voltage, V	18
Warranty, months	12
Price, rubles	4700

• Upgraded high-resolution matrix;
• Availability of direct/mirror display function;
• Possibility of using additional accessories.

• Non-standard screw design.

Overlay cameras

3rd place: BLACKVIEW UC-27

This sample has the function of imposing a coordinate grid on the image to simplify the parking process. Good light sensitivity allows you to perform complex maneuvers in reverse, even at night. Structurally, the working elements of the camera are perfectly protected by a dust- and moisture-proof housing.

Name	Index
Manufacturer country.	China
Resolution, pixels	628x582
Viewing angle, degrees	130
Operating temperature, Celsius range	+25 to -65
Lighting, Lux	0.2
Supply voltage, V	12
Warranty, months	12
Price, rubles	1000

• Very budget price;
• Has a parking sensors system;
• Dust-waterproof case.

• Narrow lens (120-130 degrees).

2nd place: XIAOMI 70MAI HD REVERSE VIDEO CAMERA

This device is considered universal in terms of its recognition by standard on-board computers of various car brands. The image is transmitted in high resolution. The housing has a European degree of dust and moisture protection. The model is equipped with a highly sensitive sensor.

Name	Index
Manufacturer country.	China
Resolution, pixels	1280x720
Viewing angle, degrees	138
Operating temperature, Celsius range	+25 to -70
Lighting, Lux	0.1
Supply voltage, V	12
Warranty, months	12
Price, rubles	1800

• A high resolution;
• Wide viewing angle;
• Versatility.

• Mounting and connecting the camera to car systems is difficult for a non-professional to do on their own.

1st place: ALPINE HCE-C1100

This model is a flagship, as evidenced by its considerable price. The high-definition image can be transmitted in both digital and analog format. For such characteristics, it has a rather low level of required light sensitivity - only 1.5 Lx. Remote control included. The camera can automatically adjust the white balance and exposure.

Name	Index
Manufacturer country.	Japan
Resolution, pixels	1280x960
Viewing angle, degrees	180
Operating temperature, Celsius range	+25 to -70
Lighting, Lux	1.5
Supply voltage, V	12
Warranty, months	12
Price, rubles	8000

• Reinforced equipment;
• Compact body;
• Optional image output mode.

• Not detected.

Frame Cameras

3rd place: AUTOEXPERT VC-204

It can be installed in the license plate frame and can be freely adjusted vertically for better picture quality. The body of the device itself is resistant to various operating vibrations, the seams are perfectly fitted, and the body is also resistant to direct exposure to ultraviolet rays. The 170-degree viewing angle simply leaves no blind spots.

Name	Index
Manufacturer country.	China
Resolution, pixels	648x488
Viewing angle, degrees	170
Operating temperature, Celsius range	+25 to -70
Lighting, Lux	0.6
Supply voltage, V	15
Warranty, months	12
Price, rubles	2800

• Image clarity;
• Increased viewing angle;
• The presence of parking sensors;
• It can also be installed on the front license plate.

• Does not have a wireless interface;
• The image is transmitted only in mirror form.

2nd place: SHO-ME CA-6184LED

It has an infrared LED backlight, which does not require additional switching on of the rear marker lights. The coordinate grid of the parking sensors is superimposed on the transmitted image. Even without a wide-angle lens, the camera confidently captures all interference at a distance of a meter from its location, which is quite enough to perform a safe maneuver.Requires a special installation height - at least 50 cm from the roadway (thus perfectly suitable for SUVs and crossovers).

Name	Index
Manufacturer country.	China
Resolution, pixels	545x420
Viewing angle, degrees	170
Operating temperature, Celsius range	+25 to -60
Lighting, Lux	0.6
Supply voltage, V	12
Warranty, months	12
Price, rubles	2000

• Ease of installation;
• The presence of a grid of parking sensors;
• Confident fixation of possible interference.

• Transmits analog signal only;
• More suitable for larger vehicles.

1st place: AVS303CPR (CMOS)

This sample is the easiest in terms of integration - you just need to insert the number into the frame and fix it on the car, all other steps have already been completed at the factory during assembly. The camera supports color analog images and its video input is universal for almost any receiver. Equipped with infrared illumination does not require the additional use of rear marker lights. The body is completely sealed, and the viewing angle can be adjusted horizontally.

Name	Index
Manufacturer country.	China
Resolution, pixels	648x488
Viewing angle, degrees	165
Operating temperature, Celsius range	+25 to -30
Lighting, Lux	0.2
Supply voltage, V	12
Warranty, months	12
Price, rubles	2100

• Universality of connection to receivers;
• Horizontal adjustment;
• The presence of infrared LEDs in the design.

• Afraid of low temperatures (up to -30).

Devices on external mounts (brackets)

3rd place: INCAR VDC-412

Despite its Chinese origin, this model is focused on installation on European brands of cars, and premium. Installation of the device is carried out in the factory very easily and does not take much time. The technical characteristics of the gadget will allow you to use it to the fullest. The infrared technology used in the device allows you to reverse with a sufficient degree of safety even when the rear lights are not working.

Name	Index
Manufacturer country.	China
Resolution, pixels	648x488
Viewing angle, degrees	170
Operating temperature, Celsius range	+25 to -50
Lighting, Lux	0.5
Supply voltage, V	12
Warranty, months	12
Price, rubles	7500

• The body is combined with a brake light;
• The presence of infrared illumination;
• Universality for European car brands.

• Little functionality at a relatively high price.

2nd place: AVS325CPR

A universal model, again focused on the manufacturer of European cars. Provides a good picture in zero light conditions due to its infrared illumination. The body itself is made of durable ABS plastic and can duplicate the brake light. Resistant to changes in ambient temperature and UV. Users note the increased operational resource of the model.

Name	Index
Manufacturer country.	China
Resolution, pixels	762x504
Viewing angle, degrees	170
Operating temperature, Celsius range	+30 to -70
Lighting, Lux	0
Supply voltage, V	12
Warranty, months	12
Price, rubles	8000

• Possibility of work at zero illumination;
• Increased resolution;
• Extended temperature range.

• Not detected

1st place: GARMIN BC 30

The most functional device in its segment. Capable of transmitting a signal in both digital and analog format, has infrared illumination. Despite the average capture angle (140 degrees), it calmly copes with the detection of potential interference when reversing. The case is equipped with the best dust and moisture protection for today according to the European standard IP7.

Name	Index
Manufacturer country.	USA
Resolution, pixels	1280x960
Viewing angle, degrees	140
Operating temperature, Celsius range	+30 to -50
Lighting, Lux	0.1
Supply voltage, V	12
Warranty, months	12
Price, rubles	16000

• Wireless method of communication with the receiver;
• Variable mounting method by means of a bracket;
• Increased resolution.

• High price.

Instead of an epilogue

The analysis of the rear view camera market shows that today it is quite simple to choose the necessary device - there are models that can satisfy every taste and budget. However, attempts to save money on this security device can turn into some troubles, therefore, when buying a camera anywhere (both in an online store and in a retail outlet), it is better to ask the seller about the certification documents for the selected model.