Due to the limited visibility and the presence of a large number of blind spots, parking in reverse gear is a rather dangerous maneuver. In order to make this process a little easier for motorists, a special rear-view camera was developed, which helps to clearly see everything that happens behind the vehicle. If necessary, you can also install special parking sensors that will inform the driver about the presence of various kinds of obstacles.
In automotive stores, you can find a fairly wide selection of such devices, which differ significantly from each other not only in appearance or installation method, but also in performance. This can put a potential buyer in a rather delicate situation. Especially for people who are going to purchase this device, we decided to write a review of the best rear view cameras. Before we start analyzing the specific characteristics of products, let’s see what qualities affect the choice of the optimal model.
How to choose rear view cameras?
It is quite natural that the first impression is made by the appearance of the structure, especially since such a camera should be in harmony with the design of the vehicle. All products can be divided into three main groups — regular, mortise, overhead and mounted in the license plate frame. Regular designs are placed in a special place that the car manufacturer has provided for it; it can also be installed instead of backlighting the number plate. Such devices are almost invisible, easy to install. However, they are not universal.
Mortise chambers are placed using latches or lock nuts. To install them, you will have to cut a special hole in the bumper. Overhead models are attached using the bracket that comes with the device. In this case, it is absolutely not necessary to drill the car body — for this you can use double-sided tape. The frame-mounted camera is also easy to install, but the complexity here depends on the bumper’s curvature.
You should immediately consider where the signal from this camera will be output. You can get an image on a special monitor, which is placed on the dashboard. Today, there are folding monitors that do not interfere with the view at all, and there are also rear-view mirrors on sale that can replace the monitor. The device is capable of transmitting a signal to the display of the DVR.
Be sure to take into account the technology of data transmission — cable or wireless. The cable method is standard, besides, such cameras will not cost too much. Cameras equipped with a wireless data transmission module cost much more, but have a serious drawback — a fairly large amount of interference can occur when sending a signal. Information can be transmitted via FM modulation or via Wi-Fi. In the latter case, the signal can be received not only on the DVR or other similar device, but on any mobile device equipped with the appropriate module.
When choosing models to include in our ranking of the best rear view cameras, we were guided by all the principles mentioned earlier, but also took into account other points: user reviews and value for money products. We hope that after carefully studying the characteristics of the models, you will be able to choose the most suitable product for yourself.
Top 10 Best Rear View Camera Models
10. INCAR VDC-003B
Our review opens with products that are large enough for this type of device, so they will be clearly visible. For mounting to the trunk, a special bracket is included. It is better not to put it on double-sided tape, since the camera has a decent size and weight, because of which it can simply fall off while moving. The case itself is plastic, assembled securely, the camera is completely dust and water resistant — these parameters fully comply with the IP66 standard. It has a decent optics in terms of its characteristics, the viewing angle of which is 170 degrees, and it allows you to get a very high-quality picture with a resolution of 628×582 pixels. With this device, you can perform absolutely any maneuver when reversing.
The cameras have a CMOS sensor, which is usually installed in similar devices of various kinds, the size of its sensor is 1/3 inch. The color is quite decent, even in low light conditions the camera will produce a fairly legible picture, which will be able to see any obstacles. It connects with the wires included in the kit. If there is a desire or need, it will be possible to include special parking markings. This camera can also be used as a front camera — for this you just have to turn off the mirror image function.
Advantages:
- Sufficiently high image quality;
- The reliability of the case, providing absolute water tightness;
- Almost instantaneous response time;
- Everything is clearly visible even in low light conditions.
Flaws:
- Decent overall dimensions;
- High price;
- Some difficulties may arise during installation.
INCAR VDC-003B
9.MIO MiVuue A30
It is characterized by compact overall dimensions, and the camera itself, if necessary, can be completely removed from the mount. It is mounted on the case using a special double-sided adhesive tape, which is supplied in the kit and has excellent qualities. In particular, it can easily withstand even significant temperature changes, exposure to moisture, dirt, and so on. The device is equipped with a special Sony sensor, which has a viewing angle of 130 degrees. The product is capable of shooting in Full HD, and this camera can be used not only as a parking, but also as a DVR that will constantly record everything that happens behind the car.
It is absolutely not necessary to install the device outside — it is permissible to place it in the cabin, fixing it on the rear window. The kit comes with a connection cable that has an original shape, and it is quite long — it is well suited even for a large car. It is most convenient to connect the camera to the DVR so that it also records from it. There is a branching at the second end — one socket is designed to connect to the on-board power supply, the second is designed to output an image to a recorder, car monitor and other similar structures.
Advantages:
- Original products of excellent quality;
- If necessary, continuous recording can be made while the vehicle is in motion;
- Can record even when the car is parked;
- Small overall dimensions;
- Possibility of mounting on the rear window inside the cabin.
Flaws:
- Great value;
- Large diameter power cable;
- If the rear glass is tinted, then glare occurs during recording.
MIO MiVuue A30
8. Interpower IP-950 Aqua
A very original model, which was developed using innovative technologies. The main point that distinguishes this camera from other similar models is the built-in washer IP-950 Aqua. It can be placed on a rear horizontal surface, such as a license plate light, but it can also be placed on a vertical surface or on the front of a vehicle. The camera is versatile — it is perfectly compatible with any makes and models of vehicles. The design is perfect for Russian conditions: due to the existing washer, the picture will always be clear and legible. It easily removes all sorts of contaminants from the lens — dust, splashes, and so on.
The kit comes with a special mounting bracket that allows you to connect the product to the windshield washer system. The driver will always be aware of what is happening behind his car. The camera is of rather high quality workmanship, it has a built-in CMOS sensor that will automatically adjust the brightness of the image depending on the degree of natural light outside the vehicle. The overall dimensions of the product are insignificant — 2.5×2.5×2.5 cm. The body is made of high-quality metal, the lens has an LED backlight.
Advantages:
- Decent image quality;
- Availability of parking lines;
- There is a fairly bright backlight;
- Possibility of connection to system of washing of glasses is provided;
- Well assembled.
Flaws:
- Not too great viewing angles.
Interpower IP-950 Aqua
7 Sho Me CA-9J185D1
The device has two types of attachment to the side of the car — the camera is installed using an external bracket or a mortise clip. The model can be powered from the reversing lamp. The product is characterized by small overall dimensions, is universal. The products have very wide viewing angles, so even an obstacle located at a considerable distance will be clearly visible. The parking lines are very clear. The image quality is quite decent — you can easily see even the smallest details on a relatively large screen. This model can be installed on any rear surface of the car — spoiler, bumper, license plate, if necessary, it can be fixed on the rear window.
The output picture is full-color, the optics has a matrix with a resolution of 0.3 megapixels, viewing angles, as already mentioned, are wide enough for such products — 120 degrees. The camera is able to produce a decent image even with a lack of illumination — 0.2 lux. The camera is housed in a black housing made of matte plastic. The quality of protection against moisture corresponds to the level of IP67. It is connected using the wires that are supplied with the device.
Advantages:
- Reliable protection against penetration under the body of moisture and dust;
- Excellent image quality;
- Acceptable cost of the device;
- The camera has wide viewing angles;
- The image output delay is minimal, so the driver will be able to respond in a timely manner to the obstacle that has arisen.
Flaws:
- At ambient light levels below 0.2 lux, image quality deteriorates noticeably.
Sho Me CA-9J185D1
6. Xiaomi 70mai HD Reverse Video Camera (Midrive RC03)
After installing such a camera, you can record or broadcast a video showing what is happening behind the vehicle. The picture will be displayed on the display of the radio, video recorder, external monitor, thanks to this, the level of overall security is greatly increased. If you use the device exclusively as a parking camera, then it will turn on only after the reverse gear is activated. If necessary, the image can be displayed on the so-called smart rear-view mirror. With the help of such a device, you will be able to park quickly and correctly. The viewing angles are very wide — they are 138 degrees, which allows you to capture two more side bands in the camera lens. The camera is able to shoot even in dim natural light conditions, it will capture all the smallest details on the path of the car. The matrix is characterized by excellent resolution, allowing you to get a picture in HD quality.
The lens is carefully protected from fogging and water, so that even in heavy rain the image quality will not decrease. The case is made of reliable plastic, the level of protection against the ingress of water, water vapor and dust IPX7. Wide viewing angles allow you to get rid of dead zones in the rear view, which greatly facilitates parking, and also helps to drive backwards onto the roadway. The camera has a small overall dimensions, so it can be mounted almost anywhere.
Advantages:
- Reliable protection against penetration of moisture and dust;
- High-quality matrix that produces a picture in HD format;
- It is very convenient to mount on the body of the car;
- Works with almost all car monitors, recorders, mirrors.
Flaws:
- Relatively high cost.
Xiaomi 70mai HD Reverse Video Camera (Midrive RC03)
5.MyDean VCM-416c
The main feature of this digital equipment is a very clear picture displayed on the screen. This was achieved with the help of a highly sensitive CMOS matrix, developed by SHARP engineers and featuring fairly high resolution. The viewing angles here are also quite wide, the light sensitivity is high, so even at night you can easily see even small obstacles. The reliability of the device is very high, so this camera can be used absolutely in any climatic and weather conditions. When installing, you will have to drill a hole between the elements of the license plate light. The camera is almost invisible, so you can not be afraid that it will be stolen.
The image is displayed in a mirror format, if necessary, this function can be disabled. Connection and data transfer is carried out by wire, the entire set of cables is supplied with the camera itself. The product consumes a minimum amount of electricity — 40-80 mA. The case is made of durable plastic, it has excellent assembly, so moisture will not get under it, which greatly extends the service life of such products. The camera will turn on automatically when reverse gear is engaged. If necessary, the position and direction of the lens can be adjusted to obtain the optimum image quality.
Advantages:
- Decent image resolution;
- Good build;
- Availability of parking lines.
Flaws:
- You will have to drill the body of the car to install such a camera.
MyDean VCM-416c
4. GlobusGPS GL-Wi1
This product is not designed for stand-alone use, so it will have to be installed from the rear of the vehicle, for example, above the license plate. This model is fixed with two special screws. The camera is capable of transmitting data both via wires and via a Wi-Fi channel; for this, a special transmitter is included in the kit. It will have to be powered from the car’s on-board network. The device is reliably protected from moisture according to IP66 format. In order to correctly adjust the image quality of the device, you will have to use a gadget — a smartphone or tablet running on iOS or Android platforms. You will have to download a special application with which you can set up the camera, connect it to the registrar or radio, and they must also be equipped with a Wi-Fi module.
The picture quality is about the same as that of a mid-range DVR. Video is recorded using a CMOS lens that measures one third of an inch. The maximum image resolution is 628×586 pixels — this indicator will be quite enough to monitor the traffic situation and when parking. The lens has decent viewing angles, so there will be no problems when parking. The kit comes with everything you need to connect and operate the device.
Advantages:
- The presence of a Wi-Fi module allows you to get rid of a huge amount of unnecessary wires;
- The camera is carefully protected from moisture;
- Small overall dimensions;
- Low power consumption;
- Easy to connect and set up.
Flaws:
- To fully work with the camera, you will have to download the appropriate application.
GlobusGPS GL-Wi1
3. Proline PR-VD52C
The top three is opened by a camera placed in a completely waterproof case, which reliably protects the device from dust and water. The operating temperature range is quite wide — from -30 to +46 degrees, so the model can be used in any climate and under any weather conditions. The overall dimensions of the device are 37×26 mm, so such a camera will be practically invisible on the car body. It is attached using a special bracket that comes with this device. The viewing angle is 120 degrees, and the camera is also equipped with a sensor with a resolution of 420 TV lines. The device is equipped with infrared illumination, the range of which is 2 meters maximum. This feature allows you to comfortably park even in complete darkness.
The design is placed in a reliable plastic case of increased durability. It has a matte finish so dirt doesn’t accumulate on it. The only thing is that you will have to wipe the lens from dust from time to time, otherwise it will greatly affect the image quality. The camcorder allows you to receive an image in color format. A quarter-inch CMOS sensor is installed here. The maximum image resolution is 648×488 pixels. Image output delay is minimal.
Advantages:
- Quite acceptable cost;
- The presence of infrared illumination;
- Extended viewing angles;
- High class of protection against ingress of moisture and dust under the body;
- Along the perimeter of the lens is an LED backlight;
- Decent workmanship.
Flaws:
- There is no parking grid.
Proline PR-VD52C
2. AutoExpert VC-216
This is not just a camera that allows you to provide an overview of what is happening behind the car, but a real kit, which also includes a fairly large monitor with a diagonal of 5 inches. With the help of this equipment, you can greatly facilitate the life of novice motorists or drivers of fairly large vehicles. The picture on the monitor appears automatically — immediately after the reverse gear is engaged. With the help of the camera, it will be possible to get rid of all sorts of dead and blind zones. The overall dimensions of the monitor are not very large — 130x100x37 mm, it weighs about 130 grams, so it can be easily placed on the windshield of a car or on the cabin ceiling. The monitor looks very stylish, it will fit organically into the interior of the car. It has three physical control buttons on the back side and an output for connecting the appropriate cable.
The kit comes with a special adjustable bracket that allows you to change the viewing angle. You can also hang the monitor using a special double-sided adhesive tape. On the monitor, the picture will be seen perfectly even if direct sunlight falls on it — a sun visor is provided to protect against them, which reduces the amount of glare. The declared viewing angle of the camera is 170 degrees with a matrix resolution of 0.3 megapixels. It is powered by the car’s on-board network, the voltage of which must be between 9 and 16 V. Parking lines can be turned off if necessary. The image is transmitted in a mirror format, however, this can be corrected.
Advantages:
- There is a monitor included — you can not connect to the DVR;
- Everything you need to work with the device is included;
- Decent viewing angles of products;
- Quality assembly;
- Large screen size.
Flaws:
- You will have to stretch a decent amount of wires into the cabin and hide them.
AutoExpert VC-216
1. Sho-Me CA-6184LED
Finally, we got to the leader of our review. This product is characterized not only by fairly decent performance, but also by ease of installation. The camera has a built-in LED backlight, so the camera can be used not only in the daytime or in the presence of artificial lighting, but even in its complete absence. There are parking lines here, and they are quite clear, so it becomes much easier to navigate in space. The operating temperature range is quite decent — from -20 to +60 degrees, the case is carefully protected from dust and moisture, but the lens will have to be wiped from time to time, getting rid of accumulated dirt.
Installing such a camera is quite easy, especially since it comes with a frame for the license plate. The device will be almost invisible on the body of the vehicle. Products have infrared illumination, so you can park even in complete darkness. The picture quality is quite decent — no noise or interference was detected even with a lack of lighting.
Advantages:
- Acceptable cost;
- Good viewing angles;
- Reliable protection against physical influences;
- Small and almost invisible products;
- Infrared illumination provided;
- Easy to install and use.
Flaws:
- Not too high range of infrared illumination — it is about 1.7 meters.
ShoMe CA-6184LED
In conclusion, a useful video
Here our rating of the best rear view cameras has come to an end. In conclusion, I would like to express the hope that you were able to choose the optimal design for yourself, which will greatly facilitate the process of rear or side parking for you. If you still have any questions or it seemed that the information is not enough, then feel free to express your opinion in the comments to this article. We will promptly respond to comments and provide all the necessary data.