For drivers, a backup camera is needed in many situations.In fact, it’s hard to imagine how we could’ve possibly driven a car without one! A backup camera offers plenty of extra advantages, allowing you to see various angles from the driver’s seat. Essentially, a backup camera is designed to offer an image or footage of what is happening behind your car at all times. It’s an extra safety element that’s well worth the cost.
A backup camera is an easy to use device that makes driving far more safer. The backup camera lessens the risk of accidents as a driver is parking or maneuvering while in reverse. In theory, the best backup camera will give the driver a way to see beyond their blind spot. But these types of cameras work in various other ways as well. You will be able to see cars beyond your periphery of vision and even what the weather and terrain is like. Clearly, a backup camera is viable and very important.
When you are a driver, going in reverse can be costly or even deadly, so be prepared. Even in broad daylight, a backup camera can prepare you for anything that may be in your blind spot, whether it’s a car, truck, or another hazard. If you don’t yet have a backup camera installed in your car, you’ll want to keep reading. Learn more about the best backup cameras on the market and their most popular features.
Top 10 Picks
- Best Backup Camera for Price and Flexibility: eRapta ERT01 2nd Generation Car Rear View Reversing Backup Camera “The cheapest backup camera that gives the most amazing angles from your car and highly rated and popular.”
- Best License Plate Camera for the Most Results: Esky EC170-09 Camera “Easy to install and use exterior waterproof car rear view camera that simply is part of your license plate.”
- Best Camera for Big Cars like Trucks & SUVs: LeeKooLuu LKL-080 Backup Camera “A highly rated camera that will impress any driver of most if all vehicles with a very clear picture quality.”
- Most HIgh Definition Backup Camera Worth the Money: AUTO-VOX M1W Wireless Backup Camera Kit“A backup camera that comes with a wireless transmitter and great high definition video and image quality.”
- Most Affordable Camera with Night Vision Capabilities: NOAUKA Waterproof IP68 Night Vision 170 Degree Car Rear view “A high resolution camera with night vision capability all for under $15.”
- Best Wide Angle Backup Camera: Coolwoo Car Backup Camera “An amazing backup camera that offers a huge 175-degree angle view.”
- The Most High-Definition Camera and Affordability: Strong Backup Camera and Monitor Kit “This camera has a wonderful image sensor as well as great image pixel resolution.”
- Best Multifunctional Camera for a Cheap Price: TOPTIERPRO Upgraded Mini Backup Camera “A Super-affordable backup camera offering a wide angle and superior image performance.”
- Top Rated Wireless Backup Camera that works with GPS: Garmin BC 30 “High-end Backup Camera that is easy to install and accessible to other devices for maximum usage.”
- Backup Camera ideal for Trucks and RVs: Emmako IP69K “A tailor made backup camera with vibrant HD image that is also fog resistant.”
Important Factors to Consider for Backup Cameras
Figuring out what to buy is the biggest obstacle to overcome because it can be hard to know what features are important for a backup camera. Backup camera systems are more complex than many realize, even at their most simple, the rear view systems are pretty sophisticated technology, so knowing what you buy is half the battle. Some cameras are adept for safety and others better just for the image resolution and quality.
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Placement:
Most rear view cameras are installed on the license plate frame. The camera or its mounting bracket should not obscure your license plate. This is a crucial key component to any new camera especially for a backup or rear viewing guide.
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Night Vision:
You need to see in dark situations while driving so night vision capability is key for any camera. Low-light visibility is one of the biggest factors to make it safer and easier for drivers at night. Look for cameras with infrared light bulbs or LED lights to brighten and clarify your field of vision.
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Field of View:
The field of view is determined by factors like the image sensor size, type and the lens focal length. The thing that has the most priority is that the lens can fully go over to the left and right of center for maximum effectiveness. For example, an SUV or truck might use two rear view cameras. You may see a larger vehicle with one camera near each edge just to cover the back of the vehicle.
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Viewing Angle:
The viewing angle of the backup camera determines the field of view. The viewing angle is a very important factor to consider if you drive a large vehicle. When a camera has an angle of view of 90 degrees or more, then the driver has a view angle of at least 45 degrees on both sides of the camera that is on the vehicle’s center line. Know your camera technology for the most effective device in the market.
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Wireless Component:
If you have a wireless system then be prepared for a system to accessible and also paired for connectivity. The wireless feature is high tech but more involved because you incompatibility is a problem. Knowing all the features and customizations is half the battle.
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Vehicle Model:
Most backup cameras are in theory one size fits all, but you need to be particular and realize what cameras are best for certain model cars. Take the time to guarantee that your car, truck, or even RV are compatible with your camera so read customer reviews.
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Price:
Car backup camera prices can be expensive, but many are very affordable. The range of prices may go from $25 to $800 or more. Therefore, deciding how much you want to spend can be a challenge. Determine a budget and then comparison shop for the best camera. As you will see in the following reviews, just because a camera is expensive does not make it better!
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Image Sensor:
Many backup cameras use CCD or CMOS sensors. These are important for quality images and the ability to see and visualize danger in your cam from your rear view camera. What these sensors do exactly is convert light to signal in mainly two different ways. Therefore, you want a CCD sensor that l be better adapted to handle changing lighting scenarios for bad or trying weather conditions.
Top 10 Cameras with Detailed Reviews
<Best Backup Camera for Price and Flexibility>
- eRapta ERT01 2nd Generation Car Rear View Reversing Backup Camera
First of all, the setup of camera is not very difficult because of a variety of user friendly features. The thing to remember with this camera is that the camera only works when the car is in reverse because you're powering it from the reverse light. As well, you have the ability to mount this camera behind the license plate. Furthermore, the camera advertises a rear view angle of 149 degrees, so you have a lot of potential extensive footage.
Some of the drawbacks of the camera are that there is slightly low image resolution and there are white LEDs on the camera that are always one when the backup camera is powered. In conclusion, for the price you can’t beat the eRapta camera for value and features. Overall, there can be issues with any camera, but the eRapta may have way too little image resolution compared to other rear view cameras.
Why We Like It:
- This is the cheapest backup camera that gives the most amazing angles from your car and highly rated and popular.
Why We Hate It:
- Slightly low image resolution and there are white LEDs on the camera that are always one when the backup camera is powered.
<Best License Plate Camera for the Most Results>
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Esky EC170-09 Camera
In terms of specifics, the Esky backup camera is waterproof, and ultimately designed in a basic way for sturdy and heavy use. The camera operates on the NTSC TV system for grabbing footage for your optimal usage while driving. The image quality that can be captured is even good quality even in the dark. The Esky excels with night vision potential and high definition color CMOS that make it very attractive. In the end, this camera will get the footage you need and work effectively within a 170° range.
The Esky EC170-09camera should always give superior quality images because of the quality and pixel resolution standard. The camera is simply is part of your license plate, so what makes this worthwhile is ease of use and affordability.
Why We Like It:
- A professionally designed and easy to use license plate with a back up camera that will take no time to use.
Why We Hate It:
- The camera has issues in terms of image resolution in bright environments and in very sunny times of the day.
<Best Camera for Big Cars like Trucks & SUVs>
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LeeKooLuu LKL-080 Backup Camera
The features that this camera offers are varied and specific for long term usage of backup recording for small and big cars. First, the camera is powered by connecting to reverse lights while in use when vehicle is in reversing. Alternatively, the camera can be powered by directly connecting to a 12v source fuse box for continuous use. Moreover, in terms of specs, there is a 4.3 inch LCD display monitor directly connected to your dashboard. Furthermore, The mounting harness is cumbersome but adjustable
.All in all, the LeeKooLuu camera delivers the basics and even more than expected but at a price. There are issues with WiFi connectivity, so you need to be patient. However, overall, the camera is very easy to set up and highly rated on Amazon.
Why We Like It:
- Highly rated camera that is mountable for most small and bigger vehicles and easy to set up.
Why We Hate It:
- The camera’s wireless accessibility will not work well but only through direct line connection, which is just average at best.
<Most HIgh Definition Backup Camera Worth the Money>
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AUTO-VOX M1W Wireless Backup Camera Kit
The Auto-Vox camera is priced on the higher end but worth it in many ways. This camera offers high resolution images within quite a distance. As well, the Auto-Vox has 6 LED lights with 26 lumens each. A great advantage to this camera is you will not have any complex wiring issues. In general, installation is much easier and supports fuss-free long range reception distance and gives a good image quality overall.
Overall, for a little more money you can get a crisper quality for video and image with your backup camera. A negative thing to realize is the mount that holds the screen to the glass may fall off and not be as stable. The Auto-Vox is a wonderful camera, monitor, and transmitter.
Why We Like It:
- A backup camera that comes with a wireless transmitter and great high definition video and image quality.
Why We Hate It:
- The price is a little higher than other camera and there are issues with the camera mount.
<Most Affordable Camera with Night Vision Capabilities>
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NOAUKA Waterproof IP68 Night Vision 170 Degree Car Rear View
If you want a camera that can capture backup footage that offers good quality and image potential for the price. The most important thing to know about the NOAUKA camera is that it is hard to beat given the price. The most advantageous thing is that the size of this camera means it can be installed anywhere within or on the car. Furthermore, you can use the backup camera even as a side view camera. The night vision is a huge bonus for this camera.
The camera overall is a wonderful buy that hits on all points for a backup camera. The frustration for this camera is that there are mounting angle issues and related issues with installation.
Why We Like It:
- A wonderful camera that offers a high resolution capability and night vision potential all for under $15 and as well the camera can be put in any part of the car.
Why We Hate It:
- The camera has mounting issues in terms of installation and set up.
<Best Wide Angle Backup Camera>
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Coolwoo Car Backup Camera
The camera has great distance capability and functions that will certainly help you avoid possible obstacles. In terms of the specs and features, the backup camera has an international IP68 standard waterproof level that will help for harsh weather situations.
In addition, this camera has Night Vision with 4 layer nano filter glass that features the latest 7080 HD chips. Expect 648*488 pixels get sharp along with colorful image displays.
In summary, this is an affordable camera with the widest angle and amazing picture quality. The camera comes with a top grade 30ft pure copper cable & screws. The backup camera is anti interference, but frustrating in terms of picture and the license plate fixture.
Why We Like It:
- A really cool camera that is practically part of your home within the light fixture and moreover you can use this with Amazon’s Alexa.
Why We Hate It:
- In terms of drawbacks, there is an issue with clear picture but the angles are distorted and the license plate is blocked.
<The Most High-Definition Camera and Affordability>
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Strong Backup Camera and Monitor Kit
The camera features a 4.3 inch screen and can be dashboard mounted. In terms of resolution, the camera performs well by having a 480 x 272 pixel quality and 648 x 488 resolution. The most distinct feature is that this camera has an image sensor within with distance line markings. The directions for this backup camera are pretty easy to understand for anyone who can understand easy to use directions.
Overall, the camera has great ratings and reviews especially on Amazon. The best thing to remember is that you will have to use a camera that is best for drivers desiring better quality images. The screen resolution issue and small size may be the only frustration you may expect.
Why We Like It:
- This camera has a wonderful image sensor as well as great image pixel resolution.
Why We Hate It:
- Unfortunately, the screen is small but resolution is fine despite trying to backup and reverse.
<Best Multifunctional Camera for a Cheap Price>
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TOPTIERPRO Upgraded Mini Backup Camera
This is a camera that can withstand a lot of different weather conditions. For example, the camera has a lens with the ability to tolerate and withstand high temperatures. The best thing about this camera is that you can use it for a variety of things. If you don’t need this camera for reversing in your car then you use it as a surveillance camera at home. Moreover, you can use the camera under low-light conditions and of course during night vision mode.
All in all, the camera offers a lot in terms of what you have to pay. The instructions and setup to use the device is poorly designed and cumbersome and as well gives bad explanations.
Why We Like It:
- The camera is multipurpose for reversing in your car as well as for doing surveillance at home or anywhere.
Why We Hate It:
- The instructions and setup to use the device is poorly designed and cumbersome and as well gives bad explanations.
<Top Rated Wireless Backup Camera that Works with GPS>
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Garmin BC 30
The Garmin has made an all around wonderful device that gives it maximum flexibility to work with your GPS navigator. Also, the Garmin backup camera needs to be connected to the camera's power then to the wiring of your vehicle's backup lights. This Garmin camera is designed to work with automotive GPS systems, so it doesn't include its own screen. However, you are able to monitor up to four different viewpoints using additional cameras.
Overall, the camera does have its limitations, especially in regard to super compressed images, which have warranted some complaints. However, setting up the Garmin is easy and it does a lot in terms of being customized for maximum potential.
Why We Like It:
- Garmin has made an all around wonderful device that gives it maximum flexibility to work with your GPS navigator.
Why We Hate It:
- The camera has issues with compression, so bear in mind there are some video/image problems.
<Backup Camera ideal for Trucks and RVs>
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Emmako IP69K
The Emmako camera has a seven-inch display that has a split-screen capability, so you can connect a second camera. The camera is simple to hook up to especially Cars, SUVs, Pickups, Trucks, and even RVs. In terms of logistics, the wiring backup camera functions with the transmitter in reverse, or alternatively wiring to your lights or a 12V battery. You are able to use the camera with a 150 degree viewing angle and 18 LED IR Lights including night vision capability.
The camera has a great reputation and has a lot of attractive features. In general, the camera offers amazing HD quality and overall great for bigger vehicles including RVs and campers.
Why We Like It:
- A tailor made backup camera with vibrant HD image that is also fog resistant and ideal for bigger cars like even RVs.
Why We Hate It:
- There are connectivity issues along with a problem in regards to staying connected as well slow warm-up and startup time.