Back Up Cameras for Rear View

How do backup cameras work?

If parking makes you nervous, then you need a backup camera! Backup cameras make parking a breeze by giving you a clear view of what's behind your car. No more guessing where the curb is or if that car is really that far away. Here we will tell you about their peculiarities and the purchase process.

The backup camera is usually located on the rear bumper or license plate area of your car. When you put your car in reverse, the backup camera turns on and starts displaying a live video feed of what's behind your car on a screen inside the vehicle. This way, you can see exactly what's behind you and avoid any potential hazards.

So, do backup cameras work well? In the dark or during the sunset drivers usually have problems with seeing what is happening behind them. The backup cameras have night vision or low light capabilities that help you see better in those conditions.

Some backup cameras even come with built-in sensors that will let you know if there's something behind you before you even start backing up. That way, you can avoid any potential accidents before they happen.

Do you really need it? In fact, there are a lot of drivers who used to peek out from the car windows or just turn around and see what’s behind them when they reverse.

Even if that used to work for some, now with the number of cars on the road and the much faster speeds, it has become really dangerous and is no longer recommended. So, nowadays that is strongly important to have a backup camera, especially for newer drivers.

Besides, according to what people say on online forums, such cameras last 10 years or just a few weeks. Some vehicle owners have problems with cameras going out or not working well right after they buy the car. But others say they've had years of good service. That is why motorists should pay a lot of their attention when selecting a backup camera for their vehicles.

Backup Cameras terminology and definitions

How does a wireless backup camera get power?

The tail lights of your car are a very nice source of backup camera power, not just because they're already in the back of your vehicle (where the camera will be installed). They also get an electrical signal that activates them when you put your car into reverse.

What is the difference between a backup camera and a rearview camera?

A backup camera is a device that activates when you put your automobile in reverse. A rear-view camera is a video monitor that may be viewed at any time to check what's behind you. So, if you need to see what is behind you at all times, a rear-view camera would be your best. If you only need to see what's behind you when you're backing up, then a backup camera is better.

How much does it cost for a reverse camera?

The cost of a rear-view camera kit varies from about $150 to $500. It depends on the type of camera (wired or wireless), features (night vision, parking lines, etc.), and brand. For many people, the cost is worth it for the peace of mind and extra safety that a backup camera provides.

What types do you know?

Before purchase, you have to get acquainted with different types and extra stuff for the car backup cameras. Here are some of the most common.

Rearview backup cameras:

So, those are the very cameras that are used by many car makers. They are installed in the back of the vehicle, on the license plate, or on the bumper. And when you put your car in reverse, they turn on and start displaying a live video feed of what's behind your car on a screen inside the vehicle. That is how you can see exactly what's behind you and avoid any potential hazards.

Dash Cams & Vehicle DVR:

Dash cameras are destined to record both what is happening in front of and behind your car. There are different types of such cameras with various features but the main thing they do is record video footage. That can be really useful if you're involved in an accident and need to prove that it wasn't your fault. Also, the footage can be used to document any road rage incidents or just for fun.

360-degree View System:

A 360-degree view system gives you a complete panoramic view of your surroundings, not just what's behind you. This type of system uses multiple cameras to give you a complete view of your surroundings on a single screen. This way, you can see everything that's going on around you and avoid any potential accidents.

Parking Sensors:

Another option to make your life easier is to buy a car with parking sensors. Parking sensors are usually located on the front and rear bumper of your car and emit a sound when you get close to an object. That way, you can avoid any potential accidents while parking.

Buying guide

Now that you know what types of backup cameras are available, it's time to choose the right one for your needs. Here are some things to keep in mind when making your choice.

- Vehicle type:

The first thing you need to consider is the type of vehicle you have. Different vehicles have different-sized bumpers, so make sure to choose a camera that will fit your bumper size.

- Field of view:

The next thing you need to consider is the field of view. The field of view is the number of degrees that the camera can see. The larger the field of view, the more you'll be able to see behind your car.

- Angle of view:

Another thing to consider is the angle of view. The angle of view is the number of degrees that the camera can see from left to right. The larger the angle of view, the more you'll be able to see around your car.

- Installation:

The next thing you need to consider is how easy it is to install the camera. Some cameras come with all the necessary hardware and instructions, while others require you to buy additional parts or hire a professional to install them.

- Power source:

The next thing you need to consider is the power source. Some cameras run on battery power, while others need to be wired into your car's electrical system.

- Display:

The next thing you need to consider is how the video from the camera will be displayed. Some cameras come with a built-in display, while others need to be connected to an existing display in your car.

- Resolution:

The next thing you need to consider is the resolution of the camera. The resolution is the number of pixels that make up the image from the camera. The higher the resolution, the better the image will be.

- Frame rate:

The next thing you need to consider is the frame rate. The frame rate is the number of frames that are recorded per second. The higher the frame rate, the smoother the video will be.

- Storage:

The next thing you need to consider is how the video from the camera will be stored. Some cameras come with a built-in memory card, while others need to be connected to an external storage device.

- Price:

Of course, the last thing you need to consider is the price. There is a wide range of prices for backup cameras, so make sure to choose one that fits your budget.

Installation process and its peculiarities

In this section, we will tell you in detail how to mount a wired camera on your auto, as the wireless product is much easier to set up. So, here are the steps:

Step1. If you chose to install your backup camera by screwing it onto the license plate bracket, then start by removing the license plate from the vehicle.

Step2. Take a look at the back of the camera and find the place for the screws. There are usually 4 of them.

Step3. Screw in the provided screws but don't tighten them too much as you might damage the threads. Just make sure they are tight enough to keep the camera in place.

Step4. Now take a look at the power cord and connect it to the power source of your backup camera. The power source is usually located near the brake light. If you can't find the power source, then consult your vehicle's wiring diagram.

Step5. Once the power cord is connected to the power source, route it along the back window to the place where you plan to install the display for your backup camera.

Make sure to tuck away any excess cord so that it doesn't interfere with your driving.

Step6. The next step would be to connect the video cable of your backup camera to the display. The video cable is usually located near the power cord and has a yellow RCA connector. If you can't find the video input on your display, then consult its user manual.

Step7. Once the video cable is connected, turn on your backup camera to make sure it's working properly. If everything is fine, then proceed to the next step. If not, then check all the connections and make sure they are secure.

Backup cameras: yes or no?

So, here you will know about the pros and cons of the backup cameras, 360 vision systems, and parking sensors.

Let`s start with benefits:

- They help you avoid obstacles while backing up;

- They give you a clear view of what is behind you;

- They help you park in tight spaces;

- They make it easier to hook up trailers.

And here are the disadvantages:

- They can be expensive;

- They require professional installation;

- They can be damaged in a collision.

So, we hope that this article was helpful and now you know everything about backup cameras. Choose the one that fits your needs and enjoy your safe driving!