A reverse camera is a special kind of video camera attached to the rear of a vehicle with a screen mounted on the dashboard to monitor whatever it captures. Why do you need reverse cameras? What features to look for? And how easy are they to install? We will look into all these pieces of information to help you make the right choice.
Firstly, a reverse camera is a great safety aid to any driver, especially when parking or reversing your car. Traditionally, we rely on the rear and side view mirrors to spot for any obstacles behind the vehicle. Unfortunately, there are still certain blind spots they cannot cover.
With the reverse camera, you are now able to see clearly the blind spot right behind and below the body level of the car. So you can easily avoid hitting, say, another car or a curb. Most importantly, when you have children in your family, a backup camera might just save their lives. Because of their height, you might not spot the children behind the car until it is too late. A reversing camera is a lifesaver in this case.
For greater safety, get a backup camera that will automatically switch on whenever the reverse gear is engaged. It is very troublesome having to remember turning on the video camera whenever you need it. Also, if you keep forgetting to switch on, it is as good as not having a reversing camera. It defeats the purpose of using it as a safety device in the first place.
So, get a reverse camera with an auto-switch feature. Better yet, get an unit with both manual and automatic switch. This gives you the flexibility to monitor the road condition even when you are not reversing.
Generally, you will find reverse cameras come in two flavors: hard-wired and wireless. In a hard-wired system, the LCD monitor on the dashboard is linked to the backup camera at the rear of vehicle with wires. If you are not handy with auto mechanics and such, installation of the unit can present a bit of a problem. The wireless backup camera system is easier to install as you do not need to fiddle with any wires. You may have to pay a little bit more though.
A reversing camera is not a luxury add-on to a car these days. It is a necessary gadget to keep you and your family members safe, especially when you drive a large family car with a high body. With the pointers here, now go out there and install that reverse camera on your car.
Finding Reverse Camera on Amazon.com
Peak Safety View Backup Camera System
Installation of the system is pretty easy with some basic electrical work. You may not even need to drill any hole depending on your vehicle and how you route the camera wire.
The 7″ color LCD monitor coupled with the night vision provide a clear view behind the car even at night. It also has a special block-out feature to draw a black dot around the sun when it is in view.
Outside signals may occasionally turn the wireless reverse camera on since the receiver frequency is very close to some security devices. If this becomes an annoyance, you can put the monitor on manual mode.
Audiovox ACA200W Wired Backup Camera
The reverse camera is easy to mount behind and looks overtop of the license plate. It comes with special tool and screws to make it theft-safe. The wide angle lens lets you see almost from bumper to bumper. The camera vision is clear both day and night and is in color. It works great in the rain as well.
Take note that the unit does not come with a monitor so you will have to get one separately.
3.5″ LCD Wireless Backup Camera System by 4UCAM
The installation is fairly easy as the camera mounts to the license plate bolts. The image on the 3.5″ LCD monitor is clear and bright, including at night with the night vision feature. You may take some time to get used to the depth perception though. If needed, you can add more cameras as the monitor can take up to 4 reverse cameras.
It is worth mentioning that the customer service is exceptional. Exchange of systems or parts is hassle free with fast turn around.