The rear view camera is a small device that has a lot of value. Especially in urban settings, where mini-wars flare up every day over parking space.
A good camera will allow you to place your iron horse in places where it is absolutely impossible to do it using mirrors. And we will tell you how to get the best model for little money.
How to choose a rear view camera for a car
In order not to get confused by the abundance of signs of rear-view cameras, we divided them into two types: external and internal.
When it comes to appearance, we mean the body and the type of attachment. Here cameras are divided into three main types:
Camera types
Universal camera
This type of "all-seeing eye" is called universal for a reason - it can be installed wherever you want.
These cameras are usually not too expensive, and the picture is good. True, to get this very picture, you have to pull wires all over the car, plus not every camera will fit well on the trunk lid of your iron friend. And because of the way they are mounted, they are sensitive to moisture.
License plate camera
Very easy to install, inexpensive and, as a result, popular device. The downside is the mediocre picture quality.
Standard cameras
These cameras are usually an accessory for a particular car brand and are installed in a specially designed place. They combine the picture quality of universal cameras with the convenience and ease of installing cameras in a license plate. And they integrate seamlessly into the car multimedia system.
True, not all cars are equipped with such capabilities.
It is worth considering that in Russian conditions a waterproof case is almost mandatory for a camera, which will protect the lens from dust and moisture.
Characteristics
Connection
There are wired and wireless. The first is more inconvenient during installation (you will have to pull the wiring through the entire interior), but the interference will not affect the connection between the monitor and the camera. And the latter are easier to install, but significantly more expensive.
Viewing angle
The more - the better and the more expensive. Usually cameras on the market have a field of view of 100, 120 or 170 degrees (the latter is a fisheye lens). It should be noted that the larger the angle, the shorter the drawing distance.
Resolution
The car camera obeys the same laws as the camera on your smartphone: the more pixels, the better the picture. But there is one caveat: the quality of the displayed image also depends on the car monitor. If it has a simple cheap matrix that simply cannot produce an HD picture, is it worth fooling around by choosing a camera with a higher resolution?
The matrix
Usually, there are two types of matrices for cameras:
- CCDs are more expensive, but give a better picture with good detail.
- CMOS - cheaper, backlight is needed.
Night vision
How well a camera "sees" in the dark depends on its sensitivity to light. And in order not to mount an ultra-expensive lens with a high aperture in the car, most manufacturers equip their cameras with illumination. It automatically engages when reversing. Most often, commonplace LEDs are used, but more expensive cameras are equipped with infrared "vision".
Stars and stripes
It is very convenient when the image from the camera is displayed on the monitor with the markings applied on top. The lines indicate the direction in which the vehicle is moving and can even indicate the distance to an obstacle.
Manufacturer
Yes, the good old principle of "labels" plays a role in the selection of rear-view cameras on cars. Currently leading manufacturers:
- AVIS
- Bigson
- Hitachi
- Rolsen
- Zeiss
Which is better - a rear view camera or parking sensors?
The devices work best in tandem, compensating for each other's weaknesses. Good parking sensors will help in difficult weather conditions, when the cameras are not so effective, and the camera will protect the car from the armature sticking out in the blind zone of the parking sensors.
Best Rear View Cameras in License Plate Frame
3. Interpower IP-616
The average price is 1,000 rubles.
Characteristics:
- type: camera
- camera type: rear view
- camera mount: license plate
- camera installation: universal
- Features: Mirroring, Parking Lines, Auto Exposure, Auto White Balance, Vertical Camera Tilt
This is one of the many Chinese-made cameras that have flooded the Russian market lately. Interpower IP-616 differs from its products in terms of ease of installation, small size and overall invisibility.
Despite the price, it has its own built-in illumination, and not LED, but infrared, as well as marking lines. You can change the angle of inclination, however, this is quite inconvenient - to get to the adjusting screws, you will have to loosen the plastic edging.
At such a price, it was inevitable to save on something, and this is the viewing angle and picture quality. The first does not exceed 100 °, and the second - and here the shortcomings of the infrared illumination appear - it is backlit and faded during the day, black and white at night. A good image can only be obtained during the "transition period". By the way, if you wish, you can also buy a monitor for the camera, which will double the price of the kit.
pros: price, functionality, ease of installation.
Minuses: It is inconvenient to use the camera tilt adjustment screws.
2. Blackview UC 77
The average price is 1,700 rubles.
Characteristics:
- Manufacturer: Blackview
- Type: camera
- Features: parking lines
And this is already a step forward compared to the previous position. Although the price is still not too high, the Blackview UC 77 has a full set of advantages: from parking marks, two modes of monitor operation - mirror and direct - and ending with a gorgeous 170 ° viewing angle.
Nice addition: it supports PAL and NTSC formats, making it perfectly compatible with most car multimedia devices.
pros: excellent value for money.
Minuses: no.
1. INCAR VDC 006S
The average price is 3,000 rubles.
Characteristics:
- type: camera
- camera type: rear view
- camera mount: license plate
- camera installation: universal
- features: mirroring, parking lines
This model stands out among other cameras not only for its technical capabilities and quality of performance, but, alas, for its price. This is one of the most expensive cameras in the rating. Why does it cost so much?
- Judging by user reviews, it is assembled very well.
- The second main difference between the camera and its rivals is the high resolution (628x582), as well as the image proportions that are more pleasing to the eye. But the main difference is the high aperture ratio; the camera with 0.1 lux can be safely used even in the darkness of the night.
- Let's add to the list of its advantages a parking net and waterproof protection according to the IP67 standard.This means that you can submerge this camera for a meter in water and it will continue to transmit the image. However, let's hope that the driver will never have to deal with situations of this kind.
pros: workmanship, service life, protection from water, luminosity.
Minuses: price.
Best Mortise Rear View Cameras
3. Interpower IP-980HD
The average price is 1,300 rubles.
Characteristics:
- installation type: mortise
- matrix: CMOS; 1/3
- viewing angle: 110 °
- waterproof case
Another device from the Chinese craftsmen under the Interpower brand opens the list of the best mortise rear-view cameras. The baby's resolution is pretty good (728x488), and the viewing angle is even larger than usual for this price segment - 110 °.
The picture quality is not bad, there is even markup. However, users complain about the camera's low lifespan; it barely recycles its warranty period.
pros: price, parking grid, permission.
Minuses: little "lives".
2. AutoExpert VC-208
The average price is 1,700 rubles.
Characteristics:
- type: camera
- camera type: rear view
- camera mount: mortise
- camera installation: universal
- features: mirroring, parking lines
Mortise rearview camera with a relatively low price. Despite the budget, the characteristics and viewing angle are not bad. It's not common to see 170 ° in the budget variant, as well as parking guidelines, switching between direct and mirror modes and a light requirement of just 0.1 lux.
The camera has a moisture protection rating of IP68, which means that it can literally be immersed in water without fear. It is thanks to these characteristics that cameras of this type are popular with SUV and crossover owners who do not mind spending a weekend in the countryside.
pros: parking grid, low light requirements, moisture protection.
Minuses: The tilt angle cannot be adjusted.
1. SWAT VDC-002
The average price is 1,800 rubles.
Characteristics:
- type: camera
- camera type: rear view
- camera mount: mortise
- camera installation: universal
- features: parking lines
This camera has a decent value for money. And although it lacks newfangled features like tilt adjustment, it is offset by other advantages.
For example, versatility (SWAT VDC-002 easily establishes contact with common PAL and NTSC radio tape recorders) and aperture of 0.2 lux.
It's nice that the camera kit includes everything you need for a wired connection.
pros: price, parking markings, waterproof according to the IP67 standard.
Minuses: looks inconspicuous.
Best versatile rear view cameras
3. AutoExpert VC-200
The average price is 1,400 rubles.
Characteristics:
- type: camera
- camera type: rear view
- camera mount: overhead
- camera installation: universal
- features: mirroring, parking lines
A very good rear view camera for the money. It has good image quality, and the parking grid can be turned off if desired. The wire is included and is long enough to run through the entire estate.
In addition, the glass is equipped with a special coating to which dirt does not stick (you must admit, in our conditions this is a very important indicator).
pros: image quality, switchable parking grid, vitality.
Minuses: no.
2. SHO-ME CA-5570
The average price is 800 rubles.
Characteristics:
- type: camera
- camera type: rear view
- camera installation: universal
- features: parking lines, LED lights
A good and inexpensive rearview camera has an excellent 170 ° viewing angle. And although it does not have a parking grid, the picture is transmitted to the monitor without distortion. This is enough to fearlessly park your iron friend. You cannot adjust the angle of the camera, so we advise you to attend to this when installing.
Another disadvantage of the camera is its sensitivity to temperature conditions, even twenty-degree frosts will become a serious test for it.
pros: price, viewing angle.
Minuses: the matrix is rather weak for the dark time of the day (a lot of noise appears).
1. Blackview IC-01
The average price is 670 rubles.
Characteristics:
- type: camera
- camera type: rear view
- camera mount: overhead
- camera installation: universal
This model is distinguished by both an excellent viewing angle (178 °) and an excellent resolution (765x504), as well as the number of TV lines (520). Inside it is a CCD-matrix, which differs from such usual budget CMOS in quality and image clarity. At the same time, the camera is not very demanding on lighting, and only 0.1 lux is enough for it to work.
And, like a cherry on a cake - all this splendor costs 700 rubles. Why are you still reading this article, and not running to the store - we do not understand.
pros: functional, moisture protection.
Minuses: no.
The best rear view cameras for mounting in the trunk opening handle
3. Alpine HCE-C2100RD
The average price is 19,000 rubles.
Characteristics:
- View Type: Rear View Camera
- Installation type: in the trunk handle
- Matrix type: CMOS
- Matrix size: 1/4
- Video resolution: 1280x960 pix
- Viewing angle: 180 °
- Color system: NTSC
- Image Mode: Mirror
The most expensive option in the list of the best rear view cameras in 2020 is worth the money. Such characteristics do not lie on the road: a phenomenal 180 ° viewing angle, a stunning resolution of 1280x960 (like watching a movie), and with a light press of a button, you can switch between direct and mirror mode.
And you can also change the viewing angles - from the usual square image to the fish-eye view from the top and the spectacle of your own parking lights in ultra-wide mode.
Another useful option present in the Alpine HCE-C2100RD is the parking lines (of course, they can be turned off and configured to suit your car). There's even a towbar line! Of course, the picture is more than acceptable at night. And, a nice touch: Alpine has a dedicated interface that allows the rear and front cameras to work in tandem.
pros: functionality, moisture protection, build quality.
Minuses: price.
2. Incar VDC-065
The average price is 3,800 rubles.
Characteristics:
- type: camera
- camera type: rear view
- camera mount: trunk handle
- camera installation: standard
The main advantage of this camera, which, alas, only Audi and Volkswagen owners can become happy owners of, is visibility. Its viewing angle is 170 °, which means that the owner will be able to distinguish not only the numbers of other cars behind, but also his own taillights.
The image is displayed with a resolution of 628x582, and the photosensitivity of 0.1 lux will allow you to pierce the darkness with the camera's “gaze” without much effort.
Another advantage of the device is its resistance to weather conditions. It will work both in a hot desert (up to + 65 ° С) and on a frosty night somewhere in Siberia (up to -40 ° С) and is protected from moisture according to the IP66 standard. And judging by user reviews, the camera is durable and able to work for a long time.
pros: viewing angle, moisture resistance, service life.
Minuses: standard, suitable only for a limited number of cars.
1.AVIS AVS326CPR
The average price is 5,000 rubles.
Characteristics:
- type: camera
- camera type: rear view
- camera mount: trunk handle
- camera installation: standard
There are a number of AVIS OEM rear view cameras designed for different car models - from Skoda to BMW and Mazda. These cameras are good and are well-respected by both experts and users. Not only do they shoot videos in good quality, but also in its small body the manufacturers managed to invest many systems that make the life of drivers much easier.
First of all, we note the excellent parking grid of the AVS326CPR model, which will never mislead. The camera also has mirror image, automatic exposure and white balance, reflected light compensator and a huge 170 ° field of view. In general, this camera is good for everyone, but it is only suitable for a small number of car models.
pros: precise parking markings, lighting.
Minuses: it is standard, which means you can't install it on any model.