What Makes Up The 5 Best Backup Cameras
We use cameras to record happy moments of our lives. We also use them for security reasons as in Close Circuit Television Cameras (CCTVs). In recent times, we have discovered some unbelievable uses of cameras which could add more to the security, the Backup Cameras. The Best Backup Cameras can reduce the number of mishaps that could turn out to be fatal and could cause severe damage to the property and vehicle itself.
This best backup cameras review, will help you learn about this amazing utility and help you get a top quality camera which could reduce your chances of meeting an accident while reversing your car or another automobile.
A Quick Overview of the Best Backup Cameras to Aid Yourself While Reversing Your Car
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** Below, you'll find our more detailed reviews by click in " Reviews " column, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.com .
What is a Backup Camera?
A backup camera, also known as reversing camera is a type of video camera which is attached to the back of the vehicle to provide a clear view while backing up or reversing the vehicle.
When we take a picture from a camera, the right side of the image is aligned with the right side of us. But in this case, things are completely opposite because the driver and the camera face in different directions. The right side of the image is left side of the driver, and this could lead to wrong decision making on the part of the driver. In this situation, the chances of running into collision with other automobiles, walls or other public/private properties become very high.
To counter this scenario a backup camera has the ability to flip the image horizontally and provide a view which is similar to the view from a rear view mirror.
What Constitutes a Good Quality Best Backup Camera?
When we go out to buy a simple camera or a phone integrated with a camera we have certain things on our mind to look for, some them are as follows:
- 1. Image Capturing Ability
The picture quality of a camera is determined by the sensor installed within it. Cameras either come with a CCD or a CMOS sensor with CCD being more in demand.
A Charge Coupled Device (CCD) image sensor captures a high-resolution image as well as ensures that a camera will function optimally in low-light or over bright conditions.
A Complementary Metal Oxide Sensor (CMOS) image sensor could capture a good quality image but not as good as a CCD. Many low-priced backup cameras come installed with a CMOS image sensor.
Sharp and Sony are two leading companies that provide you with high-quality CCD image sensors. You should always look for a backup camera which comes installed with a CCD sensor which makes sure you get a high-quality image even in very low light conditions.
- 2. Field of View
Via: campusplus.com.my
The field of view is determined by two factors; the size of the image sensor and the focal length of the lens in the camera. The very common sensor size available to us is 1/4 inch which is capable of providing a 60 to 90-degree field of view. But high-quality backup cameras with a 1/3 inch image sensor are capable of providing a field of view up to 120 degrees, which is ideal for most people. Very few reversing cameras come with a field of view up to 170-180 degrees.
- 3. Night Vision Capturing Ability
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A reversing camera should and must have the night vision capturing ability. This is implemented through Infrared capturing technology. When the light in the environment is too low, the infrared LEDs turn on automatically for the image sensor to capture a good quality picture. The infrared rays are invisible to us, but the image sensors very easily detect this light and produce a high-resolution picture.
- 4. Automatic System Switching
Via: hyundai.com.au
The backup camera system starts automatically as soon as the reverse gear is on. A single wire is connected to the automobiles backup light circuit which sends a signal to the system and causes it to switch on.
It is one of the features which all backup camera system should come along. But this feature is most of the time missing from a low priced reversing camera. It does not only make it inconvenient to use but is also unsafe for the driver.
- 5. Type of Monitor
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The best option would be to choose a backup camera system with a TFT LCD monitor for its good display and clear picture quality. CRT monitors are also available with some systems but the quality of the picture is not so good, and with a poor quality picture, it is of no use to assemble such a costly utility.
5 Best Backup Cameras
Let us now have a look at the detailed account of the most successful backup camera systems. The camera systems which have so much to offer and come along with few minor drawbacks have been taken into consideration. The list of the best systems available is as follows:
1. Rear View Safety Backup Camera System
(Image source: www.amazon.com)
This system has all the qualities that a good backup camera should have. It is composed of a 7 inch Digital TFT LCD color monitor display which has mirror image capability and also features distance grid lines. It comes with 3 Channel Multiplexer with automatic switch system.
This system provides you with Sharp CCD image sensor and a wide field of view of 130 degrees. The infrared illuminators illuminate up to a distance of 50 foot, which is probably more than enough you can expect from a night vision in a backup camera system. IP69K rating assures you of a weather-proof product, not only that, this camera is strong and shock proof with 20G vibration and 100G impact rating.
Pros
- A 7 inch Digital TFT LCD color screen
- 3 Channel multiplexer with an automatic system switch
- A field of view up to 130 degrees
- Sharp CCD image sensor backup camera
- Up to 50-foot infrared night vision capability
- Includes connectors, mounts, and wires, etc.
- Weather-proof with IP69K rating
- 20G vibration and 100G impact rating ensures a strong and shock proof camera system
Cons
- Display is not HD
- Fisheye lens
- Kit does not include installation manual
2. Yada Digital Wireless Backup Camera
(Image source: www.amazon.com)
This camera has been designed specially to eliminate blind spots. The digital wireless rear view camera with dash monitor provides for an improved safety to drivers and also ease of seeing what is behind the vehicle when backing up. Digital wireless camera causes no interference in the monitor. It is very easy to install.
You can simply assemble it on the license plate mount. This system also has infrared night vision capability and is waterproof with an IP67 rating. The 4.3 inch LCD screen shows a good quality picture from the rear of your vehicle. This display comes with a suction cup mount for easy placement.
Pros
- 4.3 inch LCD Dash monitor
- Waterproof with an IP67 rating
- Windshields mount only for Dash screen
- A 12V/24V power adapter
- Sharp picture with parking assistant
Cons
- Not so good waterproofing ability
- Camera fogs up in colder regions
3. Hopkins 50002 Smart Hitch Backup Camera System
(Image source: www.amazon.com)
This backup camera system comes with a 3.5-inch color monitor with a static free image. The display is easy to use, and you can switch between modes at the touch of a button. Camera mounting is very easy and does not require any splicing. Simply mount it behind the license plate and plug in behind tow package connector. Hopkins Smart Hitch Camera and Sensor has three detection zones and easily alerts you to the distance of objects when hitching and towing a trailer.
Pros
- Camera comes with Smart Zone sensors to ease hitching
- Sensors alert you to distance and direction of objects
- 3.5 inch LCD color monitor with static free image
- Easy installation and simple plug in
- Works with any vehicle
Cons
- Cable provided is too short
- Monitor is small in size
4. LotFancy Car Vehicle Backup Camera
(Image source: www.amazon.com)
This reversing camera system has a 7 inch TFT LCD color display with a contrast ratio of 100:1 and video frequency PAL/NTSC. The colored distance guidelines display on the monitor. It comes with 2-way video input. The system consumes a power of around 8W. The camera has CMOS/CCD image sensor and supports NTSC. LotFancy provides a remote with the assembly to make it more convenient in use. The installation is easy; the camera can be mounted on the license plate. The infrared night vision and automatic system switch features are available. Waterproofing has been done to protect the system.
Pros
- 7 inch TFT LCD color display with a contrast ratio of 100:1
- Colored guidelines to help while reversing
- Remote system to help ease in use
Cons
- Issues with waterproofing
- Wire length too long and no place to hide
5. AGPTek Backup Camera and Monitor Kit
(Image source: www.amazon.com)
This backup camera and monitor combo provides a clear view from behind the car and eliminates blind spot so that you can reverse your car more safely. This reversing camera system has night vision ability with built-in infrared sensors to help you in very low light situations. The 4.3 inch LCD screen easily fits on your dashboard. When the system's power is off, and reverse gear is on, the camera starts automatically to search for camera signal and display rear view, and once the parking is done, it switches off automatically too.
Pros
- Mounts easily behind the license plate
- Can be mounted on both top/bottom mounts
- When reverse gear is on, the system starts automatically and when parking is done it shuts down on its own
- The camera displays distance lines on monitor
- 3.5 inch TFT LCD color monitor
Cons
- Do wipe the camera off after rain and dry it well else it will not work
Conclusion
Rear View Safety Backup Camera System is one of the best backup cameras. It offers a lot of features which make backing up/ reversing the vehicle more easy and safe as compared to other systems available in the market. The kit includes a 7 inch TFT LCD display for clear picture quality and is convenient for the drivers to view the object efficiently. The LCD screen also provides the normal/mirror image option for you to choose from. The camera has a CCD image sensor from Sharp which is a leading name in the CCD image sensor manufacturers. Apart from this, infrared night vision capability of the system is far better from its counterparts and can provide illumination up to a distance of 50 foot.
As I see that this backup camera system is leading in all the key features that make it stand out from the rest. Hence, it is worth the price and worthy to be declared a winner.
I hope this review has helped you in learning a lot about the various backup camera systems and now you could easily pick the best one for you.
