Best Backup Camera for Rear View Safety in Your Vehicle

(Even if you have one factory-fitted on your car, van or truck, you may also want to upgrade to one of the latest reversing cameras.)

Useful features include rear-view mirror monitors, integrated GPS, infrared lights for night vision, wide viewing angles, high-dynamic-range exposure, voice control and those all-important parking guidelines.

It’s relatively simple to install a wireless reversing camera yourself, with the rear camera unit usually sitting above your vehicle licence plate.

One thing to note is that you’ll still need to wire each end to power the camera and receiver – it’s just the run of cable up the vehicle that you avoid.

So, if you’re keen to give your car some extra ‘eyes’ and possibly even another ‘brain’ this year, here’s a list of our favourite reversing cameras.

Best Backup Camera in 2022

1. Akaso DL12 Mirror

The Akaso DL12 Mirror is one of the most feature-rich models available, constructed with a high-quality camera that uses a six glass lens with an f/1.8 aperture.

With a 2.5K video resolution Dash Cam, the clarity of video produced is excellent, while the 1080p rear camera delivers a crisp picture to make reversing safe and easy.

Good all-round viewing angle coverage is possible thanks to the camera’s 170° adjustable front angle lens and 150° rear angle lens, allowing users to reposition these according to the blind spots of their particular vehicle and give a more comprehensive view of their surroundings.

Additional features include excellent night vision for low light situations, while the voice control function means you can use simple voice commands and avoid removing your hands from the steering wheel.

Some of the voice commands you can use for the camera while you’re on the move include turning the screen on and off, taking photographs and recording video, and locking the video.

There’s also a neat parking monitor function, which enables video recording when parking, so if you accidentally bang into another vehicle, or the camera detects a shock of any kind, a video will be automatically recorded.

If you’re used to driving in bad weather, its high-temperature lithium battery is built to withstand some of the most extreme conditions, making it a great option for people who drive trucks out in the countryside in all seasons.

The Akaso D12 comes with a range of accessories, from the cameras, extension cables, and all the straps and pads required to install, although you’ll have to pick up an SD card yourself, as these aren’t included out of the box.

The Sony IMX335 Starvis sensor and Hisilicon Hi3556 processor ensures this is top tier tech, and with the Save Driving GPS Proofs tool for saving data in the event of an accident, it brings peace of mind for when you’re out night driving in your new car.

Overall, the Akaso DL12 represents the ultimate marriage of utility and versatility, combining sharp images from its wide-angle lens with plenty of settings to enhance your sense of safety.

2. eRapta ERT01

The HD eRapta ERT01 backup camera is an easy to install camera which mounts to your license plate and can be used on vehicles ranging from small cars and sedans to pickups and SUVs.

The installation process is simple and intuitive, with the camera’s power connected to the vehicle’s reversing light, and another connection to a radio screen or monitor via a 26 foot RCA cable.

Build quality is reasonable, with fully waterproofed components rated at IP69 waterproof level, while the camera box itself is easily adjusted so it can be fitted in the best position for your car or truck.

This means you can use the camera in pretty much any weather condition without having to worry about the camera becoming compromised by the elements, with the camera sealed by high-purity resin.

Picture quality comes in at 720p and offers a decent – if not outstanding – picture in normal conditions, while the addition of 8 LED lights help to improve the image while you reverse in the dark.

While you’re not going to get the same detail and clarity here as you’ll find with the more expensive backup cameras, if you’re not driving in adverse weather conditions on a regular basis, the quality here is more than sufficient.

That said, the HD eRapta ERT01 does come with night vision mode, which is a nice inclusion in light of the model’s exceptionally low price point, and it does a solid job of assisting night drivers with a clearer view of the road.

If you’re looking to get a much better view of your vehicle’s blindsides but don’t want to break the bank to do so, the eRapta ERT01 delivers a sharp rearview camera with a clear monitor, all at an affordable price.

3. Auto-Vox CS-2 Wireless Backup Camera

The CS-2 Wireless Backup Camera from Auto-Vox sits at the top end of the price spectrum, with everything you need to install it ready and waiting in the box.

It’s the camera of choice for drivers of large vehicles such as trucks, SUVs, camping cars and RVs, and is also popular for people who tow boats, trailers and caravans.

This is a wireless rear camera with few components, which means you can have the system up and running in well under an hour, clipping it onto your rear number plate with the mounting bracket for immediate rearview safety.

There’s a 4.3-inch display screen you can mount on the dashboard, and the camera uses a wireless connection to transmit real-time images to this screen.

The camera automatically activates whenever the driver reverses, so there’s no need to press any buttons or use voice activation to get a clear view of what’s behind you.

As with most backup cameras, it also features parking lines on the image to help you to reverse and park more easily.

Images from the camera are generally stable and give good vision with plenty of brightness, while the camera’s digital signal – replacing the analogue signal – ensures that your feed won’t suffer from interference by other devices in the car or surrounding area.

One common flaw in other models of backup cameras is a tendency for images to gain a purple tone, or generally become oversaturated and off-putting.

The CS-2 from Auto-Vox avoids this problem with its PC1058 sensor, smoothing out the images to prevent this issue with tone and saturation, while also helping the image avoid other unwanted distortions.

While the price of the Auto-Vox CS-2 might be off-putting for casual users, large vehicle owners who regularly tow a trailer or other weight on their truck will get great value from this all-weather camera option.

4. Boscam K7 Wireless Backup Camera

Another good option for drivers looking for wireless options is the Boscam K7 camera, offering decent quality images through its 5” TFT-LCD screen.

Out of the box, you get the aforementioned screen, along with the camera itself and the connections needed to get everything up and running, with the digital wireless technology meaning you can have it installed without running a cable line throughout the length of your vehicle.

This reverse camera is easy to adjust to ensure coverage of any blind spots, with guidelines available to use as a starting point from which to make your adjustments.

It’s a convenient tool, which helps you to quickly get the camera set up correctly, whether you’re driving a low-to-the-ground sedan, a tall SUV, or using the camera to help reverse with a trailer.

Indeed, the wireless range on the Boscam K7 wireless backup camera extends to around 33 feet, which makes it suitable for long vehicles as well as cars towing trailers, without the fear of the signal disconnecting.

The wireless transmission itself is encrypted, so the chances of the video stream cutting out just when you need it the most is slim to none, with notable stability and protection from other devices.

The camera’s wide-angle lens delivers a clear rear view in high definition, with low light vision crisp and detailed enough to show any approaching obstacles with plenty of time to hit the brakes before contact.

While the video feed quality is fine, it should be noted that the Boscam K7 camera doesn’t allow for video storage, so bear this in mind if you’re looking for a backup camera that offers you the ability to capture evidence for the purpose of insurance.

While not as feature-rich as the Akaso D12, the Boscam K7 delivers great quality and exceptional ease of use for drivers who just want additional rear view safety without all the bells and whistles.

5. Wolfbox Mirror Backup Camera

Not all backup cameras come with bulky screens which mount on your dashboard; some, such as the Wolfbox Mirror Backup Camera, have their screen fitted to the rearview mirror.

For many, this form of display is a more intuitive way to monitor the camera’s footage, and Wolfbox’s screen offers an ultra-wide view, so you won’t lose any detail over a traditional screen.

Cameras are positioned to record both front and rear, with full HD images captured at HD1296P/ HD1080P reproduced clearly on the mirror display.

This display even has a 2.5D curved screen, making it more suitable for the curvature of the human retina, which can make all the difference when reacting to sudden obstacles or other hazards.

Both installation and operation are easy, with the dashcam attached to the rearview mirror with rubber straps and connected to the car’s charger via a cable that easily tucks away into the interior panel.

It’s also smarter than many other backup cameras and includes a reversing aid system, parking monitoring, GPS functioning, and even a handy Lane Departure warning system.

It’s an impressive roster of tools that, thankfully, are intuitive to activate through the neat user interface and help make navigation a dream.

You can also record video to the SD card which comes included in the package, with loop recording present so when the card is full the oldest video files stored will be automatically overwritten.

While rearview mirror-mounted backup cameras aren’t for everyone, this Wolfbox model offers exceptional usability and design likely to entice new adopters.

How to Install a Wireless Backup Camera

Installing a backup camera isn’t actually as hard as you might imagine, as long as it’s a wireless unit!

(If you’ve purchased one with cables, you’ll need to find a neat way to run them from the back of your vehicle to the head unit, so it’s usually not recommended as a DIY task.)

Follow the steps in the video above to install your reversing camera above your license plate, making sure the viewing angle suits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions about Wireless Backup Cameras

Do wireless backup cameras work well?

Most wireless backup cameras are reliable, although as with any device which uses a digital signal, there can be issues from time to time.

Signal lag and interference can sometimes cause issues with loss of picture, although this is more prevalent in cheaper products.

What is the average cost of a backup camera?

It’s possible to pick up a cheap backup camera for around $20, with mid-budget models costing around $100.

High-end cameras can set you back a price approaching $1,000, although this level of budget is overkill for most drivers.

If you’re not investing in a wireless backup camera, it’s worth bearing in mind you may have additional costs to pay for its installation.

What is the difference between a backup camera and a rear-view camera?

While backup cameras and rear-view cameras are similar, there are a couple of important differences to consider.

A backup camera is designed to turn on whenever you enter reverse and will display your reversing path, often with guidelines to assist.

A rear-view camera works in much the same way as your rear-view mirror, and you can turn this on any time you like to check what’s directly behind your vehicle.

How long does it take to install a backup camera?

Some basic wireless backup cameras can be installed in very little time, taking between 30 and 45 minutes from opening the box to being ready to use.

On average, you can expect to spend 2-3 hours of time getting your backup camera installed, depending on how much experience you have with the process.

Final Words

Aside from the occasionally mediocre transmission quality and reception of the average wireless backup camera, there really isn’t much to dislike about these helpful gadgets.

They’re all-around the $100-mark, can be installed relatively quickly by a car mechanic, and best of all, can prevent you from causing thousands of dollars of damage to your vehicle or someone else’s.

Backup cameras are also obviously an important way to avoid accidents with pedestrians or animals.

So, will you be fixing a reversing camera to your car or truck this year? Let us know in the comments, and safe driving!

Editor’s Choice

Akaso DL12 Mirror Backup Camera

Affordable, robust and feature-rich backup camera which helps ensure safe and simple vehicle reversing.

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