The Best Rear View Camera in 2024

The best rear view camera is a compact and powerful tool that help you safely park your car in a tight parking spot. How many times have you nearly killed your pet or damaged the rear of your car while reversing? I’ve lost the count of mine. Once I found and installed one of the best rear view cameras on my RV, I never had to look back (see what I did there?).

The very fact that these cameras will be mandatory in all cars by 2018 in the States speaks volume of its effectiveness. You don’t need to have sound engineering skills to hard wire the best rear view camera in your vehicle. And the most amazing part is they don’t cost a fortune.

If you are struggling to choose the right product from hundreds of options, count on me. Below I have reviewed the 10 best  currently doing the rounds of the market in order to help you find your best rear view camera.

The KDLINKS R100 loaded with features worth checking out. It has an excellent night-vision which most cameras in its range lack miserably.

It can be used in both single camera mode and front-and-rear mode.

It records the footage of the road ahead, oncoming traffic and also lets you view the recording from both cameras simultaneously.

It amplifies your security while driving by minimizing the rear-on and head-on collision.

If you are like me who spend the majority of their lifetime on the wheels, it’s extremely important to install a gadget like this strictly for security purpose.

So, basically, you can use both the actual mirror and the rear-view camera at the same time. The HD monitor is a class of its own.

It’s slightly tinted to prevent glare, thank god for that. With the help of the cable that comes with the product, you can position the rear-facing camera on the rear-window.

This is the ideal position for installing a camera while parking. I have no idea why most dual lens cameras allow the rear-facing cameras to only be set on the license plate.

The 140-degree wide angle lens documents the footages at 30 frames per second.

While driving, if your car comes precariously close to an object, the G-sensor stops the current video playback and starts showing the moments leading up to a probable crash.

Vantrue Dash Cam is an easy-fit rearview camera. All you need to do is strap it onto your car’s existing mirror and that’s it.

Due to this reason, it doesn’t gain as much attention while parking as cameras wired in the middle of the front windshield.

The unit has a premium look and feel and comes with two sets of straps.

You can choose the one that goes best with the thickness of your vehicle’s rear-view mirror.

To make the installation further easy, the package includes a wrench as well.

For those who don’t know, a wrench is an S-shaped plastic tool. It made hiding the cables a breeze for me.

The picture quality could improve, especially when I compare it to the crystal clear footages of the front camera. One of the coolest features of this unit is that both cameras function simultaneously.

You can watch footages from both cameras on a single screen.

Alternatively, using the picture-in-picture mode, you can enlarge footage of one camera on the screen while the feed from the other camera will be minimized to a small window.

In order to adjust the viewing angle, you will just have to adjust the front camera instead of the entire mirror. Cool, isn’t it?

Powered by NOVATEK NT96655 processor along with an upscale low light image sensor, the Vantrue N3 provides images with excellent clarity and color output even at night.

Although the 170-degree wide angle lens has a decent coverage, I’d have preferred a wide angle lens for a better coverage of the traffic behind the car.

Whenever a possible collision is detected by the G-sensor, the entire footage will be recorded and saved to the MicroSD card. This file cannot be overwritten.

The file name will have SOS in the beginning. This way, you can find the correct footage in seconds.

The mirror has a light tint to prevent glare. Moreover, with simple hand gestures, I could activate the 5” IPS panel.

I just had to wave my hand to start or stop recording. The ride was fun this way.

I bought this camera for my Chevrolet Cruze. It is the updated version of AUTO-VOX’s popular M3 series.

The updated version of M6 I got has the rear-view recording function.

A unique thing about its design is that you can’t even tell if it’s there at the first glance.

You get an elastic strap in the package which lets you mount the camera on the rear-view mirror.

It fitted neatly on my car’s rear-view mirror without blocking the actual mirror-view which is pretty cool.

Mind you that the screen isn’t tinted. Therefore, you have to deal with a slight glare while driving under scorching daylight.

However, on the downside, I did struggle a bit to cover up the wires. It would have been better if we could connect it directly to the fuse.

The LCD touchscreen is bright, sleek and the OS is highly responsive.

There are lots of buttons on the screen. If you are not a techie, you might need a while to remember which button does what.

Last but not the least, with the latest firmware update, you can enable the recording feature of the rear-view backup camera.

Be it a Chevy, Hyundai, SUV or a Fleetwood, this backup camera is compatible with almost every popular car models sold in the states.

You will get a default bracket with the product which goes with the original windshield bracket of most cars.

Therefore, you won’t struggle while mounting it on your car’s windshield.

The size of the camera is larger than the previous one I owned but that’s no big deal.

Covering up the video wire that goes right over the headliner is quite easy, thanks to the wire cover it comes with.

How much time and effort you’ll need depends on your car model and how you wish to install it.

The low-light sensitivity of the backup camera is on par with those of the more expensive cameras. You can detect the objects like pole, bumper or wall.

You could easily rotate it in a direction you want to get the desired angle of view.

If you are a die-hard tech-enthusiast, this bad boy is definitely worth checking out. To begin with, both the front and the rear-facing camera are a class of its own.

In most dash cams, the footage quality of the rear camera is iffy.

But I can safely say that junsun has ensured that you can view the objects with optimal clarity even under poorly lit circumstances.

The backup camera has 4 LED lights to enhance the night vision

It took me roughly 50 minutes to finish the wiring and installation from the moment I unboxed the equipment.

Then I plugged into the 12V charger and the issue disappeared. The cable length should be adequate for most car models and motorhomes.

The Bluetooth functions well for handling phone calls but I had a tough time adjusting the volume with it.

The DVR uses Android 5.1 Lollipop, therefore, you can use your preferred media player on it.

However, due to the low screen resolution, if you play 720P or 1080P videos, it will be downscaled to 480P.

The stock GPS works just about fine. Nothing extraordinary about that.

The AUTO-VOX M3 is the predecessor of the VOX M6. It fits snugly on my car’s rear-view mirror without entirely blocking the rearview mirror.

It kind of looks like the camera is a part of the mirror itself. The wire length is enough to run all the way to the back of my car.

I would suggest you figure out where you want to place your back camera before purchasing it.

One of the key features of the dash cam is the four view options with a 170-degree ultra wide angle lens.

You can get a fairly stretched view of the objects and the PIP feature lets you see footages from both cameras on the LCD screen simultaneously.

To make sure that the recording doesn’t stop when the memory is full, I always keep the Loop Recording mode on.

One thing I discovered recently is that the size of the front camera is bigger than the rear-view mirrors of most cars.

That could be an issue for some, especially at night.

This dash cam is best suited for people who drive in harsh weather conditions through unforgiving terrains.

For, it uses an IP 6G weatherproof rear-view camera which can seamlessly operate at extremely high temperatures.

The primary camera provides a stretched view of the road with its 150-degree wide angle lens.

Both cameras can record simultaneously and you can see the footage files from both cameras separated after switching on the playback mode.

When you reverse your car, the screen automatically starts displaying the rear-camera view.

While there’s a Picture in Picture mode that displays the view from both cameras on the screen at once, you can manually switch between front and back camera too.

Another feature I absolutely love is the IPS touchscreen. The Menu icon of most of the dash cam monitors I have used is annoyingly small.

But fortunately, not in this one. The icons and control buttons are large and therefore, easily identifiable. The device comes with two straps.

I could easily run it through the headboard, all the way to the left side door.

Clarity of the image is the first thing to take into account while purchasing a backup camera.

Even if it’s not a traditional camcorder-level clarity, you should at least be able to clearly see the moving objects and creatures near your car.

This is more so important for the footages that show the moments leading up to an accident.

The isYoung 720P rear-view camera has set the bar high for its competitors.

Even when you are driving at high speed at night, there is a minimal distortion in the feed.

You can even take still pictures by simply pressing the Mode button.

The parking monitoring ensures that you don’t unwittingly hit a pole or wall while parking in a tight spot. It actually works as good as it sounds.

It has saved my Chevy from almost smashing against a wall about two weeks ago. So, I can vouch for it.

When you shift into the reverse gear, the screen would automatically turn on recording from the back camera.

I don’t think it is a device-specific issue.

Unmatched video quality, simple installation paired with practical features- the next product on my list combines all of these.

For maximum security, the G-sensor is activated by G-force events.

In simple terms, whenever you car accidentally hits an object, it records it, marks the file and makes sure it is not deleted from the memory while loop recording.

On top of that, it captures real-time videos.

Therefore, whenever you get into any hit and run scenario, you can use the recorded footage of the accident to avoid any legal mess.

I like to use a timer so that the camera turns off on its own if I forget to do so manually.

Press the button to change view modes, turn the PIP function or toggle between front and back camera.

The cable length for the rear cam is 18 feet. I could route it without any issue by following the manual between the lines.

The very first thing about the product that grabs your attention is the suave design. The front camera sticks to the left side of the mirror.

This way, I can use both the camera and the actual mirror at the same time, something you would really appreciate if you have passengers at the back seat.

I was able to easily run the table through the headliner, all the way to the rear passenger door. The effort to mount the front camera was next to nothing.

There was one negative in an otherwise great equipment- the battery.

If I keep my car’s engine shut off for more than 30 seconds, the camera will turn off. The light reflection of the tinted screen also bothered me to some extent while driving in daylight.

Other than these, I didn’t notice any other glaring flaw in the design or functionality. The Picture-in-Picture mode would let me view the feed from both cameras on the screen.

On top of it, it offers GPS navigation as well which works just as good as it should be.

Buyer’s Guide

Contents:

What Is A Rear-View Camera In a Car?

Every car has a rear-view mirror that lets you see the oncoming traffic behind your car as well as the passengers in your backseat while driving.

These mirrors can be manually tilted depending on the amount of the light in the environment.

The mirror is placed on the top of the windshield and can be easily adjusted to get the desired viewing angle.

These mirrors are on flat. Instead, these are wedge-shaped mirror with a thicker upper edge.

What Do You Mean By A Rear Camera?

A rear-view camera can help you safely park your car, eliminating the chances of collisions with a wall or a living creature.

When you shift your car into the reverse gear, the rear-view camera activates automatically.

You can see the parking view either on the left side of the rear-view mirror or on the LCD screen if your camera comes with one.

It will also show, through different symbols, the closest and the farthest objects from the vehicle.

How Does A Car Rear View Mirror Work?

Rear-view mirrors have a tab that allows you to adjust the position of the mirror. When you drive, the light from the headlights of the vehicles behind you reflects on your car’s rear view mirror.

You can be blinded by that light and your reflex will be to cover up your eyes with a hand. Imagine trying to do that while driving!

A rear-view mirror has a reflective back which is made from a thin metal while the front is a wedge-shaped surface of the glass.

That way, the shiny, reflective surface will face the dark ceiling of the car. Only the low-reflection wedge will show the view from the rear-window. Thus, you will be able to see a dim image of the headlights.

What Is An Auto-Dimming Rear View Mirror?

Auto-dimming mirrors came into existence in 1949. A brainchild of Jacob Rabinow, these wedge-shaped rear-view mirrors has an interesting way of working. Ever heard of the Troxler effect? No worries. I won’t go into the nerdy details.

In a nutshell, if you stare at a red circle placed in at the center of a blue circle for long enough, the circle starts to fade away after a certain time.

The auto-dimming rear-view mirrors reduce this effect with the help of ambient light sensors. These sensors have microprocessors that can detect the glare resulted from the headlights of the trailing cars.

The electrochromic gel residing between the two layers of the glass dims the light reflected from the headlights of the trailing vehicles.

And as a result, you can drive safely at night without the risk of headlight glare distorting your vision.

How Much Does A Rear-View Camera Cost?

Rear-view cameras are going to be mandatory for cars from 2018. So, the clock is ticking and you must hurry and learn as much as you can about backup cameras before buying one.

I totally understand that you’re probably wondering how much these tiny but life-saving gadgets might cost.

It could cost anywhere between $25 to $800 depending on the brand, model, and features.

After dealing with automobiles for living for almost 25 years, I’ve found that devices in the $150-$200 range are good enough to provide added security while driving and parking.

Can You Add A RearView Camera To Your Car?

Most definitely you can.

How Do You Install A Wireless Rear View Camera?

Adding a backup camera to your car is actually not as complicated as most people think.

If DIY isn’t your thing, you can always call a mechanic to do the job. Note that different car models and cameras types require different setups.

Below I have broken down the steps to fit a rear-view camera on to the license plate of a car:

• • • Figure out where you exactly what to place the camera, on the bumper or license plate. Also, plan how you are going to route the cable from the headliner, all the way to the back of the car.
    • In order to mount the rear-facing camera, drill a hole on the license plate or bumper, position it at the center. I usually route the wires along the headliner and the passenger door.
    • Stretch the cable through the rubber grommet and if possible, connect it to the camera from the back of the bumper.
    • Connect the camera to the accessory outlet and LCD monitor to the windshield. For the power supply, plug the cord into the cigarette lighter.
    • In order to connect the monitor and camera to the car’s display screen, you can route the cable into the dash near the A-pillar from under the kick panel.
    • The last step is to mount the viewing screen on the rear-view mirror of the vehicle. If you have a dual dash camera, the front-facing camera has to be mounted on the mirror with the help of a strap.

For more detailed and product-specific instructions on wire-feeding, refer to the manual provided by the product manufacturer.

How Do You Install A Rear View Mirror?

If your car’s mirror falls off, below are the tips on how you can reattach it-

• • • Remove the mounting button attached to the mirror.
    • In order to activate the glue, it’s crucial to make the windshield warm. You can use a hair dryer to warm it up. Also, wipe the windshield and mounting button with alcohol or a glass cleaner.
    • If you car model is new, it should have a black band to indicate the accurate position for mounting the mirror. But even if it doesn’t, you can figure out from the outside of the windshield where you exactly want the mirror, ideally 4 inches down from the headliner, right at the middle of the top of the window.
    • Once done, spray activator on the inside of the windshield and backside of the mounting bracket to aid faster adhesive curing.
    • Apply adhesive on the bracket and stick it on to the windshield. Push it firmly for about a minute so that it sticks properly.
    • Use an Allen wrench to separate the mirror from the baseplate.
    • The thumb rule is to first glue the baseplate to the windshield. Wait for at least 15 minutes before attaching the mirror on the baseplate.
    • Tighten the lock screw to secure mirror on the baseplate.

Conclusion

Although it’s difficult to narrow the options down to just two, KDLINKS R100 Ultra is, by all means, the best rear-view camera on my list.

However, the AUTO-VOX M6 looks almost equally promising to me. That’s all for today. Hope you find the best rear view camera that perfectly fits the bill right within your budget soon enough.