Best Backup Cameras: Your Rear Bumper Thanks You
These top backup cameras let you reverse virtually any vehicle with ease and confidence.
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While backup cameras are now federally mandated on all new cars, the average age of a car on US roads is 12.5 years, the oldest it's ever been. That means that a number of vehicles aren't equipped with the technology that makes it both easier and safer to reverse. That doesn't mean those who don't have one are precluded from those comforts, as a number of solid backup cameras are available for reasonable prices. There are a lot of options, though, which can make finding the right one a pain.
But that's what The Drive is here for. To make your lives easier, save you cash, and reduce the chance of you backing up into a light pole. So take a look at our recommendations below.
Rexing M3 1080p 3-Channel Mirror Dash Cam
- 3-channel camera
- 1080p
- Records as dash camera
- Moderately expensive
- Bulky
Vantop 12" 2.5K Front and Rear Mirror Dash Cam
| Vantop’s inexpensive option gives you everything you need without sacrificing capability. |
- Inexpensive
- Records as dash camera
- Good night vision
- Bulky
- Can be cumbersome installation
Pioneer 6.8-inch Head Unit & Back-up Camera
- Full unit
- Car Play/Android Auto
- Large, 6.8-inch screen
- Expensive
- Requires professional installation
Our Methodology
When it comes to choosing the best backup cameras, I wanted to provide you with a well-rounded list that features a good variety of reputable manufacturers with solid track records of providing high-quality, reliable products. I included a wide range of price points to suit any budget. I focused on backup cameras that use the latest technology and that feature innovative, compact designs suitable for a wide variety of motorcycle makes and models. For more information on the selection criteria, click this link to The Drive’s Gear About page, which explains our methodology further.
Best Backup Camera Reviews & Recommendations
Pros
3-channel camera
1080p
Records as dash camera
Cons
Somewhat expensive
Bulky
Pros
Inexpensive
Good night vision
Records as dash camera
Cons
Can be cumbersome installation
Bulky
Pros
Full unit
Car Play/Android Auto
Large, 6.8-inch screen
Cons
Requires professional installation
Expensive
Our Verdict
Few things suck as much as backing up into a pole, another car, or worse, you’re child’s bicycle. One of the three backup cameras above would go a long way in reducing those threats, with Rexing’s taking our top spot, followed by Vantop, and Pioneer. Each would do you well, but choosing which is right for your application will come down to you.
Key Features
Camera Image Quality
Smaller than most action cams and digital camcorders, these cameras typically lack the HD quality of higher-end consumer products. Still, the quality of the camera will determine how clear the image appears on the monitor. Cameras with 1080p recording resolutions are the most common, but you can still find lesser resolutions, like 720p on the market.
LED Lights
To use a camera at night, extra light is required to illuminate the surroundings. Backup and rear car lights lack the capabilities to offer this illumination, so most cameras come with a few LED lights for assistance. The number and intensity of the lights will influence how bright the night vision image appears. Look for cameras that offer between 6-8 LED lights for optimal night vision capabilities.
Enhanced Safety Features
Some backup camera systems offer more than just a good view of the rear area. Enhanced safety features include a backup line or grid to gauge distance, recording functionality, and collision detection. Higher-end cameras can also work with other front and side cameras to offer nearly 360-degree monitoring coverage around the vehicle.
Pricing
A backup camera can often be found for as low as $50, but these aren’t good buys. They’ll break or you’ll have a host of issues that will make you want to rip it all out. A good quality backup camera is going to set you back between $100 and $500 for one that also includes a head unit.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
What are the colored lines for in the backup camera image?
Those lines give you a visual reference for how close rear objects are to your vehicle. For example, something that intercepts the red line is close to hitting the vehicle.
Can I add more cameras to a backup camera system?
This depends on the monitor and the number of inputs it has. Some displays only have one input just for a backup camera. Others can handle more cameras for the front or sides.
Is a wired or wireless camera better?
Wired backup cameras can handle more data and are known to produce better picture quality and have better reliability than wireless backup cameras. Wireless backup cameras are easier to install, lower in price, and offer more advanced technology than wired backup cameras, so it’s really all about your personal preferences.
Why Trust Us
Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.
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