The rear view camera is a small device that has great value. Especially in urban environments where mini-wars erupt every day over parking spaces.
A good camera will allow you to put your iron horse in places where it is completely impossible to do it in the mirrors. And we will tell you how to get the best model for little money.
How to choose a car rear view camera
In order not to get confused in the abundance of signs of rear-view cameras, we divided them into two types: external and internal.
When it comes to appearance, this refers to the body and type of mount. Here the cameras are divided into three main types:
Types of cameras
Universal camera
This type of "all-seeing eye" is called universal for a reason - it can be set wherever you want.
Such cameras are usually not too expensive, but they give a good picture. True, in order to get this very picture, you will have to pull the wires throughout the car, plus not every camera will fit well on the trunk lid of your iron friend. And due to the nature of the installation, they are sensitive to moisture.
License Plate Camera
Very easy to install, inexpensive and, as a result, a popular device. Minus - mediocre picture quality.
Established cameras
Such cameras are usually an accessory for a particular brand of car and are installed in a specially designed place. They combine the image quality of universal cameras with the convenience and ease of installing cameras in a license plate. And integrate seamlessly into the car’s 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.
Specifications
Connection
It happens wired and wireless. The first is inconvenient during installation (you have to pull the wiring through the entire cabin), but the connection between the monitor and the camera will not be affected by interference. And the second is easier to install, but much more expensive.
Viewing angle
The more, the better and more expensive. Typically, cameras on the market have a viewing angle of 100, 120 or 170 degrees (the latter is a fisheye lens). It is worth noting that the larger the angle, the shorter the drawing range.
Resolution
The car’s 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 can’t give out an HD picture, is it worth it to fool around when choosing a camera with a higher resolution?
Matrix
Typically, arrays for cameras are of two types:
- CCDs are more expensive, but give a better picture with good detail.
- CMOS - cheaper, need backlight.
Night vision
How well the camera “sees” in the dark depends on its photosensitivity. And in order not to mount an ultra-expensive high-aperture lens in a car, most manufacturers equip their cameras with backlight. It automatically turns on when reversing. The most commonplace are banal LEDs, but more expensive cameras are equipped with infrared "vision."
Stars and stripes
It is very convenient when the image from the camera to the monitor is displayed with the markings applied on top. The lines indicate the direction in which the car is moving, and can even determine 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 - rear view camera or parking sensors?
Devices work best in tandem, offsetting 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 valves sticking out in the blind zone of the parking sensors.
The best rear view cameras in the frame of the license plate
3. Interpower IP-616
The average price is 1,000 rubles.
Specifications:
- type: camera
- camera type: rear view
- camera mount: license plate
- camera installation: universal
- features: mirroring, parking lines, automatic exposure adjustment, automatic white balance, camera tilt vertically
This is one of many Chinese-made cameras that have flooded the Russian market in recent times. Interpower IP-616 differs from its products in terms of installation convenience, small size and general invisibility.
Despite the price, it has its own built-in backlight, and not LED, but infrared, as well as marking lines. You can change the angle, however, it is quite inconvenient to do this - in order to get to the adjusting screws, you will have to loosen the plastic edging.
At this price, I inevitably had 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 infrared illumination are manifested - during the day, it is also faded, black and white at night. A good image can only be obtained during the "transition period". By the way, if you wish, you can 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.
Specifications:
- Manufacturer: Blackview
- Type: camera
- Features: parking lines
And this is a step forward compared to the previous position. Although the price is still not too high, the Blackview UC 77 has a full range of advantages: from parking labels, two monitor modes - mirror and direct - and ending with a chic viewing angle of 170 °.
A nice addition: it supports PAL and NTSC formats, which makes it perfectly compatible with most car multimedia devices.
pros: excellent price / quality ratio.
Minuses: not.
1. INCAR VDC 006S
The average price is 3,000 rubles.
Specifications:
- 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 in technical capabilities and quality of performance, but, alas, at a price. This is one of the most expensive rating cameras. Why does she cost so much?
- Judging by user reviews, it is very high quality assembled.
- The second main difference between the camera and its rivals is high resolution (628x582), as well as image proportions more pleasant to the eye. But the main difference is a high aperture; A camera with 0.1 lux can be safely used even in the dark of the night.
- We add to the number of its advantages also a parking grid and moisture protection according to the IP67 standard. This means that you can immerse this camera a meter in water, and it will continue to transmit the image. True, let's hope that the driver will never have to deal with situations of this kind.
pros: workmanship, life, water protection, aperture.
Minuses: price.
Best mortise rear cameras
3. Interpower IP-980HD
The average price is 1,300 rubles.
Specifications:
- installation type: mortise
- matrix: CMOS; 1/3
- viewing angle: 110 °
- waterproof case
Opens the list of the best mortise rear-view cameras is another device from Chinese craftsmen under the Interpower brand. The resolution of the baby 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 a markup. However, users complain about the low life of the camera; It practically does not process its warranty period.
pros: price, parking grid, permission.
Minuses: little "lives."
2. AutoExpert VC-208
The average price is 1,700 rubles.
Specifications:
- type: camera
- camera type: rear view
- camera mount: mortise
- camera installation: universal
- features: mirroring, parking lines
Mortise rear view camera with a relatively low price. Despite the budget, characteristics and viewing angle, she is not bad. Infrequently you will find 170 ° in the budget version, as well as parking lines, switching between direct and mirror modes and light requirements of only 0.1 lux.
The degree of protection against moisture in the camera is IP68, which means that in the literal sense of the word it can be fearlessly immersed in water. Thanks to these characteristics, cameras of this type are popular with owners of SUVs and crossovers who are not averse to spending a weekend outside the city.
pros: parking grid, low light requirements, moisture protection.
Minuses: The angle of inclination cannot be adjusted.
1. SWAT VDC-002
The average price is 1,800 rubles.
Specifications:
- type: camera
- camera type: rear view
- camera mount: mortise
- camera installation: universal
- features: parking lines
This camera has a good value for money. And although it lacks new-fangled chips like tilt adjustment, however, this is offset by other advantages.
For example, versatility (SWAT VDC-002 easily makes contact with common PAL and NTSC radio tape recorders) and aperture of 0.2 lux.
It's nice that the kit for the camera includes everything you need for a wired connection.
pros: price, parking markings, moisture protection according to IP67.
Minuses: looks inconspicuous.
The best universal rear view cameras
3. AutoExpert VC-200
The average price is 1,400 rubles.
Specifications:
- type: camera
- camera type: rear view
- camera mount: invoice
- camera installation: universal
- features: mirroring, parking lines
Very good rear view camera for the money. She has good image quality, and the parking grid can be turned off if desired. The wire is included in the kit, and it is long enough to carry it through the entire station wagon.
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, viability.
Minuses: not.
2. SHO-ME CA-5570
The average price is 800 rubles.
Specifications:
- type: camera
- camera type: rear view
- camera installation: universal
- features: parking lines, LED backlight
A good and inexpensive rear view camera has an excellent viewing angle of 170 °. 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 tilt angle of the camera, so we advise you to take care of this during installation.
Another minus 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.
Specifications:
- type: camera
- camera type: rear view
- camera mount: invoice
- camera installation: universal
This model is distinguished by both a chic viewing angle (178 °) and 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 quality and image clarity. At the same time, the camera is undemanding to lighting, and 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 run to the store - we do not understand.
pros: functional, moisture protection.
Minuses: not.
The best rear view cameras for mounting in the handle to open the trunk
3. Alpine HCE-C2100RD
The average price is 19,000 rubles.
Specifications:
- Type of review: 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 ranking of the best rear-view cameras in 2020 is worth the money. Such characteristics do not lie on the road: a phenomenal viewing angle of 180 °, a stunning resolution of 1280x960 (as if you are watching a movie), and with a touch of a button you can switch the mode between direct and mirror.
And you can also change viewing angles - from the usual square image to the fish eye, top view and spectacles of your own side lights in super wide mode.
Another necessary option present in the Alpine HCE-C2100RD is parking lines (of course, they can be turned off and configured for your car). There is even a towbar line! Of course, in the dark, the picture is more than acceptable. And, a nice addition: Alpine has a special interface that allows the rear and front cameras to work in tandem.
pros: functional, moisture protection, build quality.
Minuses: price.
2. Incar VDC-065
The average price is 3 800 rubles.
Specifications:
- type: camera
- camera type: rear view
- camera mount: boot handle
- camera installation: standard
The main advantage of this camera, the lucky owners of which can, alas, only owners of Audi and Volkswagen - visibility. Its viewing angle is 170 °, and this means that the owner will be able to distinguish not only the numbers of other cars located behind, but also their own rear position lamps.
The image is displayed with a resolution of 628x582, and a photosensitivity of 0.1 lux will allow the darkness to penetrate the camera “gaze” without much tension.
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 the feedback from users, the camera is hardy 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.
Specifications:
- type: camera
- camera type: rear view
- camera mount: boot handle
- camera installation: standard
There are a number of full-time rearview cameras from AVIS designed for various 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 video in good quality, but even in its small case, the manufacturers managed to invest a lot of systems that greatly facilitate the lives of drivers.
First of all, we note the magnificent parking grid of the model AVS326CPR, which will never be misleading. The camera also has a mirror image, automatic exposure and white balance adjustment, a compensator for reflected light and a huge viewing angle of 170 °. In general, this camera is good for everyone, it’s only suitable for a small number of machine models.
pros: precise parking markings, lights.
Minuses: it is full-time, which means that it’s impossible to install it on any model.
