Parking can be a challenge at the best of times, but it’s especially tricky when you’re trying to squeeze into a small space.
You end up creeping forwards and backward a few inches at a time just to avoid bumping into anything (especially not the neighbor’s car behind you), and praying for the best.
It’s easy enough to see what’s in front of you, but the rear of your vehicle is a blind spot that makes it easy for even the most conscious mirror checker to miss something.
Considering how much we spend on our cars each year, it’s no wonder people are looking for a way to minimize the risk of any potential damage to your vehicle.
Backup cameras are a great way to protect your back while you’re backing up, as they provide a clear view of what’s going on behind you.
But unless you’re a tech whizz who’s familiar with pixels and resolution, it’s easy to get lost in general claims about “HD quality” without actually knowing what you’re looking for.
Luckily for you, our buyer’s guide contains all you need to know about what makes a great backup camera.
We explain how to choose the right model to suit your purpose and discuss a range of factors that you may want to consider in your decision.
If you spend too long struggling to park outside, and now you’re in a hurry to find the best vehicle backup camera so you don’t have to go through such an ordeal again, feel free to skip to our top pick below!
Car Backup Cameras Comparison Chart
| Rank | Name | Key Features | Ratings | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 |  | • Car Rear View Camera Apply to Voltage Range From 12-24V DC Power • Car Dash Security Sensor Camera of Waterproof Rubber • Car Reversing Backing Camera • Auto Backup System Vehicle Backup Cameras • Backup Camera for Car | 5 | $$ |
| #2 |  | • Night vision technology provides clear video in all conditions • Parking assistance provides on-screen angles when reversing • IP69 Waterproof rating, resistant to rain and snow | 4.5 | $ |
| #3 |  | • Versatile Fit • True-to-Life Images • 170° Wide Angle Design • Automatic LED Night Vision • Weather-Resistant and Waterproof | 4 | $ |
| #4 |  | • HEAVY-DUTY LICENSE PLATE FRAME BACKUP CAMERA • IP67 WATERPROOF &SHOCKPROOF • 170° WIDELY VIEWING ANGLE • UPGRADE VERSION VEHICLE CAMERA • NIGHT VISION BETTER THAN IR LIGHTS | 4 | $ |
| #5 |  | • Super Night Version • IP68 Water-proof • Very Easy for Installation • Excellent image quality • Wide Angle | 4 | $ |
eRapta ERT01 Backup Rear View License Plate Camera
We chose this eRapta backup camera as our top pick because of its high-functioning capabilities. As a brand who are known for their focus on keeping you safe while you’re out on the road, this eRapta ERT01 2nd generation backup camera does exactly that.
The protective rubber ring around the camera is made of high-purity resin and is 100% weatherproof with an IP69 rating, so even in the harshest weather conditions, you can be safe in the knowledge that your camera won’t malfunction or be damaged by the elements.
It’s perfect for safer driving at night as the automatic LED lighting will turn themselves on when the sensors recognize that you’re in a darker area. There’s also a 149-degree angle adjustment so you can find the best position for your camera and get the view you need.
One of the other great things about this rear view camera is its universal compatibility, which means it can connect to most vehicles and a 26 ft. RCA video cable is included with the camera.
It’s reliable, durable, and it will help you squeeze into any space. It even has guidelines that are shown on the screen to assist you while you park so there’s no risk of misjudging it and bumping the car behind you.
- Universal – compatible with practically any vehicle
- Assist guidelines
- 100% waterproof and durable construction
- Excellent value for money
- Lacks clear installation instructions
ZEROXCLUB Backup Plate Camera
Another strong contender that just missed the mark for our top choice pick is the ZEROXCLUB backup camera, which is suitable for use with cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, vans, and RVs.
It loses out due to it’s slightly higher price-point because while it still doesn’t break the bank, you can find cameras with similar quality for less.
LED lights provide light in low-lit areas, and the advanced night vision technology means even at night, you can rely on clear, accurate video feed to keep you safe in the dark. During the day, the camera guarantees a true-color image and is extremely high-quality.
An additional useful feature is the optional guidelines that provide assistance while you park, by lining up correct angles so you can position your car and park with ease.
Customers love how durable the construction of this backup camera is, as it can handle all weather conditions come rain or snow. It isn’t slowed by lower temperatures and the IP69 waterproof rating ensures that water can’t seep in and damage your camera.
- IP69 waterproof
- Compatible with a wide range of vehicles
- True-color image
- Optional guidelines for parking assistance
- Slightly more expensive
Esky Backup Camera (with night vision)
The Esky backup plate camera is a vast improvement on some of their older models now they’ve upgraded their LED lens and CMOS color resolution. It has even clearer images and all-round better performance, so it’s a great option for anyone who needs a new backup camera.
You can drive safely in the dark thanks to its clear night vision, as it has 7 LED lights located on either side of the camera. These automatically switch on when the sensors recognize that you’re in a low-lit area to illuminate the space behind you.
The camera has a 170-degree viewing angle to eliminate all blind spots so you don’t miss a thing. Additionally, you have a 45-degree adjustment angle in order to position your camera in a way that best suits your vehicle’s needs.
Metal frames with a chrome finish are used to mount the camera, which blends in with most car designs whilst also ensuring long-lasting use. The IP67 waterproof rating also helps to protect your camera, although water can leak in if it’s not sealed properly during installation.
It’s also important to note that this camera only supports an NTSC video system, so remember to check that this is compatible with your monitor.
- IP67 weatherproof
- 7 bright LED lights for night vision
- Adjustable angle for expanded viewing range
- Tricky to install
- Only supports NTSC video system
Atokit License Plate Frame Backup Camera
The Atokit license plate camera features RCA connector video output of 1.0 V. p-p and 75 ohms for impressive performance. The images you get are of impressive quality and true color, and it works well with many existing systems.
Your camera is well protected against the elements thanks to its IP67 waterproof rating and shockproof properties. It’s resistant to getting fogged or wet even in the harshest weather conditions to keep your security assist camera working at all times.
The 170 degrees viewing angle gives you a wide scope, and the macro lens works in conjunction with the mirror image to afford you a greater view of your rear. The CMOS image sensor helps to reduce the number of blind spots your car has so you don’t miss a thing.
The camera also features excellent night vision so that you can see better in the dark. It uses 8 white LED lights to provide clear, high-quality images at night.
- Includes 3.5 ft. power cable and 20 ft. RCA video cable
- Extra-wide viewing angle
- CMOS image sensors
- This camera only supports NTSC video system
- Installation instructions are not very clear
Auto-Vox RVC-CAM6 Rear Reverse Backup Camera
While it’s not going to be as good as the clarity you’d get on a 4K HD television screen, the Auto-Vox RVC-CAM6 offers perfectly good quality video at an affordable price. It’s a great option for anyone on a budget without compromising on performance.
It has better waterproof capabilities than other cameras in a similar price range with an IP68 waterproof rating, and you don’t have to worry about fog or misting affecting your vision.
Installing this backup plate camera is so easy, you can do it yourself! All you need to do is unscrew the license plate, position your camera behind it, and secure it by re-tightening the screws using a wrench.
The 170-degree viewing angle and 3-meter distance range offer you a wider view than most models, but be aware that this does come at the risk of some distortion in the image.
- Optional guidelines
- Easy installation
- IP68 waterproof rating
- Image can distort
License Plate Frame Backup Cameras Buyer’s Guide
These days, it’s hard to find a car that hasn’t been fitted with at least one piece of equipment to improve your overall car system. The next generation of drivers will take their tests on how to follow SatNav directions correctly, and you can now have entire sound systems installed for improved audio quality.
These recent advancements in technology have transformed long car journeys into more comfortable, enjoyable experiences in a number of ways, so getting from A to B is no longer the chore it once was.
Backup cameras are just one way you can enhance both the ease and safety of your driving, but like other pieces of equipment designed for your car, it can be hard to decide which one to buy.
There are cameras ranging from low-budget to high-end with a price tag to match, but no matter how much you spend you’ll be investing in a future that doesn’t involve numerous trips to your garage.
Compatibility
Even with the best camera in the world, if you don’t have a screen for it to connect to you’ll have no way to view your camera feed, which renders your backup camera pointless.
Most new cars come with their own display system pre-installed, or there are loads of different units available to purchase. It’s important to check that your backup camera is compatible with your current navigation or radio display system, which will be indicated in the product specification information.
If you don’t have any type of existing screen or display system, you can purchase a reverse camera system that come with a monitor included. However, these are more expensive than purchasing the camera individually.
You can even find rear-view mirrors with a built-in display screen if you’re feeling really high-tech, and these tend to connect wirelessly to your backup camera.
Image Quality
We’ve all checked our phones after a night out only to find a bunch of blurry attempts at a group photo, but you shouldn’t have to face the same problem when it comes to your backup camera. If you’re looking for assistance in seeing what’s at the rear of your vehicle then you’re likely not going to find much help in a camera that has grainy, poor quality video.
To make the most out of the extra safety this piece of equipment can provide, try to choose one with high definition video to allow for clear vision.
It can be confusing to wade through product specification details, but the main thing you need to know is the resolution of your camera, as this determines how pixelated your images will be.
High contrast image feeds are another good thing to look out for because this will ensure there’s no confusion over what you’re seeing and it will make objects behind you stand out against each other.
CCD vs CMOS
The majority of reverse cameras will feature CCD or CMOS sensors. Although each has its own strengths, the main difference is in how they convert light to signal: CCD is analog and CMOS is digital.
CCD sensors can more easily adapt to fluctuating lights in your environment and have an increased sensitivity to light, which usually means that these cameras have great night vision. They process pixels quickly and accurately so no matter what time of day it is, you have crystal-clear vision.
CMOS sensors aren’t completely inferior to CCS sensors, though. They require less power to run as they consume less energy. However, seeing as most people choose to power their backup camera by connecting it to their car, it’s unlikely that power conservation is going to be a huge concern.
Viewing Range
No matter how good the quality is, you’ll also want to consider the viewing range your camera allows for, as this will determine how much you can actually see! This is especially important for larger vehicles where the number of blind spots will be increased.
Some people believe that the wider your camera angle is the better, but in reality, you don’t need to see too far to either side as this can end up being distracting rather than helpful, as long as you have a clear, accurate image of what’s in the direct proximity of your vehicle.
It’s also worth noting that the wider your camera angle, the more chance you have of curvature in the image which can give a false sense of perspective in terms of an object’s distance from your vehicle. Anything over 149-degrees is likely to end up distorting.
Night Vision
Night vision is an incredibly useful feature that can be found on many high-end backup cameras. They make it much safer to drive and park your car in the dark and really are a great addition to any model.
Rear view cameras that feature night vision will have infrared LED lights to help illuminate the surrounding area so you can see where you’re going. These make it easier to see how close you are to other obstacles for even safer driving.
Durability
In addition to how your backup camera performs, it’s important to think about how well it will stand the test of time. Because of their position at the rear of your vehicle, backup cameras are exposed to the elements which can include harsh weather conditions.
Most quality backup cameras will be manufactured using strong, heavy-duty materials in order to extend their lifetime. Even if you live in a warmer climate, waterproofing is essential to protect your camera against damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my backup camera dark?
The most common reason for your vehicle reverse camera to go dark or for black and white static to appear on the screen is because you have a faulty connection. This could be because you have a fraying wire or a loose cable, so check to see if everything is connected properly.
Should you buy a backup camera with a monitor or use your existing display unit?
Ultimately, only you can answer this question. Buying a backup camera at the same time as a monitor will make it a more expensive purchase, but if you’re looking to upgrade your navigation or radio display system anyway, then go for it!
Is a backup camera worth it?
Yes! Backup cameras are definitely worth it. They help to prevent damage to your car at a fraction of what it would cost you for any repairs, so it’s worth investing in one. What are you waiting for?
Conclusion
So if you are looking for an awesome Backup camera, our top recommendation is the eRapta ERT01. It’s from a reputable brand that is known for its high-quality products. It ticks all the boxes, is compatible with almost every car, easy to install and durable – so will last!