Encountering a friend's backup camera while seated in their vehicle might elicit feelings of jealousy unlike anything else. All drivers can benefit from gps with backup camera since they improve driver awareness and make maneuvering through confined places easier. However, because it's simple to equip your "old" car with a backup camera, you don't need to feel envious of anybody.

Before we get into the weeds, allow me to clarify a point. Despite the fact that "backup camera" and "rearview camera" are two distinct items, people frequently use them synonymously. While a rear-view camera records or shows you a live feed of the drivers behind you, a backup camera activates when you are backing up your car.

Yes, it is possible to equip your car with a backup camera!

Although they might appear to be a contemporary convenience, backup cameras aren't all that sophisticated. They have, in actuality, existed for many years. Simply said, LCD screens and tiny digital cameras are now cheap enough to be installed in every new automobile. Additionally, backup cameras are compatible with trailers. If you frequently have to hitch items to the rear of your car, investing in a backup camera is very fantastic.

Which Kind of Backup Camera Is Best to Purchase?

Purchasing a backup camera is a somewhat simple process. Sure, features like night vision are something to be concerned about, but these are fairly simple to use and comprehend. Additionally, despite the fact that producers provide hundreds of variations in backup cameras, they always come in three main form factors.

The three kinds of backup cameras are as follows:

Retrofit cameras: When you shift into reverse, these back-up cameras attach straight to your head unit to provide a video feed. Nevertheless, they need a head unit, or "infotainment center," that has video playback capabilities. (To make installation easier, I highly recommend purchasing an add-on backup camera from the maker of your head unit).

Dashboard display cameras: Some backup camera sets include a little display that mounts to your windshield or mounts on your dashboard. Since most of these kits are wireless, they're an excellent affordable choice if you're not comfortable working with cables.

Cameras with Mirror Monitors: Invest in a camera system that includes a rearview mirror monitor for a more tidier setup. This monitor serves as both a screen and a mirror. Usually wireless, it either replaces or goes on top of an existing rearview mirror.

After determining whatever form-factor best suits your needs, it's time to look for features. purchasing a backup camera equipped with parking guidance lines and night vision. Additionally, you wish to get a wireless camera so that you won't have to run video cords throughout your vehicle.

Can You Set Up Your Own Backup Camera?

Although installing a backup camera isn't hard, it does need some time and some automotive skill. In order to splice cables, you must detach your car's battery, even with "wireless" backup cameras. Professional installation is the best option for most individuals and will set you back at least $100. But it's not a huge issue to add a backup camera if you're familiar working on autos.

This is the general procedure:

• Unplug the car's battery.
• Attach the backup camera on your license plate, normally.
• The camera's power supply is hardwired (typically to your brake light).
• To get to your head unit or display, run video cords underneath the seal of your door.

You might have to hardwire an add-on display to your head unit or interior lighting system if you purchase one. However, some add-on screens draw power from your cigarette lighter, so if you pair them with a wireless video system, installation may go really quickly.

It is worth mentioning that certain add-on backup cameras, such as those manufactured by Kenwood for their head units, can function without a separate power supply. Rather, the power source for them is the video line that is connected to the rear of your receiver.

Remember that you might die from an electric shock from your automobile. You should pay a professional (or a knowledgeable friend, at least) to install your backup camera if you are not comfortable performing safe auto repairs on your own.

Do Backup Cameras Cost a Lot?

Back-up cameras are surprisingly inexpensive on their own. Most versions cost between $30 to $70, although others are significantly less expensive. The issue is, of course, that your older automobile most likely lacks a head unit or "infotainment center" that can show the stream from a backup camera.

To use a backup camera, as I previously stated, your head unit does not need to be upgraded. However, a backup camera kit which comes with a dashboard video screen or a rearview mirror with an integrated display will cost you a little more money.

Review for More