tft lcd rear view camera brands

Taking care when parking, whether you are reversing into a space or parallel parking into a tight spot is vital as you don"t want to hit another car. Having a rearview camera can give a whole new meaning to having eyes in the back of your head as you"ll be able to see behind you in both day and night time due to the night vision feature. Not only can a rear camera help you with parking in all kinds of weather, but it can also check your blind spots and help you to see if there are any small children or animals behind your car before you attempt each maneuver.

Dash screen: In order to see what the camera is filming, you will have an LCD screen on your dash relaying the feed. As the screen is large, you only need to glance at it quickly to check if there is anything in your way. Even though you have the screen, you should still use your rearview and side view mirrors like you normally would to ensure that the coast is clear.

Aside from the benefits mentioned above for the backup camera in terms of assisting with parking, and checking to see if there are any objects behind you, there are some other advantages:

Ergonomically friendly: Turning around to check what is behind you or to check your blind spots can strain your neck and back but using the camera and viewing screen can save these problems.

Trailer hook-ups: Hooking up a trailer or caravan to your car can be troublesome if there is no one there to guide you. You can use the camera to help you line up your vehicle in the correct way while you are reversing.

There are many brands selling rear cameras that you can easily install into your car. Some come with TFT LCD screens; TFT is used with LCD to give better image quality. Kits can contain one or more cameras made from durable material. An extra camera can give you different view aspects and is particularly useful on larger vehicles. There are different sizes of monitors with 5 and 7 inches common in kits.

Whether you"re commuting, running errands, traveling on vacation, or just backing out of your driveway, knowing exactly what"s behind you is important for safety. A rear-view or back-up camera and monitor can help to protect your car, your person, your passengers, and pedestrians. Here are some tips for choosing TFT (thin-film transistor) LCD video monitors and cameras to provide a field of vision that can enhance your peace of mind behind the wheel.

Some kits come with just a waterproof rear-view camera with night vision, without any type of monitor. These can be plugged into a DVD player, a monitor you purchase separately, or an existing display unit in your car. Other kits will come with both a rear-view camera and a TFT LCD monitor of some kind, while other kits will only offer a monitor without the backup camera. Some kits come with multiple cameras for larger vehicles and can even include a multiview display so you can see what the entire camera system is seeing at once. Which kit you choose will depend on your individual needs and the size of your vehicle.

In many cases, you can install a rear view camera and 7-inch LCD monitor yourself. This depends on whether you already have a monitor of some kind installed in your car, or if you choose a monitor that simply mounts on the dash or a wireless monitor. If the monitor needs to be installed in the dash and wired into the electrical system; however, you may need professional installation. Many backup cameras simply screw onto your license plate with existing screws and take little time to install. Some cameras are also wireless and will beam the image straight to a Bluetooth wireless monitor.

There are several different types of monitors you can pair with your back-up camera. Some monitors will simply mount on your dash and can be plugged into a 12V socket in your car. Other monitors actually take the place of your rear-view mirror, turning it into a full-time monitor. Other monitors need to actually be mounted into your dash and can take the place of an existing radio, audio unit, or touch-screen device. Kits are made to fit RV trucks and buses as well as cars.

A backup camera can be a great addition to any car, new or old. Although new cars are required to have them built-in, you don"t need a brand-new car to get the benefits of a rearview camera. There are many affordable options you can install yourself, and they can be just as handy as the ones that come installed in new cars. Some of the best backup cameras can be integrated with your dash cam. Investing in a backup camera is a safe and affordable way to improve your visibility while driving and can help in situations where you are parallel parking or checking for blind spots.

Many of us are still driving vehicles made before 2018, but don"t fret if you"re feeling left out. There are plenty of aftermarket cameras designed for these older vehicles that you can install yourself. All you need to do is attach the backup camera to the rear of your car (preferably as close to the center of the car as possible) and send the footage to a monitor attached to a console display, your dashboard or an inset screen on your rearview mirror, giving you better visibility with no straining to see your blind spots while going in reverse.

Some backup cameras give you a simple rear view, while others use a wide angle or even a series of cameras to simulate a bird"s-eye view of your car and its surroundings (especially useful for a large vehicle). Some of the best backup cameras have a sensor that produces a beeping sound when your car gets close to another object. Most will at least have a grid of lines that appears on the screen to provide context for how close you are to objects in view.

Just because you have a rearview camera, though, doesn"t mean you"re stuck with it. You can always upgrade your backup cam -- you might even be able to add an additional camera to an existing system if you"ve got the technical know-how to wire it properly or know someone who does.

Here are our picks for the best backup cameras in a variety of categories, based on expert opinions and consumer ratings. And be sure to continue reading for some pro tips on picking the right rear camera system for you.

If you want easy installation and great picture quality, the Auto-Vox CS-2 offers the best of both worlds. As it"s a wireless camera, you should have no problem attaching the camera (with built-in wireless transmitter) to the back of your car or mounting the suction-cup-enabled screen on your dashboard. That means you can save money by avoiding installation fees with this wireless backup camera.

While wired cameras are more reliable than wireless ones on the whole, the CS-2 -- like the other wireless cameras we"ve included here -- is an exception to that rule. The camera uses digital wireless transmission, which means that there"s virtually no interference from other signals and no distortion to the image. Plus, the signal is strong, with Auto-Vox recommending the camera for any vehicle less than 32 feet long.

It should be noted that the viewing angle for the CS-2 rearview backup camera is 110 degrees, which may be too narrow for drivers who want a very wide field of vision. However, for parallel and close-quarters parking, 110 degrees works well as it cuts down on the amount of image distortion created on the screen.

The Auto-Vox CS-2 is pricier than some other car backup camera systems, but the high performance and reliability ensure that customers will be satisfied with the purchase.

If your car doesn"t have a rearview camera and you"re looking for a less expensive alternative, it"s hard to beat the eRapta ERT01. This camera easily attaches to a car"s license plate and includes a 26-foot RCA cable that can connect to a screen with a compatible output. While there"s no screen included with the camera, many vehicles already have mounted screen displays that will work with the ERT01 -- just make sure to check yours first, or you may end up needing to buy a separate screen.

As a wired camera, the ERT01 will be more difficult to install than the average wireless camera -- but only slightly. User reviews on Amazon say the wired system of the camera is easy to set up, with only a single RCA cable necessary to connect the camera to the screen. The kit also includes a cable to power the camera.

The entire package is incredibly affordable, but that"s not the only reason why the ERT01 is Amazon"s top-selling backup camera. In addition to being easy to use, it"s a durable waterproof camera, operates at a temperature range of -50 to 80 degrees Celsius and has a 149-degree field of vision. Get a crystal-clear image in the dark with the Night Vision. All in all, it"s a reliable product offered at an affordable price.

Rear View Safety"s 4 Camera Setup with Quad View Display allows RV drivers to get the most complete view of their surroundings -- and they can take everything in all at once. There are four cameras in total: two to be mounted on the rear of the RV (with 130-degree viewing angles) and one for either side (with 120-degree viewing angles). The split-screen monitor can show feeds from all of the cameras at once, or just the feeds the driver chooses to see.

In addition to transmitting video, this RV backup camera system also transmits audio, so even if you"ve got the air conditioner blasting or some music playing, you"ll be aware of the sights and sounds of the road. Plus, the fact that this is a wired camera system ensures the integrity of the transmission -- and while you may need professional help to install this rearview camera, some Amazon reviewers reported that they were able to do it themselves without too much trouble.

Whether you have a backup camera or not, odds are that you"re used to looking at your rearview mirror periodically. Not only were many of us initially taught to incorporate the mirror while backing up, but unless you have a display with rearview capability, it"s the only way to see what"s going on behind you while you"re driving forward.

The Pyle PLCM4550 combines that natural inclination with the high-tech features of today"s driving experience by way of a small, 4.3-inch display integrated into a replacement rearview mirror. The weatherproof, wide-angle camera feed automatically activates when shifting into reverse and overlays scale lines that are helpful for gauging distance when squeezing into a tight spot.

This Pyle backup camera is designed to work with the mirror rather than replace it. We like how Pyle keeps things simple with a low-distraction interface that won"t draw your attention while driving. And while its use of a wired camera limits its compatibility with longer trucks and SUVs -- though a wireless version is available -- the direct connection is perfect for most midsize cars and comes with the benefit of immunity to video interference while reversing.

We"ve already seen that eRapta makes the best backup camera for drivers on a budget, so it"s no surprise that the brand also makes a relatively inexpensive model that works well for larger vehicles. That model, the eRapta Backup Camera 2.0, is a great choice for making truck driving a bit safer and easier.

Like the Rear View Safety system, the Backup Camera 2.0 has four different cameras meant to be mounted on the rear and sides of a vehicle. The 7-inch split screen can display one, two or four camera feeds at once, providing a near-complete view of your surroundings.

The eRapta Backup Camera 2.0 is a wired model, and with four separate cameras, there"s potentially a lot of wiring involved. While you always have the option to seek professional installation, eRapta markets the model as being easy to install. As for many of the other wired camera models on this list, that claim of ease is supported by user reviews on Amazon.

When it comes to finding a backup camera for an SUV, you want something that can give you the precision of a car camera and the coverage range of a truck camera. You also want to keep installation easy, because with a larger vehicle, putting in the wrong wired camera can turn into a huge (or expensive) job.

The Zeroxclub W01 Digital Wireless Backup Camera Kit covers all of those bases. Since it"s a wireless camera, installation is a breeze, with the included monitor plugging into your vehicle"s lighter plug if you have one. The signal is also strong, with Zeroxclub touting "100% no interference" and a transmission that works while driving at speeds of up to 85 miles per hour.

The included LCD screen is 7 inches, with a 1,280x720-pixel resolution that offers a clear look at what"s going on behind your vehicle. The camera itself is waterproof, with infrared lights, a high-definition image processor and a 149-degree field of vision. All of these features combine to ensure that the Zeroxclub camera is both accurate and durable, which is important no matter what type of vehicle you drive.

Attaching a trailer to your car presents a few difficulties when it comes to driving and visibility accommodations. First of all, you"re driving a vehicle that"s suddenly much larger than it usually is, which means that you won"t have the level of familiarity or comfort that you would if you drove an RV or truck. Secondly, you can"t use a wired backup camera, as it would require a permanent connection between the trailer and your vehicle"s dashboard.

Yakry"s HD 720P Digital Wireless Backup Camera is an ideal choice, considering these limitations. The wireless camera signal is strong, and Yakry recommends it be used on vehicles up to 45 feet long -- a range that covers a wide variety of trailers. The model also offers the ease of installation that drivers demand in a wireless camera model.

Of course, it"s the view that"s most important when it comes to driving safely. Not only is the signal strong, but the camera is fog-resistant and the 150-degree viewing angle provides a wide range of vision on the included 5-inch monitor. The camera can also be set to run constantly, but be aware of the hazards of using a backup camera in such a fashion.

When it comes to versatility and ease of installation and use, few cameras come close to the DoHonest HD 1080p Digital Wireless Backup Camera. That combined with the wide 150-degree viewing angle makes it an ideal choice for a larger vehicle, such as a van.

The DoHonest camera fits easily on a vehicle"s license plate holder, and it"s got an internal transmitter, eliminating the need for any extra devices. The camera is waterproof and the six-lens glass construction faithfully reproduces color in footage. The night-vision capabilities are highly praised in Amazon"s customer reviews.

The screen -- which is connected to the camera by a digital signal capable of reaching up to 100 feet -- displays a full-HD 1080p image, and can be attached to your dashboard or your windshield. Overall, the DoHonest model is one of the easiest-to-use backup cameras available, and considering its reasonable price tag, it"s not hard to see why it"s one of the most popular.

When it comes to putting a backup camera in an older car, the largest stumbling block is the potential lack of a console screen. While many camera kits come with screens of their own, there are drivers who prefer to use a single console-mounted screen for all of their display needs. If your car was built before a certain point, you may not have that option unless you"re prepared to pay a lot to get one installed.

LeeKooLuu"s 1080p Digital Wireless Backup Camera is an easy-to-use model with a customizable 5-inch display that ensures any driver"s comfort -- and while it may not be mounted on your dashboard, it"s the next best thing. Qualities like brightness, color saturation and contrast can be altered, while the driver also has the option of switching between a mirrored or facing view. That makes it possible to use on the front license plate, if necessary (but remember, there"s no substitute for looking at the road).

The LeeKooLuu backup camera itself is mounted in a license plate holder, so it"s easy to install. It"s also waterproof, with a 150-degree viewing angle and has eight infrared LED lights for night driving. All things considered, it"s an excellent upgrade if you want to make your older vehicle a little bit easier to maneuver in reverse.

For starters, there are three main categories to consider: wired backup cameras, wireless backup cameras and smartphone backup cameras. Wired cameras are hooked to output screens with wires, which means the connection is stronger, but professional installation may be required.

Wireless cameras are easy to install since there are no wires or cables connecting the camera to the monitor (there may still be cables connecting them to power sources), but the connection may be spotty, especially in bad weather. If you have continued problems with your screen capturing images from the camera, you"ll need to talk to a professional (and potentially even switch to a wired camera). Don"t be discouraged, though -- any kind of camera can likely be fixed. "Take it to [a service center] to figure out what"s wrong with it," advises Zoriy Birenboym, CEO of eAutoLease.com. Birenboym spent over 15 years in the auto industry as a salesman before founding the online auto leasing company. "It should be an easy fix if nothing is wrong with the wires."

Smartphone cameras are wireless and use smartphones as displays, making them easier to use but also introducing even more potential connection issues. You also might want to consider your phone"s screen size. "Make sure the screen is large enough for you to get a clear view," says Harry Anapliotis, marketing director and full stack developer at Rental Center Crete, a rental car agency that"s been serving the Greek island for over 45 years. "Its sole purpose is to show you what"s behind you and it"s no good if you"re squinting to see the screen."The eRapta ERT01 is an affordable backup camera for vehicles that already have a compatible screen.eRapta

There are also features available in certain backup cameras that might be important to you and variations among different cameras. For instance, different cameras have different fields of view, which determine how wide of a lens angle you can see behind you. Typically, angles around 165 to 170 degrees are the maximum, while angles under 120 degrees are considered too narrow by some. The larger the angle, though, the more distorted the image will be on your screen.

Some cameras also provide night vision to help you see in darkness and low light, but there"s an efficacy difference between military-grade night vision and standard night vision. The latter often simply means that one or more infrared lights have been added to the camera. Finally, as mentioned earlier, you can have the footage recorded by the camera sent to either a screen in your console, a mounted screen or an inset in your rearview mirror. You can pick whichever you prefer, but a dashboard or mounted screen will offer a larger image.

You also might need to moderate your hunt based on your vehicle. You can add a rear camera to just about any vehicle, but the details may change. For instance, many RV owners are particularly interested in backup cameras due to the difficulty that comes with maneuvering such large vehicles in reverse, but they may have to adjust their expectations in terms of cost and capability.For the best image quality, installing a wired backup camera system like this RVS-062710 on larger vehicles is recommended.Rear View Safety

Like backup cameras for cars, RV cameras come in wired, wireless and smartphone varieties, but the connection between the cameras and screens in wireless models may be particularly unreliable in large vehicles, as the distance between them is increased. Likewise, a wired camera may cost more to install than it would in a car because of the size of the vehicle. RV cameras should also be mounted higher than they would be on a regular car, with 9 feet off the ground considered ideal.

In some ways, though, all cameras are the same. For instance, the quality of the view and the picture depends on your connection and some brands have a reputation for higher performance than others do. For car backup cameras, popular brands include Auto-Vox, Yada and LeeKooLuu. When it comes to RV cameras, some of the brands frequently cited as the best include Rear View Safety, 4Ucam and Furrion.

Finally, it"s important to remember that backup cameras come with their own rules. While they make driving in reverse easier and safer, they still can"t provide complete, 360-degree visibility (no matter what they claim), so it"s crucial to use your mirrors and remain attentive while you drive. There are also ways to wire your camera so that it"s on all the time, including when you"re driving forward -- but is it worth it? You"ll get a better view of what"s going on behind your car, but it may also present a distraction while you drive, rather than help your view as it does when going in reverse.The Toguard system features both a backup camera and a forward-facing dash camera.Toguard

Price is a major concern when selecting a backup camera and prices can vary widely. Based on a number of factors, such as the type and brand of camera and whether or not you already have a dashboard screen, they can range from $10 to $500, or even more for larger vehicles. The cost simply depends on the equipment you need and the equipment you already have. This is evident in the way cameras for sale are typically grouped -- they"re sold as camera units that hook to existing screens, individual components and all-in-one systems.

Installation is another concern. If you plan to install your camera on your own, make sure to set aside 3 hours for the job. If you need professional installation, that can set you back an additional $400 to $600. Before you make your decision, it"s important to remember that the most reliable backup wired cameras are also the most difficult to install. That said, the money and hard work can be worth it -- if you get the right backup camera, install it properly and take care of it, it can provide you with 10 years of safer driving. "It might get outdated and not have all the best features," says Birenboym, "but it should have enough life to last that long."

If you"ve decided you want to install your camera yourself but you"re intimidated by the prospect of the job, you should consider a license plate backup camera. Some of these wireless backup camera systems are mounted in license plate holders, while others can easily be attached to your existing holder. You"ll need to have a screen as well, whether it"s an existing one in your dashboard or a mounted monitor. Some of the most well-regarded license plate backup camera brands are LeeKooLuu and Esky.

A backup camera can be a large expense or a minor one, but possessing the necessary knowledge will help you make a fitting investment. In the end, what"s most important is that you"ll be driving more safely.

What you need to know before getting a backup cameraDoes your car already have a screen in the dashboard? If it does, you may be able to use it to display the camera"s images. But if it doesn"t, you"ll need to have someone install a mounting bracket for an LCD monitor or use a different viewing option.

Do you want a wired, wireless or smartphone camera system? Weigh the pluses and negatives of each type of camera and measure them against your personal needs and preferences before making a decision.

Are there special concerns related to adding a backup camera to your vehicle? Depending on the size and shape of your vehicle, you may need to mount the camera in a different place, or you may find that a certain brand or model is better suited for the job.

How much are you willing to spend? Backup cameras vary greatly when it comes to price, so it"s better to have a budget in mind before you start shopping. You must also allow for the cost for installation, if you don"t want to install the rearview backup camera yourself.

Which model best suits your needs? Once you"ve answered all the other questions, you"ll be able to consult resources such as this list to find which backup camera is the best choice for you.

There are many reputable brands making reliable backup cameras and the best model for one person may not be the best for someone else. Our selection for the top pick, the CS-2 Wireless Backup Camera, is made by Auto-Vox, but our list also has models from eRapta, LeeKooLuu, Yakry, DoHonest and other respected brands. The best backup camera for you will depend on your specific needs, but regardless of what you select, you won"t go wrong with a model from one of the brands we"ve highlighted.

Wired and wireless cameras both have their advantages and drawbacks. Wired cameras -- in which the camera itself is physically connected to a monitor or screen via a wire -- are typically more reliable and have stronger connections, but they"re also difficult to install, sometimes requiring professional expertise. Wireless cameras -- where the camera and monitor are connected via a Wi-Fi signal -- are easier to install, but sometimes don"t work as well as wired models, especially in inclement weather. Only you can decide which type of camera suits your needs best.

Like regular screens on your phone or television, backup camera screens have resolutions that vary from model to model. A typical screen resolution for a standard definition backup camera screen is 720x480 pixels. That said, some higher-end models may have better resolutions -- for instance, the Rear View Safety model on our list has a resolution of 800x480 pixels to provide better definition.

Installing a backup camera can be difficult, which means hiring a professional to do it may be costly. If you have a wired backup camera -- which are harder to install than wireless cameras -- the job will take about three hours to complete. Most professionals charge by the hour and you could be looking at a bill that runs from $400 to $600. If you"re paying a professional to install a wireless camera, it should be a faster (and cheaper) job.

What you look for in a backup camera ultimately depends on what you consider important. You may opt for a wired camera rather than a wireless or smartphone camera if you"re concerned about the quality of the camera feed. Ease of installation and price may be important factors, and they may run counter to one another -- a hard-to-install camera that requires professional installation will boost up the price quite a bit. You"ll also want to think about the shape of your car and where the camera will be attached (either to the license plate holder or elsewhere), as these factors can ultimately inform your choice.

Looking for the best backup camera for your vehicle? Our guide will help you choose the right one for your budget – and show you where you can find it at the best price today.

It’s a lot easier to backup with a new car; there’s probably a reversing camera built in (in fact it’s now a legal requirement in the USA). It’s not beyond the bounds of possibility that it’ll park itself.

Adding a back-up camera is also a good move on vans and trucks. If you’re the enterprising type and your business is a mobile one, imagine how much easier things could be if you had a camera to help out when making deliveries at unfamiliar locations. Back into someone’s fence and not only will you face damage charges and increased insurance rates but lose customers. Courteously avoid disaster and you’ll impress.

When it comes to fitting, there are different approaches (see our notes below the list). Reversing cameras are typically attached to the top of the license plate, with a cable run to a monitor which you fit on the dash and a shorter one to the reversing light to tell the camera it’s needed. This approach is widely supported, and can be readily fitted by a pro or an enthusiast mechanic, though there are different levels of difficulty on this list. Since dash cams(opens in new tab) that record potential incidents are also a popular option amongst motorists, some combine the functionality.

Given that up to 30% of collisions are caused by rear-ending, it makes sense to capture evidence this way, so cameras discretely fitted to front and back are ideal. Some even keep recording while you’re parked, helping avoid runaways as well as insurance fraud.

To use as a simple dash cam, the only cable you’ll need to run is the one from the rear camera to the mirror, but to operate as a back-up camera it also needs to be wired to the reversing light. When you engage reverse and the light comes on, and the device knows to display the rear view on the screen.

The Wolfbox G840H, a refined version of the company’s G840S, incorporates back-up camera, HDR loop recording which benefits from a G-sensor to detect collisions and a Sony Stavis sensor to help ensure license plates are committed to the microSD card. The device’s main strength can be seen as its biggest weakness too; the 12” screen (which attaches to an existing mirror using the rubber bands included in the box) can feel a bit big in a smaller vehicle (but Wolfbox does offer 10” versions).

Yada actually provide a good range of choices when it comes to monitors, from 2.4-inch options for suction mounting through 3.5 and 4.3 all the way up to this 5-inch. That goes to emphasise the fact that, while size is important, it’s more to do with the space in your vehicle than viewing experience. If you have a big-ish family car, 5-inches (plus bezel) won’t obscure too much of your forward view so it’s a good choice.

Fitting a reversing camera can be a daunting task if you’re not a motor enthusiast, but there is an unsurmountable need for power (the screen and the camera) and a connection between the two. The Auto-Vox Solar 1 takes advantage of wireless to transmit the video from the camera, and a solar panel to power it.

If you’re looking for decent resolution, a wide angle of view and the monitor to see that picture back on, then Dallux are offering a single camera which could help you out whether you’re looking to fit it on a car, camper, truck or SUV. The camera sends a 1080P signal, but the 5-inch monitor (which, yes, could also be more elegant) displays at its maximum resolution (1024 x 600) – Dallux do sell different screen configurations.

The camera can draw power from the 12-30V which powers your taillights. Because it returns a signal as digital wireless it is easier to fit than some while still being secure. How often secure video is needed for reversing cameras is open to debate, but practical security comes from easily popping the monitor out of sight when parked thanks to the suction cup.

If you’re hauling a big camper, you need to think about driver visibility, indicating the presence of the load, and – when you reach your destination – the safety of you and your possessions. The Vision S system is built to contribute in every aspect with a selection of cameras; not just the rear Sharkfin with 120-degrees visibility but side cameras with 65-degrees visibility and amber marker lights. These can be installed in place of existing lights, cutting down on installation effort – ideally at the front on either side to give a view of the blind spot. Finally a doorway camera is included which affords a better view of visitors – welcome or otherwise.

With a theoretical maximum (without obstruction), the 1080P video signals from these cameras can travel nearly 1000ft (300m), meaning they still have a decent amount of range when the radio waves need to negotiate the structures of a truck or RV.

Each of the cameras is designed to withstand the outdoors, with an IP69 rating. The mounting brackets afford a good range of movement, though at 3.3-inches/8.5cm wide they’re not designed for smaller vehicles. Not that the extra size doesn’t have a purpose; it houses 16 LEDs to provide automatically enabled infra-red night vision when needed – don’t forget you’ll need to hook the cameras to power sources – a big camper’s running lights are handy for this.

The chances are, if you’re thinking of adding a backup camera to your vehicle, you’ve come to accept there will be an extra monitor in the cab. If so, it’d be nice to have as many features as possible for as little clutter, which is along the lines Garmin, perhaps better known for its GPS navigation systems, have been thinking. The result is the BC35 camera which can be used with several of its Navigators, including the dezl 780 or the Overlander.

The BC35 has wide 160˚ horizontal viewing through its CMOS sensor, and sends its video signal wirelessly, though you’ll need to draw power from a source in the vehicle when you fit it.

Garmin also offer a battery wireless camera which can be attached to the top of a license plate, the Garmin BC40, but the BC35 comes with a good length power cable (15ft/4.5m) but a slightly random selection of other cables with the fuse flimsily mounted in the lead.

The camera is connected to (and draws power from) the reversing light, while the monitor is plugged into the lighter socket and offers a spare USB port to charge phones. This makes it an easy DIY install.

The rear-view camera can operate in low-light environments, and with IP68 grade weather protection shouldn’t struggle with the great outdoors. It does, however, have a narrower field of view than some, but this is a matter of taste; this also means it side-steps any fish-eye distortion.

If you’ve already fitted a car monitor, then you’ll likely find it has an RCA port for an analog video feed from a camera. If that’s what you’ve got (or you’re having one fitted) then the ERT02 – eRapta’s second generation – makes a great choice backup camera.

To install, the camera is connected to the reversing light for power and the video and a control lead which tells the system when reverse is engaged to it takes over the display. The camera is IP69 waterproof, and can survive a carwash, while the view has been improved over its predecessor.

The camera has a glass lens and a typical 30fps refresh, so it can produce a decent image without digital judder. The 26ft RCA cable is enough for a sizable truck or car, and two different mounts are included.

This is a simple and cheap solution which can obtain its power via the cigarette lighter and then needs only one cable to be run to the camera, which clips over the license place. Despite the modest price, the screen can be used in normal and mirrored modes with optional reversing guides and the camera even has ‘Super Night Vision’.

The backup camera itself is pleasingly discrete, not only IP68 waterproof but can be fitted without drilling but just attaching to the top of your number plate. (You could attach it over the front plate too if that’s where you needed help). The resolution might not be true HD, but it’s more than up to the task.

If your car has a screen, especially an aftermarket head unit, then your camera can be displayed on that. If you have an original (OEM) monitor, or none at all, you’ll likely need a separate monitor. Separate monitors might take the form of stand-alone items you can attach to your windshield or dash. Some of our favorites are integrated into a rear-view mirror.

Wireless systems can be quicker to install, though despite the name they probably still involve wires. The term usually means there isn’t a wire to the display, but you’ll still have to connect the camera to the reversing light.

This is very often above the license plate, with a camera designed to fit into the plate mount. The alternatives are a universal mount which can be placed anywhere (perhaps even inside the rear window) or perhaps a brand-specific design.Round up of today"s best deals