Backup camera buying guide
Tips on choosing the best backup camera for you
In this article... We'll discuss what to consider when planning a backup camera system. A lot depends on what's already in your dash or what you'd like to add, so check out the basics below to get a solid understanding of what installing rear-view video entails. And don't forget, our Advisors can always help you find the best backup camera for your needs.
With a backup camera system in your car, you'll gain a well-lit, wide-angle view of what’s behind you – a view that a rear-view mirror just can't deliver. Whether you're safety-conscious, want to keep an eye on something you're towing, or just have a bad habit of crunching bumpers, installing a rear-view video system in your car, truck, or RV is a no-brainer. The big question becomes: what's the best system for you?
We'll discuss the process in three steps:
- Assess your dash for viewing backup camera video
- Choose the best backup camera for you
- Installing your backup camera
Step 1: Assess your dash — how will you view your backup camera?
A backup camera won't do you much good without a screen to plug it into, and what you'll need in a rear-view system will depend on what's already in your dash. If you have an aftermarket touchscreen receiver with a rear-view video input, you're in great shape to shop for rear-view cameras. If not, you'll need to figure out which of the following three categories you fall into.
1) Happy with your factory touchscreen receiver? Find a vehicle-specific solution.
Toyota! Jeep! Dodge! Volkswagen, and more! Enter your vehicle information and explore these vehicle-specific backup cameras with harnesses that match select factory-installed entertainment systems. These backup cameras are often specifically designed to blend in with the exterior of your vehicle.

This rear-view camera system, for instance, is compatible with the factory radios in select Dodge and Ram pickup trucks.
2) In the market for a new touchscreen receiver? Add a backup cam.
There's no better time to install a rear-view camera than when you're already installing a new stereo in your dash. We carry a wide variety of DVD and GPS receivers that are equipped with touchscreen monitors and rear-view video inputs. When you shift your vehicle into reverse, you'll see a helpful view on your new stereo's display.
Some cameras offer multiple angles when paired with compatible receivers.

Select Alpine Restyle systems give you advanced rear-view features when paired with certain Alpine cameras.
3) No room in your dash for a touchscreen? You still have options.
If your dash doesn't accommodate a radio with a video screen or if you don't like the idea of altering your factory dash, you still have options:

Replacement rear-view mirrors seamlessly integrate with your car's interior while giving you a monitor where you're already accustomed to looking.
Backup camera mirrors are a little more challenging to install, but they create a seamless and frankly, pretty cool backup system. Some rear-view mirror systems provide constant rear-view video, which means you can rely on the view in your mirror, even when the way-back is piled high with stuff.

Wired dash-mounted monitors are solid universal options if radio replacement or mirror replacement just aren't for you.
Wireless backup cameras spare you from running a wired connection between the rear of your vehicle and the front (which can be a relief if you're dealing with a big truck or RV). In some cases, monitor options include viewing rear-view video on your smartphone or on a Garmin portable navigation device.
Step 2: Choose the best backup camera for you
You can count on backup cameras to be tiny and weatherproof across the board, but there are some variables to consider:
Image sensor
Most backup cameras use either CCD or CMOS sensors. The sensors convert light to signal in two different ways: CCD is essentially analog, and CMOS is digital. Generally speaking, a CMOS sensor draws less power and is more sensitive to image noise than a CCD sensor, but a CCD sensor is slightly better adapted to handle fluctuating lighting scenarios than a CMOS sensor. Depending on the types of environments where you typically drive, the difference may be incidental. In the good ol' tradition of iPhone® vs. Android™, the argument as to which sensor is "better" is ever-evolving and has devotees on either side. In most cases, it won't likely be a deciding factor in which camera you choose.
Parking lines
Many backup cameras provide onscreen guidelines to help you when backing out of precarious positions or when squeezing into a tight spot. They help you gauge distance from objects in your path. If you want the flexibility of opting in or out of parking lines, look for "selectable parking lines" as a feature. Some give you the opportunity to remove them during installation, so that you can use the selectable parking lines feature built into certain touchscreen receivers. If you like the idea of parking lines that bend as you turn your steering wheel, predicting your trajectory in reverse, look for "active parking lines" as a feature.
Mirror image
This is just what it sounds like. The view in your monitor is reversed to mimic that of a rear-view mirror. With some cameras, this is a selectable feature, which is handy if you plan to use the camera as a front-view camera.
Viewing angle
Generally, backup cameras provide a healthy horizontal viewing angle, with some as expansive as 190-degrees. Naturally, the wider you go, the more you'll see behind you at a glance.
Low light
On some cameras, you may see a minimum Lux rating. This tells you the least amount of light required for an acceptable picture. For your reference, a night with a full moon is rated at around 0.1 Lux while a sunny day rates at around 10,000 Lux. Many cameras enhance their low light capability with an additional LED or infrared light that powers on when your vehicle is in reverse.
Mounting
This is the defining feature for most rear-view cameras. It can be done is several ways, so take at look at the rear of your vehicle before you select a camera. Here are the mounting styles to consider:

License plate mounting
Some cameras fit into a matching license plate frame while others take the more universal approach with a strap mount. This strap-mounted rear-view cam fastens over your license plate using the existing screws.

Lip mounting
If you have an inset area on the rear of your car, chances are you can use an angled lip-mount camera which is a little more subtle than the license plate mount.

Bracket mounting
This style takes the most universal approach, providing an adjustable bracket that lets you mount your camera wherever you see fit.

Vehicle-specific mounting
Some brands offer brackets that replace or fit into factory parts for a near-perfect match to your vehicle. Be sure to enter your vehicle information to see if there's an option for your vehicle.
We also carry specialty rear-view video systems like cameras for trailers, boats, ATVs, and more. Check out this rear-view camera spotlight for more information and ideas.
Step 3: Installation – adding the backup camera to your vehicle
DIYers should anticipate a 3-part installation:
- Installing the camera in the rear of the car and wiring it for power.
- Running a video connection from the camera to your dash, unless it's a wireless system.
- Connecting that video cable to the input on the rear of a compatible monitor (which will also require installation) or your stereo (which involves removing the stereo from your dash and then reinstalling it).
A wireless backup camera system will cut down on your installation time, but you'll still have to wire the camera and monitor for power. In many cases, tapping into the feed to your tail lights will suffice for the camera, but some may require a direct connection to your car's fuse panel.
Want to see an installation in action? Watch Crutchfield's JR add a backup camera to an SUV.
Life in reverse
Like an air bag to a seat belt, a rear-view camera system isn't a replacement for your vehicle's mirrors, it's a complement — a powerful tool for driving safely and parallel parking like a pro. And even if you consider yourself a pro, everybody has their bad days, and a rear-view system cuts down on the risk of a fender-bender (or worse). If you have any questions about picking the right system, just contact our advisors.
Best Sellers in Backup Cameras
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Anand Geetey from Boston, MA
Posted on 8/8/2019Hi there I have a 2009 Mazda3 and I have been looking for a wired rear view camera that is suitable for low light and for snow/rainy conditions. I don't have a display on my car either that I could hook up my rear view camera to. I will appreciate the parking lines. Any good options for said conditions for Back-up camera? What would you suggest for the display? Option 1: Adding a screen on the dash Option 2: Getting a Rear view back-up camera
Alexander H. from Crutchfield on 8/9/2019Anand, you'll have lots of solid choices. I passed your question along to our Advisors, and someone will contact you soon with recommendations.Nisar Malik from Simi Valley
Posted on 7/22/2019Adding at my Camry Se After market 2 din radio , issue to hook up the back camera , the head set system radio has a female connection yellow color, now i hook up back up camera with red to red and black to ground ! Now when i hook up the female to male connection at the front side of radio head plus add the red wire with ( back ) wire from harness it not working.
Alexander H. from Crutchfield on 7/22/2019Nisar, give us a call so we can talk through the issue with you. If you bought your gear from Crutchfield, you can call Tech Support for free help troubleshooting your system. If you purchased your equipment elsewhere, you can still get expert Crutchfield Tech Support - 90 days-worth for only $30. Check out our tech support page for details.R Squires from LA
Posted on 7/4/2019Your review is rather strange in that it skims over the most serious quality of the cameras. Viewing angle is everything. If you had the experience of using more than one back up camera, for more than a year, you would appreciate MORE IS BETTER. The human eye exceeds 180 degree viewing angle (wonderful design). My best (I own a 170 degree) is the only one barely acceptable.
div>Kevin Wilkinson from Montpelier
Posted on 3/15/2019I own a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV that already has a backup camera installed just under the center trim on the rear door. The location is great if you live in place where it never rains. In any kind of inclement weather the camera quickly becomes fouled by dirt, snow or rain. Is there a replacement backup camera that mounts to the inside of the rear window? The best spot would be behind where the rear wiper sweeps. Thank you.
Alexander H. from Crutchfield on 3/20/2019Kevin, we have a few options, and I've passed your question along to our team of advisors to help. Someone will contact you soon.Ken from Blue Springs
Posted on 3/12/2019Is there a typo in your notes regarding the difference between CMOS and CCD? I've seen other sources that say CCD sensors are higher quality and better in low light than CMOS.
div>scott from boston
Posted on 2/1/2019I have a GPS rear view mirror and all of a sudden the touchscreen don't work? it turns on and shuts off but I can't use it? any idea why that would happen?
Alexander H. from Crutchfield on 2/4/2019Scott, if it's a factory-installed mirror, your best bet would be to check vehicle-specific forums. Or if you're up for it, give your local dealership a call. We'd be happy to help if you bought your mirror from Crutchfield — you can call Tech Support for free help troubleshooting your system. And if you purchased an aftermarket mirror elsewhere, you can still get expert Crutchfield Tech Support - 90 days-worth for only $30. Check out our tech support page for details.eric from Chattanooga
Posted on 9/27/2018I second what Charles said about the video always showing regardless of being in reverse order not. Also I was wondering if there is a head unit or monitor with an SD card holder that will save video of what the camera sees? I've heard of wiring harnesses that are sold on Amazon that u can add to a in dash head unit wiring harness that bypass the reverse gear turning on the camera but some say in the description that the actual harness may be illeagel in some countries. I don't know where to start!
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield on 9/28/2018Eric, I've passed your question along to our Advisor team to help. Someone will contact you soon. I'm not aware of a head unit that will store backup cam video files or of a bypass harness that we sell. As I mentioned in my reply to Charles, we do have dash cam systems that have include a constant rear-view recorder. And if you're okay with replacing your rear-view mirror, the Papago RAY system might be an option to consider, since it gives you a constant, recorded rear-view.Brian from Frankfort
Posted on 6/22/2018Shouldn't the camera be mounted in the center of the car? I own a Jeep and the plate is on the left side of the vehicle, so if I use a license plate frame that has a camera, wouldn't the rear view be skewed?
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield on 6/22/2018Brian, Wranglers are a challenge for that reason, but we do carry vehicle-specific options like this centrally located, tire-mount cam from Alpine. To see all your options, you can use our vehicle selector to confirm what fits your vehicle.Juan from Casper
Posted on 6/15/2018Is there a camera that is comparable to the factory ones? The factory ones I have seen allow you to see not only behind you but also the receiver hitch as well. This is very handy when hooking up to a trailer. All of the aftermarket cameras I have seen don't allow the hitch to be seen at the same time. If they are angled down to see the hitch then you have a very limited view of what's behind you.
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield on 6/18/2018Juan, I've passed your question along to our Advisors. Someone will contact you soon to help you find the right camera for your needs.
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