How to choose a rear view camera for a car

Life in the modern metropolis, despite all the many advantages, is fraught with a series of challenges and difficulties. In order to keep up with the frantic urban rhythm, without a car at the present time can not do. And it is precisely the universal automobilization that significantly complicates the movement in the yards which are driven by automobiles. In this situation, rear-view cameras come to the rescue, drastically simplifying maneuvering in tight urban environments. Modern rear view cameras are easy to install and extremely unpretentious in operation, they allow you to park where there is no possibility to do it on mirrors. Of course, only in the case when the camera is selected and installed in compliance with all the rules and technology.

Content

1. The best manufacturers. Which rear view camera to choose?
2. Types of cameras for cars and their principle of operation
3. Options for selecting a rear view camera

The best manufacturers. Which rear view camera to choose?

Currently, there are a huge number of rear-view cameras on the market - from low-end models from unnamed Chinese manufacturers to professional cameras manufactured by well-known European concerns. Their variety is so great that the price tag between similar, at first glance, models, can differ by 3-5 times. However, experienced electricians in one voice say that saving on devices of this class is not worth it, and preference should be given to devices from fairly well-known manufacturers:

1. Avis

2. Bigson

3. Rolsen

4. Hitachi

5. Zeiss

6. Rolsen

Before you give preference to products of any brand, you should familiarize yourself with the range of products presented in the catalogs, study the characteristics, as well as get acquainted with reviews of those who managed to test the device in action. It is necessary to accept not only positive, but also negative reviews to the calculation, paying attention to their criticality in specific operating conditions.

Types of cameras for cars and their principle of operation

Modern rear-view cameras are compact and portable devices designed to facilitate parking, turning and other maneuvers in cramped conditions. These devices are integrated into the standard multimedia system of the car and automatically turn on when the reverse gear is engaged. Information that is supplied from the camera is processed using the control unit and can be displayed either on the screen of the standard multimedia system of the car GPS-navigator. Depending on the performance and functionality, currently distinguish the following types of rear-view cameras.

Universal rear view camera

Compact and miniature devices that can be installed almost anywhere in the car. In addition to the camera module itself, the kit includes the wiring required for installing and integrating the device into the system, as well as a special digital unit designed for processing information from the camera.Depending on the type of camera, the monitor may also be included to display a picture, or it may not be if the camera is intended to be connected to the standard multimedia system of the car.

Virtues

• Compact size;

• They give a high-quality picture with distance marks to the obstacle;

• Low cost;

disadvantages

• High installation complexity. Sometimes in order to lay the wiring, it is necessary to disassemble half of the cabin;

• Not every trunk lid makes it possible to carefully install the device and not disturb the appearance of the car;

• The camera lens often gets dirty in wet weather, ceasing to perform its functions;

Rear view camera mounted in the license plate frame

Universal device, popular among buyers. Extremely easy to install - all you need to install - install the frame in the regular place of attachment of the license plate. Provides decent functionality at a very affordable cost of the device.

Virtues

• Low cost;

• Compact size;

• Easy to install and easy to use;

disadvantages

• Budget models give a low picture quality;

Regular rear view camera

Devices, developed directly by car manufacturers and intended to be installed in regular attachment points. In fact, such models can go as standard and installed directly at the dealer, or go as an option and be sold separately. Buying a similar product, you get the maximum functionality developed by engineers of the car manufacturer.

Options for selecting a rear view camera

Having defined the type of a specific device, as well as the key features of its installation, it’s time to consider the characteristics that have the most direct impact on the functionality of the rear view camera.

1. Connection method. Highlight wired and wireless cameras. The first ones require partial disassembly of the cabin during installation, however, they are distinguished by a lower price and stability of the transmitted picture. The second is extremely simple and easy to install, but they are significantly more expensive. They have another drawback - such cameras are often stolen;

2. Lens viewing angle. The dependence here is simple: the higher the viewing angle, the wider and more complete the image is displayed on the monitor inside the car. Virtually all commercially available rear-view cameras have a viewing angle of 100, 120 or 170 degrees (the so-called fish-eye). The higher the viewing angle, the more expensive the camera is;

3. Matrix resolution. As in mobile phone cameras, resolution plays a crucial role in the quality of the displayed image. However, the situation here is somewhat different - the quality of the output image is almost always limited by the capabilities of the monitor installed inside the car. For example, there is no point in the FullHD matrix of the camera, when the monitor is physically unable to display the image above VGA. It is for this reason that most devices provide VGA or QVGA images, and only a few branded models can shoot HD video;

4. Matrix photosensitivity plays an extremely important role when operating at night. The higher the photosensitivity - the better and more detailed the image displayed on the monitor in the dark.To some extent, the low sensitivity of the matrix allows to level the car's reverse lights, which light up when the reverse gear is engaged, but in complete darkness they are not always enough. Well, of course, the higher the photosensitivity of the lens - the more expensive such a camera is;

5. Presence of illumination. As noted above, the luminosity of the camera lens is not always enough, and the reverse lights are also not able to correct the situation. In order not to install an expensive lens with a maximum aperture into the camera, many manufacturers equip the camera module with a backlight system. It works when you turn on the reverse gear and provides a clear and clear picture in any situation. The most commonly used ordinary LED backlight, but the most expensive models are equipped with infrared illumination, able to provide the perfect image quality, regardless of external conditions.

6. Display parking grid. Most modern models of rear-view cameras can display parking lines and a grid indicating the distance to the nearest obstacle. When the steering wheel is turned out, these lines change direction and indicate in which direction the car will move. The lines are designated in different colors, each of which indicates a certain distance to the obstacle, which greatly simplifies maneuvering and allows you to park close to the obstacle.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.