You might think that adding aftermarket reversing cameras is a bit odd in terms of car upgrades. But if you get the right one, they could transform your ability to see behind you. Lots of modern cars are full of thick pillars and blind spots which can make the purpose of reversing into a parking space difficult. That’s why many new cars nowadays have parking sensors fitted as standard, as well as complying to ever changing safety legislations.
Reversing cameras are an extremely helpful aid to pretty much any car. Even the best at parking will have the odd lapse in judgement, which can spell disaster for bumpers. A reversing camera will make reversing safer and can even improve your parking abilities.
While parking cameras are becoming increasingly common features on cars, they can often be fairly expensive optional extras or fitted to luxurious cars. On the other hand, aftermarket reversing cameras can be installed on any car and will cost a lot less than one from a car manufacturer.
The best aftermarket reversing cameras at a glance:
Editor’s choice: AUTO-VOX Upgraded Solar Reversing Camera Wireless Kit – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best reversing camera on a budget: AUTO-VOX M1 Car Reversing Camera Kit – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best reversing camera for quality: AEG Solar Powered Wireless Digital Reversing Camera – Buy now from Amazon UK
With that in mind, it’s worth remembering that a lot of cars simply won’t have parking sensors or reversing cameras fitted. We’ve found the best aftermarket reversing cameras available, all of which will ensure you can see clearly and safely behind you.
The best aftermarket reversing cameras
Editor's pick
Auto-Vox claim the solar panel gets 30 minutes of sunlight per day on average, you need only to top-up the battery (via USB) once a year. The screen needs to be powered by plugging it into the 12V plug in your car, but the charger has a USB port for charging other devices.
Pros
- Fairly good value
- Exceptionally easy to set up
Cons
- Video quality could be better
| Screen Size | 4.3-inch |
| Protection | IP68 |
| Extras | Solar panel, wireless transmitter |
Best budget reversing camera
Rrp: £59.99
Rrp: £59.99
The 170-degree field of view is good for giving enough of a wide view, plus you can toggle the parking lines with a simple switch. With an IP68 rating, it's still good quality despite the lower price.
Pros
- Value for money
- Good quality
Cons
- Image quality so-so
| Screen size | 4.3-inch |
| Protection | IP68 |
| Extras | N/A |
The best reversing camera for quality
The camera also features a micro-USB camera for additional power if the internal battery gets too low. Also included in the kit is a 4.3-inch TFT screen that can be easily affixed to a car's dashboard with suction cups, again very easy to install.
Pros
- Solid build
- Easy to install
Cons
- Solar panels aren't the strongest
| Screen Size | 4.3-inch |
| Protection | IP68 |
| Extras | Solar panel, wireless transmitter |
Best rear view mirror reversing camera
Rrp: £129.99
Rrp: £129.99
Like other premium Auto-Vox cameras, this option works wirelessly with a transmitter to make installation straightforward and a solar panel to power the camera. The rearview camera is also IP68-rated, and features LED lights for night-time reversing.
Pros
- A discreet option
- Easy to install
Cons
- Can vibrate on the rearview mirror
| Screen Size | 4.3-inch |
| Protection | IP68 |
| Extras | Solar panel, wireless transmitter |
Best quality reversing cam
Rrp: £59.99
Rrp: £59.99
It boasts an IP68 waterproof rating, has a 129 degree field of view, and has a night vision sensor to aid the ability to park while it's dark. However, be aware that the camera is the only thing included in the purchase, and you'll need to get a separate monitor and get them both wired properly which can be a hindrance.
Pros
- Great quality unit
- Very good value
Cons
- Doesn't come with a monitor
| Screen size | N/A |
| Protection | IP68 |
| Extras | N/A |
The best reversing camera for Nextbase users
Rrp: £84.99
Rrp: £84.99
Just remember to place the dash cam somewhere the driver can see the screen. In truth, these camera modules aren't as good as the proper reversing cameras, but they certainly help.
Pros
- Doubles as a rear-facing dash cam
- Wide angle lens for better visibility
Cons
- Requires a Nextbase dash cam
| Screen | N/A |
| Protection | N/A |
| Extras | N/A |
Best rear view camera for towing
You'll need to connect the camera to the rear lights of your trailer or long vehicle, but the monitor is simply plugged into your in-car socket. As well as a selection of of guidelines and options within the monitor, the camera itself has two infrared lights which helps with night time visibility.
Pros
- Great for caravans or trailers
- Easily installed
Cons
- Video quality isn't the best
| Screen size | 7 inches |
| Protection | IP68 |
| Extras | N/A |
Things to consider with aftermarket reversing cameras
When buying a reversing camera for your vehicle, there are several factors and features worth considering to make sure you get the right one for your needs. Here are some key things to keep in mind. The first is the camera type and quality; wired cameras provide a more stable connection, while wireless cameras are easier to install but may have potential signal interference issues. Higher resolution cameras provide clearer images. Look for at least 720p HD resolution or higher.
Secondly, consider how easy the camera is to install. Most aftermarket reversing cameras will be wired into the reversing lights of your vehicle, so tread carefully to make sure you’re making thee right connections. If in doubt, seek the help of a professional.
Other things to consider are as follows:
Low-Light Performance: A camera with good low-light capabilities will be more effective in various lighting conditions, especially at night.
Field of View (FOV): Consider the camera’s FOV to ensure it covers the area behind your vehicle adequately. Wider FOVs provide better visibility.
Night Vision: Look for a camera with infrared (IR) or night vision capabilities for clear images in low-light or nighttime situations.
Image Reversal: Ensure the camera provides a mirrored or reversed image, so the display matches what you see in your rearview mirror.
Waterproof Rating: Make sure the camera has an appropriate IP rating to withstand weather conditions, especially if it’s exposed to rain and moisture. IP68 is generally the best, but many will have IP65 stamps as well. The same story applies to outdoor security cameras.
Parking Lines: Many cameras come with parking guidelines that help you judge distances accurately. Some even have dynamic lines that adjust as you turn the steering wheel.
Aaron Hussain is a commercial content writer at Bauer Media writing for Parkers and CAR. He is obsessed with classic cars and anything with a fascinating story to tell.
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