First of all, you need to decide whether you will install universal camera or among the offers you are going to choose the so-called regular option. In the first case, the camera can be mounted on a car by inserting it into the body (bumper) or by installing it through a special bracket. You may need to drill mounting holes or even screw the bracket with self-tapping screws, you will need to bring power and data cables inside the body if the camera is not wireless. In addition, this method of installation has a huge drawback in that the camera can spoil the exterior, and such cameras are too attractive for intruders.

Standard version of the camera provides the installation of a separate module with a reversing camera. Such a unit can be mounted in a regular place for license plate lighting or installed instead of the factory button or tailgate opening handle. This greatly simplifies the installation process and does not require making additional holes in the body. The standard camera fits into the exterior much better and is hardly noticeable to intruders. Usually, the documentation for standard cameras indicates the models of cars for which they are designed.

Type of reversing camera matrix

The second question that should be asked is the type of matrix. Basically, the quality of the image you get depends on it.

CMOS - the most budgetary matrix option. It features high processing speed and low power consumption, but has disadvantages in image quality (low light sensitivity, poor contrast, high noise level). It is worth noting that modern CMOS matrices are almost as good as CCDs in terms of their characteristics.

CCD is the best option in terms of price/quality ratio. The resulting image is of sufficiently high quality both in daylight and in the dark. This type also has a small disadvantage - a good image, usually, is transmitted and processed more slowly.

HCCD – the newest type of matrices, which is, in fact, a modification of CCD matrices. This sensor is more expensive than its predecessor, but it also provides greater sensitivity and better performance in low light conditions.

Sensor resolution

In pursuit of size and quality, we are used to the fact that the larger matrix resolution, the better. But this is not entirely true for reversing cameras, because car monitors and multimedia devices simply cannot transmit an image of too high resolution. That is why the resolution of the matrix in most rear-view cameras is less than 0.3 megapixels, which allows you to get an image of about 640x480 pixels. And if you take into account the double conversion of the video signal and the limited resolution of car monitors, then this indicator is more than enough.

Number of TV lines

Along with the resolution, it is important to take into account the number of TV lines that characterize camera output. The PAL and NTSC standards strictly define only the vertical resolution of the picture, it is always equal to 625 lines, but this criterion is not specified in the cameras. But there is such a characteristic as horizontal resolution (TVL), which is indicated by manufacturers. The higher the horizontal resolution, the sharper the picture./ For modern cameras, this figure can reach up to 540 TV lines, although there is a theoretical limit of 600 TV lines.

Viewing angles

Depends on this indicator the width of the camera coverage of the space behind the stern of the vehicle. It would seem that the larger it is, the better, but with the compact design of the camera itself, you have to find a compromise, because a very large angle will simply lead to significant image distortions at the edges (fisheye effect). A good image can be obtained already at a viewing angle of 120-130°, and 150-170°.

Colour system

Despite the fact that a monochrome picture is perceived by the human eye with more contrast, but today it is almost an anachronism. Most modern cameras allow you to receive and transmit a colour image to the monitor. Such an image is transmitted in one of two formats - PAL or NTSC. In order for the monitor to be able to display such a picture, it is required that it also supports the appropriate format, otherwise they will not be able to work together.

By the way, most cameras are dual-standard and can be reconfigured or even automatically select the format transmitted signal, but there are also those that work exclusively in NTSC format and this is what your monitor should support.

Lighting and backlighting

When receiving an image during daylight hours usually there are no problems even in the most low-cost models. But at dusk or darkness, some difficulties may arise.

One of the important criteria when choosing the optimal camera is the minimum illumination, which characterizes the ability to work at night. The minimum illumination of the reversing cameras is in the range from 0.01 lux (for the best samples) to 1 lux. But it is worth noting that when the reverse gear is engaged, the reversing light is also activated, which illuminates the road from behind. In addition, some cameras have built-in infrared light , which allows you to get a high-quality image even in pitch darkness.

With or without wires

Since we are talking about transferring an image to a monitor, before buying, decide whether you will lay wires or prefer wireless technology. The first option is more budgetary, the second is preferable for a non-standard monitor location, but it can be a screen multimedia system, a separate monitor< /a> integrated in the sun visor or interior rear view mirror. It can even be car navigator with video input (AV-IN).

it will need a complete disassembly. As a result, you will get reliable video transmission and immunity from radio interference. When using wireless technologies (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or radio channel), a huge plus is the ease of installation and the ability to transmit a signal over a distance of up to 20 m, but interference may appear on the screen. With this type of connection, the main task will be to ensure shielding and unhindered signal passage from the camera transmitter to the receiver of the playback device.

Useful bonuses

Reversing cameras have additional functionality that is not at all necessary for operation , but it could be a nice bonus.

All-weather - since the camera is installed outside the car, it will be useful to protect it from various weather factors. The camera should be waterproof in case of rain and also easily endure the scorching sun. At the same time, manufacturers of even the most protected cameras recommend not washing them under high pressure and not wiping the lens dry.

Parking lines – the image received from the camera may have slight distortions, which make it difficult to judge the distance to obstacles. To facilitate the process of orientation, there are special parking lines superimposed by the camera on top of the image.

Manufacturers

It's no secret that most of the reversing cameras on the market are made in China (pay attention to article "Made in China: good or bad?"). It is there that the modern production of electronics is concentrated, which makes it possible to provide a reasonable price affordable for the mass consumer. Nevertheless, cameras for which the manufacturer provides a guarantee of 6 months can be called high-quality and recommended for purchase and installation.