Backup Cameras
If you are in the market for purchasing a new vehicle, you may consider one installed with a backup camera. A backup camera is a special type of video camera that is designed specifically to attach to the rear of a vehicle to aid in safe backing. There are several other names for backup cameras including reversing cameras and rear view cameras. So what makes them so special you ask? The difference is in the camera design. The design of a backup camera is different from other cameras in that the image is horizontal to create a mirror image. This is necessary because the camera and the driver face opposite directions, and without it, the rights and lefts would be in total disarray.

Backup cameras have become common on vehicles that trailers and motorhomes, and even SUV’s and nice vans. Not long ago, backup cameras were still considered luxury. However, with the rise of in-dash DVD players and GPS navigation systems, an LCD screen is not so much considered a luxury as it is a necessity.

There are several varieties of backup cameras available today depending on what you will be using it for. For large vehicles such as motorhomes, backup cameras come equipped so that the driver can remotely pan and tilt the camera. For smaller vehicles, there are portable versions of the backup camera that do not need to be installed on the dashboard, but rather you hang it on the sun visor when you need it, it is very clever. There are also night vision versions, license plate versions and custom cameras as well.

There are some important things to consider before you buy your backup camera, here are the most important ones. The first consideration is if you want to buy a CCD image sensor camera or a CMOS image sensor camera. The CMOS cameras are very cheap; you can get one for under $50. However, there is a lot of installation work that will go into it and the quality just doesn’t compare to the CCD. If you can afford the latter, get it. Secondly, you should always get a wide view angle camera that is over 100 degrees. Never get a 30-40 degree camera if you can afford a better one, they are virtually pointless for accessing your blind spots. Thirdly, invest in a good display. If your vehicle already has a navigation system, you are most likely all set to go. But if you need to buy a display, TFT LCD has best quality, but is also the most expensive. If you have a CCD backup camera go for a cheaper display. If not, go for the gusto.