Although almost every car has rear-view mirrors, there are plenty of blind spots that aren’t quite covered by them. As a result, it’s unfortunately quite common to hear of accidents where the driver has hit something that they couldn’t see while reversing. In the best case scenario it’s a shopping trolley, or a discarded toy or bike, but in the worst case, it’s a child or a pet.

While many modern cars have reverse cameras as factory options, they are rare to find in older vehicles, but thanks to advances in camera and display technology, aftermarket options are easily affordable and reasonably simple to install - and could save a life.

What is a reversing camera kit?

Reversing camera kits come in a variety of different levels of complexity, but for the most part, they include a camera that attaches to the rear of your car and a screen that displays what the camera sees. They usually include special wiring and a switch that activates the camera only when you are in reverse gear. Higher spec kits will often offer the ability to expand their rear view with additional cameras - further reducing the blind spots behind your vehicle.

What type of reversing camera is best?

There is a wide variety of cameras available, and each has its pros and cons. Generally speaking, you should always go for a camera that offers the broadest and clearest view possible, but of course, cost and installation complexity will always factor. Consider the different features on offer with each kit, and try to find the right balance between cost, ease of installation and operation, visibility and type.

Reversing camera viewing angle

Generally, the wider the angle on offer, the more the image quality will take a dip. Usually, there tends to be a kind of fish-eye effect to the image in your display, which can be somewhat disorienting at first. It is better to be able to see an obstacle or person behind you than to make out the fine details, so a wide angle is usually more useful than good picture quality.

Camera types

The majority of kits will include a camera that mounts to the outside of your car. Some will also allow additional cameras to be attached to either cover more of the blind spots behind you, or to attach to trailers or caravans. Be sure to check out the durability of the cameras - mainly if they are going to be exposed to harsh conditions, and make sure that the mounting method will be sufficient for where you use the camera. Rough roads or exposure to extreme heat and cold can rapidly destroy the adhesive on stick on variants, so consider bolt-on, or even internally mounted units if you live in a particularly brutal environment.

Display type - Mirror vs. Monitor

Mirror type displays either replace or clip over your standard rearview mirror in order to turn half or all of it into a rear-view monitor. They can be ideal since you may already be used to looking up at your mirror when reversing, as opposed to down at a separate monitor. Standalone monitors are usually affixed to your windscreen with suction cups. They will usually be more substantial than mirror types, so will provide a far better view of what’s behind you, however, the larger they are, the more they’ll obscure your forwards view. If you also use a dash mounted GPS navigation or phone holder, you might want to opt for a mirror type display to avoid overly cluttering your dash.

Are reverse cameras easy to install?

If you're at least a little comfortable with auto electrical stuff, then installing a reverse camera kit should be no trouble at all. If not, then they might be a bit of a challenge. Although most kits come with decent instructions, and some even come with quick connectors to allow for simple installation without a bunch of tools, they will still require that you disconnect the battery, unplug some bulbs, and run some wires through holes etc. If you aren’t confident, then it may be best to have your kit professionally installed - which will have the added benefit of a tidy job, and the peace of mind that it’ll work correctly every time.

Wired vs. wireless reversing cameras

All reverse cameras require that you run a wire from your reverse lights to the camera - this is how they know when to activate - but wireless kits won’t require that you also run a long cable from the camera all the way to the display. If you don’t mind a bit of fiddling to install it, or are happy to have a professional do the work, then a wired camera will often provide a better and more stable display.

How much does a reversing camera cost?

Reversing camera kits range from around $100 to over $500 depending on the complexity, the number of additional cameras and features you add and whether you install the kit yourself or pay someone to install it for you. That said, they are still by far one of the best investments you can make - particularly if you live around small children or pets, or have some of your own.

How to reverse safely

Even though a reversing camera kit can be a literal lifesaver, it is essential that you practise good habits when you back out of your driveway, reverse into parking spots, or do one of those radical reverse J-turns you see in the movies (please don’t though).

• Start by checking out what’s behind you before you even get in your car.
• Check all your mirrors
• Periodically check over your shoulder
• Check your reverse camera (and follow the guide lines for easier parking)
• ALWAYS GO SLOW