Reversing cameras

Buying a rearview camera takes the guesswork out of parking: you see exactly what is happening behind your bumper on a monitor — the curb, the post, the neighbor's bike. At Strex, you can compare systems ranging from a standalone universal camera to a complete set with four cameras and a 9-inch monitor, suitable for cars, campers, buses, and trailers.

Which camera system fits your vehicle?

The logic summarized by the table: the longer and higher the vehicle, the more blind spots there are — and the more cameras pay for themselves. A passenger car can manage with one camera; a camper with a bike rack on the back is a different story, and for a combination with a trailer, you want to see from multiple sides at once.

What should you look for when choosing?

• ✔ Image quality — 1080P makes the difference between "there's something there" and "that's the trash can"
• ✔ Monitor size — 7 inches is sufficient for a single view; 9 inches displays multiple cameras side-by-side
• ✔ Night vision — parking happens in the dark more often than you think
• ✔ Connection — RCA cameras connect to existing screens and radios
• ✔ Viewing angle — wider sees more, but also distorts more; on-screen guidelines compensate for that

The "wireless" misconception

The most misunderstood detail about rearview cameras: wireless refers to the video signal, not the power. A wireless camera also requires power — almost always tapped from the reversing light, so the camera turns on automatically as soon as you shift into reverse. That is actually convenient (no separate button), but anyone who interprets "wireless" as "nothing to connect" will be disappointed. Expect one power connection at the back; the labor saved is in the cable that doesn't have to run from the bumper to the dashboard.

Installation tip: height determines usability

The best place for the camera is above the license plate, tilted slightly downward: this way, you see the edge of the bumper at the bottom of the screen — your reference point for parking — as well as sufficient depth behind it. If mounted too high, you will miss what is directly behind the bumper; if mounted too low, every splash of mud becomes a blind spot. After installation, check the view with a box behind the car at bumper height: if you can see it fully, the camera is positioned correctly. For those who also want to look in front of the vehicle or into difficult corners: an inspection camera is the tool for everything a fixed camera cannot see. You can find more cameras in the camera collection.

Frequently asked questions

Can I connect a rearview camera to my existing screen?

Yes, if your car radio or navigation screen has a video input (RCA) — many aftermarket radios have them. The universal RCA camera connects directly to it. If your car does not have a suitable screen, choose a set with its own monitor.

Does the camera turn on automatically when reversing?

Yes. The camera is powered via the reversing light: when you shift into reverse, the camera receives power and the monitor automatically switches to the camera feed. No buttons, no worries — the image is there exactly when you need it.

Does a rearview camera work in the dark?

Yes, the cameras are equipped with night vision and are also assisted by your reversing light, which illuminates the immediate working area. The image is slightly less detailed at night than during the day, but obstacles and distances remain clearly visible.

Isn't a 4-camera system overkill for a camper?

For a short camper, two cameras are often sufficient. The 4-camera system proves its worth with long vehicles and combinations with trailers: you can see behind, to the sides, and the trailer simultaneously on the 9-inch monitor — exactly the blind spots that matter when maneuvering on a crowded campsite.

Take a look at the rearview cameras from Strex — from a standalone camera to a complete 4-camera system — and park by sight instead of by feel from now on.

Want to know more? Read our article "Installing a rearview camera: how it works".