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When your backup camera stops working suddenly, it’s a raw deal. This technology is enormously beneficial, preventing accidents, helping with parallel parking, and more. When it goes out, you’re left with one less tool in your safe driving toolbox.

Luckily, backup camera troubleshooting doesn’t require too much on your part, and most backup camera problems can be diagnosed and solved without too much effort (or too much cash). We’re going to help you out, answering common backup camera problems FAQ style. Let’s go!

Tackling a difficult problem can often leave you feeling that you don’t know what to do next. Especially when it comes to solving problems with your backup camera, the first thing you have to determine is how much control you’re realistically going to have over fixing the problem. If your backup camera problems seem a bit too overwhelming or out of your skillset, talk to a mechanic to get help.

But, if you’re an intrepid DIYer, having the tools and knowhow necessary to understand how car electrical systems work can be essential in your troubleshooting journey. You can also checkout our guide on fixing afoggy backup camera & some quick tips forhere’s a handy guide that walks you through many common electrical problems and gives you the tools necessary to troubleshoot an electrical problem.

Well, the answer to this question requires us to get more specific, which we’ll start to answer in the questions below. But first, to get the obvious troubleshooting steps out of the way, put your car in reverse. What does the display say? “No signal?” Or is it just black? Do you have black and white visual noise? Depending on the answers to those questions, you’ll probably find your answer below. That said, the distance from basic issue to easy fix and then onto finding out your camera has bit the dust can be pretty short.

There are a number of reasons that your camera might be giving you this message. If it’s a wifi camera, and it was working previously, it likely means that the camera or the display needs a reset. (You can check out some of our thoughts aboutwired vs wireless backup camerashere) It also wouldn’t hurt to check your fuses and the power cables for the camera (usually located behind the trunk panel of your car. Possibly, a fuse may have blown or a wire may have frayed and become disconnected. (This is probably the best case scenario with these kinds of issues.)

If you have a wired backup camera, wiring is more likely the problem. Again, checking your fuses to ensure everything is connected (and not blown) and going and tracing the wiring and cables from the camera to the display will reveal the problem to you. If your display is embedded in the dashboard, start at the camera and work to the display, as removing a dashboard display can be a difficult process, and you only want to do it as a last resort.

If your backup camera display is flashing or giving you black and white static, it’s likely the case that you have a fraying wire or a faulty connection. Make sure all of the cables and connections in your backup camera system are fully connected and repair any damage.

You’re probably starting to sense a theme here. If your display is not powering on at all, it’s likely a problem with the display, not the camera, so check the wiring diagrams for your car. (If you installed the monitor yourself, double check your work. Plugging the camera into the AUX dash cable rather than video feed is a common problem with home installs. ). More likely than not, if your display is not powering on, it’s either improperly connected (make sure that you’ve got the right level of power being sent to the display) or the monitor is damaged or broken. I’ll also add since it has come up before, that many people install their backup camera to only work when the car is in reverse, so make sure you’ve actually given reversing a go.

If the display is powering on, and it doesn’t say that there is no signal, your camera might be the issue. Check it for damage, and replace it if necessary.

When it comes to safety features fitted to new cars in the last decade, the reverse camera is one innovation which has proved invaluable. Between assisting people reversing into parking spaces to making sure no person or object is behind the car before the reverse commences, the reverse camera is an item which is sorely missed if it stops working. There are several reasons why a reverse camera stops operating the way it should. When it happens to you, here are three common issues and the reasons behind them.

Reverse cameras show what is happening behind your car by placing a colour image onto the dashboard-mounted display. When you stop seeing that image in colour, then it is either a faulty connection or part of the wiring has been damaged. You can continue to use the reverse camera in black and white if it does not overly bother you, or you can book the car in for diagnostic to see where the damage lies.

If the reverse camera is misbehaving and showing the message, "No Signal" instead of an image on the dashboard monitor, then the connection between the reverse camera and the monitor has been interrupted. This is likely caused by a connection point fully dislodging or the wiring circuit being completely cut through. An auto electrician will need to trace the wiring from the monitor back to the camera unit to see where the disconnection has occurred so that they can repair or replace the damaged part. To learn more about auto electrical repairs, contact an electrician near you.

Use the user manual for your car to locate where the fuse box is. The user manual has a diagram which shows where the fuse is for the electrical system. You must remove this to check if the wires within the fuse are broken. If they are then you can buy a new fuse at your local car part shop. If you are not confident about where to locate the fuse, or you have replaced the fuse and the camera still does not work, then contact your auto electrician to have the issue investigated further.

Now that you know why your reverse camera is not working properly you can arrange for it to be repaired quickly so you can return to using this device for your driving convenience.

If you do not have a picture on your monitor then look very carefully at the screen. If you can see a very dark image on the screen then the backlight has failed. It is the end of the road for the monitor and replacement is necessary.

If the monitor has an LED that lights up when it has power, then if this is not lit check there is 12v going to the monitor. Monitors often have a black filter box and inside is a small fuse. It is not uncommon for these to blow or even drop out of the fuse holder.

If your monitor has power and a completely black screen then try it without a camera plugged in. We have known some camera faults cause this to happen. Without a camera plugged in you should get a blue screen with “no signal” showing. This would indicate the monitor is working correctly. Some monitors will automatically power off when no signal is received – often takes 10 seconds. This again is normal. Pressing the on/off button should turn it back on.

If there are large black areas on the monitor screen then this is caused by the front of the screen being pressed too hard. This is physical damage and not covered by the guarantee.

If you are sure the monitor has power and it does not respond to the on off button then the chances are it has failed. It is worth disconnecting it from the power and reconnecting. We have known a monitor “freeze” and is reset by this.

Usually a camera either works or it does not work. Intermittent faults are almost always wiring issues. In the past cameras with IR LEDs could have the power supply checked by looking to see if they glowed a faint red in the dark. Modern cameras often have LEDs that do not glow. If you are getting no signal from the camera check it is getting power and check the AV cable through to the monitor. We have known mice eat through a cable on a motorhome! Also if your camera is wired in to the reversing light check your light is actually coming on.

If you are sure it is getting power then test it out on a different monitor – they can be fed into the yellow RCA socket of TVs. If you have no joy then returning for testing is the only option.

If you are wiring the camera in to a DVVD head unit for the first time good luck! They almost always need you to do something extra. This can vary from attaching a wire to earth or the reversing light through to altering a menu setting. Reading your manual or visiting bulletin boards for your unit will save time in the long run.

If when you plug a camera in for the first time it is black and white, often with poor frame hold then you have the wrong TV system. The two main ones are PAL and NTSC. Most modern monitors will take both, but some (Alpines plus German screens) are NTSC only. If your unit takes both then check you have it set to “AUTO” in the menu settings.

If you camera has leaked then you can usually see the condensation on the inside. Also it will look dirty on the inside glass. Once it has leaked replacement is the only option.

Around 40% of items returned are working perfectly. Around 60% of items return by electricians work perfectly! The most common fault is power supply. Almost always it is crimped terminals and not proper soldered and insulated joins.

Around 50% of cameras that have failed will have a cause like a damaged cable. The entry point into the rear of the camera is top of the list. Always make sure the cable cannot flap around and create a strain on this point. Around 10% of cameras that have failed are due to being subject to reverse polarity. This fries the camera instantly. Always check you are wiring it in correctly.

Never use thin cable clips on cables. We saw an example on an HGV where the cable had been cut through because of a tight clip. As the fuse kept blowing it had been replaced by normal wire. The cable itself had been tightly coiled so the short eventually produced got it hot enough to melt and with no fuse to protect it came very close to causing a serious fire. Any excess cable should be in loose coils. Duct tape is by far the best to secure cable in most areas. If you use a clip add a bit of protection around the cable.

Remember do not have nightmares after reading this. Considering the hostile operating environment these are used in the failure rates are low. A system should give many years of use and should outlive the vehicle in many cases.

Having your backup camera stop working is, at the least, a significant headache. One thing that is refreshing to know in such circumstances is that troubleshooting is not as complex as some may think.

We previously covered how to setup a rear view camera for your car. What if something goes wrong? When your backup camera malfunctions, the first step is determining how the camera is malfunctioning.

Is the camera receiving a signal? Does the screen have static, or is it completely black? Answering these questions makes it easier for you to determine your next steps.

Although all backup cameras are different, most feature a factory reset recess. On many models, this recess is above the switch on the back of the camera.

There are several mechanical or technical reasons why a backup camera might not work. Sometimes, as we saw previously, the issue is software-related and resolved with a reset.

Faulty wiring or fuses may be a factor when your camera is not functioning. If you must check the wiring yourself, it is helpful to access the owner’s manual.

There are several reasons that a camera might have no signal. Whether the camera is wireless or on a wired connection is one of the things that makes a significant impact.

Resetting the camera or the display resolves this issue in a lot of cases. Ensuring that there are no issues with your Internet service that need your attention is also an important step to consider.

A backup camera screen that has gone black usually has display rather than camera issues. If the camera is a recent installation, you might be doing well to check your work for any problems.

One of the more common problems that vehicle owners need to deal with is having connected their camera to an auxiliary cable instead of a video cable. Many who are rushing through the installation make this mistake.

Another situation that some overlook is whether the camera only works in reverse. When this is an issue, the camera will not display a feed if the car is in Drive, Park, or Neutral.

Some cameras have this area on the front of the camera, while others have the reset hole on the top or toward the back. The user manual will give you guidance on where to find this recess.

If your vehicle has had recent work, a technician may have changed some of your settings. You may want to consider servicing your camera to find out what may be the problem.

If your camera is no longer under warranty or has a repair cost higher than the initial purchase price, you may want to upgrade. New cameras may have a more updated range of features to make everything easier.

Several factors may cause a backup camera to malfunction, some of which are very easy to resolve. Knowing how to troubleshoot your camera will help you resolve problems more effectively.

Initially I spliced the camera power into the reverse light power, as well as the ground cables. I used the AV cable that came with the unit which had an additional red line. I hooked the red line to the reverse light and the other end into the head units reverse signal input line, and the RCA plug into the RCin port. The result was the head unit displayed the camera all times EXCEPT when I reversed. I ended up having to wire up a relay that disconnected power when in reverse and had power enabled in all other gears with the relay wiring as such:

New cars are required to have backup cameras installed in them before they leave the factory, but not everyone can afford the luxury of a brand-new 2023 model vehicle. That"s why you"re able to purchase a backup camera that you can install yourself. It"s a great purchase for anyone who drives, especially because it adds another layer of safety that you can"t have enough of. Some of the best backup cameras can be integrated with your dash cam. Investing in a backup camera is a safe and affordable way to improve your visibility while driving and can help in situations where you are parallel parking or checking for blind spots.

Many of us are still driving vehicles made before 2018, but don"t fret if you"re feeling left out. There are plenty of aftermarket cameras designed for these older vehicles that you can install yourself. All you need to do is attach the backup camera to the rear of your car (preferably as close to the center of the car as possible) and send the footage to a monitor attached to a console display, your dashboard or an inset screen on your rearview mirror, giving you better visibility with no straining to see your blind spots while going in reverse.

Some backup cameras give you a simple rear view, while others use a wide angle or even a series of cameras to simulate a bird"s-eye view of your car and its surroundings (especially useful for a large vehicle). Some of the best backup cameras have a sensor that produces a beeping sound when your car gets close to another object. Most will at least have a grid of lines that appears on the screen to provide context for how close you are to objects in view.

Just because you have a rearview camera, though, doesn"t mean you"re stuck with it. You can always upgrade your backup cam -- you might even be able to add an additional camera to an existing system if you"ve got the technical know-how to wire it properly or know someone who does.

Here are our picks for the best backup cameras in a variety of categories, based on expert opinions and consumer ratings. And be sure to continue reading for some pro tips on picking the right rear camera system for you.

If you want easy installation and great picture quality, the Auto-Vox CS-2 offers the best of both worlds. As it"s a wireless camera, you should have no problem attaching the camera (with built-in wireless transmitter) to the back of your car or mounting the suction-cup-enabled screen on your dashboard. That means you can save money by avoiding installation fees with this wireless backup camera.

While wired cameras are more reliable than wireless ones on the whole, the CS-2 -- like the other wireless cameras we"ve included here -- is an exception to that rule. The camera uses digital wireless transmission, which means that there"s virtually no interference from other signals and no distortion to the image. Plus, the signal is strong, with Auto-Vox recommending the camera for any vehicle less than 32 feet long.

It should be noted that the viewing angle for the CS-2 rearview backup camera is 110 degrees, which may be too narrow for drivers who want a very wide field of vision. However, for parallel and close-quarters parking, 110 degrees works well as it cuts down on the amount of image distortion created on the screen.

The Auto-Vox CS-2 is pricier than some other car backup camera systems, but the high performance and reliability ensure that customers will be satisfied with the purchase.

If your car doesn"t have a rearview camera and you"re looking for a less expensive alternative, it"s hard to beat the eRapta ERT01. This camera easily attaches to a car"s license plate and includes a 26-foot RCA cable that can connect to a screen with a compatible output. While there"s no screen included with the camera, many vehicles already have mounted screen displays that will work with the ERT01 -- just make sure to check yours first, or you may end up needing to buy a separate screen.

As a wired camera, the ERT01 will be more difficult to install than the average wireless camera -- but only slightly. User reviews on Amazon say the wired system of the camera is easy to set up, with only a single RCA cable necessary to connect the camera to the screen. The kit also includes a cable to power the camera.

The entire package is incredibly affordable, but that"s not the only reason why the ERT01 is Amazon"s top-selling backup camera. In addition to being easy to use, it"s a durable waterproof camera, operates at a temperature range of -50 to 80 degrees Celsius and has a 149-degree field of vision. Get a crystal-clear image in the dark with the Night Vision. All in all, it"s a reliable product offered at an affordable price.

Rear View Safety"s 4 Camera Setup with Quad View Display allows RV drivers to get the most complete view of their surroundings -- and they can take everything in all at once. There are four cameras in total: two to be mounted on the rear of the RV (with 130-degree viewing angles) and one for either side (with 120-degree viewing angles). The split-screen monitor can show feeds from all of the cameras at once, or just the feeds the driver chooses to see.

In addition to transmitting video, this RV backup camera system also transmits audio, so even if you"ve got the air conditioner blasting or some music playing, you"ll be aware of the sights and sounds of the road. Plus, the fact that this is a wired camera system ensures the integrity of the transmission -- and while you may need professional help to install this rearview camera, some Amazon reviewers reported that they were able to do it themselves without too much trouble.

Whether you have a backup camera or not, odds are that you"re used to looking at your rearview mirror periodically. Not only were many of us initially taught to incorporate the mirror while backing up, but unless you have a display with rearview capability, it"s the only way to see what"s going on behind you while you"re driving forward.

The Pyle PLCM4550 combines that natural inclination with the high-tech features of today"s driving experience by way of a small, 4.3-inch display integrated into a replacement rearview mirror. The weatherproof, wide-angle camera feed automatically activates when shifting into reverse and overlays scale lines that are helpful for gauging distance when squeezing into a tight spot.

This Pyle backup camera is designed to work with the mirror rather than replace it. We like how Pyle keeps things simple with a low-distraction interface that won"t draw your attention while driving. And while its use of a wired camera limits its compatibility with longer trucks and SUVs -- though a wireless version is available -- the direct connection is perfect for most midsize cars and comes with the benefit of immunity to video interference while reversing.

We"ve already seen that eRapta makes the best backup camera for drivers on a budget, so it"s no surprise that the brand also makes a relatively inexpensive model that works well for larger vehicles. That model, the eRapta Backup Camera 2.0, is a great choice for making truck driving a bit safer and easier.

Like the Rear View Safety system, the Backup Camera 2.0 has four different cameras meant to be mounted on the rear and sides of a vehicle. The 7-inch split screen can display one, two or four camera feeds at once, providing a near-complete view of your surroundings.

The eRapta Backup Camera 2.0 is a wired model, and with four separate cameras, there"s potentially a lot of wiring involved. While you always have the option to seek professional installation, eRapta markets the model as being easy to install. As for many of the other wired camera models on this list, that claim of ease is supported by user reviews on Amazon.

When it comes to finding a backup camera for an SUV, you want something that can give you the precision of a car camera and the coverage range of a truck camera. You also want to keep installation easy, because with a larger vehicle, putting in the wrong wired camera can turn into a huge (or expensive) job.

The Zeroxclub W01 Digital Wireless Backup Camera Kit covers all of those bases. Since it"s a wireless camera, installation is a breeze, with the included monitor plugging into your vehicle"s lighter plug if you have one. The signal is also strong, with Zeroxclub touting "100% no interference" and a transmission that works while driving at speeds of up to 85 miles per hour.

The included LCD screen is 7 inches, with a 1,280x720-pixel resolution that offers a clear look at what"s going on behind your vehicle. The camera itself is waterproof, with infrared lights, a high-definition image processor and a 149-degree field of vision. All of these features combine to ensure that the Zeroxclub camera is both accurate and durable, which is important no matter what type of vehicle you drive.

Attaching a trailer to your car presents a few difficulties when it comes to driving and visibility accommodations. First of all, you"re driving a vehicle that"s suddenly much larger than it usually is, which means that you won"t have the level of familiarity or comfort that you would if you drove an RV or truck. Secondly, you can"t use a wired backup camera, as it would require a permanent connection between the trailer and your vehicle"s dashboard.

Yakry"s HD 720P Digital Wireless Backup Camera is an ideal choice, considering these limitations. The wireless camera signal is strong, and Yakry recommends it be used on vehicles up to 45 feet long -- a range that covers a wide variety of trailers. The model also offers the ease of installation that drivers demand in a wireless camera model.

Of course, it"s the view that"s most important when it comes to driving safely. Not only is the signal strong, but the camera is fog-resistant and the 150-degree viewing angle provides a wide range of vision on the included 5-inch monitor. The camera can also be set to run constantly, but be aware of the hazards of using a backup camera in such a fashion.

When it comes to versatility and ease of installation and use, few cameras come close to the DoHonest HD 1080p Digital Wireless Backup Camera. That combined with the wide 150-degree viewing angle makes it an ideal choice for a larger vehicle, such as a van.

The DoHonest camera fits easily on a vehicle"s license plate holder, and it"s got an internal transmitter, eliminating the need for any extra devices. The camera is waterproof and the six-lens glass construction faithfully reproduces color in footage. The night-vision capabilities are highly praised in Amazon"s customer reviews.

The screen -- which is connected to the camera by a digital signal capable of reaching up to 100 feet -- displays a full-HD 1080p image, and can be attached to your dashboard or your windshield. Overall, the DoHonest model is one of the easiest-to-use backup cameras available, and considering its reasonable price tag, it"s not hard to see why it"s one of the most popular.

When it comes to putting a backup camera in an older car, the largest stumbling block is the potential lack of a console screen. While many camera kits come with screens of their own, there are drivers who prefer to use a single console-mounted screen for all of their display needs. If your car was built before a certain point, you may not have that option unless you"re prepared to pay a lot to get one installed.

LeeKooLuu"s 1080p Digital Wireless Backup Camera is an easy-to-use model with a customizable 5-inch display that ensures any driver"s comfort -- and while it may not be mounted on your dashboard, it"s the next best thing. Qualities like brightness, color saturation and contrast can be altered, while the driver also has the option of switching between a mirrored or facing view. That makes it possible to use on the front license plate, if necessary (but remember, there"s no substitute for looking at the road).

The LeeKooLuu backup camera itself is mounted in a license plate holder, so it"s easy to install. It"s also waterproof, with a 150-degree viewing angle and has eight infrared LED lights for night driving. All things considered, it"s an excellent upgrade if you want to make your older vehicle a little bit easier to maneuver in reverse.

For starters, there are three main categories to consider: wired backup cameras, wireless backup cameras and smartphone backup cameras. Wired cameras are hooked to output screens with wires, which means the connection is stronger, but professional installation may be required.

Wireless cameras are easy to install since there are no wires or cables connecting the camera to the monitor (there may still be cables connecting them to power sources), but the connection may be spotty, especially in bad weather. If you have continued problems with your screen capturing images from the camera, you"ll need to talk to a professional (and potentially even switch to a wired camera). Don"t be discouraged, though -- any kind of camera can likely be fixed. "Take it to [a service center] to figure out what"s wrong with it," advises Zoriy Birenboym, CEO of eAutoLease.com. Birenboym spent over 15 years in the auto industry as a salesman before founding the online auto leasing company. "It should be an easy fix if nothing is wrong with the wires."

Smartphone cameras are wireless and use smartphones as displays, making them easier to use but also introducing even more potential connection issues. You also might want to consider your phone"s screen size. "Make sure the screen is large enough for you to get a clear view," says Harry Anapliotis, marketing director and full stack developer at Rental Center Crete, a rental car agency that"s been serving the Greek island for over 45 years. "Its sole purpose is to show you what"s behind you and it"s no good if you"re squinting to see the screen."The eRapta ERT01 is an affordable backup camera for vehicles that already have a compatible screen.eRapta

There are also features available in certain backup cameras that might be important to you and variations among different cameras. For instance, different cameras have different fields of view, which determine how wide of a lens angle you can see behind you. Typically, angles around 165 to 170 degrees are the maximum, while angles under 120 degrees are considered too narrow by some. The larger the angle, though, the more distorted the image will be on your screen.

Some cameras also provide night vision to help you see in darkness and low light, but there"s an efficacy difference between military-grade night vision and standard night vision. The latter often simply means that one or more infrared lights have been added to the camera. Finally, as mentioned earlier, you can have the footage recorded by the camera sent to either a screen in your console, a mounted screen or an inset in your rearview mirror. You can pick whichever you prefer, but a dashboard or mounted screen will offer a larger image.

You also might need to moderate your hunt based on your vehicle. You can add a rear camera to just about any vehicle, but the details may change. For instance, many RV owners are particularly interested in backup cameras due to the difficulty that comes with maneuvering such large vehicles in reverse, but they may have to adjust their expectations in terms of cost and capability.For the best image quality, installing a wired backup camera system like this RVS-062710 on larger vehicles is recommended.Rear View Safety

Like backup cameras for cars, RV cameras come in wired, wireless and smartphone varieties, but the connection between the cameras and screens in wireless models may be particularly unreliable in large vehicles, as the distance between them is increased. Likewise, a wired camera may cost more to install than it would in a car because of the size of the vehicle. RV cameras should also be mounted higher than they would be on a regular car, with 9 feet off the ground considered ideal.

In some ways, though, all cameras are the same. For instance, the quality of the view and the picture depends on your connection and some brands have a reputation for higher performance than others do. For car backup cameras, popular brands include Auto-Vox, Yada and LeeKooLuu. When it comes to RV cameras, some of the brands frequently cited as the best include Rear View Safety, 4Ucam and Furrion.

Finally, it"s important to remember that backup cameras come with their own rules. While they make driving in reverse easier and safer, they still can"t provide complete, 360-degree visibility (no matter what they claim), so it"s crucial to use your mirrors and remain attentive while you drive. There are also ways to wire your camera so that it"s on all the time, including when you"re driving forward -- but is it worth it? You"ll get a better view of what"s going on behind your car, but it may also present a distraction while you drive, rather than help your view as it does when going in reverse.The Toguard system features both a backup camera and a forward-facing dash camera.Toguard

Price is a major concern when selecting a backup camera and prices can vary widely. Based on a number of factors, such as the type and brand of camera and whether or not you already have a dashboard screen, they can range from $10 to $500, or even more for larger vehicles. The cost simply depends on the equipment you need and the equipment you already have. This is evident in the way cameras for sale are typically grouped -- they"re sold as camera units that hook to existing screens, individual components and all-in-one systems.

Installation is another concern. If you plan to install your camera on your own, make sure to set aside 3 hours for the job. If you need professional installation, that can set you back an additional $400 to $600. Before you make your decision, it"s important to remember that the most reliable backup wired cameras are also the most difficult to install. That said, the money and hard work can be worth it -- if you get the right backup camera, install it properly and take care of it, it can provide you with 10 years of safer driving. "It might get outdated and not have all the best features," says Birenboym, "but it should have enough life to last that long."

If you"ve decided you want to install your camera yourself but you"re intimidated by the prospect of the job, you should consider a license plate backup camera. Some of these wireless backup camera systems are mounted in license plate holders, while others can easily be attached to your existing holder. You"ll need to have a screen as well, whether it"s an existing one in your dashboard or a mounted monitor. Some of the most well-regarded license plate backup camera brands are LeeKooLuu and Esky.

A backup camera can be a large expense or a minor one, but possessing the necessary knowledge will help you make a fitting investment. In the end, what"s most important is that you"ll be driving more safely.

What you need to know before getting a backup cameraDoes your car already have a screen in the dashboard? If it does, you may be able to use it to display the camera"s images. But if it doesn"t, you"ll need to have someone install a mounting bracket for an LCD monitor or use a different viewing option.

Do you want a wired, wireless or smartphone camera system? Weigh the pluses and negatives of each type of camera and measure them against your personal needs and preferences before making a decision.

Are there special concerns related to adding a backup camera to your vehicle? Depending on the size and shape of your vehicle, you may need to mount the camera in a different place, or you may find that a certain brand or model is better suited for the job.

How much are you willing to spend? Backup cameras vary greatly when it comes to price, so it"s better to have a budget in mind before you start shopping. You must also allow for the cost for installation, if you don"t want to install the rearview backup camera yourself.

Which model best suits your needs? Once you"ve answered all the other questions, you"ll be able to consult resources such as this list to find which backup camera is the best choice for you.

There are many reputable brands making reliable backup cameras and the best model for one person may not be the best for someone else. Our selection for the top pick, the CS-2 Wireless Backup Camera, is made by Auto-Vox, but our list also has models from eRapta, LeeKooLuu, Yakry, DoHonest and other respected brands. The best backup camera for you will depend on your specific needs, but regardless of what you select, you won"t go wrong with a model from one of the brands we"ve highlighted.

Wired and wireless cameras both have their advantages and drawbacks. Wired cameras -- in which the camera itself is physically connected to a monitor or screen via a wire -- are typically more reliable and have stronger connections, but they"re also difficult to install, sometimes requiring professional expertise. Wireless cameras -- where the camera and monitor are connected via a Wi-Fi signal -- are easier to install, but sometimes don"t work as well as wired models, especially in inclement weather. Only you can decide which type of camera suits your needs best.

Like regular screens on your phone or television, backup camera screens have resolutions that vary from model to model. A typical screen resolution for a standard definition backup camera screen is 720x480 pixels. That said, some higher-end models may have better resolutions -- for instance, the Rear View Safety model on our list has a resolution of 800x480 pixels to provide better definition.

Installing a backup camera can be difficult, which means hiring a professional to do it may be costly. If you have a wired backup camera -- which are harder to install than wireless cameras -- the job will take about three hours to complete. Most professionals charge by the hour and you could be looking at a bill that runs from $400 to $600. If you"re paying a professional to install a wireless camera, it should be a faster (and cheaper) job.

What you look for in a backup camera ultimately depends on what you consider important. You may opt for a wired camera rather than a wireless or smartphone camera if you"re concerned about the quality of the camera feed. Ease of installation and price may be important factors, and they may run counter to one another -- a hard-to-install camera that requires professional installation will boost up the price quite a bit. You"ll also want to think about the shape of your car and where the camera will be attached (either to the license plate holder or elsewhere), as these factors can ultimately inform your choice.

At Rostra, we’re pleased to announce a large expansion to our factory-installed LCD screen interface camera system program. Now available for ordering, our RearSight® interface application listing includes plug-and-play kits for many popular GM, Chrysler, Hyundai, Mazda, Ford, Subaru, and Toyota vehicles. The applications found in the guide below include either our discrete wedge-shaped CMOS camera, our teardrop CMOS or CCD camera, or a custom tailgate-handle integrated CMOS camera (available in black and chrome) to retain the factory look of a truck’s tailgate.

Please note that some of these systems do require programming by a dealership to activate the camera once installed, but the necessary steps for these procedures are outlined in the instructions included with each kit and labeled as “DAR: Yes or No” on this guide.

Installer is advised to remove the factory LCD screen and verify that the original Ford screen part number matches those in the list below before ordering:

Note: The 250-8420-MOD system requires a vehicle to have a pre-existing, original equipment backup camera. 250-8420-MOD is only for use as an auxiliary camera such as a side or front-view system.

Note: The 250-8420-MOD system requires a vehicle to have a pre-existing, original equipment backup camera. 250-8420-MOD is only for use as an auxiliary camera such as a side or front-view system.

Please note, our RearSight® factory LCD screen interface systems are only sold through authorized distributors. Please contact Rostra to locate a distributor in your area for your original equipment touch screen camera interface system.

That"s really strange. Did you have your car coded at all before this problem occurred? I wonder if it"s a simple software error where the car needs to be completely reset/refreshed or something related to the LCD/Navigation wiring not picking up the signal to throw the camera on. These always deal with fuses. For example, there"s a specific wire that is connected I believe by a 12V power source that runs from the camera in the rear to the break light switch that tells the monitor to flip the camera on when you put the gear in reverse. I looked up all this complicated wiring when we installed an aftermarket backup camera license plate system with a 7 inch display in my FX35. It works beautifully, faster than the X5 camera, which is surprising considering the whole setup only cost about $100. Do you have another service department near you or perhaps a local mechanic that is REALLY REALLY good at electronic wiring that is nice enough just to figure it out without charging you anything. We have a local friend that works at a tire shop and he"s quite a genius when it comes to any electronic work on any vehicle. He"s the one that walked me through the whole setup and how he configured the wiring in my FX35. Maybe the BMW service guys might be missing a basic/crucial step.