Best Backup Camera [2021]: RVS-770613 vs. Pyle PLCM4500 vs. Voyager WVOS511

Why Do You Need A Backup Camera?

There are many reasons you would go to the trouble and cost of adding an aftermarket backup camera to your vehicle, but the greatest of these is backed by data provided by the child advocacy group Kids and Cars who state that 50 children are hit by a car moving in reverse each week and that 2 of these accidents end in a fatality. It’s not news to anyone that every car on the road has spots where the driver cannot see, called blind spots, but the average size of U.S. vehicles are larger than normal which increases the size of the blind spots; especially in SUVs and larger pickup trucks which extend 2o feet to the vehicle’s rear. Backup cameras are a critical piece of technology developed in recent years that nearly eliminates these types of accidents.

Do I Really Need a Backup Camera?

Recent designs in cars have made them look sleek from the outside, but have made them very dangerous to drive, causing visibility problems on the inside. Car-styling trends are making it more difficult for drivers to see what’s around them. It causes issues not only in traffic but also in driveways and parking lots. Wide rear pillars and smaller back windows make it very hard to see out the back of a car, even when you turn around to look.

Consumer Reports tested rear visibility on four cars using an orange cone. They sat the cone behind the car and move it back until the driver could see the top of the cone. Here are the results:

• Hyundai Sonata Sedan has a blind zone of 21 feet.
• Toyota Sienna minivan has a blind zone of 22 feet.
• Dodge Durango SUV has a blind zone of 37 feet.
• Land Rover LR4 has a blind zone of 38 feet.
• Ford Fusion has a blind zone of 40 feet.
• Chevy Avalanche pickup truck has a blind zone of 50 feet! That means anything behind this vehicle the same height or shorter than the cone is not seen by the driver.

These numbers are very frightening and the very reason that rearview cameras will be required in cars from 2014 and after. But what do we do about the millions of cars on the road already? It’s up to those individuals to take action themselves. The backup camera industry has made many affordable options for owners of older model cars and trucks, but there are many of those systems that will only add frustration and disappointment. Be sure that you review the options carefully and make the right buying decision for your situation.

What’s the Best Backup Camera System?

You’re always on the go and have a need to see what’s behind you before you back your load… I get that. Your mirrors are there but almost useless at times and nobody wants a spotter behind them all the time; that’s just silly. No matter if you drive a pickup truck or a 40 ft diesel pusher, you need a simple, yet reliable, device to show you what’s behind you before you back your cargo into that unseen telephone pole or other objects, vehicle, or even a child.

However, finding the best aftermarket backup camera system can be tough, so we’ve put together this resource – a one-stop-shop, all-inclusive guide to help you find the backup camera for your vehicle. Whether you’re looking for a wireless backup camera, a GPS with a backup camera, an RV backup camera, or any variation therein, we’ve got you covered.

Can I Install a Backup Camera Myself?

Of course, you can! Installing a backup camera is really very easy. It requires very basic tools and just a couple of hours for a novice. Have a look at the video below which will demonstrate the installation of a very common camera system.

What Should I Look For In a Backup Camera System?

Buying a backup camera system will make your every day driving much safer, but all systems are not made equally. What should you look for in an aftermarket backup camera system?

• Video Quality: many of the systems on the market do not come with a monitor, and those that do aren’t necessarily the best quality picture. Generally speaking, the units that do not come with a monitor have a superior resolution.
• Accessories: make sure to look at the accessories that are included with each unit before purchasing it. Sometimes it’s the small things that make all the difference in your satisfaction with a product, and many of the kits come with different accessories; many better than the others. These accessories can improve the installation experience, daily use, control, etc.
• Camera Features: You’ll want to ensure the camera system you choose not only has a clear picture but also displays an image wide enough to include all that is behind your vehicle in order to backup safely.
• Weatherproof: It seems obvious that a camera that will be exposed to the elements needs to be weatherproof, and most manufacturers do a decent job with this. However, you’ll need to consider where the camera will be installed and be sure to buy a kit that is rugged enough for that location.
• Support And Documentation: Installing your new backup camera system, whether it be wired or wireless, is of the utmost importance. The very best units provide detailed documentation as well as online support resources and support by phone. Their products are also included with a better warranty.

Backup Camera Manufacturers

With the increasing popularity of backup cameras, there have been more and more companies trying to ride the heels of success. However, only a few companies stand out in the consumer-grade aftermarket realm.

• Rear View Safety: Founded and located in Brooklyn, New York, Rear View Safety’s goal is to “provide rearview safety to every commercial vehicle, preventing risk to life and limb and protecting corporations’ reputation and assets.” RVs came into the market in 2007 with the goal of making high-quality backup cameras and accessories as affordable as possible. Their systems were priced well below that of the competition which forced the entire market to shift prices downward. This was a big factor in the acceleration of the industry, quality and of course, safety. Rear View Safety is currently one of the leading providers of backup camera systems in the US and Canada. From school buses to US Army equipment, UPS vehicles and tour buses, they’re trusted as one of the premier safety camera systems suppliers. Rear View Safety entered the market with the goal of making high-quality rearview safety an affordable commodity. Pricing their systems far below their competition, Rear View Safety quickly gained major market share, forcing the industry to lower their prices. This rapidly accelerated sales of backup safety systems and quickly increased safety nationwide.
• Jensen RV (Voyager): In the early 20th century, Peter Laurits Jensen made a breakthrough by linking a microphone and a transmitter circuit to a grounded telegraph as a receiver, and began experimenting with broadcasting recorded music to ships out at sea. Through the remainder of the 20th century, Jensen solidified their spot in the radio and speaker market. They have always been focused on the highest quality and research and development, and this carried forward into Jensen RV in the early 21st century. Jensen RV Research and Development team have built the highest quality into JENSEN & Voyager products from the very beginning. Each product is expertly designed from scratch and all designs are validated through extensive testing primarily conducted in the on-site lab. As a result, Voyager Camera Systems offer more durability and the highest performance possible of any other automotive electronics.
• Peak Automotive: Old World Industries, which is an independent, family-owned corporation located in Northbrook, Illinois and is the parent company to PEAK, has been a leader in the development and distribution of automotive products for the more than four decades. A 40-year history of American creativity and constantly pushing for quality and fair prices, PEAK has been developing products for extreme climates and conditions and endure the test of time. PEAK doesn’t focus its efforts on backup camera systems, but they have become part of their catalog with the increased popularity of the technology. PEAK focuses on the lower end consumer-grade backup camera systems which are typically between $90 – $150. They use standard technology and easy to use devices, with product quality in the average and lower realm.
• Pyle Audio: Founded in the 1960s, Pyle Audio is a leading manufacturer of and known for high-quality woofers. Pyle’s reputation grew rapidly in and around the US with the introduction of the “Pyle Driver” which became a household name. In the 1990s, this Brooklyn, New York company was well established and went through a major transformation by the year 2000, expanding into new markets such as home and professional audio, marine audio, and musical instruments – the Pyle Pro line. Into the 21st century, Pyle began making aftermarket backup camera systems for later model cars. They use standard technology and focus on ease of use, with product quality in the average and lower realm.
• Swift Hitch: Located in Newton, MA, Toren Partners LLC began with the original wireless backup camera system, known as Swift Hitch. This system was designed to assist those who struggled with hitching up trailers and other equipment. Since 2006, Swift Hitch’s portability, night vision, and reverse imaging capabilities have made this a valued tool for those who use it. Swift Hitch systems are used by farmers, building and marine inspectors, and anywhere that an extra set of eyes are useful.

Our Picks - Best Backup Camera Systems

Why Install a Backup Camera?

There are multiple reasons one might choose to go to the expense of a backup camera system. But the most compelling comes from the child advocacy group Kids and Cars who says at least 50 children are backed over by cars every single week, and at least two of those incidents are fatal. It’s not new information that every car has a blind spot but the average size of vehicles in the U.S. is larger than normal, and the blind spot in larger pickups and SUVs extends to almost 20 feet behind the vehicle. Backup camera systems can be a big asset in helping to prevent backing over people, pets or objects in their blind spots.

Rearview cameras also improve one’s ability to hook up a trailer to a vehicle, especially if there’s no one with you to line you up.

In addition, if you’re driving a motor home, RV or pulling a camping trailer, your ability to see behind you is impossible. Anyone who has driven a motorhome or vehicle pulling a camper knows how difficult it is to back into a spot at a campground or driveway, and the difficulty brought on by tasks as simple as changing lanes when driving. RV backup cameras make driving these tasks much safer and can monitor tow vehicles or other equipment that you may haul behind you.

In recent years, many vehicle manufacturers have put backup camera systems into their vehicles, but that’s no reason to run out and buy a new car, truck, or RV. Aftermarket backup camera systems have become more prevalent and the technology has improved, making aftermarket backup camera kits a new must-have addition to used vehicles. These systems are now available from the complete camera and monitor packages to cameras that can be added to your car’s existing video monitor in the dash or add-on to your video-capable GPS.

Types of Backup Cameras

In this particular section, we’ll look at the different types of cameras. I’m not talking wired and wireless, but instead, we’ll look at the camera unit itself. There are three general designs of aftermarket backup cameras that can be included in a kit or sold separately.

The most common design is a camera enclosed in a weatherproof housing and mounted on the exterior of the vehicle. These cameras typically feature a 170-degree viewing angle, LEDs for night-vision and an anti-glare shield. These cameras come with a universal mount that is typically attached to the license plate area and is durable, waterproof and made to last.

Another camera design is a flush-mounted “keyhole” camera which is much less obvious than traditional surface-mounted cameras. However, you’ll want to be aware that keyhole cameras require a hole to be drilled somewhere in the rear of the vehicle. This may not be a good choice for many but for those that don’t mind making this type of modification, the keyhole camera can be a really good option.

Many auto owners may not want to mount a larger piece of hardware onto their vehicle or drill a hole into the exterior, so several manufacturers offer ‘license plate’ cameras which are very easy to mount. Some, like the Boyo VTL375 pictured to the right, offer an entire frame for the license plate while others are only a piece that mounts across the top of the tag like the Pyle PLCM18BC. It’s recommended that you check with your local state’s vehicle laws, as some states forbid plate frames that may prevent full view of the plate.

Complete All In One Backup Camera Systems

If your vehicle doesn’t already have a built-in video monitor or a GPS that support video inputs, then your only choice would be an all in one system. These systems come in two variations: wired and wireless. These systems come with a stand-alone LCD monitor which either mounts to the dash or suctions to the inside of the windshield as well as a waterproof camera, many of which illuminate for night-vision.

These systems are the most commonly used and come in a wide range of price and quality. It’s very important that you pay close attention to the video quality, features, and accessories that come with the unit. It’s also just as important to choose a manufacturer with a good reputation for quality and has detailed documentation as well as online and phone technical support. Reputable manufacturers will also provide a good warranty with their product.

Adding Just a Camera

Many newer vehicles may already have a factory navigation system with a screen. In these cases, you can often integrate an aftermarket backup camera instead of installing a separate LCD screen on the dash. Manufacturers such as Pacific Accessory Corporation and NAV-TV offer backup camera interfaces for many vehicles that will display images from the aftermarket backup camera to the vehicle’s OEM navigation screen. In many cases, these OEM navigation systems provide accessory inputs to connect video sources such as portable DVD players or backup cameras.

These OEM interfaces are very specific to the head units on the vehicles, so it’s recommended that you consult the manufacturer's website to confirm compatibility with your vehicle’s navigation system. You may also want to consult a mobile electronics retailer.

A majority of the aftermarket backup cameras have a standard composite video output via RCA plugs that can connect to virtually any video display. However, if you have a head unit with an LCD screen from one of the major automakers, you may want to buy a backup camera of the same brand since they offer complementary features.

Backup Camera Features

• Types of Cameras: There are two types of image sensor technologies when it comes to backup cameras: Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) and Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) sensors. CCD is what is used in most digital cameras is provides the best quality possible. CMOS sensors are typically lesser expensive because they are basically a camera on a chip and have inferior quality, especially in low light situations.
• View Angle: The view angle (measured in degrees) is another feature you may want to be familiar with, as well as the low-light or night-vision abilities. The view angle is associated directly with the image sensor technology mentioned above. The larger the size of the image sensor area, the wider the shot you get on camera. Currently, the most highly used image sensor area sizes are 1/2″, 1/3″, and 1/4″. Typically, 1/2″ is not used in backup cameras on the consumer market due to their cost. You will most often see 1/3″ and 1/4″, and in most cases, 1/3″ supports the wider angle of view. Technically, 1/4″ has a smaller sensor area to support wide-angle lenses. However, when a 1/4″ image sensor is used with a special lens (described below), it will provide an even wider angle of view.
• Camera Lens: Another factor that determines the view angle is the camera’s lens, which is usually noted in “mm” (millimeters). The smaller the size (mm), the wider the view angle. The larger the size (mm), the further distance the camera can focus. The most popular lens sizes are 1.7mm, 2.8mm, 3.6mm, 6mm, 9.9mm, 20mm, 35mm, etc. Typically the 1.7 and 2.8mm camera would result in the widest angle of view. You must remember that the lens and image sensor area size BOTH impact the view angle. For example, if you have a 2.8mm lens with a 1/4″ image sensor, it won’t result in a wider shot compared to a 1.7mm lens with a 1/4″ image sensor or 2.8mm lens with a 1/3″ sensor. Many of the cameras on the market use the fisheye lens to give a wider shot, but some of the higher quality backup cameras use technology to minimize the distortion.
• Audio: Not all aftermarket backup cameras have audio capabilities. Audio is definitely a plus, especially when someone is assisting you backup your vehicle as you can hear them giving you instructions through the camera! Keep in mind that cameras with audio must have a microphone that is mounted in the camera body and, in some cases, not as weatherproof as to the camera. This flaw can allow water to get into areas of the camera that wouldn’t otherwise.

If you are using an OEM navigation system as your monitor, it’s important to know whether or not the system supports audio before you buy the camera. Many of them do not.

Lastly, most cameras also provide a reversed image to appear as a rearview mirror would, but some of the cameras offered to provide the ability to change this to a normal viewing mode. And, of course, a vast majority of the aftermarket backup cameras automagically turn on when the car’s transmission to put into Reverse.

Backup Camera Voltage Rating

A vast majority of the aftermarket backup cameras on the market today work with 12V power, but some cameras and/or monitors require 24V or 32V power. A unit that is made specifically for automobiles is designed to operate with often changing voltage levels (with a normal range) which are produced by the automobile’s battery and alternator. As a consumer, you need to stay away from security/surveillance cameras that are trying to be passed off as backup cameras. These cameras will not work on your vehicle easily.

Wired vs. Wireless Backup Camera

The Short Story

When choosing an aftermarket backup camera kit, this is the most common question people are asking. Should I get a wired or a wireless backup camera system? The answer can be as complex or as simple as you want it.

First, there’s a single question you should ask yourself: Am I willing to give up quality for convenience? If the answer is “Yes, I don’t really care as much about the quality of the picture as I do about an easy installation”, then proceed to buy a wireless backup camera. If the answer is “No, quality of picture and reliable connectivity are far too important for me”, then a wired backup camera should be your choice.

Regardless of your answer here, it’s still a pretty good idea to continue reading the learn the details of the decision. It’s important that you get the backup camera for your scenario to ensure you gain the most safety benefit from that decision.

The Long Story

Wireless Backup Cameras

Technology for wireless aftermarket backup cameras has come a long way in the past few years, but with an increasing number of wireless products that have hit the market, which includes Bluetooth phones, satellite radio, CB radios, and wireless Internet, it’s likely that you will suffer some interference when using a wireless backup camera. This means that not only will it affect the quality of the picture coming through to the monitor, but the camera will also act a little funny as well. They will turn on at times they shouldn’t, and sometimes you won’t be able to get any picture at all. Additionally, there are more parts to a wireless backup camera than a wired backup camera with the inclusion of a transmitter. If the transmitter malfunctions, they can be difficult and expensive to replace.

Of course, wireless cameras are much easier to install, which is where we get the ‘convenience’ benefits since there is no need to run a cable from the rear of the vehicle to the monitor on the dashboard, and the antenna is typically built into the camera for an even simpler installation. Some wireless cameras have a separate antenna that can be positioned for better reception, but this does complicate the install slightly.

For car and truck owners, wiring a backup camera shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours of work or $100-200 to hire a professional installation system done. However, this is not true for RV owners. The benefits of a wireless system are much greater due to the effort it would take to install a wired system in an RV, but the monitor is so far from the transmitter that the interference is no the only problem; now they have to worry about range as well. Very few wireless backup systems on the market today will provide you with comparable quality to a wired system with the range required of an RV, but there is one that stands out among the competition: The Voyager WVOS511 Digital Wireless Observation System. They Voyager WVOS511 features WiSight technology which eliminates interference by digitally locking to the monitor's receiver and ignoring outside signals. As well, it has a range that will cover 90ft, which is well beyond the length of any RV!

Wired Backup Cameras

As compared with a wireless camera, the wired systems provide a much higher quality picture and are extremely reliable. They are especially good for long vehicles such as RVs, but the installation can get quite hairy unless the RV is pre-wired for a camera. In a car or truck, the wired installation typically only takes a couple of hours or $100-200 for a professional installation. In an RV, this is complicated mainly by the length of the vehicle. Many RV owners run the cable underneath the unit and come in through the floor if in Class A, or to the hitch if a fifth wheel or travel trailer. For those with a fifth wheel or travel trailer, the wired system does mean that there’s one more set of wires to remember to hook up when you connect the hitch. However, you’ll never need to worry about your reception with a wired system.

How to Install a Backup Camera - Backup Camera Installation

Due to the immediate impact backup cameras have had on modern society, most of the new cars that roll of the assembly line these days are outfitted with one, and it will likely be required for cars by 2014. The view of what’s behind your car before backing has not only lowered insurance claims, but it’s saved the lives of many children in just a few years. Additionally, the device has made it much easier to parallel park.

But with that said, the average age of vehicles on the road today is 10.8 years; up from 8.4 in 1995. This means that most of the automobiles on the road do not have the advantage of this feature. If your plan is to keep your current car but still want the benefits and peace of mind that comes with a backup camera, then you’re in luck! They are relatively inexpensive and are not very difficult to install yourself.

The manufacturers of backup cameras are producing a wide variety of DIY kits. Of course, the cost does vary based on a few key elements that determine the quality of the signal and picture the unit produces.