Is the rear-view mirror camera worth it? | The Complete Guide
The rear-view mirror is a device that was first implemented in high-end cars to replace the regular rear-view mirror. Today, however, its use is expanding and being adapted to all vehicles. It works as a tool that increases the view from the mirror and, therefore, safety on the road.
Thanks to the use of the latest technologies in their development and their respective functionalities, they could influence reducing the number of car accidents that are increasing. In this way, they act as a preventive measure. They also function as "witnesses" or evidence in critical situations, as they retain the proof of everything that happened around the vehicle.
A rear-view mirror is an excellent tool for your vehicle. Thanks to its benefits and additional functions, you can drive much safer.
What you should know about the rear-view mirror
After seeing the variety of rear-view mirrors offered on the market, you must know more specific information about them. This way, you can clarify your doubts and choose the one that best suits your vehicle.
What is a camera mirror?
A mirror with a camera is a smart device that has the function of recording, photography and assisted driving (acceleration control, maneuver recording, wide-angle vision, night vision, and GPS, among others).
The technology that this type of mirror has allows you to record everything that happens while you are driving from different angles. It works as a test during an accident or as a backup for certain maneuvers and operating under challenging climates or terrain.
Why buy a rear-view mirror with a camera?
Buying a rear-view mirror with a camera for your vehicle would be an excellent investment, as it would allow you to have everything recorded. This is crucial in various situations that may arise.
To drive safer with the rear camera, you should consider a few things when buying:
•Image quality: The image on the monitor or the phone should be sharp to see everything. In the best case, the images are also coloured.
•Wide angle: The camera should capture as wide an area as possible to reduce the blind spot (at least 120 degrees, preferably more). For large vehicles, a solution with several cameras may also be worthwhile. However, the distortion should be as low as possible. Otherwise, distances can be more difficult to estimate.
•Night vision: Those who drive a lot in the dark should ensure that the camera takes good pictures even in the dark.
•System: As explained above, you should consider whether the radio or permanently installed system makes more sense for you in advance.
In addition, it is a tool that provides you with a wider and sharper view. This will increase your safety when driving or maneuvering in certain terrains, poorly lit areas or critical climates. Avoid inconveniences that might occur if you don't have one.
How to install a rear-view mirror with the camera?
There are two options for installing rear-view mirrors with a camera, depending on whether the purchased model is wired or wireless.
Wired (analog camera)
Insert the SD memory into the slot of the rear-view mirror.
Attach the device by means of fastening straps (which can be included in the package) to the bracket attached to the vehicle glass instead of the standard mirror.
Connect the power cord from the mirror to the cigarette lighter socket.
Connect the audio and video cable to the vehicle's rear, especially the vehicle's reversing lamp. Move it from the front, along the contour of the roof cladding, to the back.
Attach the camera connected to the rear wiring harness to the rear of the vehicle.
With wireless camera
When reversing into parking or leaving the driveway, a reversing camera can be helpful. However, many users shy away from the installation. A good alternative is a wireless rear-view camera.
1.Insert the SD memory into the SD memory slot.
2.Mount the rear-view mirror on the bracket attached to the vehicle glass using the fastening straps.
3.Connect the power cable of the camera rear-view mirror to the vehicle's cigarette lighter socket for continuous charging.
4.Fix the rear-view camera with double-sided tape, screws or cable ties, depending on your preference, somewhere in the back of the car (connect the camera to the mirror via Bluetooth without needing a cable).
What are the advantages and disadvantages?
For clarity, here are some advantages and disadvantages you should consider when buying a rear-view mirror with a camera:
Advantages
- Record everything that happens around you
- Various recording options (loop or motion detection)
- Assisted driving service
- Does not obstruct vision while driving
- Easy to assemble
- Wider, sharper viewing in all types of weather or areas with a lack of light
- Adjustable fields of view
- Reduction of glare and blind spots
- No need to unplug or turn off the device to charge
- Suitable for all types of vehicles
- Variety of models with additional functions: GPS, Bluetooth, G-Sensor, etc.
Detriments
- Limited file storage
- It can suffer some technical failure, like any smart device
How to use a rear-view mirror with a camera?
Once the device is installed in the vehicle, you will need to configure the activation of recording: manually or via motion detection. You then need to select the recording format. It can be a loop (constant recording and automatic storage) or an emergency (only when the G-sensor detects a shock and then automatically saves the video).
After making all the settings, the camera (or cameras depending on the model chosen) will project the captured image of the road from the set angle. As a result, the mirror screen will display in a wide angle everything happening around the vehicle, with high-definition colours and figures.
Purchasing criteria
Before you buy a camera mirror, you need to consider several aspects that affect the device's performance. Evaluate which will be the most convenient and adaptable to your needs.
Here are five important points to consider:
- Resolution
- Capacity
- Vision
- Positioning
- Sensors
- Resolution
When choosing a rear-view camera mirror, you should consider the camera's resolution. This is important because it will be used for driving on public roads, where you must take some precautions.
The camera's image printing capacity is measured in pixels (P) or megapixels (MP); The higher the number of pixels, the higher the resolution quality. In general terms, 720p to 1080p (Full HD) or more are recommended to achieve high resolution.
Capacity
We must emphasize in principle the importance that this device has the necessary capacity to store all the programs, videos and photos taken. The most convenient is that it has a maximum of 128GB as a minimum and the option of a storage medium of 32GB or more.
Then, about the programs, there is a great variety that a rear-view mirror with a camera can count and influence the purchase decision. Among them: GPS option, touch screen, parking assistance and monitoring system, lane departure warning system, G-sensors, night vision, split screen, etc.
Vision
At this point, the field of view of the mirror to choose becomes relevant since you should opt for the one with the most suitable angles according to the size of the vehicle you own. Mir mirrors with wide-angle cameras are the best option for large cars.
The mirror must provide a complete front, rear and side view for a much safer driving experience. These aspects also include night vision.
Positioning
When choosing a rear-view mirror, you should think about the positioning of the camera, which can be front and/or rear.
Rearview mirror with a front camera
The camera is located at the front of the rear-view mirror for multiple viewing angles.
Rearview mirror with rear-view camera
The camera is located in the rear of the car, usually separated. Allows better rear view for more precise maneuvers
However, the best choice will be rear-view mirrors with both cameras adjustable. These will give you a much broader and more complete view when driving on any road.
Sensors
Another point to emphasize is that the rear-view mirror with a camera can be equipped with several sensors, each with a specific function. Among these sensors, we can identify.
- The Sony sensor (accelerometer): allows you to distinguish what's in front of the camera quickly and automatically. In addition, it reduces information processing, energy and safety uptime of the camera's rear-view mirror.
- The G-sensor is intended to measure the car's static (gravity) or dynamic (vibration/motion) accelerations.
- The CCD sensor provides high-quality and high-resolution images in different environments, climates, and areas with low light.
- The proximity sensor: A feature that uses the camera to detect objects and vehicles close to you.
In conclusion, the rear-view mirror with a camera is starting to gain relevance for its technology, allowing you to record everything that happens on the road—providing an assisted driving service and a better view all around the vehicle, making our journey more enjoyable and safer.
After all the information provided, do you already know which one is the most suitable for your vehicle? Experience a much safer and more enjoyable driving experience using a rear-view mirror with a camera!