The Best Bluetooth Car Cameras: Worth The Hype?

Bluetooth cameras for cars, also known as backup cameras, are an innovative technology designed to enhance safety and improve the driving experience. These devices are typically installed at the rear of vehicles, providing drivers with a clear and detailed view of their surroundings when reversing or parking. The market offers a diverse range of Bluetooth car cameras, including wireless options that ensure seamless connectivity between the camera and the in-car display. This technology is a significant upgrade from traditional rearview mirrors, eliminating blind spots and reducing the risk of accidents.

Bluetooth backup cameras for cars

When choosing a Bluetooth backup camera, consider the following:

• Image quality: Look for a camera with good resolution and night vision capabilities.
• Ease of installation: Some cameras are wireless and can be powered by solar panels, while others may need to be hardwired into your vehicle's wiring.
• Field of view (FOV): A wider FOV will provide better visibility.
• Waterproof rating: Look for a camera with an IP68 or IP69K rating to withstand weather conditions.
• Parking lines: Dynamic parking lines that adjust as you turn the steering wheel can be helpful.
• AUTO-VOX Solar Wireless Backup Camera: This camera has a 5" HD monitor, a 3-minute DIY installation, and an IP69K waterproof rating.
• AMTIFO Wireless Backup Camera: This camera offers a 5" split screen, a stable digital signal, a 150-degree wide viewing angle, and clear night vision.
• DoHonest Wireless Backup Camera: This camera has a 7-inch screen, an HD 1080p resolution, and adjustable DIY guidelines.
• Garmin BC50 Wireless Rear Backup Camera: This camera offers up to 720p HD resolution and a compact design. It is recommended for professional installation.
• Nextbase Rear Window Camera: This camera is designed for use with Nextbase dash cams and offers up to 1080p resolution and a 140-degree wide-angle lens.

Reversing cameras for cars

Reversing cameras, also known as rearview or backup cameras, are designed to assist drivers when manoeuvring vehicles in reverse. They offer a clear view of the area behind the car, helping to prevent accidents and improve spatial awareness. These cameras are especially useful when parking, as they eliminate blind spots and provide parking guidelines based on the wheel position.

When choosing a reversing camera, it is important to consider the resolution and lens of the camera. High-resolution cameras ensure a clear and detailed view, while a wide-angle lens provides better coverage of the rear surroundings. The AUTO-VOX M1 Car Reversing Camera Kit, for example, offers a 170-degree field of view and is a great budget option at under £60. For those seeking a more premium option, the AUTO-VOX Upgraded Solar Reversing Camera Wireless Kit provides a 125-degree viewing angle and is conveniently powered by solar energy.

The mounting location of the camera is another important consideration. Some cameras are discreetly mounted behind the number plate, while others replace the existing boot handle or reversing light. The boot handle option is barely visible, while the pedestal or number plate camera is more noticeable. Additionally, the screen for the reversing camera can be integrated into the existing screen of the car, or a new monitor can be mounted on the dashboard or windscreen.

Reversing cameras can be installed in most vehicles, including cars, vans, motorhomes, and HGVs, making parking and reversing safer and more convenient.

Dash cams for cars

Dash cams are small cameras that you can mount to your dashboard or windshield to record videos of the road ahead, behind, or inside your car. They are useful in the event of a crash or other incidents, providing an objective eyewitness account that can help prove your innocence to a lawyer, insurance company, or law enforcement. They can also be used to record unsafe road conditions, monitor the driving habits of an inexperienced driver, or simply capture a funny or memorable scene on the road.

Dash cams come in all shapes and sizes and at various price points, from under $50 to over $500. When choosing a dash cam, it's important to consider your budget, the features you need, and how you intend to use it. Some dash cams offer additional features such as GPS tracking, Wi-Fi connectivity, and multiple cameras for recording what's behind or inside your car. If you drive an older car, you may want to look for a dash cam with integrated safety features such as lane departure warnings or automatic emergency calls.

It's also essential to consider the video quality and resolution of the dash cam. Look for a model that offers at least 1080p or 4K resolution for clear and detailed footage, especially if you need to read license plates or other small details. Night vision or low-light performance is another crucial factor, as it ensures the camera can capture legible footage in dimly lit or dark conditions. Some dash cams also have a High Dynamic Range (HDR) feature, which improves image quality when driving in challenging lighting conditions, such as when facing direct sunlight or recording a license plate illuminated by high beams.

Another important consideration is the power source of the dash cam. Some dash cams use internal batteries, while others can be plugged into your car's 12V DC outlet or hardwired directly to the fuse box. If you want the dash cam to record while your car is parked, you'll need to ensure it has a suitable power source or opt for a model with a parking mode that activates recording when it detects motion or impact.

When installing a dash cam, it's best to mount it high and out of your direct eyeline, ensuring it doesn't obstruct your forward view. You should also route the power cable neatly along the edges of the windshield and dashboard to avoid any dangling wires. Additionally, consider getting a hardwire kit to connect the dash cam directly to your car's fuse box if you want continuous power for parking mode.

In terms of specific recommendations, the Viofo A229 Pro is an excellent choice and our top pick for a dash cam. It offers 4K resolution for crisp and detailed footage, both during the day and at night. It also features a supercapacitor for reliable performance in extreme temperatures, GPS tracking, and a 24-hour parking monitoring mode. The Miofive S1 is another great option if you're on a budget, offering 4K resolution, GPS, and a supercapacitor at a very reasonable price.

Dual dash cams for cars

A dual dash cam is a great way to ensure you have an extra set of eyes on the road and can record both the road ahead and any activity behind your vehicle. Dual dash cams are perfect for rideshare drivers, such as Uber and Lyft drivers, as they can record the interior of the vehicle as well as the road ahead. They are also ideal for older cars without an infotainment system, as some dual dash cams have a sat nav system included.

Dual dash cams are available in a range of prices and specifications. Some of the more premium models include the Rexing V1P Max Plus, which offers 4K UHD 2160p + 1080p resolution, improved shell casing, and enhanced night vision capabilities. The Cobra SC 250R is another premium option, offering 4K video, parking mode recording, and remote vehicle monitoring.

If you're looking for a more affordable option, the EEEkit 1080P Car Front and Inside Dual Dash Camera DVR offers night vision, a 170-degree wide-angle, and loop recording for under $50. The TOGUARD FHD 1080P Front Car Camera with a Waterproof Rear Camera is another good budget option, currently priced at $40.99.

Other dual dash cams to consider include the Vantrue N2 Pro, which offers dual-channel 1080p recording for the front and inside of the vehicle, and the REDTIGER Dash Cam, which offers 4K/2.5K front and 1080p rear recording, built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, and a 3.16" screen.

When choosing a dual dash cam, consider your budget, the video resolution, and any additional features you may require, such as night vision, parking mode, or Wi-Fi connectivity.

Front and rear dash cams for cars

There are a variety of front and rear dash cams for cars available on the market. These dash cams typically come with advanced features such as loop recording, night vision, and wide-angle lenses, providing drivers with valuable evidence in case of accidents or incidents.

One example is the THINKWARE U3000 4K UHD Front and 2K QHD Rear Dash Cam, which offers built-in GPS, Wi-Fi, and radar capabilities. It includes a rear camera unit, a 3M adhesive windshield mount, and a 64GB MicroSD card. Another option is the Rexing V2 Pro AI dash cam, which has built-in GPS and Wi-Fi functionality, allowing for seamless transfer of recordings to your phone. It offers a 3-channel Full HD resolution and a 330-degree swivel angle.

For those seeking a budget-friendly option, the Miofive S1 Ultra offers dual 4K cameras and built-in GPS at a reasonable price. If you're looking for a more discreet option, the JVC KW-M150BT 6.8" Touchscreen Bluetooth Receiver comes with a waterproof rear-view camera that can be integrated into your vehicle's rear-view mirror.

When choosing a front and rear dash cam, consider your budget, desired features, ease of installation, and video quality. Some models may also offer additional capabilities like speed camera alerts, parking assistance, and voice control.

Frequently asked questions