Rear view cameras, also known as Backup cameras, are a special type of video cameras produced specifically for the purpose of being attached to the rear of a vehicle in order to aid a driver with backing up.  The image which the driver sees is actually flipped horizontally so that the output is a mirror image.  This is needed so that the driver’s perception is correct, otherwise the camera’s right would be on the driver’s left (and vice versa), and it wouldn’t function as intended.  This mirrored image is consistent with the actual mirrors that have existed in vehicles since the 1910′s.

Backup cameras have been around for a while now.  I remember it going back as far as the early 2000′s when rear view cameras became available on production cars.  They were available much earlier as a novelty option or specially installed on large moving vehicles.

Rear View Camera in the Rear VIew Mirror of a Toyota Tacoma

Many people have become accustomed to backup cameras, in recent years, as part of their Navigations (GPS) system installed in their vehicles.  They [backup cameras] have also been available as an aftermarket accessory for a while.  Some manufacturers are now offering it as a standard option on some of their trim lines, such as the Nissan Murano SL and Lexus GX & SC models, just to name a few.  Ford has made it available on 75% of their fleet, including the 2010 Mustang, making it one of the first sports cars offering rear view cameras.  Now there are also rear view cameras with night vision obtainable as an aftermarket accessory.

2010 Mustang

Recently (in the past couple of years), a new option became available.  Rear view camera in the rear view mirror.  This feature is amazing.  Makes the rear view mirror that much more assisting to the driver.  The display is available anywhere from 2 inches to about 6 inches, depending on if it is factory installed or aftermarket.  This feature allows the driver to monitor both, the rear view mirror, and the blind spot behind the vehicle, at the same time.  Backup camera in the rearview mirror is also a more affordable version of the technology, making it accessible to a wider range of the masses.  Although, an aftermarket mirror with a built in LCD and a rear view camera can cost as much as $500, depending on the size and additional features.

This advancement in safety goes hand-in-hand with features such as the BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System),

BLIS® Digital Camera

currently found on a number of makes, such as Volvo and Ford.  The BLIS® is a digital camera-based monitoring system that keeps an ‘eye’ on the blind areas on the side of vehicles and warns the driver with a light on the appropriate side.

The rear view camera in the rear view mirror is now becoming a new standard for the already well known option.  This advancement can be seen on a number of vehicle makes installed by manufacturers including Ford, Chevrolet and Toyota.

Rear View Camera in the Rear View Mirror of a Ford

Driving a vehicle has become very dangerous, especially when distractions are introduced, such as eating and drinking, talking on the phone, texting, applying make-up, and other activities that should not be performed while on the road.  It is challenging to change a person’s habits.  In order to address some of these concerns, vehicle manufacturers are introducing new options in order to assist the drivers with being safer on the roads.  Other options are being advanced with technology and lowering costs.  The rear view camera in the rear view mirror and the Blind Spot Information System are some of those advancements that will help make the roads safer for all of us.