My car doesn't come with a built-in rearview camera; what kind of add-on would be suitable?

Nowadays, rearview cameras are one of the essential safety features for the vast majority of car users, whether they are new drivers or experienced drivers.

In the US market, a rearview camera has been a mandatory feature for vehicles manufactured and sold there since May 2018.

Rearview cameras for cars are now available in a wide variety of types, depending on the budget and needs of car owners. (Photo: Ngo Minh)

However, in Vietnam, there is no regulation requiring cars to be equipped with rearview cameras in the law.

In April 2020, the Ministry of Public Security proposed this regulation when drafting the Law on Ensuring Order and Safety in Road Traffic, a law that was separated during discussions to amend the Road Traffic Law. Subsequently, the National Assembly rejected the separation of the Road Traffic Law, so the proposal remains "pending".

The Vietnamese market for affordable cars is booming with a wide variety of models, but most standard versions lack rearview cameras. Examples include the KIA Soluto MT, Nissan Almera MT and CVT, Honda City E, Mitsubishi Attrage MT, Hyundai Accent MT Base, Hyundai Stargazer standard, Ford EcoSport Trend, and Hyundai i10 standard.

So, for cars without a built-in rearview camera, what type of rearview camera should owners install, how much does it cost, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of each type?

Below are some rearview camera models that users can consider when wanting to install one on their vehicle.

Rearview camera with dashboard-mounted display.

If users only need a basic rearview camera and have a limited budget, and their car doesn't have a central display screen, then a rearview camera with a screen mounted on the dashboard is a great option.

Rearview camera with dashboard display.

This screen will be mounted on the dashboard, and the rearview camera image will be displayed on it so the driver can see what's behind them. Installation is simple, and the original car entertainment system remains intact. A complete screen and rearview camera system costs between 1 and 1.2 million VND.

If the car already has a screen, users only need to buy an additional camera to connect directly to the existing screen. The cost will then be even cheaper, ranging from 600,000 to 800,000 VND, with options for cameras that have infrared or auxiliary lighting.

The rearview camera connects directly to the screen that is usually already present in the car.

This is considered the most cost-effective solution for customers. This option is usually chosen by service drivers or skilled drivers who have decided to buy a very inexpensive car and do not want to make too many upgrades.

The advantage of a rearview camera system with a dashboard screen, or just a rearview camera, is that it's inexpensive, and users can buy it themselves from e-commerce sites and install it following the included instructions.

However, the drawbacks include a small display screen size of only 5-6 inches, and the rearview camera uses outdated CCD sensor technology, resulting in images that are not sharp and only display well in daylight conditions, with a rather narrow viewing angle of only about 120 degrees.

Rearview camera with Android screen

With a budget of 3-5 million VND, users can easily choose a rearview camera with images displayed on an Android screen.

Install a rearview camera with an Android screen to improve the clarity and viewing angle of the displayed image.

When installed on an Android screen, a rearview camera offers high-resolution AHD CMOS sensor, no lag when shifting into reverse, a wider viewing angle (typically 150-170 degrees), and a distance indicator that can adjust according to the steering angle.

Android screens are typically large, ranging from 9 to 14 inches, so the rearview camera display is also larger, making it easier for the driver to see. Installation of Android screens is also not too complicated, mainly involving plugging in jacks without cutting or splicing wires.

With this type, the cost is usually about 3-4 times higher than using a rearview camera with a screen mounted on the dashboard. Android screens with basic configurations may experience freezing or slower application processing after a period of use due to configuration limitations.

Rearview camera with integrated 360-degree panoramic view.

Previously, 360-degree cameras were typically only found on new, high-end, expensive cars, but now, with the rapid advancement of technology, although the price of a 360-degree camera system is still high, those with sufficient financial means can afford to install this feature on their vehicles.

The 360-degree camera system not only displays images behind the vehicle but also all sides, making it currently the safest image display feature available.

A 360-degree camera integrated into an Android screen is the most optimal safety solution, but it is also the most expensive.

Customers who choose to install 360-degree cameras are usually those who want maximum safety support, whose driving skills are not yet perfect, and who frequently travel in complex and congested traffic conditions.

The advantages of a 360-degree camera are that it eliminates blind spots, assists with better parking, and also acts as a dashcam, recording in four directions as evidence in case of a collision. The camera lens is ultra-sharp and has a viewing angle of up to 180 degrees.

In return, the installation cost is the most expensive among all types of video cameras, typically ranging from 9-15 million VND, or even higher if using large screens and high-end configurations.

To choose the right product and ensure quality, users should look for reputable auto accessory stores with a specific address and a clear warranty policy.

Be cautious when ordering through online sales channels on social media that lack a clear address and offer low prices, as this may lead to purchasing low-quality equipment without warranty.