Factory Integrated Backup Cameras vs. Rear View Mirrors

There have been many a debate over which is the better priced, better valued car safety tool—the new factory integrated backup cameras or the classic rear view mirrors. This article will try to help shed some light on the conflict.

The Camera

Backup Camera System

A factory integrated backup camera is just another form of camera, this one being made for giving the driver a direct view of anything and everything that may be in the way of the vehicle. They are generally angled downwards, and provide a fairly wide, and sometimes adjustable, view on the screen attached to the dashboard. Depending on its version, a factory integrated backup camera may be mechanically adjusted by the driver in terms of angle.

One of the unfortunate drawbacks is that the combination of the fish-eye lens and the downward angle prevents it from seeing faraway objects.

The RV Mirror

Rear View Mirror System

The first tool created for rear-viewing car safety, a rear view mirror is simply just that: a mirror that allows the driver to see, through reflection, what is behind the car. This is often paired with two other mirrors, these ones attached to the sides of the vehicle in question, thereby adding extra angles to work with. Thanks to nowadays technology, the mirrors have become specialized in such a way that certain effects may be added, such as reducing glare and sudden light.

A negative point of rear view mirrors is that they are rendered pretty much useless when dealing with vehicles that drag behind large containers or trailers.

The Winner

While the battle is hard and bloody, and there have been many point-outs and factual proofs, most people agree that it is a combination of both car safety tools that make the best reversing aid.

A factory integrated backup camera may have a wider and better view of possible obstacles, and may be better suited to vehicles with trailers, it still cannot provide as many angles as the three-way rear view mirrors can. Also, as rear view mirrors are a constant no matter sort of vehicle you buy, the only additional payment would be for the backup cameras. And while some dislike the idea of taking apart their dashboard just to fit in a screen, it is best to keep in mind that unlike a rear view mirror, a backup camera allows you to see what is on the ground directly behind the vehicle.

If you know how to work both tools, then you can take advantage of their characteristics and use them to cancel out each others’ weaknesses effectively. For example, you can use the rear view mirror to check up on any other vehicle approaching you, while at the same time you use the factory integrated backup vehicle to check the ground for any smaller obstacles.

Pricing is one of the things that make people come to blows about; nevertheless, if you are willing to pay for safety in driving, there should not be much problem. A car is as safe as you want it to be. A will to invest in that safety is a must if you want to keep it that way.