what is a rear camera

A rear camera is a type of video camera that is installed on the back of a vehicle to aid in backing up and to alleviate the rear blind spot. It is also known as a backup camera or reversing camera. The camera turns on automatically when the car is put in reverse, and it shows an image of the area directly behind the vehicle on a dashboard screen. The image is horizontally flipped so that the output is a mirror image, which is necessary because the camera and the driver face opposite directions. The camera typically utilizes a wide-angle lens or fish-eye lens to provide a wide view of the area behind the vehicle. Rear cameras are designed to avoid backup collisions and give the driver a much clearer and more accurate view of obstacles behind the car. They are also used to help the driver park and maneuver the vehicle. Rear cameras are now required by federal law to be installed in all new passenger cars, trucks, vans, and other vehicles weighing less than 10,000 pounds.