Top 5 Backup Cameras For Kenwood Head Unit Review

Ever backed up your car and wished you had eyes in the back? Reversing can be tricky, especially in tight parking spots or busy streets. That little blind spot behind your vehicle can cause big problems, leading to bumps or scrapes. If you have a Kenwood head unit, you already enjoy great audio and features, but adding a backup camera unlocks a whole new level of safety.

Choosing the perfect backup camera for your Kenwood system can feel overwhelming. Do you need a wired or wireless one? Which resolution is best? People worry about compatibility and installation headaches. You want a clear picture that works every time you shift into reverse, not something that gives you static or fuzz.

This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what you need to look for in a camera that pairs perfectly with your Kenwood unit. You will learn about the best features, easy installation tips, and how to get that crystal-clear view you deserve. Get ready to upgrade your driving confidence!

Top Backup Camera For Kenwood Head Unit Recommendations

No. 1
PixelMan Backup Camera,AHD 1080P Metal 170 Degree Wide Angle Rearview Reversing Camera,PMD2A-S Clear Night Vision IP69 Waterproof Reverse Rear View Camera for Car Vehicle SUV RV
  • 【Continuous Upgraded 1080P AHD Backup Camera】After launching three car backup cameras, PixelMan further upgrade and launch the new reversing camera PMD2A-S. This car camera use the latest chip special for reversing camera made in Japan, this chip not only has excellent image output, but also has stunning performance under strong light and dark light. Strict in details and only make the best products is what PixelMan pursues. It is also essential to you, isn't it?
  • 【Support HD and AHD switching】This upgraded back up camera even supports HD and AHD switching. Each optimization improves the definition, signal stability, waterproof performance, durability, installation, etc. Our vehicle backup camera can be switched to AHD signal output to achieve 1080P display (Under the premise that the screen supports AHD signal).
  • 【1/2.7in AHD 1080P Large Chip Adopted in This Reverse Cam】The chip size determines the amount of reversing camera output pixels, compared with 1/4in chip used in ordinary backup cam, the most apparent feature is the enhanced brightness and color saturation besides of the sufficient clarity. The colors become more vivid and true, the increased brightness makes the images more clearly, meanwhile, the night vision effect also be enhanced, you can back the car easily without extra light at night.
  • 【170° Wide Angle Optical Glass HD Lens】The lens is the core component of the reverse camera for car. The HD lens used in PMD2A-S wide angle backup camera is very different from ordinary lens in appearance, it has a larger aperture and a stronger sense of technology. High transmittance glass, fish eye appearance, F1.4 aperture, all these features directly determine the wide angle, maximum output pixels and night vision performance of the license plate camera.
  • 【Back Up The Car Easily】Whether it is day or night, you can see almost everything behind the car when reversing, PixelMan camera for car reverse will let your driving easier and safer. Isn’t it what you need?
No. 2
HD Backup Camera,Metal Housing 170 Degree Wide View Angle License Plate Rear View Camera for Car,Clear Night Vision IP69 Waterproof Rearview Universal Reverse Cam Kit for Vehicle SUV RV Pickup
  • 【Significant Upgradation】This is a wired backup camera. When we design this car backup camera, we not only require the outstanding images, but also the stunning performance in bright or dark light. Signal stability, waterproofness, durability, installation,etc. are all greatly improved.PixelMan back up camera will assist you get a pleasant drive, this car rear camera is indispensable for you,isn't it?
  • 【Powerful Sensor Chip and Precise Lens】PixelMan car rear camera features a 1/2.7 inch sensor chip, 170-degree fisheye lens, and noise reduction technology for excellent image quality in various lighting. The pure copper shielded cable ensures stable signal transmission. Note: Compatible only with RCA-equipped devices and requires NTSC support. Use the provided proprietary cables and verify RCA input and NTSC compatibility before purchasing.
  • 【Metal Housing, Remarkable Waterproof IP69】PixelMan reversing camera for license plate adopts a sturdy metal housing and Nano sealant infusion. Our rear camera can be immersed in water for up to one year without issue, unlike plastic housing which is prone to aging due to thermal expansion and contraction. Please note: This camera supports NTSC only. Make sure your display device supports NTSC for proper functionality. PAL systems are not compatible and may result in no display or signal issues.
  • 【Effortless Installation】PixelMan reverse backup camera comes with 2 installation brackets. The mini 4-pin connector simplifies installation. The camera supports 1080P devices only. Please ensure your display supports 1080P for optimal performance.
  • 【Three Years After-sales Support】Each of our license plate backup cameras has been tested. If you have any questions, contact our Customer Care, and we will respond quickly. We offer a 30-day refund and a 36-month replacement guarantee. Please note: if your vehicle has a trigger wire, it must be connected for the camera to work properly. Shop with confidence!
No. 3
KENWOOD CMOS-230LP Universal Backup Camera with License Plate mounting Bracket Included
  • ENHANCED REAR VISION: Experience unparalleled safety with KENWOOD's CMOS-230LP, offering a wide 128-degree horizontal and 103-degree vertical view. Its compact size (15/16"Wx15/16"Hx15/16"D) ensures it fits discreetly on any vehicle, enhancing your reversing and parking ability.
  • UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY: Effortlessly connect to any radio system with an RCA video input. This versatile backup camera integrates seamlessly with most aftermarket models and select factory units, making it an ideal choice for diverse vehicle types.
  • ROBUST AND RELIABLE DESIGN: Designed for durability, the waterproof CMOS-230LP withstands harsh weather conditions. Its built-in power supply and inclusive 24-foot cable harness with mounting bracket simplify installation, ensuring long-lasting performance.
  • OPTIMAL INSTALLATION FLEXIBILITY: The camera comes with a License Plate Bracket, making mounting straightforward and adaptable to various vehicle types. Its compact cubic-inch size offers a minimalistic and sleek look, maintaining your vehicle's aesthetic appeal.
  • PEACE OF MIND WITH WARRANTY: KENWOOD assures quality and reliability with a 1-year warranty on the CMOS-230LP. Invest in this high-definition, 330,000-pixel backup camera and drive with confidence, knowing you're supported.
No. 4
vampolo Backup Camera, License Plate Backup Camera for car,AHD 1080P Metal 170 Degree Wide Angle Rearview Reversing Camera,Reverse Rear View Camera for Car Vehicle SUV RV [HD/AHD]
  • The standout feature of the AHD 1080P Backup Camera is its superior image quality. The AHD (Analog High Definition) technology offers more vibrant colors and sharper contrasts compared to traditional backup cameras, helping you achieve a better view of your surroundings.the camera provides a clear and detailed view of the area behind your vehicle. This ensures that you can easily spot obstacles, pedestrians, or other vehicles while reversing, making parking and maneuvering much safer.
  • Designed for durability and practicality, this Backup Camera features a rugged alloy housing, nano waterproof glue filling and high sealing to ensure internal components are isolated from the outside world. Whether you’re driving through a downpour or washing your vehicle, this camera will continue to function reliably, making it a great choice for all seasons. The durable construction also protects the camera from dust, dirt, and other debris that may accumulate on your vehicle.
  • The uses a dedicated upgraded chip. The default output of the camera is HD (fit all screens withRCA interface), It can be switched to AHD signal by cutting the control coil.Before switching to AHD, please confirm whether your screensupports AHD (because only a few screens support AHD).
  • Wide Viewing Angle/Starlight Night Vision-The backup camera offers a wide-angle lens, allowing you to see a larger area behind your vehicle. This increased visibility helps reduce blind spots, making it easier to detect obstacles or people who may be behind your vehicle that you might not otherwise notice. This is especially beneficial for larger vehicles like SUVs and RVs, where the rear view can be obstructed.
  • IMPORTANT NOTICE: ▶️This License Plate Backup Camera has a RCA connector, it issuitable for the car original screenwith RCA connector or othermonitor with RCA connectorIt doesn't fit dash cam、mirrorcam、GPS. ▶️Before purchasing, please check your screen settings to ensure that it supports at least one of the following formats: "NTSC," "CVBS," or "AHD 1080P 25 fps" for normal use.
No. 5
KENWOOD KCA-R110 Rear View Camera for DRV-A310W Dash Cam, Full HD 1080p, 132º Wide View, IP67 Rated Reverse Camera, Motion Detection, Compact & Durable Backup Camera for Car, Truck, & RV
  • ADD-ON REAR CAMERA FOR CAR DASH CAM: Enhance your vehicle security with the KENWOOD KCA-R110 rear view camera. Works as a reverse camera add-on for the DRV-A310W or a replacement car backup camera for the DRV-A510WDP (dash cams sold separately)
  • FULL HD CLARITY: Monitor the road behind, your cargo, or rear-seat passengers with this car camera featuring superior 1920 x 1080 resolution and a 132º wide view. Capture exceptional detail in hi-res image quality with this back up camera for cars
  • EXPANSIVE COVERAGE FOR HIGHWAYS: Parking your car, truck, SUV, or RV is easy with our backup camera system. Features an expansive viewing angle of 111° horizontal and 60° vertical, ensuring you have a complete and clear view of your surroundings
  • MADE FOR WET & DUSTY ROADS: Boasting an IP67 rating, this car and RV backup camera system is resistant to dust and water, ensuring reliable and consistent performance even in harsh weather conditions to make you feel more at ease while driving
  • BUILT-IN MOTION DETECTION: In standby mode, if detects any moving object, the camera will automatically record a 30-second video & then stop recording until there are no more moving objects. KENWOOD's CA-DR1130 hardwire kit (sold separately) required
No. 6
KENWOOD CMOS-740HDLP High Definiation HD Backup Camera Compatible with Select KENWOOD Models
  • Photographed Image: HD (1280 x 720)
  • Lens: Wide angle, focal length: 1.86mm F:2.0
  • Frame Rate: 30fps
  • Angles of View: Horizontal 180°/ Vertical 103°
  • Output: HD-TVI
No. 7
Bzgnl AHD 1080P Backup Camera for Car,170 Degree Wide Angle Rearview Reversing License Plate IP69K Waterproof Camera,Clear Night Vision Reverse Rear View Camera for Car Vehicle SUV RV
  • 【Only Support AHD 1080P】This upgraded back up camera for cars only supports AHD 1080P output. Each optimization improves the definition, signal stability, waterproof performance, durability, installation, etc. Our vehicle backup camera only support AHD signal output to achieve 1080P display (Under the premise that the screen supports AHD 1080P signal , NOT SUITABLE CVBS & AHD720P output)
  • 【Continuous Upgraded 1080P AHD Backup Camera】This car camera use the latest chip special for reversing camera , this chip not only has excellent image output, but also has stunning performance under strong light and dark light. Strict in details and only make the best products is what Bzgnl pursues. It is also essential to you, isn't it?
  • 【1/2.7in AHD 1080P Large Chip Adopted in This Reverse Cam】The chip size determines the amount of reversing camera output pixels, compared with 1/4in chip used in ordinary backup cam, the most apparent feature is the enhanced brightness and color saturation besides of the sufficient clarity. The colors become more vivid and true, the increased brightness makes the images more clearly, meanwhile, the night vision effect also be enhanced, you can back the car easily without extra light at night.
  • 【170° Wide Angle Optical Glass HD Lens】The lens is the core component of the reverse camera for car. The HD lens used in 170 wide angle vehicle backup cameras is very different from ordinary lens in appearance, it has a larger aperture and a stronger sense of technology. High transmittance glass, fish eye appearance, F1.4 aperture, all these features directly determine the wide angle, maximum output pixels and night vision performance of the license plate camera.
  • 【Back Up The Car Easily】Whether it is day or night, you can see almost everything behind the car when reversing, Bzgnl camera for car reverse will let your driving easier and safer. Isn’t it what you need?
No. 8
AHD 1080P Backup Camera Only Compatible with Monitors Radio Head Units Supporting AHD 25HZ/PAL Video Signal, GreenYi Reverse Rear/Front/Side View Camera, Adjustable Fisheye Lens(Black)
  • Attention BEFORE Placing order---OUR AHD backup camera supports AHD 1080P 25HZ only. Please make sure that your monitor/head unit supports AHD 1080P 25HZ/PAL video signal format. Some Android head units has the setting for AHD video signal , but the truth is that they can't display any AHD image, because they don't support AHD at all. If so, then you can only apply CVBS video signal. When applying CVBS video signal, the resolution is 1280*720, view angle is 120 degrees
  • AHD 1080P Car Backup Camera---1920x1080 pixels resolution rear view camera with AHD video signal which provides more stable video signal transmission, less interference and delay than CVBS video signal cameras. High definition which is better than 99% reverse cameras, 170 degrees viewing angle, no worry about blind spot area, IP68 waterproof, works properly under car washing or bad weather, fantastic night vision effect, 0.01 Lux starlight night vision ensures high clarity image at any time
  • Built-in Rotating Metal Camera Body---Unlike old-fashioned car cameras which can only adjust the viewing angle by adding gaskets, you can rotate GreenYi pickup rear camera’s lens part to find a best viewing angle with the help of the mini wrench, never need to worry about too high or too low image shown on the monitor. Mini design, solid shinning metal housing, shockproof, longer service life
  • Three Switcher Cables Camera ---Cut white cable to switch mirror image(rear view) to non-mirror image(front view). Cut orange cable to switch AHD video signal to CVBS video signal, its output video signal is AHD by default, if you need it to connect with a CVBS monitor, please cut the orange cable on the camera. Cut green cable to turn off the guide line. Please reconnect power supply after cutting any cable, you can also connect it back after cutting the cable if needed
  • Versatile Vehicle Front / Rear / Side View Camera---You can install the rv blind spot camera at any position you want with vertical(upside down) or horizontal mounting as the camera body is 360-degree-rotatable and there is an extra silicone shell for you if you don’t want to drill a big hole: front bumper/grille, rear deck lid/rear top/trunk handle/fender/5th wheel/tailgate, below the side mirror or on the car body, etc

Choosing the Right Backup Camera for Your Kenwood Head Unit: A Buyer’s Guide

Adding a backup camera to your car makes parking much safer and easier. If you already have a Kenwood head unit, you need a camera that works well with it. This guide helps you pick the best one for your ride.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping, focus on these important parts:

  • **Resolution (Clarity):** Look for at least 720p resolution. Higher numbers mean clearer pictures. A blurry image is not helpful when backing up.
  • **Night Vision:** Good cameras use LEDs or special sensors to see in the dark. This feature is crucial for parking at night.
  • **Viewing Angle:** This tells you how wide the camera sees. A wider angle (like 170 degrees) shows more of the area around your bumper.
  • **Waterproofing Rating:** Cameras live outside, so they must handle rain and car washes. Look for an IP67 or IP68 rating. This means they are very water-resistant.
  • **Parking Guidelines:** Many cameras project colored lines onto the video feed. These lines help you judge distance from objects behind you.
Important Materials for Longevity

The camera housing must be tough.

Most quality cameras use durable plastic or metal casings. Metal (like aluminum alloy) usually lasts longer than cheap plastic, which can crack in extreme heat or cold. Wiring quality also matters. Look for thick, shielded cables. Thin, flimsy wires break easily and cause video signal problems.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

What makes a camera great, and what makes it poor?

Good Quality Factors: A large image sensor (like a CMOS sensor) captures light better, improving night performance. Excellent signal transmission prevents “static” or “snow” on the screen. Cameras designed specifically for your car’s make and model often fit better and look factory-installed.

Poor Quality Factors: Cheap plastic lenses scratch easily, making the picture fuzzy over time. Poor shielding in the wires leads to interference, especially when the radio is on. Cameras without good waterproofing fail quickly after getting wet.

User Experience and Use Cases

How will you actually use this camera?

If you drive a large truck or SUV, you need a high-mounted camera or one with a very wide angle to see the ground close to the rear bumper. For smaller cars, a simple license plate frame camera might work best.

Installation difficulty affects your experience. Some cameras plug directly into the Kenwood unit’s dedicated backup camera input. Others might require splicing into your reverse lights for power. Read reviews to see how easy other users found the setup process.

A good camera turns stressful parallel parking into an easy task. It protects children or pets you might not see in your mirrors. A clear, reliable image gives you peace of mind every time you reverse.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Kenwood Compatible Backup Cameras

Q: Will any backup camera work with my Kenwood head unit?

A: Not exactly. Most modern Kenwood units require a camera that outputs a standard **RCA video signal**. You must check your Kenwood manual to confirm the exact input type. Some high-end units might need specific wiring harnesses.

Q: Do I need to buy a camera made by Kenwood?

A: No. Many third-party brands make excellent cameras that use the standard RCA connection compatible with Kenwood. You often save money buying a trusted third-party brand.

Q: How do I power the new backup camera?

A: Usually, the camera powers on when you shift your car into reverse. You connect the camera’s power wire to the positive wire on your car’s reverse light circuit. This tells the camera to turn on only when you are backing up.

Q: How hard is the installation process?

A: Installation difficulty varies. Running the video cable from the trunk to the dashboard requires removing some interior trim panels. If you are not comfortable with basic wiring, professional installation is recommended.

Q: What if the picture shows up backward (mirrored)?

A: Many cameras display a mirrored image because they are designed like a standard rearview mirror. Your Kenwood head unit settings usually have an option to flip or correct the image orientation if needed.

Q: My old camera showed static. Why did that happen?

A: Static usually means a poor video signal. This often results from low-quality, unshielded wiring, or poor connections where the camera wires meet the head unit wires.

Q: Do I need a special camera for a truck versus a sedan?

A: Yes, sometimes. Trucks and RVs often need cameras mounted higher up (like near the tailgate handle) to see over the hood of the trailer or the truck bed. Sedans usually use low, bumper-mounted cameras.

Q: What does “NTSC” or “PAL” mean for my camera?

A: These are video standards. NTSC is used in North America and Japan. PAL is used in Europe and other regions. Make sure your camera matches the standard used in your country, or it might not display correctly on your Kenwood screen.

Q: Can I keep my existing backup camera if I upgrade my Kenwood unit?

A: Maybe. If your old camera outputs a standard RCA signal, it should connect to the new Kenwood unit. If the old camera used a proprietary connector, you might need an adapter or a new camera.

Q: How long should a good backup camera last?

A: A high-quality camera with good waterproofing should last five to ten years. Poorly made cameras might fail within one or two years due to water intrusion or heat damage.