# TLDR Review: Metra License Plate Camera

*Published: 2024-11-12 | Updated: 2024-12-21 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/reviews-tldr/metra-license-plate-camera*

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## Verdict

The Metra License Plate Back-Up Camera offers a reliable and effective option for enhancing vehicle safety while reversing. It provides good value with features suitable for older models, ease of installation, and compatibility with various stereos. However, users should be aware of potential alignment issues and compromised image quality in low-light settings. Consider this as a worthy investment if you're looking for an upgrade without breaking the bank.

**Top pro:** Automatically activates display when reverse gear is engaged, enhancing safety.
**Top con:** Image quality suffers in low-light or nighttime settings, especially with bright lights around.

## Product: Metra License Plate Camera
**Brand:** Metra
[Compare prices and price history on ShopSavvy](https://shopsavvy.com/products/metra-license-plate-camera)

## Pros
- Automatically activates display when reverse gear is engaged, enhancing safety.
- Provides clear display for better distance judgment and improved reversing accuracy.
- Highly recommended for integration with older vehicles, like a 2009 Honda.
- Compatible with car stereos like Kenwood and Sony for seamless operation.
- Easy to install using a license plate frame, even with an ample cable length.
- Offers good resolution in appropriate lighting conditions and has built-in grid lines for visibility.
- Features a robust design that withstood two Northeast winters.
- Accurate width measurements make navigating tight spaces easier.
- Allows visibility of hitch ball installations, which enhances utility.

## Cons
- Image quality suffers in low-light or nighttime settings, especially with bright lights around.
- Installation can be challenging with wiring considerations; proper alignment is crucial.
- Alignment issues if bumped, such as during a car wash.
- Some users report the camera lasts only about 18 months.
- Weak weld on the camera mount noted, requiring a DIY fix.

## Pros vs Cons at a Glance

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| Automatically activates display when reverse gear is engaged, enhancing safety. | Image quality suffers in low-light or nighttime settings, especially with bright lights around. |
| Provides clear display for better distance judgment and improved reversing accuracy. | Installation can be challenging with wiring considerations; proper alignment is crucial. |
| Highly recommended for integration with older vehicles, like a 2009 Honda. | Alignment issues if bumped, such as during a car wash. |
| Compatible with car stereos like Kenwood and Sony for seamless operation. | Some users report the camera lasts only about 18 months. |
| Easy to install using a license plate frame, even with an ample cable length. | Weak weld on the camera mount noted, requiring a DIY fix. |
| Offers good resolution in appropriate lighting conditions and has built-in grid lines for visibility. |  |
| Features a robust design that withstood two Northeast winters. |  |
| Accurate width measurements make navigating tight spaces easier. |  |
| Allows visibility of hitch ball installations, which enhances utility. |  |

## Last Seen Prices

*Each price is the last one ShopSavvy observed, on 2024-12-21; it may have changed since.*

| Retailer | Price | Availability | Last seen |
|----------|-------|-------------|-----------|
| [Instacart](https://shopsavvy.com/api/redirect/products/ud1Cjjhhs6vQJ1HbUOxA/offers/UmzQ73Cvxp8mKsaMNlYi?source=shopsavvy&medium=article-review-tldr) | $85.98  | In Stock | 2024-12-21 (may have changed) |

[See every retailer and the full price history on ShopSavvy](https://shopsavvy.com/products/metra-license-plate-camera)

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*About this review: it summarizes the professional reviews and customer ratings ShopSavvy collected for this product, alongside prices from ShopSavvy's price data (each price shows when it was last seen).*

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