At first glance, it looks like the camera is capturing the image that would be seen through the rear-view mirror. What you don't immediately see is that a lot of this image information is being manipulated. Of course, the light can also be scarce for cameras. There are already (very large) mobile homes where a lamp is switched on in addition to the camera in the rear.

Apparently the light from the reversing lights is not enough or the image from the camera is needed in situations where reverse gear is not engaged. But even without additional lighting, you have the feeling that the camera instead of a rear-view mirror is brightening the picture. Especially in a tunnel, the difference to before without a camera becomes clear.

First of all, it should be clarified that the position does not have to be where the exterior mirror used to be. This applies all the more to the monitor, which is now placed in front of the A-pillar or even under the side window in cars and thus gives a better view of the outside from the side of the window. In the Actros, we find the camera quite high up, while in passenger cars or sports cars, the location at the front under the side window was sometimes chosen.

The image of a camera mounted on the side to protect cyclists or passers-by could also be added to the truck or bus. In the case of the Actros, for example, two images can be seen one above the other, each with a different perspective, on the screen, which is still adapted to the elongated mirror.

The image of the recording camera can even be panned when the loading ramp is approached backwards in an arc. No, you don't have to select an extra function, the system automatically keeps an eye on the end of the trailer.

Even more exciting are the signals conjured up on the screen when changing lanes on the Actros, for example. If the driver turns right when driving on the right, then two lines appear in principle and any vehicles therein. So you can see directly whether you would obstruct a vehicle behind you on the right or whether an accident could even occur. And you can see at the second line for which vehicles it would be uncritical if you change your lane.

The system behaves somewhat differently in the truck to the left side. Here it takes into account the higher speed of passenger cars, which normally overtake the trucks. The lines are therefore imperceptibly shifted backwards. With such a system, it is also possible for beginners to assess the situation to the rear in the semi-trailer, which is considerably longer than even large SUVs.

The first accusations, which always come with new systems, concerned the possible tearing off of the camera. Mercedes says that the costs here are hardly greater than when replacing an exterior mirror. Firstly, it is often not only attached to the bracket and secondly, it now also contains a lot of electronics such as heating and adjustment.

The camera eye is also heated, of course because of the smaller area at significantly lower electricity costs. The camera sometimes turns on by itself, but can also be activated via a control button. In addition, it is covered with a layer that causes the water to drain more quickly than with a mirror.

You can twist and turn it any way you want, cameras around the vehicle will probably prevail, especially with the larger ones. Of course, the lower air resistance also plays a role in the Actros. However, the mirrors directly down have remained where and how they were. They protrude less from the silhouette.

However, the side cameras of trucks or buses could be included, which, for example, observe passers-by or cyclists. Artificial intelligence is already able to interpret the images, recognize people in possible danger and warn the driver if he/she does not notice it himself.