License-plate camera vs. flush-mount camera — which is better?

License-plate cameras are dramatically easier to install (often 15-30 minutes, no body drilling) but multiple specialist-community threads in our data call out their image quality and night vision as mediocre compared to dedicated flush-mount cameras. If your priority is a clean OEM look and best image, a flush-mount or tailgate-handle camera wins. If your priority is cost and quick install on a car that has no camera at all, a plate-frame model is the obvious answer.