Forward looking rear view camera

People have done that with GoPro cameras with great results. A backup camera doesn't have the resolution to make a good recording but I guess it could be done.

The video quality of those rear view cameras and even most dash cameras is quite poor. Some kind of sports/action camera (GoPro) could provide some reasonable footage.

I use a COBRA dash cam in mine it works really well, the colors are right on, it catches about 180 degrees of the forward view. It has sound or you can turn the sound off. The resolution on the Cobra is very good. I had two cheaper models before the Cobra and was not happy with them at all. I use a 32 GB san disc in mine for long recordings, however it will automatically re-write if you want it to. It will also take stop action shots w/the press of a button and hold them even though you may decide to re-write or format. It will hold those stop action shots in the event of an accident or some such.

I just got this one: Cobra CDR 840 Dash Cam to record my commute to work. I like it so far.

It's not as good as a GoPro, but it was only $93.

Dash Cam for $22

I have had two for 2 years and the picture quality is excellent. I dropped one and the rear viewing screen went half blank but the camera still records to the SD card with a full screen picture in playback mode on the computer. The other half of the rear screen works for aiming the camera you just cannot see the whole scene the camera lens sees.

There's apps for your phone.

Bite the bullet and get the GoPro. Any GoPro model. You will be pleased with the results. Shotgun can control some by wifi on their smartphone while traveling.