The RCT715 is the only Varia that includes a built-in camera. It combines rearview radar, a tail light, and a 1080p rear-facing camera in one seatpost-mounted unit. It continuously records your ride and automatically saves footage before, during, and after incidents if it detects a crash. No other Varia model records video. If ride recording and incident evidence are priorities, the RCT715 is the only option in the lineup.

The camera records in 1080p at 30 fps (or 720p for extended battery life) and stores footage on an included 16 GB microSD card (supports up to 512 GB, though the Varia app handles up to 128 GB). Three camera modes are available: Continuous (always recording), Radar-Activated (records only when a vehicle is detected), and Off (radar and light only). In continuous mode, it loops recording and automatically overwrites oldest footage. The built-in accelerometer detects incidents and locks footage before, during, and after the event. You can also manually save a clip or take a photo from a paired Edge computer or the Varia app.

With 1080p recording, battery life varies by light mode: up to 6 hours in day flash, 5 hours in peloton, 4 hours in solid or night flash. Switching to 720p extends recording time. In radar-activated mode (camera only records when vehicles are detected), battery life is significantly longer. If you turn the camera off entirely, the RCT715 functions as a standard radar and tail light with similar battery life to the RTL515.

It depends on your priority. The RearVue 820 ($299.99) has far superior radar: 175m range (vs 140m), 60° beam width (vs 45°), vehicle size classification, threat level tracking, brake light, same-speed detection, and 24-hour battery in day flash. The RCT715 ($399.99) has the camera but uses older-generation radar with shorter range, narrower beam, and much shorter battery life (6 hours max with recording). If you want the best possible radar detection and don’t need video evidence, the RearVue 820 is the better choice. If you need ride recording for safety documentation or insurance purposes, the RCT715 is the only Varia with a camera.

Yes. The RCT715 pairs via ANT+ (radar and lights) and Bluetooth LE (camera control) with compatible Edge cycling computers including Edge 540, 840, 1040, 1050, and others. From a paired Edge, you can see radar alerts, control the camera, save clips, and take photos. It also works with select Garmin smartwatches for radar alerts and with the Varia smartphone app on iOS and Android for full camera and radar control. Third-party apps like Ride with GPS support radar alerts via ANT+.

In favorable conditions (good light, close distance), 1080p footage can capture license plates. However, reviewers note that image stabilization is limited compared to dedicated action cameras, and footage quality varies with lighting and distance. The camera is designed primarily for incident documentation rather than recreational video recording. For best results, mount the RCT715 as high on the seatpost as possible and ensure it’s perpendicular to the road.

Varia RCT715 radar camera tail light, mounting kit with shims for round, aero, and D-shaped seatposts, USB-C charging cable, 16 GB microSD card (pre-installed), and documentation. The RCT715 uses a beefier mount than other Varia models due to its heavier weight — existing RTL515/RVR315 mounts are not compatible.