Modern cameras can also recognise and even distinguish between obstacles in front of the vehicle. Both mono and stereo cameras are used. The latter are able to detect obstacles in 3D without additional sensor technology. With a stereo camera, however, the installation space limits 3D imaging: the smaller the distance between the two camera lenses, the smaller the effective three-dimensional measuring range. This means that stereo cameras can see in 3D up to 50 m in front of the vehicle. Furthermore, the differences in perspective of the two images taken are too small to derive 3D information from them. Above this limit, the camera behaves like a mono camera.

The range of a mono camera is around 250 m, regardless of the installation space. By combining the images from several cameras and sensors, a three-dimensional image can be created. Cameras inside the vehicle can also detect whether the driver is tired or distracted. Cameras outside the vehicle (front and rear) also record the car's immediate surroundings and point out obstacles.

On the contrary, infrared cameras are used for night-vision assistants. They respond to heat radiation from objects. Converted to black and white images, the information is shown on the combined display. Cooler surroundings appear dark, people and animals appear conspicuously bright. Modern systems detect people and larger wild animals at a distance of up to 300 m. A warning signal sounds in dangerous situations. Depending on the headlamp system, it is possible, for example, to warn the person with short light pulses.