• What Are Night Vision Security Cameras?
• How do they work?
• 3 Different Types
• Black and White VS. Color Night Vison
• Features to consider
• Buying Tips
• Camera Recommendation
• Troubleshooting
• Why Is the Security Camera Blurry at Night?
• FAQs
• Conclusion

Load More :

• New Uniview Ezview Firmware Software Download
• XMEYE – How to connect DVR/NVR on PC Mobile Browser

What Are Night Vision Security Cameras?

A night vision security camera is a type of surveillance camera that is able to see in low-light or no-light conditions. They typically have infrared (IR) LED illuminators, which emit invisible light that the camera can see. This allows the camera to produce a clear image, even in very low-light environments.

The night vision capability has gradually become necessary for security cameras because many break-ins and burglary happen at night. You’ll feel safer as you know there’s a camera watching your assets when you are deep in sleep or away from your business.

Also, night vision security cameras can deter potential trespassers or burglars. Darkness will no longer be a cover for thieves because any suspicious activity will be recorded by the faithful camera.

About color night vision cameras

Color night vision security cameras are those cameras that are able to capture video footage in color at night, just as during the day. This is thanks to their special infrared technology that allows them to see in low-light or no-light conditions. As a result, they can provide much clearer images than traditional black and white night vision security cameras.

The color night vision cameras are better because they offer people a clear view of what is happening during the night. This can be extremely helpful for law enforcement officials when they are trying to investigate a crime. Additionally, the high-resolution footage from these cameras can be used as evidence in court proceedings.

How Do Night Vision Security Cameras Work?

Night vision security cameras work by using infrared (IR) light to see in the dark. IR LEDs emit invisible IR light which is captured by the camera, allowing it to see in the darkness. Some night vision security cameras also use spotlights to illuminate the area, which allows them to see even in complete darkness.

That being said, there exist various types of night vision security cameras and the technologies that make them see in the dark are different.

The most common night vision cameras are IR (infrared) cameras. Usually, infrared night vision cameras have multiple built-in IR LEDs, which are often set inside around the lens. When it’s pitch black outside, these IR LEDs will emit invisible infrared light for the camera can capture images or videos in the darkness.

IR security cameras also have an IR cut filter in between the lens and the image sensor. The filter is used to detect ambient light such as daylight and visible light. During the day, the filter allows sunlight to pass through and block out infrared light falling on the image sensor for great clarity and color. At night, the filter allows infrared light to reach the image sensor for clear footage.

Apart from using infrared lights, many manufacturers adopt real spotlights to shine everything in the dark. Spotlight security cameras seem to have better night vision capability. Even if there is no light at all, the camera’s spotlight can be turned on and shine brightly. Everything in front of the camera will be captured clearly.

Different Types of Night Vision: Definition and Comparison

Generally speaking, night vision can be divided into three types: IR night vision, starlight night vision, and color night vision. Each one of them is supported by special technology and has a different effect.

There are 3 types of night vision security camera:

• IR (Infrared) Night Vision cameras
• Color Night Vision with Spotlight
• Starlight Night Vision cameras

The comparison of 3 types of night vision security camera:

IR (Infrared) Night Vision

As mentioned above, infrared cameras depend on the reflected lights of objects and produce black & white images. The key point lies in IR LEDs that emit infrared lights.

Even though IR night vision security cameras bring great convenience in protecting homes, the drawback is that the built-in IR LEDs are not that powerful and can only illuminate things within limited areas when it’s dark out.

Night vision performance can be affected by two main factors of IR LEDs: the number and the power. The number of IR LEDs determines how many lights the image sensor will receive. This means the more IR LEDs there are, the camera can see more clearly in the dark.

The power of IR LEDs is also important. Generally speaking, the IR distance of security cameras ranges from 30ft to 250ft. 30ft night vision range may require 8 IR LEDs while 250ft requires 64 IR LEDs. But if the IR LED is powerful enough, fewer LEDs are needed for the same IR distance.

IR night vision cameras usually emit infrared light of 850nm or 940nm wavelength, both of which are invisible to human eyes. The main difference is that 850nm infrared LED will produce a faint red glow if you look directly and carefully at the camera, while 940nm infrared LED produces no glow at all. However, a 940nm IR LED may be less effective and can illuminate fewer areas than the 850nm one.

We have written about IR (Infrared) night vision in previous articles, so if you would like more tips and guides on IR (Infrared) night vision security cameras, then don’t miss this article, which you can view by clicking here >> .

Color Night Vision with Spotlight

Besides making use of natural light and advanced technology, there is another way to produce color night vision. The most direct way to see in the dark is to create light sources.

Color night vision security cameras with spotlights have become trending products in the market. These cameras have built-in spotlights that can be manually turned on or activated by motion at night. The spotlights can emit bright and white lights to illuminate everything in front of the camera. Even in total darkness, you can see clear and full-color images.

While starlight security cameras are rather expensive for their advanced image sensor, spotlight security cameras are more budget-friendly. Also, they can give you stronger protection because the spotlights can deter would-be burglars and stop the crime before it happens.

We also have written about color night vision in previous articles, so if you would like more tips and guides on color night vision security cameras, then don’t miss this article, which you can view by clicking here >> .

Starlight Night Vision

Starlight night vision is only provided by starlight security cameras, which use image sensor technology to produce good quality color images in low light conditions.

Starlight cameras don’t emit any light. They are exceptionally sensitive to light and work by collecting and amplifying the light from stars, moon, and other objects. And they could give you sharper and clearer images than your eyes could see even in almost 0 Lux conditions.

This extraordinary feature is made possible by starlight sensor technology and sophisticated noise suppression. Starlight cameras use larger size sensors (usually 1/1.8″ sensors), wider aperture, and reduces the shutter speed to collect enough light for the human face, plate number, and everything else.

Starlight night vision is better than typical IR night vision in terms of image clarity and quality. Also, starlight cameras can provide color night vision even in low light conditions where other cameras have to turn their IR lights on.

But don’t get me wrong. Starlight cameras provide high-quality night vision, but not necessarily color night vision. In order to see details clearly in extremely poor light conditions, like human faces and plate numbers, most quality starlight security cameras will automatically turn to black and white mode for the best clarity.

We also have written about starlight night vision in previous articles, so if you would like more tips and guides on starlight night vision security cameras, then don’t miss this article, which you can view by clicking here >> .

Black and White VS. Color Night Vison, Which Is Better?

Should you choose a color night vision security camera instead of a white and black night vision camera?

There is no “right ” or “wrong” answer to this question because they all have pros and cons. Before choosing the best night vision security cameras, you need to know 5 important factors below:

1. Image Quality

High-quality night vision security cameras can capture black and white videos, as well as colorful footage, such as starlight or spotlight cameras mentioned above.

Generally speaking, people prefer color night vision cameras mainly because they want to get more details including the color of clothes, vehicles, and many things else. All these details can be crucial when your report a crime to the police.

By comparison, black and white night vision can only allow you to see roughly what things or people look like. If you only need a camera to check livestock or monitor places where seldom people would visit, black & white night vision cameras can satisfy your basic needs.

2. Storage Capacity

Color night vision footage has more elements than black and white one, so it would occupy more storage capacity. Therefore, if storage capacity is a big concern for you, black and white night vision security cameras may be a better choice.

3. Long Range Night Vision

Usually, black and white (infrared) night vision covers a longer range than color night vision. For example, at 100 feet distance in the monitoring area, black and white mode would capture clear images, while color mode fails.

Color night vision cameras can only see within a limited amount of distance at night, often between 30 to 50 feet. To make up for the short covering range of spotlights, some cameras combine spotlights with IR LEDs for a better night vision effect.

4. Price

The price of starlight image sensors is always higher than other CMOS sensors because of their advanced performance. Therefore, starlight security cameras may cost a little more than other cameras without starlight image sensors.

As for infrared security cameras, they are always the most common and affordable ones that can still work at night and offer you black & white images.

Still, there are some at reasonable prices with color night vision feature, such as Reolink Argus 3 Pro. Security cameras with spotlights like this one won’t cost you much while showing you details in full color.

5. Installation Scenarios

In some scenarios, you may need color night vision rather than black and white night vision. Places like entrances, driveways, and front or back yards are key installation spots, and color night vision cameras are the best to be there.

But If you don’t want to draw attention to the location of your camera with spotlights, you can choose infrared security cameras. They can also monitor your properties while emitting invisible lights.

5 key features to consider when choosing the best night vision security camera

Many factors would affect your final choice. But do remember, a top high-quality outdoor wireless security camera with night vision would have the features shown below:

• High resolution. The security camera resolution should at least reach 1080p (1920 x 1080). The higher resolution the night vision security camera has, the more details and clearer footage it would record, including facial details and license plates number.
• Weatherproof. Rain or shine, hot or cold, an outdoor CCTV WiFi IP camera must brave it all. So its IP code at least reaches IP65. See more in IP66 security camera definition and recommendation.
• Long range. This indicates how far the camera with night vision could see at night. A long-range night vision security camera should see at least 30 feet. In our test, the night vision range of Reolink Argus 3 Pro and Reolink Go Plus is 33 feet, RLC-810A 100 feet and RLC-823A 190 feet!
• 3D DNR. Also called multidimensional digital noise reduction. This technology is adopted to remove image noise and compensates for image distortion caused by color blending errors by extrapolating. A quality night vision camera should have this basic technology for better performance.
• Wide field of view. The larger the viewing angle of the surveillance camera, the more it would capture, and the fewer blind spot you would have. The article How to Choose Wide-Angle Security Cameras includes detailed explanation of how the lens and image sensor determine the camera’s viewing angle.

3D DNR (Dynamic Noise Reduction) is a technology used in digital cameras to reduce noise in an image. It does this by taking multiple frames of the same scene and comparing them to each other. Any differences between the frames are then used to remove the noise from the image. This can be done either in hardware or software.
The main advantage of 3D DNR is that it can produce a cleaner image than traditional noise reduction methods. This is because it uses information from multiple frames, rather than just one, to remove the noise. This also makes it more effective in low light conditions.

Practical tips when buying a night vision security camera

After you’ve learned the importance and key features of night vision security cameras, you may remain unsure whether the camera you choose has real or hight quality night vision.

Here are a few tips for you before choosing the best night vision security camera:

1. Check the camera’s specifications to see if there is night vision in the list. Find answers to these questions: Is there an IR LED or spotlight? How many IR LEDs or spotlights does it have? Is the IR LED 850nm or 940nm (invisible)?
2. Ask the manufacturer to provide night vision video samples.
3. Watch night vision footage shared by any other customer.
4. Read media reviews of the security camera with night vision. You can find reviews on Amazon, Reddit, forum, PCMag, ZDNet, and other review website.
5. Google to see if you can find more customer reviews of the product’s night vision.

Top Picks of The Best Outdoor Night Vision Security Cameras

If you’re looking for a wireless outdoor night vision security camera, the Reolink RLC-810A and Argus 3 Pro are both great options. The Reolink RLC-810A is weatherproof and features night vision, while the Argus 3 Pro is 100% wireless and has a built-in solar panel for charging.

1. Best Weatherproof Outdoor Night Vision Security Camera – Reolink RLC-810A

This long-range CCTV night vision security camera is one of the best sellers. By default, it captures white and black night vision at dark in very high quality, and this is one of the favorable features for all its users.

Key features:

• 100 feet long range night vision – up to 100 feet night vision without any lighting.
• IP66 waterproof rating – you can put it outdoors or indoors, no matter how the weather conditions are.
• 4K ultra HD – much clearer than 1080p Full HD and closer to reality.

2. Best Wireless Outdoor Security Camera with Night Vision – Reolink Argus 3 Pro

This wireless security camera with night vision is the star product of Reolink. With a quality image sensor and spotlights, it offers two night vision modes: color night vision, as well as black and white night vision (with spotlights turned off).

Key features:

• Color night vision 2K HD – much clearer footage even in no light conditions.
• Battery-Powered & Wire-free – so you can put it anywhere, with no cords and wiring.
• Based on dual-band WiFi – strong signal for live streaming.

A guide to troubleshooting night-vision security cameras

If you use a night vision camera for home security surveillance, you may face these problems. Sometimes your home security camera is on but the night vision system doesn’t work at all; or sometimes the infrared light doesn’t show up in the night vision system; or the camera works during the day but loses video at night and doesn’t work anymore.

What to do if your night vision camera is not working properly at night?

If you are experiencing problems with your night vision surveillance camera not working or not recording, following these troubleshooting steps may help you:

• Make sure that the camera is switched on and that it is powered on, especially for wireless security cameras. People often forget to do this
• Check all cables and make sure that the camera’s wiring connections are in order.
• Check the lens for dust or debris and, if necessary, clean the lens with a soft cloth. and check that the lens is not obscured.
• Make sure that the environment is dark enough for the night vision system to work. The camera’s night vision system can only be activated and used if the light environment is below a certain lux value.
• Check that the infrared sensor in the camera is working (see if the infrared sensor lights up red in the dark).
• If the IR light still does not appear in night vision mode, try resetting the camera
• If the camera is working with an NVR, swap the camera to a different port on the NVR.
• Contact the seller from whom you purchased the night vision security camera. They will give you the after-sales service and more professional advice you deserve.

Why Is the Security Camera Blurry at Night?

One of the most common complaints about security cameras is that they produce blurry images at night. There are a number of reasons why this may be the case.

Night vision security cameras can give you peace of mind both day and night. But high resolution night vision security cameras, especially infrared cameras, may become blurry at night. There could be many causes of this problem.

1. Dust, water vapour, and small insects

There are a number of factors that can cause security cameras to produce blurry images at night. Dust, water vapour, and small insects are among the most common culprits.

First, dust and water vapour can enter the camera through poorly sealed seams and accumulate on the lens or sensor. This can cause the captured video to appear fuzzy or distorted. In low light environments, these particles can cause the camera lens to blur the image.

Second, during the rainy season, water mist often appears on the lens, which can also lead to blurred images. Finally, small insects often find their way into security cameras, especially on the sensor. These insects can interfering with the camera’s ability to produce clear images.

2. Reflective objects or light sources pointing directly at the lens

The main reason security cameras tend to blur at night is because there are strong reflective objects or light sources pointing directly at the lens. Reflective objects such as walls reflect a lot of light back into the lens, as do other light sources in your yard such as constantly lit patio lights or floodlights, this is where the camera’s in-camera processing will darken other areas to maintain visibility and contrast.

This creates a large white area in the security camera’s surveillance picture while the rest of your yard remains in low and low light conditions, causing these low light areas to appear dead black.

You have no way of seeing these black areas clearly and you get the feeling that the camera video is blurry.

The angle of the night vision camera is very important. Many users ignore the walls near their cameras and find the nighttime images always blurred. It is because the reflected light from the wall affects the exposure and makes the other things black.

So, while mounting the night vision security camera, you should pay attention to its angle. Never aim it at the wall or other reflective objects. Also, you’d better choose a proper angle to maximize its covering range and reduce blind spots.

3. Lack of infrared LED fill light or white LED fill light

Security cameras can be blurred at night due to a lack of IR LED fill light or white LED fill light. The camera captures a nighttime image that is too dark to see clearly. In addition, the camera’s night vision is poor and the picture is more likely to be blurred.

Therefore, it is recommended that you install security cameras with infrared led fill light or white led fill light to get a clear nighttime picture.

4. Algorithm of the camera itself

Why security cameras are blurred at night, it could be the algorithm of the camera itself, we explain why below.

The security camera algorithm is designed to capture images in low light conditions by increasing the gain of the image sensor. However, this also has the effect of increasing noise levels in the image. To compensate for this, the algorithm applies a noise reduction filter to the image.

This filter is effective at removing some of the noise, but it also blurs the image. As a result, security camera images are often blurry at night. There are a few ways to improve the situation. One is to increase the size of the aperture. This lets in more light, which can help to reduce noise levels. Another option is to use a longer exposure time.

This captures more light, but it also increases the amount of motion blur in the image. Finally, it is possible to increase the sensitivity of the image sensor. This allows it to capture more light, but it also increases noise levels. As a result, it is important to strike a balance between these three factors to produce the best possible security camera images.

Reolink’s algorithm for the camera has been accumulating for many years, and the quality of nighttime imaging is guaranteed.

5. Lens flare and double image

Lens flare is one of the most common problems affecting security cameras, and it can be particularly problematic at night. Lens flare occurs when light from a bright source is reflected onto the surface of the lens and enters the camera sensor.

Dome security cameras are particularly susceptible to lens flare because they have a transparent shield.

This can produce a washed out or blurred image. Lens flare is usually more noticeable at night because there are fewer other light sources to balance out the bright light.

It also has to do with the material of the coating layer on the glass of the lens; a good coating can reduce flare considerably. To reduce lens flare, you can try mounting your security camera in a dark place.

Ghosting is another problem that can cause your security camera images to appear blurred at night. Ghosting occurs when light reflected from nearby surfaces interferes with the light reaching the camera sensor. This can produce a double image that appears blurred and difficult to interpret.

The best way to reduce ghosting is to position your camera so that it is not near any bright surfaces. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your security camera’s images are clear and sharp, even at night.

6. Small scratches on the camera lens or cover

Security cameras may appear blurred at night, partly due to small scratches on the lens glass or the protective cover of a dome security camera. The video may be fine during the day, but at night, the scratches may affect the image quality.

These scratches can result in a loss of image quality and may have been caused during the manufacture, delivery or installation of the camera. Sometimes you may see these small scratches in the reflection.

The material of the lens can also affect the image quality – using a hard, scratch-resistant material can avoid this problem. It is recommended that you choose a camera made by a manufacturer with a good reputation for the quality of their lens materials.

7. Traces of insects on the camera’s lens

Another possible reasons is that insects like spiders and other bugs are attracted to your outdoor security camera by the infrared lights and leave traces on the camera’s lens.

To protect your night vision surveillance cameras from spiders, you may take the following tips into account:

• Use insecticide or spider spray around the housing/covers of your security cameras
• Plant citrus, peppermint, eucalyptus, and lavender near your cameras as natural repellents
• Clean the lens cover with micro-fiber cloth from time to time

8. The camera is installed behind a glass window

Pointing the camera with night vision for security behind a glass window intending to look outside may result in a poor image because of glare and lighting conditions inside and outside the house. Therefore, it’s not suggested to put your security camera night vision behind glass windows.

FAQs

What types of security camera is best for night?

A security camera with night vision is the best type for night because it can see in the dark. This is due to the fact that security cameras with night vision have an infrared light that allows them to see in the dark.

How far can a night vision security camera see?

A night vision security camera can see up to around 50 feet in complete darkness.

This range can vary depending on the quality of the camera, as well as the level of darkness present. However, most night vision security cameras are capable of seeing fairly well in low-light or dark conditions.

Can night vision cameras work in complete darkness?

Yes, it is possible to have night vision security cameras that work in complete darkness. These cameras are equipped with infrared technology that allows them to capture images in the dark. This type of camera is a great option for businesses or homes that want added security during the night hours.

Conclusion

Overall, night vision security cameras are a great way to keep your home or business safe and secure at all hours of the day and night. There are many different types of night vision security cameras available, so be sure to do your research before buying one to make sure you get the best camera for your needs.

Thanks for reading! We hope this post has been helpful in deciding whether or not a night vision security camera is right for you. If you have any questions or comment, please leave us a message below. And don’t forget to share this post with your friends if you found it helpful!