Image quality of night surveillance cameras

Choosing the right night surveillance camera depends on the system requirements and budget. It is important to pay attention to the technologies used in the cameras, the factors that affect the quality of night vision, and compare the different solutions available on the market to choose the best option for your needs.

What are the characteristics of image quality in night surveillance?

Night surveillance image quality refers to the camera’s ability to capture clear, well-lit images in low-light or total darkness. The high quality of night vision allows recognition of objects, faces, vehicle registration or other important elements in difficult lighting conditions.

Technologies used in night surveillance cameras

The most popular technologies used in night vision surveillance cameras are infrared (IR), LED white light and Starlight.

How do infrared (IR) cameras work?

Infrared cameras use diodes that emit light invisible to the human eye, usually 850 to 940 nm, which illuminate the scene in the dark. As a result, the camera is able to capture images even in total darkness. It is worth noting the infrared range and the number of IR LEDs, which affect the efficiency and quality of the image.

What are Full Color White Light Technology cameras?

Cameras with white light technology use light-sensitive sensors that can convert even the smallest amount of light into high-quality images. With white light LEDs supporting the camera, it can record color around the clock. As a result, these cameras offer better image quality at night than infrared cameras.

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What is Starlight technology?

Starlight technology is an advanced solution used in surveillance cameras to capture images in ultra-low light conditions. Starlight’s cameras are equipped with highly sensitive sensors and light-sensitive optics to capture clear images in low-light conditions.

Factors affecting the quality of night vision

Night image quality can vary depending on several factors, such as:

Lighting conditions

Depending on the monitoring location, the presence of street lighting or other light sources can affect image quality. Night surveillance cameras should be able to adapt to different lighting conditions.

Camera configuration

To get the best image quality at night, configure the settings accordingly of the surveillance camera , such as exposure, aperture, white balance or focus. Adjusting these parameters to the lighting conditions allows for clear and well-lit images.

Infrared power

In the case of IR cameras, the power of the IR LEDs affects the image quality in the dark. Choosing a camera with the right infrared range and number of IR LEDs is key to getting good quality night vision. Also of great importance are support functions such as. Smart IR.

Dual lighting

Cameras equipped with two types of night illumination Smart Dual Illumination can operate in up to three modes:

• IR mode: The camera works only with illuminator IR,
• White Light Mode: The camera works only with the illuminator LED light white light,
• Smart Dual Illuminators mode. : The camera works in the basic IR mode and after detecting a defined event(a person, a car or any other event) it switches to the white light mode giving a colorful and detailed image for the duration of the event and then switches to the standby IR mode.IR.

Comparison of different night monitoring solutions

Each of the technologies mentioned has its own advantages and disadvantages. Infrared is the most popular solution, but can generate a “white face” effect when IR LEDs are too bright. Cameras FullColor offer better image quality at night, but are more expensive. Starlight technology provides high image quality in ultra-low light, but is the most expensive solution.