How Do Night Vision Cameras Work？

You might have experienced using the night vision cameras or seen them in movies. These cameras are very common for surveillance at night, when there is almost no light. They use natural light sources such as the moon or distant ones to process the image.

Best night vision cameras are making a breakthrough by introducing advanced technology to give you clear and colorful footage. In this article, we will discuss the working principle of different types of Night vision cameras. We will provide you with a brief on choosing the best night vision camera for effective monitoring.

How Do Night Vision Cameras Work?

How Does Infrared Camera Work?

Normal human eyes cannot capture infrared rays emitting from the objects but an Infrared camera does easily. They have microbolometers installed which are sensitive to infrared radiations and can quickly capture the objects.

It detects the radiation and converts it into electrical signals. The camera processes the signal to create a clear image with a greenish shade or greyscale.

How Does Color Night Vision Work?

The color night vision works with the spotlight, which serves as an additional light source. It helps the night vision camera capture the actual colors of the footage, while a traditional one shows monochromatic footage. It integrates with the camera by detecting the motion of the objects, creating a clear and colorful vision.

Reolink uses ColorX technology in its night vision cameras that drive with the integration of a powerful lens and image sensor. They generate more colorful footage than a normal night vision camera because of automatic ISP technology and an extra large aperture F1.0.

The IPS technology adjusts certain image properties that enhance the colors and preserve them better. On the other hand, the aperture diameter varies according to the environment. Reolink’s ColorX aperture is 4x more efficient than a normal one.

How To Choose Night Vision Camera?

Resolution

Resolution is a critical property that helps the cameras capture clearer and sharper images. The higher the resolution, the clearer the footage. You must choose a camera with a good resolution to enhance visibility in low-light conditions. 4K is preferred, but you can also go with 2K resolution.

Sensor Sensitivity

Night vision cameras with high sensor sensitivity will capture the objects in low light, providing more visibility. They are highly efficient for darker areas, resulting in better and clearer vision.

The sensor’s sensitivity is measured in LUX (Lumens per square meter); the lower the LUX value, the greater the visibility.

Large Aperture

The aperture is the lens opening that lets the light enter the camera, providing a noiseless and bright image. In night vision cameras, people prefer a larger aperture because it lets more light enter the camera and contact the sensor.

Power And Connectivity

Power and connectivity are the primary things you must consider before buying a night vision camera. Check for the camera if it is battery-powered or wired. Moreover, you must check that it must have remote real-time monitoring.

Durability And Weatherproofing

You must check the camera’s build quality and be resistant to bad weather conditions. Look for the higher IP-rated cameras for longer life and resistance to dust and water. Additionally, check its body material that holds higher temperatures and is flexible to place anywhere.

Best Night Vision Security Camera Recommendation

If you are looking for some security cameras with night vision capabilities, check the following Reolink models.

4K Wi-Fi Camera with True Full-Color Night Vision - Reolink Argus 4 Pro

The new Reolink Argus 4 Pro elevates the night vision capabilities of security cameras. Its design is completely different from the previous Argus models, and it networks through Wi-Fi 6. It has dual Wi-Fi bands to offer high speed and reliable performance. It also captures true colors at night using the ColorX technology.

It captures exceptional quality videos with intricate details. The HDR technology ensures the perfect image balance. It offers flexible storage, smart detection, weather protection, and almost everything you need.

The Reolink Argus 4 Pro is ideal for those seeking full-color night vision without visible spotlights. For a more budget-friendly option with reliable performance, consider the Argus 4 standard version.

Note: Argus 4 Pro vs. Argus 4：Which One You Need to Buy?

2K PoE Camera with True Full-Color Night Vision - Reolink CX410

This is a PoE camera equipped with Reolink’s ColorX technology. It contains an F1.0 super aperture to capture true colors even in the darkness. It also has a 3000K adjustable light that does not disturb neighbors and can be controlled to get the best color.

It’s a plug-and-play camera that offers reliable performance. Its 2K video quality is detailed and extra clear. It can work in all weather conditions and is IP67 weatherproof. Other than that, it offers smart detection, two-way audio, dual warning, and a lot more.

4K Wireless Camera - Reolink Go PT Ultra

Go PT Ultra is a 4G LTE camera that does not need Wi-Fi. It uses 4G LTE through a SIM card and can work as a standalone device. It contains a rechargeable battery that can be charged through a solar panel.

The 355⁰ pan and 140⁰ tilt cover a wider area. It offers a 360⁰ field of view in 4K crisp and clear videos. It also has two night-vision modes—colored and black-and-white. Moreover, it has smart detection, alarm, time-lapse, flexible storage, etc.

Application Of Night Vision Cameras

Home Security

Night vision cameras are vital for home security where there is low light. They are helpful in dark areas such as flats and apartments where anyone can disturb your privacy. Traditional security cameras can’t capture the dark areas at night, while night visions efficiently deal with it.

Business Security

Businesses are less secure at night, and the robbers keep an eye on them. Night visions are excellent for business, shop, and office surveillance at night when all the staff leave for their homes.

The true color night vision cameras are installed at the main doors and backyards to have colorful footage.

Outdoor Recreation And Hunting

Mostly, people face problems at night while on adventurous trips. The obstacles are not visible to human eyes while hiking or camping. Moreover, it helps to save yourself by monitoring the trespassers, either animals or humans.

Hunting at night is great if you have night-vision cameras. It helps you identify the animals and maintain stealth without disturbing them. The hunters can spot the animals easily and plan for better hunting strategies.

FAQs

1. Do security cameras have night vision?

Yes, the security cameras have night vision with certain types like infrared, spotlight, or ColorX. It depends upon your requirements and the place where you want to install it.

2. Do night vision cameras work in complete darkness?

When equipped with IR technology, night vision cameras work in low-light or complete darkness. It detects the emitted infrared rays with its sensor. Moreover, you can use additional light sources to have a colorful image.

3. Do night vision cameras work without light?

Night vision cameras completely rely on IR illumination, amplifying the light and heat signatures. It makes the objects visible that human eyes can’t see.

Conclusion

We have seen how night vision cameras work and offer different functionalities. Choosing the right night vision type would help because each type has different specifications and outputs. In normal cameras, you will face difficulties in identifying the person right next to your door, but ColorX technology is a smart way to get colored footage. It is ideal for extremely low-light conditions.