Low Light Security Cameras: 24/7 Protection Guide

The department of security and surveillance has benefitted a lot from multiple innovations in the industry. While we already had solutions with great clarity, most products struggled to provide a good result in low-light conditions. However, with the advent of low light security cameras, this problem is also solved.

A low light surveillance camera can provide enhanced visibility even during evening and nighttime. Stick with us till the end as we explain everything about these cameras.

Basics of Low Light Security Cameras

Security camera technology used to struggle in low light conditions but now these cameras are engineered to perform under low light conditions. These cameras can capture clear video quality in poorly lit areas like during dusk or dawn. Low light surveillance cameras are slightly different than the basic cameras.

They have some additional features that make them ideal for low-lighting conditions where regular cameras fail to provide a clear image.

How Does a Low Light IP Camera Work?

A low light IP camera uses its additional hardware and software features to produce clear images. There is a large high-sensitivity sensor in these cameras that has a wide aperture. It captures as much light in the surroundings as possible. This sensor gets aid from additional light or infrared technology in some cameras to enhance the image.

On top of these hardware features, there is advanced image processing technology integrated inside these cameras. It further enhances image quality by reducing noise and increasing clarity in pictures. After processing this signal is transmitted over IP wired or wireless network which allows remote monitoring.

Types of Low Light Security Cameras

There are multiple types of low-light security cameras that you can choose from and here is a basic overview of each type.

Infrared Low Light Security Cameras

The infrared low-light security cameras use IR LEDs that emit infrared rays. It allows to illuminate completely dark areas with light that is not visible to the human eye. A higher number of LEDs can improve the image quality and range. For example, 8 IR LEDs can provide a range of 30 feet while 64 IR LEDS can increase that range to 150 feet.

Spotlight Security Camera

Spotlight security cameras are used to provide color night vision. These cameras have built-in spotlights that can be turned on manually or automatically. So, even when there is complete darkness, these cameras can provide clear color footage.

Starlight Security Camera

The starlight security cameras do not have any built-in lights. Instead, they use light from their surroundings, the moon, and stars. They have sensor technology that amplifies these light signals to provide a clear image even in environments that have 0 Lux light.

ColorX Security Camera

ColorX security cameras use the latest ColorX technology from Reolink. The newly introduced Argus 4 Pro stands out as the most representative model. This camera comes with a large aperture that has F1.0 which is significantly better than f2.0 usually present in most cameras. Its image sensor is also more sensitive to more light and provides better results on higher ISO settings.

This camera technology works in extremely low 0.0005 Lux light environment and the ISP chip further enhances its signals. That’s why these cameras can collect more light with greater precision than most low light cameras. The aperture size can be changed in these cameras to receive 4 times more light than a typical camera.

Once the light enters the sensor, the ISP (image signal processing chip) technology converts that light into digital signal with great precision. Hence, the result is a more stunning night footage with full-color spectrum.

Benefits of Low Light Security Cameras

Going with an ultra low light camera brings multiple benefits to your security needs. Here are some key benefits that you will not get from any other Security camera.

Enhanced Visibility

Using the ultra low light cameras, viewers will be able to see in the dimly lit environment much better than the standard cameras do. It helps in obtaining clear and sharp images where the standard cameras would fail. Hence, allowing for 24/7 monitoring without the need for more light.

Improved Security

Thanks to such cameras, modern surveillance systems can capture high-resolution footage in dark environments, which in turn helps to recognize individual features and detect any certain activities that would be not visible otherwise.

Reduction in False Alarms

Modern image processing allows us to get rid of noise and emphasize details. As a result, it allows us to notice the movement more precisely and it triggers significantly fewer false alarms, which can be caused by poor image quality.

Evidence Collection

The low-light imaging function of these cameras facilitates the capturing of unambiguous objects in videos even in conditions with poor lighting. It is very important to collect clues and evidence for investigations and legal proceedings.

How to Choose a Low Light Surveillance Camera?

When choosing your low light surveillance camera you need to focus on some key features. Here we have discussed those key features and their importance.

Lens Quality and Aperture

Lenses that are of good quality and feature wide apertures let more light in. These are essential to get low-light videos in good focus. Try to go for lenses with an f-number as low as possible to obtain better performance in low light conditions.

Image Sensor Technology

Larger sensors catch more light permitting the sensor to retain image quality in dark conditions. For instance, it is worthwhile to buy cameras with advanced sensor structures that work well even under dim light.

Field of View (FOV)

Wider fields of view cover a larger area than others, but they also might require more light. Think about the coverage area and lighting level you need as well as the FOV when selecting your low light security camera.

Resolution

The cameras of higher resolution capture more details which are vital for the recognition of things in dark conditions. Get a balance between resolution and illumination to make it possible to see at night clearly.

Low Light Security Cameras Recommendation

Today we have multiple options in the industry that provide low-light surveillance features. However, only a few of them perform as they claim. So, here we have shared several low-light surveillance camera options that you can try.

ColorX 4K Battery Camera – Reolink Argus 4 Pro

Reolink's ColorX technology ensures that the camera captures the maximum amount of light possible. The Argus 4 Pro can shoot full-color shots in low light without the need of infrared lights or spotlights, producing nocturnal images that are as bright and colorful as daylight images. Furthermore, it sets the benchmark with Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 technology, making it the first battery-powered home security camera to deliver the smoothest 4K streaming experience.

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?

ColorX 2K PoE IP Camera – Reolink CX410

This low light IP camera works on PoE technology meaning it takes power and signal from one ethernet connection. It packs the ColorX technology from Reolink that provides the clearest results under low-light conditions with its 4MP 2K resolution.

2K Wi-Fi Security Camera – Reolink CX410W

Another low light surveillance camera from Reolink works with the ColorX technology and it works over a Wi-Fi connection. This wireless camera provides the clearest video with HDR feature and it works on 2.4 and 5GHz connection. On top of that, it offers person, animal, and vehicle detection notification features.

4K Wireless 4G LTE PT Battery Camera - Reolink Go PT Ultra

If you want a spotlight battery camera, Reolink Go PT Ultra is a proper choice. It offers impressive features like night vision, ultra HD resolution, and smart detection, all powered by either battery or solar energy. The wide pan and tilt capabilities provide extensive coverage for monitoring. Plus, with 4K 8MP resolution, you can expect clear images or videos in low light environment.

FAQs

1. What Makes a Camera Good in Low Light?

A large sensor is one of the key factors that make a security camera good in low light conditions. Having a large sensor means that the camera will have a wide aperture and a low f-number. So, it will capture more light hence providing better detail. Advanced image processing capabilities in security cameras improve the details and reduce noise in images creating even better results.

2. What is the Difference Between a Low Light Camera and an Infrared Camera?

Low light cameras are meant to increase the acquired light within a scene to produce a sharp image without the need for illuminators. On the other hand, infrared cameras use IR light which is color-blind to a human eye and allows the scenes to be completely dark and captured based on IR light reflection.

3. What Security Cameras Have the Best Night Vision?

There are different types of security cameras available in the market today. These include infrared cameras, spotlight cameras, starlight cameras, and ColorX cameras. Among all these cameras the Reolink ColorX and other security cameras provide the best night vision. It is because of their innovative lighting solutions.

Conclusion

Handling low light environments has been one of the biggest challenges for security cameras for the past few years. However, today the low light security cameras have completely changed the game. With different technologies like infrared, spotlight, starlight, etc. we can achieve high clarity like never before.

While there have been a lot of improvements already made to the industry, technologies like ColorX from Reolink set standards higher than ever before with exceptional quality, FOV, and video clarity.