Do Security Cameras Work through Glass or behind a Glass Window

More often than not, we just want to put a security camera in the window facing outside to monitor front door/backyard, or mount a security camera indoor looking out through glass or window. Then some people come out saying security cameras won’t work through glass/window. So do security cameras work through window? Here we put forward several questions and answers.

Potential Problems When Security Camera that Work Through Window/Glass

One of the common problems you might experience with using an infrared security camera behind/through a glass window at night is window glare, either by infrared LEDs, ambient lights, or status lights.

The window glare or glass reflection is very likely to cause images whiteout or videos being washed out by the overexposure of lights at night, which makes it hard to make out the details.

While during the daytime, the cameras usually work okay.

Another issue is related to motion detection & motion-triggered recording when a security camera is placed behind glass or glass window looking through glass. Sometimes, motion detection doesn't work through glass.

Do Infrared or Color Night Vision Security Cameras Work through Window/Glass?

Infrared and color night vision security cameras are prone to wash out the picture when placing behind glass or window glass panels at night or in low light conditions. In those scenarios, you won’t be able to see things clearly.

Fixes:

To prevent glare on a surveillance camera looking through a window, users could turn off or disable IR lights as well as status lights at night, which helps mitigate IR security camera window reflection and enable you to see through glass or glass window screen.

Meanwhile, to reduce window glare and reflection, get the camera lens as close as possible against the glass when placed behind a glass window.

Or using a suction cup mount that sticks to the window facing outside, for example, this suction cup mount even comes with a magnetic screw mount that allows it to attach to the outdoor cams like Nest cam.

Installing a motion-activated or automated external lights or street lamps outside helps light up the front door or backyard, which provides illumination for security cameras to see more details.

Or you may just install a full color night vision camera on the exterior of the window.

The ColorX series security cameras (cX410 and cX810) by Reolink introduce cutting-edge features, boasting a 1/1.8'' sensor and an impressive F1.0 aperture. This advanced technology enables the sensor to absorb a significantly greater amount of light, facilitating the capture of vibrant color images and videos even in low-lit environments.

Note; Check out these two cameras on Reolink at 2024 CES online. If you're interested in other security cameras, you can also find them at the 2024 CES event.

Does Motion Detection/Recording Work through Glass or behind a Glass Window?

There are two main types of motion sensors used in security cameras/systems. One is a motion sensor that triggers alerts by measuring changes in pixels, which relies on software algorithm, for example, Reolink RLC-810A.

Another is the passive Infrared motion sensor that sets off motion alarms by detecting body heat and infrared energy, known as PIR motion sensor, such as Reolink Argus 3 Pro, NETGEAR Arlo.

Security cameras with a motion sensor that calculates changes in pixels will still be able to detect movement and record through glass or a glass window.

PIR motion sensor security camera doesn’t t work reliably or sometimes doesn't work at all through windows or glass because most glasses used in modern houses today are insulated, limiting heat coming through the glass, which in return undermine motion detection.

Fixes:

To detect motion and record motions through glass or a glass window, placing the camera outside, mounting the camera on the wall or window ledge, installing them under a soffit or overhang.

For example, installing wire-free security camera outside on the wall to keep an eye on areas of interest.

3 Top Window Cameras Recommendation

Reolink Go PT Ultra

The Reolink Go PT Ultra offers top-notch surveillance with its 4K resolution, ensuring clear footage for detailed monitoring. It's versatile too, powered by batteries or solar panels, making installation hassle-free in any location. Smart detection minimizes false alarms by recognizing relevant events, while its wide-ranging 355° pan and 140° tilt cover extensive areas effectively.

Reolink Argus Track

The Argus Track is a reliable surveillance camera with top-notch features. It captures clear and detailed footage with its 4K Ultra HD resolution, ensuring effective monitoring. You can easily adjust its view with pan, tilt, and 6X hybrid zoom capabilities, covering specific areas of interest effortlessly. Plus, it offers color night vision for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions, and its dual-band Wi-Fi support ensures stable connectivity for remote access.

RLC-811WA

The RLC-811WA is a smart and powerful security camera equipped with impressive features. With its 4K UHD resolution and color night vision, it captures clear and vibrant footage even in low-light conditions. Its dual-band Wi-Fi support ensures stable connectivity on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. Additionally, the camera offers a 5X optical zoom, allowing you to focus on specific details with precision.

Tips for Using Security Cameras through Window

When you use a night vision security camera through glass or behind a window facing out to monitor front door, front porch, backyard, driveway, parked cars or your property outside, or place a security camera in the window looking down through glass or a glass window, it’s important to consider these following tips of security camera placement, mounting and usage through glass or glass window.

• Tip 1. Disable IR light at night to reduce IR security camera window glare/reflection.
• Tip 2. Get separate IR illuminators for infrared night vision security cameras and put IR illuminators outside.
• Tip 3. Choose a window mount security camera when using through or behind a glass window.
• Tip 4. Use window mounts or wall mounts for security cameras that face out through window glass.
• Tip 5. Try to find an alternative spot to install or place surveillance camera outdoor, for example, soffit, overhang, ledge, exterior wall.
• Tip 6. If possible, leave the window open for a bit when placing infrared wireless security camera in the window.
• Tip 7. If you really need to point the camera out through the glass, try placing the camera close against the window or glass.
• Tip 8. Make sure the room the camera is in is darker than the outside at night.
• Tip 9. Keep the glass panels or window glasses clean so that the cameras catch more details through the glass window.
• Tip 10. Make sure your home security cameras are placed out of reach and can’t be snatched away easily.

FAQs

1. What is the best indoor camera through a window?

Some popular indoor cameras known for their performance through windows. Here I would recommend you Reolink indoor camera.

2. How do you put a camera in a window without reflection?

To minimize reflections when placing a camera behind a window, adjust its angle to reduce direct glare and experiment with different positions. Consider using a camera with an anti-reflective coating on its lens or adding an anti-reflective film to the window. Adjust external lighting sources and use curtains or blinds to block indoor light that might cause reflections.

Additionally, if the camera supports infrared illumination, use this feature to illuminate the outdoor scene without creating reflections.

3. Is there a security camera that can see through glass?

Security cameras typically struggle to see through glass due to issues like glare, reflections, and infrared light reflection. Placing a camera behind glass can distort or block the view, particularly at night when the camera's infrared light reflects off the glass.

However, some cameras are designed with features to mitigate these challenges. For instance, certain models offer adjustable IR settings to reduce glare, or they may have specialized lenses or filters to minimize reflection. Additionally, cameras with wide dynamic range (WDR) technology can help balance light levels to improve visibility through glass.

Conclusion

Security cameras can be a valuable tool for protecting your property, but using them behind glass or a window can cause issues such as window glare, reflections, and motion detection problems. Some solutions to these issues include turning off IR lights, getting the camera lens closer to the glass, using a suction cup mount, or installing a full-color night vision camera.

By taking these precautions and choosing best window cameras, you can ensure that your security camera works efficiently and effectively to provide the protection you need.