Eyes in the Dark: Night Vision Security Cameras

Nighttime is when honest men and women rest from the day’s labors. But it’s also a time when criminals prowl to steal and wreak havoc. 

So, it’s not enough to have a security camera. You need to be sure it’s effective in pitch darkness. 

Thankfully, technology has made night vision possible. We now have night vision cameras to secure your home and capture clear footage of events, whether it’s day or night. Some even include sirens and other features that discourage burglary attempts. 

Fasten your seatbelt and get ready to dive into the fascinating world of night vision security cameras. In this article, you’ll discover: 

• How they work
• Their types and benefits 
• Best security cameras with night vision 
• Factors to consider when buying one 

How Night Vision Security Cameras Work 

Night vision security cameras use different technologies that allow them to see in conditions other security cameras can’t. One of the most common is infrared (IR) illumination. 

Infrared illumination uses infrared light-emitting diodes (LEDs). These special LEDs emit infrared light invisible to the human eye, but the camera’s sensors can detect it. The camera captures the reflected infrared light to create an image. 

Thermal imaging is another popular night vision technology that security cameras use. Thermal cameras detect the heat emitted by living things and objects, known as infrared radiation, and convert it to images. Cameras with thermal imaging can function properly even in complete darkness. 

Low-light imaging security cameras use sensors very sensitive to low light levels. They amplify available light from the stars and moon to create bright, colored images in low-light conditions. 

Some cameras also combine low-light imaging sensors and motion-triggered spotlights to enhance the visibility and color accuracy of captured images. This combination is known as color night vision. 

Benefits of Night Vision Security Cameras 

Night vision security cameras offer several benefits that enhance surveillance and security, such as: 

• Improved nighttime visibility: Night vision cameras use infrared (IR) and other types of night vision technologies to capture clear and detailed footage in low light or darkness. 
• Reduced crime: The presence of a security camera with night vision discourages criminals from attempting to rob your home.  
• Enhanced identification and evidence gathering: In the event of a crime at night or in a poorly-lit area, night vision security cameras help security personnel or law enforcement to identify individuals and objects accurately. 
• Peace of mind: Security cameras with night vision capabilities provide peace of mind to property owners. Knowing that your property is protected even when it’s dark outside can help alleviate security concerns. 
• Cost-effective solution: Cameras that can see in the dark eliminate the need for excessive lighting in outdoor or indoor spaces, which can increase your electricity bill. 

Types of Night Vision Security Cameras 

Night vision security cameras can be classified into two categories:

Wireless night vision cameras: These cameras transmit footage wirelessly. Some are battery-powered, while others need AC power to work. 

Wired night vision cameras: They rely on physical connections to receive power and transmit data. They store recorded footage on a digital video recorder (DVR) or network video recorder (NVR).  

Best Cameras with Night Vision for Home Security 

If you’re in the market for a security camera with good night vision, we highly recommend these: 

Wyze Cam v3 

Wyze Cam v3 is a 1080p full HD camera that lets you record clear, detailed videos at night. 

This flagship camera from Wyze has a starlight sensor that enables it to capture nighttime events in color. Starlight sensors amplify low light levels, such as starlight and moonlight, to produce a visible and colored image. 

The camera is also equipped with motion and sound detection features. It records video when it detects motion and sound. Then it sends an alert to your smartphone via the Wyze app. 

There are two storage options: cloud storage or local storage on a MicroSD card. However, you must purchase a Cam Plus or Cam Protect subscription to enjoy cloud storage. Both subscriptions cost $1.99/month and $3.99/month, respectively. 

In addition to cloud storage access, a Wyze subscription unlocks features such as smart detection and allows you to access your Wyze Cam on a desktop computer. 

Pros: 

• 1080p video quality 
• Weatherproof design 
• Motion and sound detection 
• Custom motion detection zone 
• Color night vision 
• Two-way audio 
• Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant 
• 24/7 recording available with MicroSD card 

Vision Well CG6S 

Vision Well CG6S camera is a 100% wire-free, battery-powered camera. Depending on usage, the battery can last up to five months on a single charge. 

The camera has a resolution of 1080p and two-night vision modes—full-color night vision and infrared night vision. The color night vision mode uses a motion-triggered spotlight beneath the camera’s lens. 

It has AI-powered motion detection, which helps it distinguish between people, pets, vehicles, and objects to reduce false alerts. 

When there’s a perceived security threat, the camera will sound an alarm, flash its spotlight, and send an instant notification to your phone. You can also warn off intruders using two-way audio.   

There’s an option to customize specific activity zones you want the camera to monitor in the app so that you’ll only receive notifications that matter. This and other features, such as increased cloud storage space, become available once you purchase a subscription plan which starts at $2.99/month. 

You can store your videos on a MicroSD card if you don’t want to pay for extra cloud storage. 

Pros: 

• Battery-powered 
• Smart motion detection
• Activity zones 
• 1080p HD resolution 
• Two-night vision modes 
• Weatherproof design 
• Siren alert 
• Two-way audio 

Google Nest Cam (2nd Gen) 

This Google Nest Cam comes with some upgrades to the first generation cam: it is now battery-powered and can accurately identify humans, vehicles, and animals. 

The battery typically lasts about three months but can last up to seven months if it doesn’t record many activities daily. 

For continuous power and 24/7 video recording, you can keep your camera plugged in using a weatherproof power cable if you decide to mount it outside or an indoor stand with a power cable. Both accessories are sold separately. 

The camera’s six high-power 850nm infrared LEDs and 1080p high dynamic range (HDR) video capability helps it capture crisp footage in low-light situations. 

You can record up to three hours of event history on the cloud for free. You’ll need to purchase a Nest Aware or Nest Aware Plus subscription to access more video history for $6/month and $12/month, respectively. 

With a subscription plan, you can set up activity zones on your camera and call your local emergency service directly from the Google Home app. Both Aware subscriptions cover all the Aware-compatible devices in your home. 

Pros: 

• Weather resistant 
• Two-way audio 
• 1080p HDR video quality 
• Clear night vision 
• Intelligent motion detection 
• Battery-powered 
• Up to four activity zones 
• Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant 

Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera

Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera is a compact camera with a 1080p resolution and 130-degree viewing angle for better property coverage. 

It has a motion-triggered spotlight above the camera’s lens for capturing colored and vivid footage at night. The spotlight is also effective at repelling unwanted guests, along with the built-in siren. 

Without an Arlo Secure subscription, the camera has only a few features. You can watch live videos from your camera when you get a security notification and use the two-way audio feature. The notifications you get are pretty basic and not interactive. 

If you purchase a subscription plan, you can enjoy features like cloud storage, smart activity zones, cellular backup, and smoke and CO alarm detection. The single-camera plan costs $4.99/month, while the multi-camera plans start at $12.99/month. 

The camera is battery-powered and rechargeable. So, when the battery runs down, you can recharge it by connecting the provided charging cable to the camera. 

Pros: 

• Captures HD clear video
• Color night vision 
• Motion detection 
• Two-way audio  
• Built-in siren 
• Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant 
• Weatherproof design 
• Smart activity zones 

Factors to Consider When Choosing Night Vision Security Cameras 

Consider these factors when you want to purchase a camera with night vision: 

Price: The prices of night vision cameras vary based on brand and available features. Some cost less than $100, while others cost almost $200. 

Choose a camera within your budget that has the features you need to safeguard your home. 

Operating costs: Besides the money you pay to purchase a camera, many companies charge subscription fees for cloud storage and additional features. For example, Wyze offers subscription plans to unlock features like smart detection. 

Before buying a camera, conduct proper research to ensure you know of any additional or ongoing payments you may be required to make. 

Night vision range: This is the range that the camera can effectively capture images in low-light or complete darkness. 

For example, Google’s 2nd generation Nest Cam night vision mode can capture humans and objects up to 20 feet away. 

Look for a camera with a night vision range that aligns with your specific needs.  

Camera resolution: A camera’s resolution determines how clear and sharp its footage will be. Don’t buy a camera with a resolution of less than 1080p, as the video quality might be too poor. 

Power source: Some cams can work with batteries, while others need to be connected to a power source to operate. 

Each category has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, battery-powered cameras are more flexible in installation but may require frequent battery replacements. Also, most don’t support 24/7 recording. 

Weather resistance: If you plan on using your night vision security camera outside, ensure it’s adequately protected against the elements and can function in extreme temperatures. 

Security cameras designed for outdoor use have ingress protection (IP) ratings which show how well they keep out moisture and dirt. Go for a camera with at least an IP65 rating.  

Ease of installation: Can you install the camera yourself, or will you need to outsource the installation to a professional? 

Engaging the services of a professional might be expensive, so a DIY camera is the way to go if you’re on a budget. 

Keep the Bad Guys Away With Night Vision Cameras

A burglary can cost you thousands of dollars. But that’s only the monetary aspect. The emotional toll it takes is indescribable. 

So, enhance your surveillance with the power of night vision cameras and enjoy rest of mind knowing pitch darkness has nothing on you.

Night vision cameras make your property an unlikely target for a burglary operation. Even if a burglary occurs, the footage captured by the camera can help law enforcement fish out the perpetrators and recover your valuables. 

Call us today if you need professional advice on the right night vision camera for your home. We’re always available to assist you.