Day/Night CCTV cameras | Types, Brands, Cost & Advantages

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When it comes to securing your property against burglaries and intrusions, CCTV cameras top the list. Considered one of the most effective deterrents against such security threats, CCTV cameras and the CCTV market has grown exponentially over the years.

What started as a luxury item that only a select few could afford has now become a common sight in the community, both in residential as well as commercial properties.

There are a variety of CCTV cameras to choose from. They include:

In this article, we will discuss all about day/night CCTV cameras, how they work, their advantages and disadvantages, and how to choose the best day/night CCTV camera for your security needs:

WHAT ARE DAY/NIGHT CCTV CAMERAS?

Simply put, day/night CCTV cameras are surveillance systems that can operate both during the day and night-time, aka, in normal as well as poorly lit environments.

Unlike infrared CCTV cameras which require inbuilt infrared illuminators, day/night CCTV cameras use extra sensitive imaging chips to capture clear footage in minimal lighting.

Day/night CCTV cameras are a great addition to your residential and commercial security system. Their main selling point is their versatility and ability to work regardless of the lighting conditions.

There are several options available for indoor or daytime surveillance since there is plenty of light for the cameras to record clearly. But when it comes to outdoor night-time surveillance, you have to be very careful about what type of camera you use and whether it can work efficiently.

This is where day/night CCTV cameras come in. They are an incredible investment, particularly for properties that require round-the-clock surveillance.

The technology for day/night CCTV cameras has improved exponentially over the years, with newer models able to capture clearer footage than ever.

Like mentioned earlier, day/night CCTV cameras can capture footage both in bright and dark settings. They do this by switching from coloured footage during the day to black and white footage during the night or when times when there is low light.

ADVANTAGES OF DAY/NIGHT CCTV CAMERAS

Day/night CCTV cameras are different from other types of CCTV cameras since they have the ability to record clear footage both during bright lighting as well as the dark. This makes them a great security solution for properties that require surveillance in all kinds of lighting conditions.

Here are some of the advantages of installing day/night CCTV cameras on your property:

Clear footage in low-light conditions

The best thing about day/night CCTV cameras is that they can capture clear footage even in low-light conditions. Unlike other CCTV cameras that work well only during the day or in proper lighting, day/night CCTV cameras are particularly beneficial for surveillance in poorly lit areas or during the night since they work just as well in the dark.

Record in both colour and black and white

Day/night CCTV cameras can record in full-colour mode during the day and switch to black and white during the night. This automatic colour adjustment is made possible by using a mechanical cut filter that allows the cameras to record footage in perfect contrast all the time, despite the lighting conditions. They have an in-built sensor that automatically detects low-light conditions and switches the camera over to night mode.

Variety of shapes and sizes

Day/night CCTV cameras are a popular type of CCTV camera that comes in a variety of types, shapes, and sizes. From bullet day/night cameras to dome day/night cameras and PTZ day/night cameras with a full range of motion and the ability to pan, tilt, and zoom into the area of interest, you can easily find the right type for your security needs.

Round-the-clock surveillance

Since day/night CCTV cameras have the ability to capture clear footage in all kinds of lighting conditions, they are ideal for round-the-clock monitoring and surveillance. You can install them both indoors as well as outdoors and they will continue to capture footage during the day and night, and in both well-lit and poorly-lit environments.

Crime deterrence and prevention

CCTV cameras are considered one of the most effective deterrents against burglaries and intrusions. The mere presence of a CCTV camera is enough to scare away potential criminals for fear of getting recorded and caught. Since day/night CCTV cameras provide surveillance round-the-clock, potential criminals will not be able to take advantage of the dark as all their actions will always be clearly recorded.

High-quality footage

CCTV cameras are available in a variety of types that record images and videos in different qualities and resolutions. From 144p all the way to 4K, CCTV cameras can produce both grainy footage as well as crystal-clear footage. The great thing about day/night CCTV cameras is that they can capture high-quality footage even in low-light, extremely challenging conditions. This helps immensely for evidence gathering as well as investigative purposes, all thanks to enhanced visibility and accurate identification of people and objects in the footage.

Remote monitoring

Most modern CCTV cameras, including day/night cameras, offer remote monitoring capabilities, which means that you can easily access both real-time and recorded footage from anywhere in the world using a smart device such as a computer, phone, or tablet. This allows you to keep an eye on your property from absolutely anywhere and increases security tenfold. Some systems also offer alerts and notifications when they detect unusual activity so that immediate action can be taken.

Insurance benefits

Taking the right security measures for your home and business, such as installing the right CCTV cameras, can result in reduced insurance premiums. Since the presence of an effective CCTV camera, such as a day/night camera, can significantly reduce the risk of theft and other security incidents, many insurance companies offer discounts to their clients who have them installed on their property. For more details about the potential discounts and benefits, it is best to contact your insurance provider.

DAY/NIGHT VS INFRARED/NIGHT VISION CCTV CAMERAS

The terms day/night and infrared/night vision cameras are often used interchangeably, but when we go deep into their functionalities, there is a slight difference between the two.

Both types are designed to record clear images and videos in all kinds of lighting conditions. The main difference between day/night and infrared/night vision CCTV cameras is the way they capture clear footage in both bright and dimly lit environments.

Day/night CCTV cameras have special built-in image sensors that automatically adjust the lens’s sensitivity to various lighting conditions.

In well-lit environments or during the daytime, they can easily capture coloured images. However, in poor lighting conditions, such as during the night, the cameras switch to black-and-white mode and enhance visibility using advanced techniques.

The biggest advantage of using day/night CCTV cameras is their ability to provide constant surveillance without the need for additional lighting. They are capable of working in all kinds of lighting conditions, from bright and sunny to poorly lit.

However, when it comes to capturing images in pitch-black conditions, they may not deliver as expected and may require additional lighting. This is where infrared/night vision cameras come in.

Infrared/night vision CCTV cameras can work in extremely dark conditions without the need for additional lighting or compromising on the picture quality.

These cameras use infrared technology to brighten up the field of view so that they are able to record footage even in the complete dark.

The infrared light isn’t visible to the human eye but is easily detected by the sensor on the camera. It is emitted by infrared LEDs built into the camera, using which the camera captures images in grayscale or black-and-white.

How well the camera is able to capture the images depends on the quality as well as the distance of the infrared light, which can vary greatly depending on the model of the camera. Some infrared/night vision cameras can capture images over long distances whereas others have a limited range.

The main advantage of using infrared/night vision CCTV cameras over day/night cameras is their ability to capture images in complete darkness, which is something that the latter is unable to do.

They are ideal for situations where there is no additional lighting and are most commonly used for outdoor surveillance and perimeter security.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST DAY/NIGHT CCTV CAMERA FOR YOUR PROPERTY?

Once you have assessed your security requirements and have decided to get a day/night CCTV camera for your property, there are a few things you need to consider so that you are able to choose the best one for your needs:

Is there enough ambient lighting?

Start with assessing the lighting conditions in the area you wish to install the CCTV camera. Standard day/night CCTV cameras work best with adequate ambient lighting that allows them to capture clear footage even in low-lighting conditions.

However, if you feel that the lighting may not be enough, such as in an extremely dark room or in the pitch-black darkness of the night, it is best to go with infrared/night vision CCTV cameras for better visibility.

What is the resolution and image quality of the camera?

When looking for a good day/night CCTV camera, it is very important to look for models that offer a higher resolution and good image quality. You wouldn’t want your camera to capture footage only for you to find out in the end that it is extremely grainy and pixelated.

In order to ensure clear footage that lets you make out the details easily, you need to go for day/night CCTV cameras with a higher resolution, at least 1080p. This is particularly beneficial in low light conditions such as during the night.

Is it able to perform well in low-light conditions?

When it comes to choosing the best day/night CCTV camera for your security needs, you need to check its low-light performance so that you can get just as clear footage in the dark as you can in adequate lighting conditions.

As mentioned earlier, go for infrared/night vision CCTV cameras for surveillance in complete darkness and make sure to check their infrared range. The infrared range determines how far the infrared light reaches and can capture footage over various distances.

What is the best camera type and design for your needs?

Day/night CCTV cameras are available in a variety of types and designs, each one suitable for a specific security requirement. You have static day/night cameras as well as PTZ day/night cameras that come with a complete range of motion.

For indoor surveillance, you can go for dome CCTV cameras, whereas bullet CCTV cameras are more suitable for outdoor use. You may also want to get a model that comes in a vandal-resistant casing and can withstand harsh environmental factors if you wish to place it outdoors.

The field of view is also an incredibly important factor to consider as it determines the coverage area of the camera and the level of detail captured by it. For larger areas, it is recommended to go for CCTV cameras with a broader field of view.

Does it come with additional features?

The mere presence of a simple camera with the bare basic features is enough to scare off intruders and potential criminals. Its ability to record them acts as an effective deterrent. However, CCTV cameras can be made even more effective and powerful with additional features that can be beneficial for monitoring purposes.

Some incredible features to look out for include motion detection, audio recording, remote access, and integration with other security systems.

Which brand should you go for? What about the budget?

With the rise in the popularity of CCTV cameras, several reputable brands are producing state-of-the-art CCTV cameras perfect for all kinds of security needs. Make sure you do your research beforehand and only go for brands with good reviews, customer feedback, and after-sales support.

With respect to the budget, there are several options available at different price points. The more feature-rich a camera is, chances are that the price for it will be higher. You need to look for the perfect balance between quality, features, and cost, and consider it an investment that offers nothing but value and reliability for a long time to come.

If you are having trouble figuring out which day/night CCTV camera will best fit your security requirements, you can consult with a professional security company like Calder Security and help narrow down your options. You can even have professionals assess your property and recommend the best solution for your security needs.

CONTACT CALDER SECURITY

Calder Security offers a comprehensive solution for CCTV cameras that are state-of-the-art and comply with CCTV laws and regulations.

We understand the special security and safety needs of various properties and offer professional installation services for CCTV systems bespoke to each property.

We are expert SSAIB-approved security system installers and supply only high-quality CCTV equipment from trusted brands such as Hikvision, one of the world’s leading CCTV manufacturers.

We conduct every aspect from surveys, design, specification, and installation ourselves, and our professional repair and maintenance services ensure that your CCTV systems work in optimal condition all year round, guaranteeing effectiveness and compliance with the law.

We also offer professional CCTV monitoring services that help detect criminal activity and security breaches as they are in progress for the appropriate action to be taken, even when the property is empty.

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