Full colour night vision vs infrared CCTV
At night a CCTV camera either uses infrared (IR) to see in black and white, or a white light and a very sensitive sensor to record in colour. Many cameras now do both.
Infrared (IR)
- Black and white image at night, invisible light so it doesn’t draw attention.
- Long range: 30 m to over 100 m depending on the camera.
- Good for discreet monitoring and long gardens or yards.
Full colour (ColorVu, TiOC, WizColor)
- Colour image at night, using a warm white light or very low-light sensors.
- Colour helps identify clothing and vehicles.
- The visible light also acts as a deterrent.
Dual light (hybrid)
Dual light cameras (Smart Dual Light, Hybrid ColorVu, Dual Illuminator) record in infrared until they detect a person or vehicle, then switch on the white light and record in colour. You get discreet night recording and colour evidence when it counts. For most homes and businesses this is the best of both.
Active deterrence
Some cameras, such as Dahua TiOC and Hikvision Live Guard models, add a flashing light and a siren or voice warning when someone enters a set zone at night.