Comparing Night Vision Spy Cameras to Traditional Security Cameras

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burglar with flashlight at house

The safety and security of your property depends on the choice you make regarding the surveillance equipment. Traditional security cameras have their own disadvantages and advantages. The same can be said about night vision cameras.

Let’s quickly compare these cameras and briefly describe which is used for what purpose to assist you to choose the best suited for your needs.

Night Vision Spy Cameras

Pros:

  • Exceptional low-light and nighttime visibility: Infrared night vision cameras are able to render quality imaging and videos in low light situations. Thermal imaging cameras can record even in no light situations. This makes them perfect choice for night time surveillance.
  • Discreetness: These cameras can be concealed in everyday objects or clothing, thus providing optimal camouflage during undercover missions.
  • High-resolution and image quality: The night vision cameras have tremendously improved to provide high quality images under poor lighting conditions.
  • Additional features: They often times have motion sensors, audio recording or microphone options, remote monitoring/wireless functionality.

Cons:

  • Limited range: Night vision cameras may have a shorter range, and they may not suit outdoor spaces to observe large territories.
  • Higher cost: This advanced night vision technology however comes at a premium and you may not want to spend extra money.

Traditional Security Cameras

Pros:

  • Versatility: Security cameras can come in different types and they are widely available. PTZ, dome, and many more cameras are easily available almost anywhere in the world. These cameras are usually used outdoors, but could easily be adapted to fit inside with certain models.
  • Deterrence: The design of these cameras is to be used outdoors, attached to the roof of a house or building. They’re most often not meant to be discreet or hidden. Thus, potential burglars would be able to see these cameras in the house, and simply avoid robbing it.
  • Affordable options: They come in varied models and sizes. These type of cameras are usually cheaper than night vision cameras, simply because of simpler technology used. It won’t break your budget.

Cons:

  • Reliant on external lighting: In addition, traditional cameras have difficulty in low light or night time setting, making extra lighting infrastructure necessary for its efficacy. They’re meant for daytime use, or with well lit environment during the night.
  • Lack of discreetness: These cameras are meant for open surveillance, and not for stealth operations. It could be a plus, but also a disadvantage if you’re looking for covert surveillance options.

Which camera is suitable to you?

However, depending on your unique requirements and situation, you need to choose between night vision spy cameras and traditional security cameras. So when do you go for which camera type?

Night Vision Spy Cameras: These are the perfect choice when the stealthy and night surveillance is a priority. They have low light sensitively allowing them to be suitable for clandestine activities, wildlife watching, and monitoring of dark alleys at night. You can use them to monitor baby rooms, to act as nanny cams, or outdoors if you don’t have lights outside.

Traditional Security Cameras: The traditional cameras are more flexible and lower priced thus a preferable option for the regular surveillance in a brightly lit environment. They are excellent for home or business security, public places, especially under harsher weather conditions such as rain or snow. Traditional security cameras are the better choice in these scenarios because they have a more robust build and can withstand bad weather. They’re the right choice where cost-effectiveness and deterrence are top priorities.

Conclusion

When it comes to security matters, it is all up to you and your needs. Whether to go for night visions spy cameras or the traditional security cameras.

We’ve covered their strengths and weaknesses, which should give you some clue by now which type is the right fit for your needs.

If your house, or office building doesn’t have outdoor lights around, and you need to record in darkness, then spending a few extra dollars for night vision option is probably a good idea. On the other hand, if you do have decent night time lighting outside and you want to monitor the entrance as well as the whole perimeter, regular security cameras can be sufficient.

If you’re looking for outdoor security camera system, then keep in mind you’ll need more than 1 camera. Therefore, night vision system will cost you more. However, it may not be so out of your budget either, have a look around and find a good night vision system for your needs.