Modern realities require constant situational awareness in high-quality video. In most cases, 24/7 surveillance is needed, including in dark and/or low light conditions. How to get a color image of a camcorder? This is what our article is about.
When choosing video equipment for night video shooting, it is advisable to single out four factors since they affect the quality of the resulting material:
To improve the efficiency of video cameras (in the dark, in low light, in darkened conditions), you need to pay attention to the built-in functionality. These are options such as:
You can find out about the availability of these functions from a sales assistant, installer, designer, or yourself from the technical instructions.
Until recently, the main distinguishing feature of night vision video equipment was automated switching to night mode.
Today, video surveillance in the dark boasts optimal efficiency thanks to a combination of high technologies:
Thus, it is possible to obtain a color image in conditions of darkness/poor lighting and informative materials for analytics (recognize faces, license plates of vehicles, detail various data necessary for situation understanding).
Let’s take a look at four leading color and quality imaging technologies from various manufacturers. We will analyze the criteria: advantages/characteristics, functionality, and scope.
Full-color technology from Chinese manufacturer Dahua Technology:
| Pros of using | Functional characteristics | Spheres of application |
| 24/7 color image without switching.
High-quality color images in the dark. Identification and detailing options in the dark. The accuracy of the AI algorithms in the dark is up to 98%. | Two device options:
with/without illumination. Built-in artificial intelligence algorithms. Integration with DVRs of this manufacturer. | In the city.
Observation of remote objects (country house, summer cottage, garage). In cinemas. In parking lots. |
ColorVu and Dark Fighter technology from Chinese manufacturer Hikvision:
| Pros of using | Functional characteristics | Spheres of application |
| High-quality color image in any degree of illumination and its absence.
Detail options in the dark. Recognition of alarm sources (false / real). | Extra large-aperture lenses.
Aspherical lenses. High sensitivity matrices. Three types of illumination: IR, LED, and special development EXIR Target recognition algorithm. | In the city.
Observation of remote objects (country house, summer cottage, garage). For long distances and large objects. |
Lightfinder technology from Swedish manufacturer Axis Communications:
| System advantages | Functions | Spheres of application |
| High definition color video.
Accurate color reproduction. The minimal blurring of moving targets. Noise suppression. Distinguishing details in dark areas. | High sensitivity matrices.
Advanced low-light video technology. Exact identification algorithms. | In the city.
Observation of remote objects (country house, summer cottage, garage). In parking lots. |
LightMaster technology from South Korean manufacturer IDIS:
| Advantages | Functional characteristics | Spheres of application |
| Rich, high-contrast, and color video. Switch the camera to black and white mode with IR illumination.
Noise-canceling function. | Large matrices (1 / 1.9 and 1/2).
A unique filter for obtaining high-quality images in fog/smog, rain/snow conditions. Three versions: cylindrical, dome, and PTZ. | In the city.
Observation of remote objects (country house, summer cottage, garage). In parking lots. |
The need to obtain color video images in conditions of poor visibility and illumination is objective. After all, most attackers plan to commit offenses precisely at night, in shaded and low-light areas. For security purposes, choose equipment that meets modern technology.
