Night Vision vs Infrared in CCTV: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to keeping your home secure, one of the best options you have is a CCTV camera. This choice is further made valid due to the availability of night vision and infrared CCTV cameras. Now, although both of these types of cameras do seem the same since both allow you to record in the dark, there are subtle and major differences between them. So if you want the best security and surveillance system for your home, learning about these differences is a must. The question here is – what is the difference between night vision vs infrared in CCTV cameras? The key difference lies in the fact that pure night vision cameras can only see at low light, while infrared cameras can also see in complete darkness. But there is more to night vision and infrared than just that. 

In this blog, we provide you with information regarding the various aspects of the difference between night vision vs infrared in CCTV, in addition to their key information. This information, such as how infrared and night vision work, types of infrared technology, and more. 

What is Infrared (IR) in CCTV Cameras?

Let’s begin by first talking about infrared (IR) cameras since there is quite a bit of confusion regarding them. In simple terms, Infrared or IR in CCTV cameras refers to the night-time imaging technology that allows cameras to see in complete darkness through the aid of invisible infrared light. The CCTV cameras with IR features have LEDs that emit this form of invisible light, which is then reflected back into the camera. 

In other words, Infrared allows the CCTV camera to see the scenes at night without creating any form of visible glow, making it ideal for secret surveillance at the targeted area in complete darkness. That said, do note that there is a range for the cameras with this technology. At the same time, you should also note that most IR CCTV cameras automatically switch to black-and-white mode in low-light or no-light environments to improve clarity, reduce noise, and enhance contrast for night-time monitoring. 

How does Infrared Work?

Infrared in CCTV cameras works by emitting invisible Infrared light and capturing the reflected light to form a visual representation of the surroundings. When the lighting gets low, the camera automatically starts emitting the IR light, which is then reflected from the surface of the surroundings. These lights, which are below the human visual spectrum, however, the camera’s sensors can pick up these lights. 

The camera then converts this reflected light into black-and-white images. The IR in CCTV cameras can only produce black-and-white images as it offers better contrast and detail in total darkness when compared to color, which relies only on infrared illumination. 

Types of Infrared Technology

Although every form of infrared in CCTV cameras works the same, there are different types depending on their range and image quality. Key infrared technology types that are generally used in CCTV cameras are:

Standard IR: This uses basic IR LEDs around the lens for short-range night vision.

• EXIR Infrared: Provides stronger, more uniform IR light with better distance coverage.
• Smart IR: The IR brightness is automatically adapted to prevent overexposure or washed-out faces.
• Long-Range IR: Uses powerful IR arrays or laser IR for illumination over very long distances.
• Full-spectrum IR: Captures both visible and near-infrared light for specialized surveillance needs.

Infrared Vision Vs Thermal Vision

Infrared is done by emitting invisible light and capturing it, thus enabling the camera to capture images when there is complete darkness. The thing is that there is another technology that allows a camera to capture images in complete darkness – Thermal vision. Because of this, many often confuse IR with thermal vision. Their ability to capture images and video in no light is where their similarity ends. 

In the comparison between infrared vision vs thermal vision, the key difference is their working procedure. We already talked about how infrared vision works, i.e., transforming reflected IR red into usable footage. On the flip side, thermal vision works by capturing the heat signature of the surroundings and then transforming it into a usable image/video. In other words, the key difference between infrared vision vs thermal vision is their medium of image, i.e, infrared vs heat signature.

You also need to note that infrared cannot penetrate objects and see through visual obstructions. On the other hand, thermal vision can see through obstruction as long as the heat signature of the object on the other side of the obstruction is strong enough to be captured by the device. This includes visibility through darkness, fog, smoke, and other visual obstructions. That said, thermal vision does not provide you with highly detailed images.

What is Night Vision in CCTV Cameras?

Night Vision in CCTV cameras is the general term for low-light imaging technology, enabling cameras to capture clear footage in the night without relying on infrared light. Rather than flipping to black-and-white mode as infrared cameras do, true night-vision cameras rely on advanced sensors, larger apertures, and better low-light performance to deliver bright, detailed, and often full-color images even in very dim environments. Such new night-vision systems as ColorVu, Full-Color, or Starlight technology rely on maximizing any natural light available. Some cameras also add a small, warm supplemental light to maintain color clarity when natural light is extremely low.

How does Night Vision in CCTV Cameras Work?

Night Vision in CCTV cameras works by using advanced low-light technology in order to capture clear images even when it is extremely dim. Unlike traditional infrared cameras dependent on IR LEDs and producing black-and-white footage, night-vision cameras rely on a mixture of high-sensitivity sensors, large apertures, and image processing to make the most out of available light. The following are general steps on how night vision in CCTV cameras works:

• Light Capture: The camera sensor captures even the least ambient light available in the environment, which may be moonlight, streetlights, or building lights.
• Sensor enhancement: Advanced sensors amplify this low light to produce a brighter and clearer image.
• Supplemental Lighting Available: When natural lighting is inadequate, some cameras offer a soft, warm light to help maintain color accuracy.
• Next comes image processing: the work of the camera, processing captured light to reduce noise, enhance details, and turn out full-color or enhanced black-and-white footage.

Night Vision Vs Infrared: Key Differences

With the main attributes of night vision and infrared in CCTV cameras identified, let us point out some main differences between the two.   Given below are some of the key differences between night vision and infrared CCTV cameras:

• Image Type: Night vision cameras can take full-color or enhanced low-light images that make face, clothing, and other detail identifications easier at night. IR cameras display clear black-and-white footage with no color information.
• Light Requirement: All night vision cameras require ambient or at least minimal supplemental light to provide discernable images; IR cameras use invisible infrared LEDs and can operate in complete darkness with absolutely no visible light. 
• Detail & Clarity: Night vision offers clear visibility and more detail, especially in low-light conditions, while IR footage might be grainy or washed out, with reflections or limited IR illumination.
• Range: The range within which night vision cameras would be effective is moderate, considering the sensor and lens in use; in IR cameras, the range varies from short-range home use to long-range perimeter monitoring, depending on the number and power of IR LEDs. 
• Cost: The cost of night vision cameras is usually a bit higher due to the usage of advanced sensors and low-light technologies, while IR cameras are fairly inexpensive and widely accessible for the average needs of surveillance.
• Best Use: Night vision is ideal in areas where color and fine detail matter at night, such as home entrances, offices, or retail. IR cameras are suitable for basic night surveillance in total darkness, like backyards, warehouses, or long hallways.

Following is the tabular representation of the key differences between night vision and IR in CCTV cameras: 

Features	Night Vision	Infrared (IR)
Image Type	Full-color or enhanced low light images	Black-and-white images
Light Requirement	Low ambient light or minimal supplemental light	Infrared red light but works in total darkness
Detail and Clarity	Better clarity and more visible details	Less detailed
Range	Moderate but depends on sensor	Depends on the power of IR LEDs
Cost	Slightly higher due to advanced sensor	More affordable
Best Use	Areas where color and detail at night are important	For basic night surveillance or total darkness scenarios

Best Night Vision CCTV Camera in Nepal 

‘Making the choice between night vision and IR CCTV cameras can be difficult. However, the good news is that with the best Night Vision CCTV cameras, you do not have to choose one or another anymore. These cameras come with built-in IR vision, allowing you to get the best of both worlds and see well in both low light and no light scenarios in adequate detail. But what are some of the best Night Vision CCTV cameras? Some of the best ones include:

• Ratri G11 CCTV Camera
• CCTV Netra S8 Camera
• CCTV Netra V6Z Camera
• Y1-Ratri Dome Indoor Wi-Fi CCTV Camera
• T5P-Ratri Bullet Outdoor Wi-Fi CCTV Camera
• F7-Netra Indoor PT Wi-Fi CCTV Camera

Conclusion

Choosing the right CCTV camera for nighttime surveillance is important for keeping your home and business secure. The good news here is that you have multiple options, and they are infrared and night vision CCTV cameras. The question here is – what is the difference between them? The core difference is that IR CCTV emits and uses the reflected infrared light before converting it into an image, while night vision enhances ambient light. Besides this, another key difference is that the IR camera only captures black-and-white images, while night vision captures a more detailed, colored vision. But this is not where the difference ends. And these differences are exactly what we covered in this blog.

We hope you found this helpful. You may want to check out some of our other blogs if you want more information on the different aspects of CCTV cameras in Nepal. If you are looking for the best night vision CCTV camera in Nepal, then you are looking for none other than Night Vision – the best manufacturer of CCTV cameras in Nepal. Thank you for reading till the end.

FAQs on Night Vision vs Infrared CCTV Camera

What is the difference between night vision and infrared CCTV cameras?

While night vision cameras capture clear images using ambient or low light and often in full color, IR cameras make use of invisible IR LEDs to see in complete darkness and produce black-and-white footage. The main difference is how they pick up the light and what kind of images come out.

Can infrared cameras take color pictures at night?

No, IR cameras are only able to display black-and-white images due to the dependency on infrared light reflection for visibility. Night vision cameras can present full-color images even in low-light conditions.

How does thermal vision differ from infrared vision in CCTV?

Thermal cameras form images by detecting thermal energy, making it possible to see through total darkness, smoke, and fog, while infrared cameras form images from reflected IR light and cannot see through obstacles. Thermal vision doesn’t provide as good of detail as infrared or night vision footage.

What are the merits of night vision CCTV cameras?

Night vision cameras give better clarity, color detail, and visibility compared to IR cameras when in dark conditions. They are ideal for locations where viewing faces or objects is important at night.