Because humans see in color, it seems more natural when we see images in color. This is probably the biggest reason that color security cameras are so popular. They are the most widely used security camera in the country. If, however, consumers knew the truth, color cameras might lose their popularity, outside of a few special settings.
Types of Color Cameras
Most camera models offer a color options. Color models include bullet cameras, spy cameras, day/night cameras and dome cameras. Each model has advantages and disadvantages that buyers should be aware of. Specific camera model limitations or benefits are not a reflection, however, on the picture quality of a color camera. Color cameras, no matter what type of model they are used in, can have both advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages to Color Security Cameras
The only advantage to a color camera is that they display recorded images in color. This is really the only advantage to color security cameras. When comparing them to black and white cameras, color cameras have an extreme disadvantage. In most cases, the disadvantages of color cameras far outweigh the advantages. Before you purchase a color security camera, you should take the time to closely investigate their limitations. You might be surprised at what you find.
Optimum Situations for Color Cameras
Color cameras do have a purpose. Some security needs are best suited by color cameras. Examples can include shopping malls, parking lots that do not require nighttime monitoring, department stores and traffic lights. In these settings, color security cameras can have an extreme advantage. Because color cameras provide color images, they can provide the color of a vehicle or a person’s clothing and help with the identification process after a crime is committed.
Color Cameras and Darkness
In the dark, color security cameras are at a severe disadvantage when compared to other types of security cameras. Picture quality of a camera is determined by the lux rating. Lower lux ratings require less light to provide a clear image. Color cameras have a high lux rating and, as a result, they provide a poor picture resolution in low-light settings. Pictures are often grainy and hard to see. Identification of a person’s facial features can be next to impossible in low-light settings with a color camera.
Black and White vs. Color
Black and white security cameras have a lower lux rating, making picture quality much better in a low-light setting than color cameras. For this reason, many security camera buyers would be better-suited in their security needs by using a black and white camera.
Intruders or vandals can be clearly identified based on the facial features picked up by a black and white camera, even at night. Convenience stores and bars, which often have low-level lighting, can better identify robbers with the help of a black and white camera because the image is not grainy. Parking lots that require nighttime surveillance are best suited with a black and white security camera. Even at a distance, faces can be seen clearly, day or night, with a black and white camera.
Another advantage to purchasing black and white over color is the cost. In most cases, a black and white surveillance camera is more affordable than color. The lower cost is most likely due to the extreme popularity of the color camera, despite its many disadvantages.
Infrared vs. Color
Because color has such a poor picture quality at night, many security camera buyers mistakenly assume that an infrared camera is better. This, however, could not be further from the truth. While infrared cameras can pick up images, even in complete absence of light, they often switch to a black and white image at night.
The viewing range of an infrared camera is limited when compared to a black and white or color camera. Infrared cameras can also attract bugs, which can distort the images. This can void any benefits you might have received with an infrared camera, even in an up close setting.
Making the Choice
Choosing the right security camera requires an accurate assessment of your security needs. You should understand what you are monitoring and why. If you feel that, in your security plan, knowing what color someone’s pants and shirt are, then a color camera might suit you best, as long as you are able to handle the grainy consistency of the picture at night. If you will not need nighttime or low-light monitoring, the limitations of a color camera may not apply to you.
If the limitations of a security camera stand in the way of an effective security plan, you should place some careful consideration on a black and white security camera. Infrared security cameras are generally more expensive than color cameras. Considering the lack of benefits, outside of being able to view images in complete darkness, the extra cost is not validated.