how many of you records in color at night when there's adequate back lights?

D

dannieboiz

Getting the hang of it
May 13, 2015
496
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I was messing with the camera the other day and turned on color mode at night, to my surprise the street lights provided very clear color images especially at objects further away when comparing to the IR. I have external IR but it can only do so much. It's quite impressive

Here's an example of what I'm talking about of the IPC-HFW4431R-Z

frontlawn.jpg


frontlawn.jpg
 
Hi @dannieboiz

I record many of my 2MP Dahua OEM starlights in color for locations which have enough ambient light. They work really well.

Looking forward one day to get a starlight+ model for a spot or 2.

remember to test moving subjects - often this is where you see issues.

When you get a chance look at picking up a 2MP starlight or a 4MP starlight+ you should see some significant improvements compared to the IPC-HFW4431R-Z which only has a 1/3" sensor
 
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mat200 said:
remember to test moving subjects - often this is where you see issues.
Click to expand...
Can't emphasis this enough. IMO, it's relatively easy to get a good looking night picture when nothing is moving. The challenge is usually trying to get the "least blurry" picture of something moving at night...
 
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Agree with @aristobrat 100% that you can dial in a color pic quite easily but be very careful when capturing motion. Do some tests to ensure you don’t see blurring, color bleed and other artifacts introduced by color. Another recommendation is if you have multiple cams covering an area (say left & right of a driveway) that you can put 1 in color for things like color of vehicle/clothes identification and the other in B&W to ensure great overall image (higher shutter for motion etc).

HTH
 
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Agree with all above. Its EASY to get a pretty still image at night, a LOT harder to get video with minimal blur in forced color. You need a lot of white light

I run one of my two crossing driveway cams in color, the other in B&W /IR

(make sure and change youtube player to 1080p)

 
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I have 5 cameras that run color 24/7. The one at the front door will change to color if the porch light comes on. I also have another one that goes back and forth. All the rest go B/W at night. I have a total of 16 cameras.
 
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this is a good idea... I think I'll add another camera or two in front of the house on auto and run a few on color. You can't be too paranoid these days... thanks guys
 
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Every single camera of mine records in color at night. That's because our street is very well lit. This includes two of my HFW-1831E 8 megapixels as well. They pick up so much light/color at night, there is no reason for them to be in B&W
 
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