The most common customer question: "Does the camera see in color at night?" The answer is not simple — it depends on the night vision technology. This article explains the 4 main variants in PATRONUM cameras and when each makes sense.
1. Classic IR (infrared) — black & white image
The most common and longest-used technology. The camera has IR LEDs that emit infrared light — invisible to the human eye. The image is displayed in black and white.
- Long range (15–80 m depending on the model)
- Works in complete darkness
- Does not disturb surroundings (IR is not visible)
- Loses colors (you cannot tell the color of a car or clothing)
- Reflections from fog, rain, dust
When to use: outdoor environments, parking lots, warehouses, gardens. The most affordable option.
2. Smart Light (Warm Light) — color with floodlight
Instead of (or alongside) IR LEDs, the camera has a white LED floodlight. It activates on motion detection, illuminates the scene and the camera captures a color image.
- Color image even in the dark (you can recognize license plates, colors, faces)
- The floodlight deters unwanted visitors
- Acts as security lighting
- Also lights up surroundings (neighbors, residential areas — be careful)
- Range about 20–30 m (less than pure IR)
When to use: house entrance, courtyard, garden by the house. Suitable where motion = visitor and you don't mind the camera projecting light.
3. Color24 (Full Color, Starlight) — color without floodlight
Technology based on an extremely sensitive sensor (often Sony STARVIS) + a wide-aperture lens (f/1.0 to f/1.6). The camera can capture a color image with minimal ambient light (street lamp, moon, starlight reflection).
- Color image without illumination
- Does not depend on IR/floodlight
- Quiet, discreet — people don't notice it's night
- Needs at least minimal ambient light (street lamp, terrain reflection)
- In absolute darkness the image gets noisy or goes black
- Higher price
When to use: urban environment, parking lots with lamps, town squares, sidewalk by a house with street lighting. Our camera range with the Sony STARVIS sensor.
4. Dual Light (IR + Smart Light) — hybrid
The camera has both technologies at once and decides itself which to use:
- By default = IR (black & white, energy-efficient)
- On motion detection = white LED turns on (color)
Benefits of both — energy saving + color image during events.
- Most flexible option
- Economical operation (floodlight only on motion)
- Color recording of important events
- Higher price and consumption
- More complex configuration
When to use: entrance gate, cash register, critical points where you always want to record in color, but you don't want the floodlight running 24/7.
Comparison table
| Technology | Color at night | Range | Discretion | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic IR | No (B&W) | 15–80 m | High | Low |
| Smart Light | Yes | 20–30 m | Lights up | Medium |
| Color24 | Yes (with min. light) | Depends on environment | High | Higher |
| Dual Light | Yes (during events) | 15–50 m | Medium | Highest |
How to tell which one a camera has?
In product specifications, look for:
- IR range 30 m → classic IR
- Smart Light / Warm Light / Active Deterrence → white floodlight
- Color24 / Full Color / Starlight / 24/7 Color → high sensitivity
- Dual Light / Hybrid Light → IR + white combination
If you're unsure which to choose, try our camera system configurator — it recommends a model based on your specific environment.