By hs_pfroum
Night vision is one of the most important features in any outdoor or entry-point security camera, yet it is also one of the most confusingly marketed. Cameras labelled with “colour night vision”, “starlight”, “full-colour night vision”, “infrared night vision”, and “AI colour night vision” are not all the same. Here is what each term actually means and which one you need.
Infrared (IR) Night Vision
Standard infrared night vision uses IR LEDs to illuminate the scene in a spectrum invisible to the human eye, then captures this illumination on the camera sensor. The result is black-and-white footage. IR night vision can see in complete darkness and works at ranges of 20–100 feet depending on the IR LED power. It is effective for detecting motion and presence but provides limited detail for identifying clothing colours, vehicle colours, or facial features.
Most budget and mid-range cameras use IR night vision. It is reliable, power-efficient, and requires no ambient light. But for identification purposes — which is often why you review footage — the lack of colour is a real limitation.
Colour Night Vision
Colour night vision cameras use a larger image sensor and wider aperture (lower f-number) to capture colour footage in very low light. They typically also include a built-in spotlight — a visible white LED — that activates on motion to illuminate the scene in white light. This produces full-colour footage that shows clothing, vehicle colours, and more facial detail than infrared.
The trade-off is that the spotlight is visible, meaning anyone approaching will see they have triggered the camera. This can serve as a deterrent — or in some cases alert someone that their movement is being recorded. Colour night vision cameras also tend to use more battery power than IR cameras.
Starlight Night Vision
Starlight cameras use an extremely sensitive image sensor (Sony Starvis is the most common) that captures colour footage in very low ambient light — moonlight, distant streetlights, or even faint interior light — without needing any IR LEDs or spotlight. The result is subtle low-light colour footage that does not activate a visible spotlight. This is the most discreet night vision option and useful for areas with some ambient light.
Which Should You Choose?
For front doors and driveways where a visible spotlight is acceptable and deterrence is a goal: colour night vision with spotlight. For indoor cameras and areas where a constantly activating spotlight would be disruptive or where discretion matters: infrared. For outdoor areas with ambient streetlighting where you want colour footage without an obvious spotlight: starlight. Compare specific cameras with night vision ratings here. See our outdoor camera guide for real-world night vision performance comparisons.
