"Resolution is one of important specifications for your IP cameras. Higher resolution means more image detail, but this doesn't mean it can provide you excellent surveillance solution. Different from traditional digital camera, the IP cameras rely on network for video streaming, which means it will occupy the high network bandwidth. Typically, 2 megapixel IP cameras deliver 1080P resolution at 3fps, and the bit-rate/network bandwidth requires 4Mbps."
A 1080p HD camera captures 2,073,600 pixels per frame, a 1.3 megapixel camera captures 1,310,720 pixels per frame, a 2 megapixel camera captures 1,920,000 pixels per frame, a 3 megapixel camera captures 3,145,728 pixels per frame, and a 4K/Ultra HD standard camera with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 captures 8,294,400 pixels.
CCD and CMOS sensor technology
Sony 1/3-Inch CCD Image Sensors Super Had CCD
Sony High-Sensitivity “Super HAD CCD II” Security Camera Image Sensors
Image sensors IMX250LLR/LQR, IMX252LLR/LQR
Bosch DINION IP Ultra NBN-80122-F2A 12MP PoE Box Camera with 3.2mm Fixed Lens
From: alibaba.com
My next goal is to test VG-WDR650B camera (0.00003 lux mini illumination) and GW Security 2MP 1080P Starlight Camera (for HD-TVI DVRs Only!)
I also recommend you cameras with SONY IMX 238 "newly developed process and pixel technologies pushed up the sensitivity in the near infrared light region, up to 2 times compared with the existing products "IMX122LQJ"*1, "IMX136LQJ"*2, and "IMX138LQJ". From the SONY Corporation website
Cameras with SONY IMX 238 image sensor for sale from Amazon.com
Recently I tested Night Owl 720p HD cameras. Unfortunately, night vision of these cameras is limited - less than 50 feet, but definitely not up 100 feet as advertised:
Quality Difference between 600TVL / 700TVL & 1.3MP IP CCTV Camera
Useful info from AliExpress:
I bought Swann SW-PROCAM2 cameras based on the technical characteristics advertised by Swann company. The day time range was reasonable for the money (700 TVL). Nevertheless I was disappointed with the night view range, because the real maximum night view range is about 25 feet, not 65 feet as promised. The night vision capability is critical for me. As such, in an effort to obtain better results, I bought the new Swann PRO-642 cameras. Unfortunately, I was disappointed again with the night view range, because the real maximum night view range is about 40 feet, not 82 feet as promised. The night vision visibility worsens when you monitor open space areas: only the contour of a given object is visible, which is insufficient to trigger motion alerts. Here you can see daytime footage and here you can see night vision footage of the same area.
Unfortunately, this problem is not limited to Swann's products in the price bracket of up to $50. In fact, I still have not found cameras with a good night view range. In my opinion it's a Past, go to the Future and buy a HD over coax cable System. They are very affordable now.
I also tested three cameras with DSP (digital signal processor) and OSD (On Screen Display):
- Ansice SONY138 CMOS 1200TVL With IR-CUT 3.6mm Wide Angle Lens 48 Infrared LEDs
- Ansice CCD 800 TVL/48 IR LEDs camera with SONY Effio-A (CXD4151GG) chip
- Long Angle lens 8mm SONY138 CMOS 1200TVL CCTV Camera With OSD 48 L
You can see some video footage here.
The following link (see Product Description Section) demonstrates how some reputable companies describe more specifically the expected night vision range for a surveillance camera: "Night Vision Distance: 130 feet in ambient lighting, 82 feet in total darkness"
- If you need to hide your cameras (make cameras invisible at night) - you can try to find starlight family cameras without IR LEDs.
"Depending on the camera model, starlight technology enables capturing of highly detailed color images in scenes with minimum ambient light, even down to 0.00825 lx. When light levels even drop to 0.00275 lx the starlight cameras provide highly detailed 1080p monochrome images, where others typically fail to deliver an image at all." Bosch USA
I tested GW-820 camera, BoaVision camera and Gawker G825E camera (with WDR (wide dynamic range) and DNR (Digital Noise Reduction)). Unfortunately, in almost all cases ambient light like moonlight or starlight is not enough and you have to provide additional illumination to see objects in the dark. To resolve this problem I recommend to install Sunforce 60 LED Solar Motion Light. See image below:
Please note:
- I tested these cameras in a rural area - open space without any ambient light and without reflective surfaces such as asphalt;
- do not expect to buy cameras with better night vision capabilities in this price range:
8 Megapixel 4K IP Network Vandal Dome Security Camera
8 Megapixel 4K IP Network Bullet Security Camera
Samsung 4K UHD & 12Megapixel Network Camera (Lens sold separately) SNB-9000
Dahua IPC-HFW4800E 4K Ultra HD Network Camera
3G 4G Wireless IP Camera HD 1080P PTZ 4X Optical Zoom Outdoor Waterproof IR CCTV
4G Trail Camera 12MP 54pcs LEDs 90/120 Degree PIR Support FDD-LTE, WCDMA, GSM Network
License Plate Cameras: 1/3" Sony Super HAD CC
Defender 21145 PRO Single 800TVL Outdoor Security Camera with 150-Feet Night Vision
SDC-5340BCD Pack of (2) Samsung IR Weatherproof Bullet Cameras SDC-5340BC with cables
SAMSUNG 720p HDTV Camera, IP 66 weather resistant, 1/4" 1.3 MP CMOS, 800 TVL / SDC-8340BU /
GW Security Inc GW55WD 1/3-Inch SONY SUPER HAD CCD II (5 Star Rating)
Wide Angle lens 3.6mm CMOS 1000TVL CCTV Camera 36 LED Infrared Color Waterproof With IR-CUT
GW 1000 TV lines 1/3" Color SONY CMOS Outdoor Camera, 42PCS Infrared LED, 115 feet IR Distance (5-Star rating).
GW High End 1000 TVL Sony CMOS Vari Focal Lens 64 PCs IR LED
GW Security Professional HD-SDI 1/3" 2.1 Megapixel, 72PCs IR LED, 164 feet IR Distance
High End 1000TVL Starlight Technology Camera, Color Night Vision, 1.3 MegaPixel Sony Exmor CMOS sensor
1000 TVL Bullet Surveillance Cameras 1/3 Sony Outdoor Security CCTV 72 IR LED
1.3 MP CMOS Sensor 1000TVL 2.8-12mm Varifocal Zoom Ootdoor IR-CUT , 72IR LEDs Security Camera
1200TVL varifocal,Sony Exmor IMX138 CMOS,4pcs leds, up to 100m IR,6-22mm manual iris HD lens,ICR,OSD
SNO-7080R is a Full HD 3 megapixel IR LED camera which utilized Samsung’s WiseNet2 DSP chipset
SDC-5340BCD Pack of (2) Samsung IR Weatherproof Bullet Cameras SDC-5340BC with cables
Night Owl Security CAM-4PK-600 4-Pack of Hi-Resolution 600 TVL Security Cameras 36 Cobalt Blue LED
2pc Set Q-See Premium Cameras 600TVL/42IRs/120ft Night Vision/3-Axis Stands
Wansview Mega Pixel 720p waterproof Wireless WIFI IP Camera with SD slot -NCH-532MW
Uniden Wireless Weather Proof Video Surveillance Camera - Black (GC45)