Are Your Cameras as Good When It’s Dark?

by Eleasha Hylton-Rowe | November 13, 2025

Security cameras are one of the most effective deterrents against crime, but only if they can see what’s going on. During the day, most cameras perform well, delivering clear and detailed footage. However, when the sun goes down, visibility can quickly become a challenge. So the question is: are your cameras still protecting you effectively at night?

The Challenge of Low-Light Surveillance

CCTV cameras rely on available light to capture images. In well-lit environments, that’s rarely an issue. But in low-light conditions such as alleyways, car parks, warehouses, or rural locations, standard cameras can struggle.

Some of the most common issues include:

• Grainy or blurred footage that makes it difficult to identify faces, licence plates, or suspicious activity.
• Reduced field of vision, where dark areas become blind spots that intruders can exploit.
• Inconsistent performance, where headlights, street lamps, or moving shadows cause sudden flares or distortion.
• False alarms, often triggered by poor image quality or environmental factors.

These problems create a dangerous gap in your security when you need it most. After all, many intrusions, thefts, and incidents occur once the sun has set.

Night Vision vs. Low-Light Cameras

Not all cameras are created equal, and the term “night vision” can sometimes be misleading. Understanding the different types of cameras available helps ensure you choose the right solution for your environment:

• Infrared (IR) cameras: Equipped with IR LEDs, these cameras can illuminate a scene invisible to the human eye. They typically capture crisp black-and-white images, even in complete darkness. IR is reliable for indoor and outdoor use but may sometimes lose detail at longer distances.
• Low-light cameras: Often referred to as “starlight cameras,” these use highly sensitive sensors and advanced lenses to capture more detail in dimly lit conditions. Unlike standard IR, many low-light models preserve colour, making it easier to identify vehicles, clothing, and key features at night.
• Thermal cameras: Instead of detecting light, thermal cameras read heat signatures, allowing them to detect movement in total darkness or through environmental conditions like smoke or fog. These are especially effective for perimeter monitoring, large outdoor sites, or high-security applications.

The right solution depends on your environment. For example, a busy retail car park may benefit from colour night vision cameras for clear identification, while a remote site might require thermal imaging to detect unauthorised activity.

Why Image Quality Matters at Night

The true value of CCTV is in prevention, and ensuring that footage is usable if or when you need it. Poor-quality nighttime footage can have serious consequences including:

• Unclear identification: If images are too grainy, recognising faces or licence plates becomes impossible.
• Missed threats: Blind spots or poor coverage can allow intruders to bypass your system.
• Reduced credibility: Insurers, law enforcement, or courts may reject poor-quality video as evidence.

High-quality nighttime surveillance ensures your security system is working 24/7, giving you peace of mind that your site is protected and not just during daylight hours.

Enhancing Your Night-Time Security

If you’re unsure how effective your cameras are after dark, here are some steps to strengthen your setup:

• Test your cameras after hours – Carry out checks at night to see how well they capture detail. Don’t just rely on daytime performance.
• Review your site lighting – Adding or repositioning external lights can dramatically improve image quality. Motion-activated lighting can also deter intruders.
• Upgrade to modern cameras – Today’s low-light and AI-enabled cameras are significantly more advanced than older models, offering better clarity and smarter detection.
• Use video analytics – Modern systems can reduce false alarms by distinguishing between people, animals, and vehicles. This makes monitoring easier and more reliable.
• Work with a professional installer – A tailored CCTV system ensures the right cameras are placed in the right positions, with coverage designed for your specific risks.

Why Choose APS Security?

At APS Security, we understand that a security system is only as strong as its weakest link and for many businesses, that weak point is visibility at night. That’s why we partner with trusted manufacturers to deliver CCTV systems that keep performing when you need them most.

As an authorised Hikvision installer, we provide access to some of the most advanced CCTV technology on the market. Hikvision’s low-light cameras are engineered with cutting-edge features such as:

• ColorVu technology, offering full-colour video even in extremely dark conditions.
• Advanced infrared illumination, providing consistent visibility without overexposure.
• AI-powered analytics, helping to reduce false alarms and improve detection accuracy.
• Wide dynamic range (WDR), ensuring clearer footage in areas with contrasting light sources, like car parks or building entrances.

By choosing APS, you’re not just getting a camera system – you’re investing in a security solution tailored to your environment, installed and maintained by experts who understand the unique challenges of nighttime surveillance.

We can review your existing setup, highlight any vulnerabilities, and recommend upgrades that ensure you’re not left in the dark when it comes to protecting your people, property, and assets.

Are your cameras as good when it’s dark? Contact APS Security today for a professional CCTV solutions and discover how Hikvision’s advanced technology can enhance your night-time protection.