Colour night vision CCTV keeps colour detail after dark by using sensitive sensors, wide apertures (such as F1.0) and, on some models, white or warm supplementary light. Infrared (IR) CCTV uses invisible infrared LEDs and records black-and-white footage without adding visible light. Neither is better for every site: choose colour when clothing or vehicle colours matter, infrared when visible lighting is unwanted, and a hybrid camera when you need both.
Colour night vision | Infrared (IR) | Hybrid light | |
|---|---|---|---|
Night image | Colour | Black and white | IR by default, colour on demand |
Visible light added | Sometimes (white/warm LEDs) | No | Only when triggered or set |
Best for | Identifying clothing and vehicle colours | Discreet, light-sensitive areas | Mixed or changing sites |
G-TEC examples | Hikvision ColorVu, SERAGE C-Colour | SERAGE SRDN4FW/B, Hikvision DS-2DE4425IW-DE(T5) | Hikvision Smart Hybrid Light, SERAGE SRBNC5FAIW |
Key takeaways
- Infrared cameras switch to monochrome at night, so colour information is lost.
- Colour night vision still needs some light: ambient lighting, a low lux rating or a built-in white/warm light.
- An advertised IR range (for example 30 m) is an illumination distance, not a guaranteed identification distance.
- Hybrid cameras combine IR and white or warm light and can switch to colour when motion is detected.
- Resolution alone does not decide night-time quality; aperture, sensor size, image processing, WDR and lighting matter as much.
Choosing the right CCTV camera for night-time surveillance involves more than selecting a high resolution or a particular camera design.
Lighting conditions, viewing distance, the level of detail required and the type of environment being monitored can all influence how effectively a security camera performs after dark.
Two common approaches are colour night vision and infrared (IR) CCTV. Both allow cameras to monitor areas in low-light conditions, but they produce different types of images and use different illumination methods.
For professional installers, G-TEC supplies a range of low-light CCTV cameras from Hikvision and SERAGE, including Hikvision ColorVu, SERAGE C-Colour and hybrid lighting solutions that combine infrared and white-light illumination.
This guide explains how colour night vision and infrared CCTV work, their advantages, the differences between them and the factors installers should consider when selecting cameras for residential and commercial security installations.
Explore G-TEC's Hikvision CCTV range and SERAGE security cameras.
What Is Infrared CCTV Night Vision?
Infrared CCTV cameras use infrared illumination to capture images in darkness or very low-light environments.
Rather than relying entirely on visible lighting, an IR security camera uses infrared LEDs to illuminate the scene for the camera sensor. When operating in infrared night mode, conventional CCTV cameras generally produce black-and-white images.
This allows the camera to continue monitoring an area without requiring a visible white-light illuminator.
For example, G-TEC supplies the SERAGE SRDN4FW/B, a 4MP IP dome camera featuring a 2.8mm fixed lens and an infrared illumination range of up to 30 metres.
Another option is the SERAGE SRDT8FW/B, an 8MP TVI dome camera with a 20-metre IR range and selectable day/night operating modes, including black-and-white.
Infrared CCTV can therefore be a practical option where continuous surveillance is required but additional visible lighting is not desirable.
However, the quality of recorded footage still depends on the individual camera, installation conditions and the distance of the monitored subject.
How it works in brief: in daylight an IR-cut filter blocks infrared light so colours look natural. As light falls, the camera removes the filter, switches its IR LEDs on and records in monochrome, which is why most IR footage at night is black and white.
What Is Colour Night Vision CCTV?
Colour night vision cameras are designed to retain colour information in low-light environments.
Instead of relying exclusively on infrared illumination, these cameras use technologies such as large-aperture lenses, sensitive image sensors and image processing to capture more usable light.
Some models also use supplementary white or warm lighting when additional illumination is required.
Hikvision's ColorVu technology is designed for full-colour surveillance in very low-light conditions, while SERAGE offers C-Colour technology and hybrid cameras with similar low-light imaging objectives.
For installers, one of the main advantages of colour night vision is the ability to retain visual information that may be lost when conventional infrared CCTV switches to monochrome recording.
For example, a colour image may help distinguish the colour of a person's clothing or a vehicle, provided the scene is illuminated sufficiently for the camera to capture those details.
However, colour night vision does not mean every camera can produce a clear, full-colour image in complete darkness without additional light.
The available ambient lighting and the camera's supplementary illumination remain important considerations.
Understanding Lux Ratings
A lux rating shows the minimum light a camera needs to produce an image. The lower the figure, the less light it needs. For example, the SERAGE SRBNC5FAIW lists colour imaging at 0.002 lux, the SERAGE Premium+ C-Colour V2 lists 0.0005 lux, and "0 lux with IR" means the camera records only in black and white using its infrared LEDs. Always compare lux figures under the manufacturer's stated test conditions.
Colour Night Vision vs Infrared CCTV: Main Differences
Although both technologies support night-time security monitoring, their differences become clearer when considering how they capture images and what information they provide.
Feature | Colour Night Vision CCTV | Infrared CCTV |
|---|---|---|
Night-time image | Designed to retain colour detail | Typically black-and-white in IR mode |
Illumination | Uses available light and, on some models, supplementary white or warm light | Uses infrared illumination |
Colour information | Can retain clothing, vehicle and environmental colours | Colour information is generally not captured in IR mode |
Visible supplementary lighting | May be required in very dark environments | Does not normally require white-light illumination |
Viewing distance | Depends on the sensor, lens and available illumination | Depends on the camera's infrared range and installation conditions |
Hybrid operation | Available on models supporting both lighting methods | IR can also be included in hybrid cameras |
The best option depends on the requirements of the installation.
A site where retaining colour information is important may benefit from full-colour CCTV, while another location may be better suited to infrared surveillance.
Hybrid cameras provide a third option by incorporating both technologies within one device.
The Benefits of Colour Night Vision Cameras
One of the main benefits of full-colour night vision is the additional visual information available in recorded footage.
In suitable lighting conditions, a colour image can help distinguish details such as clothing colours, vehicle colours and other features within the monitored area.
Hikvision's ColorVu and SERAGE's C-Colour technologies are both designed around improving colour imaging in low-light environments.
For security installers, this can be relevant when specifying cameras for entrances, commercial premises, residential properties and other areas where colour detail is an important part of the surveillance requirement.
Improved Low-Light Imaging Options
Modern colour night vision cameras use a combination of optical and image-processing technologies to improve low-light performance.
For example, G-TEC's Hikvision ColorVu range includes cameras featuring HikAI-ISP image processing, while its SERAGE range includes models with F1.0 apertures designed to capture more light.
These technologies give installers additional options beyond traditional infrared-only night surveillance.
However, the actual image quality should be evaluated using the specifications of the individual camera and the conditions of the installation.
Additional Lighting and Deterrence Features
Some colour night vision cameras include built-in white-light illumination.
In addition to helping the camera capture colour footage, visible illumination may make activity around the monitored area more noticeable.
Selected Hikvision cameras supplied by G-TEC also include active deterrence features.
For example, the Hikvision DS-2CD2T47G3-LIS2UY/SL combines ColorVu and Smart Hybrid Light with an active strobe light and audio alarm.
Such features may be useful on projects where surveillance and active warning functions are both required.
The Benefits of Infrared CCTV Cameras
Infrared CCTV allows cameras to capture images in darkness without relying on visible white-light illumination.
This can be useful where installers want to maintain night-time surveillance without adding bright lighting to the monitored area.
For example, entrances, external building areas and other locations may require surveillance throughout the night, even when normal lighting levels are low.
Infrared cameras provide an option for this requirement, although their effective performance depends on the model and installation.
Different Infrared Viewing Ranges
G-TEC supplies infrared CCTV cameras with different illumination ranges.
The SERAGE SRDT8FW/B provides up to 20 metres of IR illumination, while the SERAGE SRDN4FW/B has a listed IR distance of up to 30 metres.
G-TEC also supplies specialist Hikvision IR cameras with longer illumination ranges.
For example, the Hikvision DS-2DE4425IW-DE(T5) is a 4MP IR network speed dome with a 25× optical zoom and infrared illumination rated up to 100 metres.
This demonstrates why camera selection should consider the viewing area and the required distance rather than assuming all infrared cameras provide the same coverage.
Importantly, an advertised infrared illumination range should not automatically be treated as a guaranteed identification distance.
Established Day and Night Surveillance
Infrared night vision remains an important part of professional CCTV installations.
For example, the SERAGE SRDT8FW/B supports automatic day/night functionality and an IR-cut filter, allowing the camera to operate across changing lighting conditions.
For installers specifying conventional CCTV equipment, infrared surveillance remains a relevant option alongside newer colour and hybrid lighting technologies.
Smart Hybrid Light: Combining Colour and Infrared Night Vision
The decision between colour night vision and infrared CCTV is no longer always a choice between two separate camera types.
Modern hybrid cameras can incorporate both IR and visible-light illumination within the same device.
This gives installers greater flexibility when selecting how the camera should operate after dark.
How Smart Hybrid Lighting Works
Hikvision's Smart Hybrid Light technology combines infrared and white-light illumination.
Selected Hikvision cameras support three supplementary lighting modes, allowing installers to configure the lighting behaviour according to the system's requirements.
This means the camera can use infrared illumination when that is the preferred operating method, while supported colour imaging modes can make use of visible illumination.
G-TEC's Hikvision DS-2CD2347G3-LI(2U)Y is an example of this approach.
The 4MP ColorVu turret camera combines infrared and white lighting with three supplemental lighting modes.
It also provides human and vehicle classification, scene-adaptive WDR and IP67-rated environmental protection.
Hybrid Night Vision in SERAGE Cameras
SERAGE also provides hybrid low-light CCTV equipment.
For example, the SERAGE SRBNC5FAIW is a 5MP IP bullet camera with a 2.8mm fixed lens and F1.0 aperture.
G-TEC's product information explains that the camera can be configured to operate in infrared and switch to colour when motion is detected.
This gives installers another option for combining infrared surveillance with colour imaging.
The value of this functionality depends on the monitored area and whether the project benefits from retaining colour information when activity occurs.
Hikvision Colour Night Vision and Infrared Cameras
Hikvision provides several night-time surveillance technologies within the equipment available through G-TEC.
Its current offering includes ColorVu, Smart Hybrid Light and DarkFighter low-light CCTV cameras. Browse the full Hikvision range at G-TEC.
Hikvision ColorVu with Smart Hybrid Light
The Hikvision DS-2CD2347G3-LI(2U)Y is a 4MP fixed turret network camera.
Its listed features include:
- 4MP imaging
- ColorVu full-colour technology
- Smart Hybrid Light with infrared and white illumination
- Three supplementary lighting modes
- HikAI-ISP image processing
- Human and vehicle classification
- Scene-adaptive WDR
- IP67 protection
For installers, this provides a combination of low-light imaging, configurable lighting and intelligent detection within one camera.
Hikvision 3K Smart Hybrid Light ColorVu Bullet Camera
Another option is the Hikvision DS-2CE12KF3T-LSYE.
This camera provides 3K imaging at 2960 × 1665 resolution and uses an F1.0 aperture for colour imaging in low-light conditions.
It includes infrared and white-light illumination, both rated up to 40 metres.
The camera also offers 130dB WDR and IP67 protection.
For installers comparing night vision equipment, this model demonstrates how colour imaging and infrared illumination can be incorporated into a single CCTV camera.
Hikvision DarkFighter Low-Light Cameras
Hikvision's range also includes cameras using DarkFighter technology.
For example, G-TEC supplies the Hikvision DS-2CD2346G2H-I(U), a 4MP turret network camera with DarkFighter low-light performance, 120dB WDR, human and vehicle classification and IP67 protection.
DarkFighter is another example of technology designed to improve imaging in challenging lighting conditions.
Installers should compare the capabilities of the individual Hikvision models rather than assuming that all low-light cameras provide the same lighting modes or performance.
SERAGE Low-Light and Hybrid CCTV Cameras
SERAGE provides several CCTV options for installers working with low-light and night-time surveillance.
Its range includes conventional IR cameras, full-colour imaging technology and hybrid models combining different illumination methods. View the complete SERAGE CCTV range.
SERAGE 5MP Hybrid Premium Dome Camera
The SERAGE SRPDNC5FSAIW/B is a 5MP hybrid IP dome camera.
Its specifications include:
- 5MP resolution
- 2.8mm fixed lens
- Up to 25m infrared illumination
- Up to 20m warm-light illumination
- F1.0 aperture
- IP66 protection
- 12V DC and PoE power options
- Additional AI video analytics
This model illustrates the different illumination ranges that can exist within a hybrid CCTV camera.
For installers, the choice of operating mode should reflect the required coverage and lighting conditions.
SERAGE 4MP Infrared IP Dome Camera
The SERAGE SRDN4FW/B is an example of an infrared-focused option within G-TEC's catalogue.
It features a 4MP resolution, 2.8mm fixed lens, up to 30 metres of IR illumination, 90dB WDR and IP67 protection.
The camera supports both 12V DC and PoE power options.
For projects requiring conventional IR night vision without a specified requirement for supplementary white lighting, this is one of the available product options.
SERAGE 5MP Low-Light Bullet Camera
G-TEC also supplies the SERAGE SRBNC5FAIW.
This 5MP IP bullet camera features a 2.8mm fixed lens and F1.0 aperture.
Its listed low-light specifications include colour imaging at 0.002 lux under specified test conditions and black-and-white operation at 0 lux with infrared enabled.
G-TEC also describes the camera's configurable IR operation and transition to colour when motion is detected.
This provides another example of how modern low-light CCTV equipment can combine different approaches to night-time surveillance.
SERAGE Premium+ C-Colour V2 Dome Camera
G-TEC also lists the SERAGE SRP+DNC4FAIW/B Premium+ C-Colour V2 Dome Camera, a 4MP IP camera designed for advanced low-light colour surveillance.
The camera features a large 1/1.8-inch progressive CMOS sensor, AI-ISP image processing and a 2.8mm fixed lens with an F1.0 aperture. Its listed minimum colour illumination is 0.0005 lux under specified test conditions, allowing it to capture colour images in extremely low ambient lighting.
Its specifications include:
- 4MP resolution (2688 × 1520) at up to 30fps
- 2.8mm fixed lens with F1.0 aperture
- AI-ISP technology for improved low-light image processing
- Up to 25m infrared illumination
- Up to 20m warm-light illumination
- 120dB WDR and 3D digital noise reduction
- Built-in microphone and speaker for two-way audio
- Red and blue warning lights
- MicroSD storage support up to 512GB
- IP67 and NEMA 4X-rated metal housing
- Advanced AI analytics, including pedestrian and vehicle detection, line crossing, intrusion detection and fire and smoke detection
The combination of highly sensitive low-light imaging and switchable infrared and warm-light illumination provides installers with additional flexibility when selecting cameras for challenging night-time environments.
The Premium+ C-Colour V2 also introduces a wider range of intelligent detection and deterrence features alongside its night vision capabilities.
For projects requiring colour detail after dark, additional video analytics and outdoor protection, this model offers another option to consider within the SERAGE range. G-TEC currently lists the camera as coming soon, so availability should be confirmed before specifying it for an installation.
How Should Installers Choose Between Colour Night Vision and Infrared CCTV?
Neither colour night vision nor infrared CCTV is automatically the best option for every security installation.
A useful starting point is to consider the practical requirements of the monitored area.
Available Lighting
How much light will be present around the camera after dark?
An area with some existing lighting may suit a low-light colour camera, while another installation may require infrared or supplementary illumination.
Installers should check the camera's low-light specifications rather than assuming a full-colour camera can produce the same results in every environment.
Importance of Colour Detail
Does the customer need to distinguish colours in recorded footage?
Where clothing, vehicle colours or other visual details are important, a colour night vision camera may be beneficial.
If colour information is not essential, infrared night vision may still meet the requirements of the installation.
Visible Lighting Requirements
Would supplementary white lighting be suitable for the location?
Colour cameras that use additional white or warm illumination may introduce visible light into the monitored area.
Infrared surveillance can be a more suitable option when visible supplementary lighting is undesirable.
For projects requiring flexibility, a compatible hybrid camera may offer both operating methods.
Viewing Distance
The required coverage distance should influence product selection.
Installers should check both infrared and white-light illumination ranges where applicable.
For example, the SERAGE SRPDNC5FSAIW/B has an IR range of up to 25 metres and a warm-light range of up to 20 metres, demonstrating that the two illumination methods do not necessarily provide identical coverage.
The lens, camera position and required image detail must also be considered.
Resolution and Image Quality
Resolution is important, but it should not be the only deciding factor.
G-TEC supplies night vision cameras across different resolutions, including 4MP, 5MP, 8MP and 3K models.
Low-light capability, aperture, image processing, WDR and available illumination can all influence the final recorded image.
A camera with a higher resolution will not automatically provide better night-time footage if its lighting performance is unsuitable for the scene.
Outdoor Protection and Installation Requirements
For external installations, installers should consider the camera's environmental protection rating and the equipment required for mounting, networking and power.
G-TEC offers relevant models with IP66 and IP67 protection, together with cameras supporting PoE and other power configurations. Complete the install with suitable CCTV cables, power supplies and mounting accessories.
The individual specifications should be checked to confirm that the chosen equipment is appropriate for the site.
System Compatibility
Night vision cameras should also be selected as part of the wider CCTV system.
The chosen camera needs to be compatible with the intended recording equipment and installation infrastructure.
This includes considering whether the project uses IP CCTV or an existing analogue system, together with any required analytics, recording functions or remote monitoring features. Colour night footage and AI analytics can increase storage needs, so size recorder storage accordingly with surveillance-grade drives such as G-TEC's Toshiba hard drive range.
The lighting technology is only one part of the overall system design.
Which Camera Suits Which Site?
Use this as a starting point, then confirm against the individual camera specifications and a site survey.
Site or scenario | Suggested approach | Why |
|---|---|---|
Driveway or vehicle entrance | Colour night vision or hybrid | Vehicle and clothing colours help identification |
Shop front or commercial entrance | Colour with deterrence (strobe/audio) | Colour evidence plus active warning |
Rear garden near neighbours' windows | Infrared, or hybrid with light on motion only | Avoids constant visible light spill |
Warehouse perimeter or yard | Infrared with suitable IR range, or long-range PTZ | Coverage distance matters most |
Car park with street lighting | Low-light colour (ColorVu / C-Colour) | Ambient light supports colour without extra LEDs |
Mixed or changing lighting | Hybrid (Smart Hybrid Light, IR-to-colour on motion) | Flexibility between modes |
Common Night Vision Mistakes to Avoid
- IR reflection: mounting under eaves, soffits or near walls can bounce infrared back into the lens and wash out the image.
- Insects and cobwebs: IR LEDs attract insects, which can trigger false motion events; regular cleaning and good placement help.
- Treating IR range as identification range: a 30 m IR rating does not mean faces or number plates are identifiable at 30 m.
- Light spill: white-light illuminators can disturb neighbours; consider warm light, motion-triggered modes or IR in residential areas.
- Choosing on megapixels alone: aperture, sensor size, image processing and illumination often matter more at night.
Which Is Better: Colour Night Vision or Infrared CCTV?
There is no universal winner in the comparison between colour night vision and infrared CCTV.
Colour night vision may be more suitable when:
- Retaining colour information is important.
- The environment provides sufficient ambient light or permits supplementary visible lighting.
- The project benefits from full-colour low-light surveillance.
- Additional lighting or deterrence functions are required.
Infrared CCTV may be more suitable when:
- Monitoring is required without additional white-light illumination.
- Black-and-white night-time footage meets the surveillance requirements.
- The installation calls for a particular IR illumination range.
- Conventional day/night CCTV operation is appropriate.
Hybrid CCTV cameras may be worth considering when:
- The installation requires flexibility between infrared and colour imaging.
- Different lighting conditions need to be accommodated.
- The customer wants the option of colour surveillance without relying on visible supplementary illumination throughout the night.
- Compatible Smart Hybrid Light or IR-to-colour operating modes meet the project requirements.
The correct approach is to assess the installation and then select equipment that provides the required image quality and operating behaviour.
Choosing Night Vision CCTV Equipment from G-TEC
G-TEC supplies professional CCTV equipment to security installers across the UK, including cameras, recorders, networking products and installation accessories.
As a National Approved Distributor for SERAGE and an authorised Hikvision partner, G-TEC offers a range of low-light surveillance options, from conventional infrared CCTV to full-colour and hybrid camera technologies.
Its current offering includes:
- Hikvision ColorVu cameras
- Hikvision Smart Hybrid Light models
- Hikvision DarkFighter low-light cameras
- SERAGE C-Colour technology
- SERAGE hybrid IR and warm-light cameras
- Conventional SERAGE infrared CCTV cameras
Rather than selecting a camera based only on resolution or advertised night vision distance, installers can begin with the requirements of the site and compare the appropriate equipment.
Whether a project requires colour detail after dark, discreet infrared monitoring or configurable hybrid illumination, G-TEC offers products covering different night-time surveillance requirements.
Explore the Hikvision and SERAGE CCTV ranges, or contact the G-TEC team for assistance selecting suitable cameras and compatible system components for your next installation. Installers can also register for a trade account to access trade pricing, or build product knowledge through the G-TEC Academy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is colour night vision better than infrared CCTV?
Not always. Colour night vision is better when you need clothing or vehicle colours in footage and the site has some light or allows white/warm supplementary lighting. Infrared is better when visible light is unwanted. Hybrid cameras offer both.
Do colour night vision cameras work in complete darkness?
Not without help. Colour cameras need some light, either ambient or from built-in white or warm LEDs. In total darkness without supplementary light, most cameras switch to infrared and record in black and white.
Why does my CCTV go black and white at night?
The camera has switched to infrared mode. It removes its IR-cut filter and uses infrared LEDs, which the sensor records as a monochrome image.
How far can infrared CCTV see at night?
It depends on the model. G-TEC's range includes cameras rated from 20 m (SERAGE SRDT8FW/B) and 30 m (SERAGE SRDN4FW/B) up to 100 m (Hikvision DS-2DE4425IW-DE(T5) PTZ). These are illumination ranges, not guaranteed identification distances.
What is Hikvision Smart Hybrid Light?
Smart Hybrid Light combines infrared and white-light illumination in one camera with three supplementary lighting modes, so installers can choose IR, colour, or smart switching between them.
What is the difference between ColorVu and DarkFighter?
ColorVu is Hikvision's full-colour low-light technology, often paired with white or hybrid lighting. DarkFighter is Hikvision's low-light imaging technology designed to improve image quality in challenging lighting, typically alongside infrared.
What does a low lux rating mean?
A lower lux figure means the camera needs less light to form an image. For example, 0.0005 lux colour sensitivity indicates a camera that can keep colour in extremely dim scenes under the stated test conditions.
Will a white-light CCTV camera disturb my neighbours?
It can. In residential areas, consider infrared, warm light, or hybrid modes that only turn on visible light when motion is detected, and aim cameras so they cover your own property.