Start with the light available at the camera position and the detail you need after dark. Infrared produces monochrome video; colour recording needs usable visible light. Compare the recorded moving scene before choosing a night mode.
Choose by the lighting at the position
- No usable visible light: consider a camera with suitable IR illumination if monochrome detail meets your task.
- Stable ambient light: compare low-light colour footage, including a moving subject.
- Added visible lighting is acceptable: compare white-light or dual-light operation and how the mode changes when activity occurs.
The useful view depends on the lens, subject distance, illumination, exposure and mounting position together. An advertised illumination distance does not promise recognisable faces or readable plates at that distance.
Go deeper on the choice you need
- Infrared vs white light: compare monochrome recording with visible lighting.
- Dual-light operation: check mode switching and event behaviour.
- Colour at night: check light, movement and required detail.
If the night image looks foggy, washed out or blurred
Check for a dirty lens, moisture, insects or a nearby reflective wall, glass or foliage. Reflected IR can brighten the foreground while hiding the area beyond it. Review the position before increasing illumination.
A clear still frame can hide blur on a moving person. Compare recorded movement using the intended settings and light. See the Axis image-quality troubleshooting guide for explanations of motion blur and IR reflections; its controls apply to Axis devices.
Check a useful recording after dark
Walk through the important area at the distance you need to cover. Play back and export the clip, checking the detail needed for your task. Include changing lights and approaches from different directions. Keep continuous or event recording, storage and alerts in the check.
For the technical background, see Axis: IR in surveillance. Ask about night-view options with the mounting position, light sources, subject distance and required detail.