On this page
01. The three approaches02. Why colour at night helps investigations03. Common night-vision problems04. See it in a real installation05. FAQ
Most cameras use infrared (IR) at night: invisible light that gives a black-and-white image. Full-colour cameras such as Hikvision ColorVu use very sensitive sensors, wide-aperture lenses and a soft warm light to keep colour at night. Smart Hybrid Light cameras use IR by default and switch to white light when they detect a person or vehicle, both deterring and capturing colour.
Key takeaways
- IR: invisible, discreet, black-and-white at night.
- Full colour (ColorVu): colour details such as clothing and vehicle colour, with visible warm light.
- Smart Hybrid Light: IR most of the time, white light only on detection.
- Night performance depends on placement and maintenance as much as technology.
01The three approaches
| Technology | How it works | Image at night | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infrared (IR) | Invisible IR LEDs light the scene | Black & white | Discreet coverage, most general use |
| Full colour (e.g. ColorVu) | Sensitive sensor + wide aperture + soft warm light | Colour | Where colour detail matters: clothing, vehicles |
| Smart Hybrid Light | IR by default; white light turns on when a person/vehicle is detected | B&W, then colour on events | Deterrence plus evidence, near homes |
02Why colour at night helps investigations
"A man in a dark jacket" is much less useful than "a man in a red jacket getting into a white car". Colour gives evidence you can act on, which is why full-colour night cameras have become popular for gates and driveways.
See the Hikvision ColorVu camera product guide.
03Common night-vision problems
- IR reflecting off nearby walls, eaves or dome covers (washed-out images)
- Spider webs in front of the lens, triggering motion and blurring the view
- Dirty lenses and domes
- Street lights or headlights causing glare
- Security lights switching on and off confusing the camera
Most are fixed by repositioning, cleaning or adjusting settings. See CCTV night vision problems.
04See it in a real installation
Hikvision 4MP Smart Hybrid Light CCTV Installation
A clean installation of Hikvision 4MP Smart Hybrid Light cameras: sharp 4MP video by day, and infrared or full-colour footage at night.
05Frequently asked questions
Why is my CCTV black and white at night?
The camera has switched to infrared mode, which gives a black-and-white image. This is normal for IR cameras.
Do full-colour cameras work in total darkness?
They use a soft built-in light when the scene is too dark, so there is visible light at the camera.
What is Smart Hybrid Light?
A Hikvision feature on some cameras: infrared by default, switching to white light when the camera detects a person or vehicle, for colour images and deterrence.
