Recently, the number of crimes committed has been recorded in many countries. Most occur at night when it is difficult to identify the robber and bring him to justice. To protect yourself and your property, you must use night surveillance cameras. In most cases, these devices work effectively through the glass installed in front of a window without fear of substantially deteriorating video quality.

Key Takeaways

All night vision security cameras can record through the glass. In this case, the quality of the resulting image will depend on the amount of ambient light, the correctness of the security camera placement, the accuracy of the settings and many other factors. You must also choose the most suitable device to achieve the desired result. In some cases, these will be indoor cameras with classic night vision; in others, models using infrared lights and thermal imaging cameras capable of detecting body heat.

How to Use Security Night Vision Cameras Through a Window?

The operating process of night vision security cameras is quite simple. In this regard, many owners of houses, offices and other facilities use them to protect their property. Wired and wire-free security cameras are suitable for practical work through a window. The first ones are installed in places with an outlet next to the window. After connecting and setting up, the device is directed in the desired direction and the quality of the resulting image is checked. They make certain adjustments and achieve high clarity of the shot video if necessary. Wireless cameras can be placed anywhere. This is as convenient as possible since there is not always an outlet near the desired window. The operating process for such cameras is identical to that used for wired models.

Types of Night Cameras for Home

Devices that can be used in the dark are diverse. Among them, cameras are best suited for home use. All manufactured models are divided into three groups, each with its characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. With this information, you can choose the best option for your home.

Classic Night Vision Cameras

These cameras are ideal for low-light conditions. They use image enhancement technology that increases brightness and enhances clarity. At the same time, the video recording is obtained not only in high quality but also in color. This advantage of classic NV cameras is the main one, but not the only one. Also, experts highlight the ability to work effectively in the light of just one dim lamp. Another significant advantage is the relatively low cost of most models. Thanks to this, they become available even to the wealthiest families.

Infrared Camera

Models of this type are the most popular in cases where video surveillance is carried out on the territory of any significant objects. However, these cameras can be used for domestic purposes. All of them are equipped with IR LEDs, which can create an image even without light. Among other positive aspects, most models' reasonable cost and ability to save battery power or an external power source are distinguished.

Thermal Imaging Cameras

These cameras stand out for their unique way of working. They use thermal imaging technology to help create a thermogram. The latter is repeatedly converted, and the user receives a sound-quality recording. In this case, all living and non-living objects that emit heat will be visible in the video. Among them, the most heated points will be parts of the human body, so it will be pretty easy to recognize them. An essential feature of thermal cameras is the ability to capture heat from a great distance. This makes it possible to record the territory in a small radius around the device and far beyond it. Also, the advantage of thermal models is the ability to "see" through smoke, vegetation, and other similar obstacles. This feature lets you get high-quality video recordings in foggy, snowy, rainy weather.

Potential Problems When Security Cameras Are Used Through Glass or Behind a Glass Window?

NV CCTV cameras are in demand worldwide. They help monitor the situation in the dark and catch illegal actions. However, in some cases, the performance of such cameras may decrease. This is due to various problems resulting from placing the device in front of a glass window. The most common problem is glare or similar camera reflections in the glass. They cause a deterioration in the video recording quality and make it more difficult to identify persons caught on it. In the presence of glare and reflections, the picture becomes blurry. Also, white spots and excessively light areas appear on it. Another significant problem is the difficulty of triggering various sensors (for example, those that respond to movement). Because of this, the camera may not notice a person's approach and remain turned off.

Fixes

To eliminate glare from glass reflection, you can place the camera behind the glass (for example, using various wall mounts). If this is not possible, then it will be enough to move the device as close to the window as possible. Also, the correct solution would be to turn off the IR illumination (if used), which will allow you to eliminate the security camera window reflection. However, you will have to strengthen the visible light in this case. Otherwise, the picture will become less clear.

Do Infrared Security Cameras See through Glass/Windows?

IR devices work well without any obstruction. However, the video recording quality drops sharply when glass appears in front of their lens. This is due to glare and camera reflections in the window.

To correct the situation, you need to follow a few simple steps. The first is to turn off the infrared illumination. This will slightly reduce the quality of the resulting video but will avoid the appearance of glare on the window. It is also worth turning off all indications on the camera. In this case, they will not be reflected in the glass and will not interfere with creating a good-quality recording.

Another effective way to eliminate glare and reflections is to place the device as close to the glass surface as possible. This minimizes any defects and makes the image more apparent. Sometimes, a suction cup mount is included with night surveillance cameras. It can be used to fix the device on the outer surface of the window. This will avoid any distortion and achieve perfect video quality.

Fixes

If your security camera's window glare makes it difficult to achieve ideal picture quality, you can correct the situation by opening the window a little and pointing the device into the resulting gap. You can also consider installing it outdoors, using various types of mounts for security cameras. To achieve maximum efficiency, you must use motion-activated lights, which always provide good illumination and help the device capture the most explicit video possible.

Does Motion Detection/Recording Work Through Glass or Behind a Glass Window?

It is very long and challenging to view records made all night long. To solve this problem, most manufacturers of such devices began equipping their models with motion sensors. These sensors capture any movements of objects and people while simultaneously activating video recording. This addition to the cameras makes it possible to record a minimum of information, simplifying the process of studying it as much as possible. Night cameras use two types of sensors. The first of these is the passive IR sensor. It will activate video recording when it detects heat or infrared radiation. If you place equipment with such an addition outside the window, the sensor will react to any actions only in 20-30% of cases. This is unacceptable in most cases, so users should take steps to eliminate this problem. The correct solution would be to install the equipment on the windowsill before the open window. An alternative would be to fix the device outside the glass barrier.

The second type of sensor captures any changes in pixels. Its work is based on a particular software algorithm that allows you to activate video recording in the presence of any movement. Cameras equipped with such sensors work effectively even through glass. Therefore, they are recommended to be used in most cases when it is impossible to place the device outdoors.

Fixes

Using a motion sensor security camera makes the video surveillance process more efficient. They will exclusively record motion, and the rest of the time, they will remain in standby mode (the current position is displayed using status lights). There are several types of motion sensors. Each of them is suitable for certain environmental conditions, including recording any activity through a glass window screen.

How to Set up Your Camera Correctly and How to Fix Problems

Night surveillance cameras do not always work effectively through glass. You need to configure the device properly to partially correct the situation. In this case, it will function properly and provide the user with sound-quality video recordings. Also, do not forget about other measures that should be taken to improve the resulting picture.

Camera Setup and Area Arrangement Tips

Recommendations for setting up the camera and arranging the surrounding area:

1. For the cameras to work well through glass, it is necessary to illuminate the surrounding area with high quality. To do this, it is recommended to install a motion sensor on street lighting (for example, a lamp near the garage or front door). This will provide the camera with enough light to achieve better recording quality. In this case, the presence of a sensor will activate the light only when motion is detected. This will not significantly increase energy consumption and practically will not affect the financial condition of the user.
2. Turning off the IR light will help eliminate glare and reduce the negative impact of reflection on video quality. However, in this case, the picture will become less clear. The solution to such a problem is to install an infrared clarifier outside the room (in the area of the camera). Activating it will illuminate the missing IR and eliminate any defects in the captured video.
3. A small gap will be enough for a night surveillance camera to cope with its task effectively. Therefore, it is recommended to slightly open the window and point the lens to this place. This will eliminate the negative impact of the glass barrier on the quality of the resulting video.
4. If it is impossible to leave the window open, move the device as close to the glass as possible. This can be done up to the contact of the material's surface with the camera lens. The closer the technique is placed to the window, the smaller the negative effect will be, and it will be possible to eliminate glare and reflections.
5. You can eliminate glare and reflections in the glass using the zoom function. Not all night surveillance cameras have it, so you need to find out in advance about its presence. It is enough to zoom in on the image to eliminate most defects. However, it is worth remembering that excessive zooming will reduce the field of view, and the technique will be able to cover a smaller area with its “look.”
6. For the device to work effectively, it must provide darkness at its placement. In simple terms, the room where the equipment is located near the window should be darker than the street. This effect can be achieved by turning off all lighting fixtures and devices with light indications. An alternative would be to turn on the light on the street (for example, a lantern or spotlight).
7. The easiest way to improve the quality of the image through the glass is to maintain it regularly. The window must be constantly washed with unique products that do not leave streaks and other defects. In this case, there will be a minimum of obstacles in front of the cameras, and the video recording will become as straightforward as possible.

Tips for Using Security Cameras Through Window

Several practical recommendations must be considered to ensure the effective operation of security cameras through glass. First, the device should be adapted to specific operating conditions. To do this, the camera must be positioned correctly, the lights must be located optimally at night, and the result must be checked.

When using security cameras, it is essential to eliminate problems that can reduce image clarity. The main ones are glare, which can easily be eliminated by bringing the device closer to the glass, zooming, turning off the indication, and creating a darker environment indoors than outside. It is also essential to regularly maintain security cameras. This will rid their lenses of dust and dirt, reducing the video's quality.

Conclusion

Night surveillance cameras can work effectively even with various obstacles, such as glass. However, for this, they must have unique properties and characteristics. If you manage to purchase such equipment, any crime committed will remain on video recording, and it will become much easier to find the violator of the law.

FAQ

Can I Use an Indoor Security Camera Through a Window?

Yes, but for the device to operate effectively, you should install it as close as possible to the window and provide high-quality illumination of the observed area.

How to Stop IR Camera Reflecting on a Window?

To stop the reflection of such a camera, you need to turn off the IR illumination and indication.

How to Prevent Window Glare on Security Cameras?

You can eliminate glare by using the zoom function, turning off the light indication, and placing the device near the glass.

Can Security Cameras Detect Motion Through Glass?

They can only do so if they use passive and active motion sensors.

Modified: Jun 20, 2024 | 01:34 pm