Are Coloured Security Cameras Better than Non-Coloured Ones?

When it comes to buying security cameras, you have the option of choosing between a coloured security camera or a non-coloured security camera (black and white). Some may argue that coloured security cameras are a no-brainer while others say that a B&W security camera is all you really need. The question is, which one do you choose for your home/business establishment? To clear up any misconceptions, we’ll be taking a closer look at these two devices to determine whether or not coloured security cameras are better than their monochrome counterparts.

Why choose coloured security cameras

The main reason people favour coloured security cameras is that they provide better realism in terms of image quality compared to a standard black and white camera. Colour is what catches the eye and bright hues that highlight a specific image will draw attention almost immediately. Why is this important? It’s because you want to be able to identify the subjects your security camera is focused on. Coloured images make it easier to spot perpetrators by knowing the colour of their shirt or the vehicle’s paint they used to escape.

Although coloured security cameras do not provide any real advantage in regards to resolution or sharpness, they do add more depth to a given image. Local police authorities can process the information from coloured footage way better than a B&W video which can prove crucial in identifying criminals.

When to use coloured security cameras

You’ll find coloured security cameras very useful in a wide variety of applications. If you plan on investing in such a device, consider the following examples to maximise the camera’s potential.

1. Large-scale enterprises

If you own a large-scale business, having a set of coloured security cameras can truly make a difference. Areas like the waiting room, outdoor yard, and retail floor are best monitored under a coloured security camera since they are open to the public. Of course, you won’t need colour in every zone such as workrooms and warehouses since you know what your employees look like. But for public areas where people gather around, a coloured security camera is a great choice.

2. Hospitality industries

Hotels, bars, and resorts have witnessed an uptick in crimes over the years. While security devices alone won’t prevent criminals from committing their heinous acts, installing coloured cameras scattered can certainly prove instrumental for law enforcement.

3. Shared footprints

Coloured security cameras are a major consideration for businesses who operate out of shared footprints (i.e. strip malls, office buildings, and shopping malls). What this does is allow neighbouring businesses to keep tabs on their establishments whilst communicating with other businesses of any suspicious activity around the area. It can be tricky to monitor human activity in a shared space which is why coloured security cameras are the preferred choice during these instances.

Why choose black and white cameras?

You may think that black and white cameras are inferior to coloured security cameras, but that’s not exactly the case. There’s a reason why the vast majority of homeowners and businesses still use non-coloured security cameras and it’s because of reliability. A high-quality B&W camera is just as good (if not better) than a coloured security camera especially in low light since there are no complicated optical filters to filter out IR during the day.

Unlike coloured cameras that consist of Red, Green, and Blue (RGB) elements, black and white cameras use each element to produce images that are very high in resolution. This makes for clear, sharp videos that capture important details like the intruder’s face or the license plate of a vehicle.

When to use black and white cameras

Since B&W are capable of recording videos at an enhanced resolution, they can prove advantageous in certain situations. Here are a couple of examples:

1. Low-light situations

Like we’ve previously mentioned, black and white cameras are more sensitive to low-light than their coloured counterparts. If you want to capture as much detail as possible in low-light situations, a B&W camera is your best bet. Places like the backyard and warehouse are some good examples as well as garages and alleyways.

2. Important transactions

The high resolution of a B&W camera comes into play when monitoring key transactions in a cashier or registrar. You’ll be able to monitor your employees to see whether they’re handling payments correctly or not. Also, you can spot which of your staff is forging signatures or documents due to the sharp detail of the recorded videos.

3. General monitoring

If coloured footage is not important to you and you’re just looking for a security camera that does the job well, then a standard B&W camera will serve you just fine. This is especially true for household applications that house only a few individuals compared to public areas where people are all over the place.

Whether you’re using a coloured camera or a B&W camera, no device is better than the other. In fact, these devices work best when paired together to create a strong security camera system. Make sure to consider your needs and preferences when choosing a security camera and incorporate these two devices into your security system for maximum protection.