I have 4K motorized zoom, (2.8 ~ 13.5) security cameras. Color night vision out to 196 ft. Works very well when zoomed in, maybe 5 to 13.5, perfect viewing in total darkness. When you zoom out to a wider field of view, below about 5, I lose the night vision around the periphery of the lens.

I've seen the add-on IR lights that can be purchased, if they shine on the dark areas will the camera be able to view these areas as well? I am thinking of mounting them on the roof behind the cameras. Will the add-on interfere with the current IR lights in the cameras? Create a hot spot? If so any recommendations on brand, style?

I use Axton IR lights .
They make one for just about every scenario.
Not the cheapest but great quality.
I use the POE ones.
Of course the focal length of your lens will determine what is in focus at short distances vs longer ones on a camera with an adjustable optic zoom or a varifocal lens.
The wider and farther away the subject is then your pixel count decreases and your resolution will suffer even with 4K - physics/science.
Note: a camera with an optical zoom (lens) is different from one that widens and narrows the focal length (varifocal).
However the physics are the same but they accomplish different purposes.
YMMV

Thanks, looks like I can illuminate everything needed with one light. I was thinking of mounting it behind the cameras on the eve of the house. Will the extra light from the add-on interfere with the current camera/light, worried about hot spots.

quote:

I've seen the add-on IR lights that can be purchased, if they shine on the dark areas will the camera be able to view these areas as well? Yes
I am thinking of mounting them on the roof behind the cameras.
Will the add-on interfere with the current IR lights in the cameras? You have to strategically mount the lights to pick up what area you want to see. Interference is not what will happen.
Create a hot spot? A hot spot is possible just place as you would any light .

With external IR lights you may or may not want to use the built in one depending on what you want to focus on.
Note with IR lights your picture will be B&W not color.

quote:

Originally posted by 08 Cayenne:
I have 4K motorized zoom, (2.8 ~ 13.5) security cameras. Color night vision out to 196 ft. Works very well when zoomed in...

May I ask you to please post the brand and model of the cameras you're using?

If you have the time, will you please post a sample from your camera?

Any suggestions about video storage or system set up would be much appreciated.

Thank You!!!

Thanks again. Been working stupid long hours so I have not gotten to play with the cameras much. Got up this morning at 04:00 and played with the camera settings, brightness, gamma, contrast...... and got the display much better. Areas that were totally 100% dark I now can see, my property border fence, even make out the individual slats. Wouldn't be able to ID someone but at least I can tell if someone is there. I will probably still add some more light, seems to be cheap an easy enough.



I'm not sure of the brand, I think Dahua. I bought them from Backstreet Surveillance. They are in their Elite-IP line, model number E-5141E-IR-Z. Actually the cameras they sent me were significantly better than the description on their webpage, extra 50 ft of night vision and little better zoom range. Very nice picture. Don't pay their advertised price on anything, they will discount significantly. I bought an 8 camera DVR so I have room for expansion and a 4 TB hard drive. As soon as I get the last 2 hooked up I'll post some photos. I'm literally clueless on how to set these up for optimum use at this point. Been concentration in getting them installed.

quote:

Originally posted by sleepla8er:

quote:

Originally posted by 08 Cayenne:
I have 4K motorized zoom, (2.8 ~ 13.5) security cameras. Color night vision out to 196 ft. Works very well when zoomed in...

May I ask you to please post the brand and model of the cameras you're using?

If you have the time, will you please post a sample from your camera?

Any suggestions about video storage or system set up would be much appreciated.

Thank You!!!