Lighting conditions for optimal video quality

If you’re the first time owner of a hidden camera, there are several things you should know about lighting conditions and camera positioning before you begin recording footage.

Hidden surveillance cameras feature a pinhole camera, which due to the physical size of the lens, require well lit rooms for optimal image quality.

The good news is that many hidden cameras feature night vision technology, which is best when lighting conditions are not monitored and controlled, such as when you are away and lights are turned off, or overnight. Overall, night vision works better than non-night vision options even under typical household lighting conditions.

And when it comes to the positioning of a night vision camera, think of it like a flashlight. You aim your flashlight beam directly towards what you want to see. You may still see what is just on the edges of the beam, though it is more difficult to see. So, if you’re recording in the dark, be sure to point the camera lens’ “beam” to the area you wish to view best.

So, while night vision offers the best video quality in all lighting environments, keep in mind that while hidden surveillance cameras by their nature may not pick up the finest details of a subject, they will pick up the most important ones like male vs. female, ethnicity, type of clothing, physical activity of the person being recorded, etc.

Let’s take a look at a few images pulled from video footage. The images below show color video taken in well-lit and low light conditions using both non-night vision and night vision cameras. Notice the dramatic improvement in quality on the images done in house, especially the “well lit” conditions.

Non Night Vision recording in average lighting, notice the halo on the package:

Recording in average lighting with Night Vision:

Night Vision recording in complete darkness:

Lighting conditions are just one factor to consider when selecting the best hidden camera for your business or personal surveillance needs. The overall quality of the camera itself will play a large role in video quality – no matter the lighting conditions. If you want to ensure you’re selecting a higher quality device, we highly recommend looking for products designed in the U.S.

The Honest Reviews calls the Zone Shield Night Vision Clock Radio DVR “a great product”

Tech expert Tony Tran with The Honest Reviews recently reviewed our new Zone Shield Night Vision Clock Radio DVR and we’re pleased that he rated the camera four out of five stars – and even higher on the design and ease of use. We’ve pulled out a few excerpts from the review below.

Here’s what Tony had to say about the design:
“The clock radio is light and the design is very stylish which makes it great to look at. It feels and weight similar to my real alarm clock, so there is no way to tell that it’s a hidden camera unless you open it up and look inside.”

And the video quality:
“I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the video in complete darkness. You can even read some of the text on the box shown in the image” 

Screen capture from video in a well lit room.

Screen capture from video with Night Vision working in total darkness.

Tony’s final thoughts:
“Overall, the Zone Shield Night Vision Clock Radio DVR is a great product as it was easy to setup, easy to use, very stylish design, and comes with a lot of features. If you are shopping for a nanny camera or hidden camera that is built into a working household appliances, then the Zone Shield Night Vision Clock Radio DVR SC8000 is definitely recommended. This device was assembled in America using high quality video surveillance components which makes it even more reliable as a hidden camera.”

Visit The Honest Review and read the full review as well as see pictures from the review process and enter for a chance to win a Clock Radio DVR!

Redesigned for Good: The Evolution of the Zone Shield® Night Vision Clock Radio DVR

The Zone Shield Clock Radio sports branded packaging.

There is history behind every redesigned product. 

 KJB’s newly designed Zone Shield® Night Vision Clock Radio DVR was the result of repeated attempts to provide a reliable clock radio DVR that would not have to be tweaked, fitted, or modified. Years in the making, working with products off the shelf of Walmart, and several visits to China still had not resulted in what KJB considers to be an acceptable surveillance device. We finally determined that a retrofitted product would just never be good enough.

Working with our partner in Taiwan, we designed the new clock radio specifically to fit a hidden camera and DVR or wireless transmitter. No more futzing with the inner wires or power supply, no more glue joints. Nothing to give away that the clock had been modified. 

A wireless QUAD and QUAD LCD version
available in September, 2013

In this new design, the IRs are invisible, completely undetectable from the face of the clock and can capture action up to 20 feet away in almost total darkness. The SD card slot is completely hidden under something that looks like a normal part of a clock and is much easier to access. It’s hard to tell if we’ve designed a hidden camera to operate as a clock or a clock designed to operate as a hidden camera.

Clock radio DVRs are a dime a dozen. But the Zone Shield® Night Vision Clock Radio DVR is in a class by itself.

Recommend These DVRs to First Time Covert Security Users

Surveillance devices can be life savers. They can also be intimidating. If you are new to the world of hidden cameras, consider a built-in self- recording DVR. If you select a battery powered device, it will be as simple as plug and play. KJB’s removable SD cards make it easy to capture video and quickly retrieve it for viewing. A battery powered device with a removable SD card is a user friendly first step into the world of DIY surveillance. Here are a few popular and easily handled styles:

The Xtreme Life Smoke Detector DVRs come in either side view or bottom view camera mounts and they all feature Night Vision for low light conditions.

The Zone Shield Clock Radio DVR is KJB's most popular hidden camera. This simple clock blends into just about any household or business setting. While it is not battery powered, it does feature a Night Vision version.

Need covert surveillance outside the home or office such as a coffee shop, client's building or principal's office? Consider the DVRs hidden inside these common personal accessories. Both the Insulated Mug DVR and the Key Chain DVR have easy on/off switch operation.

Finally it's hard to know when you might need to record footage around your home or business but having a weather resistant hidden camera means you've at least got a plan. The Xtreme Life Landscape Stone DVR has a heat sensor that conserves battery life and also has a quick auto start. 

Night Vision At Work

Tell your customers that a Night Vision wall clock in a darkened office or conference room can clearly capture any suspicious behavior of a late night cleaning crew. Our extensive line of Night Vision products are available in both Zone Shield and Xtreme Life devices. As we stated in this blog, KJB goes to great lengths to make sure all our Night Vision products are capturing video in even the most challenging lighting situations. Whether it's a clock, smoke detector, or fan our hidden camera forms will blend into any small business or home environment.

The Night Vision wireless cameras in Xtreme Life and Zone Shield can be integrated into the same system. For example, if you started with a Zone Shield Night Vision Clock Radio in the conference room, then an Xtreme Life Night Vision Smoke Detector is a great addition to the office hallway. 

Not every camera in a Night Vision system needs to be hidden. This Indoor/Outdoor Camera sports IRs and is a great addition as a third or fourth camera. Use it to monitor an entrance hallway or warehouse.

If you are a Dealer, download the IR symbol from our site to indicate that a product has night vision. No need for your customer to get overwhelmed by choices. If they are seeking a Night Vision product, the IR symbol will help to quickly identify the best device for them.