Does Low Light Surveillance Really Work?

August 27th, 2024



While today’s security cameras are more high tech, taking better quality footage than ever, they’re not always producing the same quality in all conditions. In low-light situations, for instance, your standard security camera may not produce the type of quality footage you really need. If you’re placing a security camera on the outside of your business in Chico, CA to point into the street at night, or a camera on the outside of your home for nighttime use, you may want to look further into the capabilities of your chosen unit.

If the recording area is improperly lit, and your camera isn’t suited to low-light situations, a burglar in Chico, CA could stroll into and out of the frame without ever being caught on camera well enough to create decent usable evidence. For these situations, it’s best to look out for infrared security cameras, and cameras that are built to function best without supporting light.

Shedding Light On The Low-Light Misconceptions

There are several misconceptions surrounding low-light surveillance cameras in Chico, CA. While these are unfounded, they do deter some from opting for a low-light camera, despite being what they really need to optimally protect their home or business. Some common misconceptions about low-light surveillance cameras are:

  • Low-light cameras are all the same – One of the biggest misconceptions about low-light cameras is that they’re all the same. A thermal imaging camera, a FLIR camera, and a typical low-light camera aren’t the same. Most low-light cameras use IR cut filters, which gives the cameras the ability to operate effectively in both high light and low light conditions, while a thermal imaging camera will only pick up differences in temperature. A thermal imaging camera, for instance, shouldn’t be used to serve as crime evidence as it won’t provide a clear picture of features, only a shape guided by temperature.
  • Low-light cameras always show a clear facial image – While in an ideal world all cameras will provide universally good quality facial photos, this isn’t the case. If you desire highly detailed photos from your low-light camera, distance is your biggest factor to consider. If your camera is set to its widest setting and tasks with surveying a wide area, you’re not like to get the type of detailed images you need.
  • Low light means no light – Another huge misconception is that low light means no light, and low-light cameras do not require any light at all. While low-light cameras do require a little bit of light to work with, the ambient light of the moon and stars, faraway street lights, or city and suburban light pollution are perfectly sufficient.

Protected During Day Or Night

Low-light surveillance camera systems keep your home or business in Chico, CA protected during all times. These types of cameras aren’t just working at night, but during the day as well, capturing footage for you and deterring any criminals that may be thinking about coming your way. For top quality protection, investing in a low-light surveillance camera is something that any property owner should consider.

What Our Customers Say

"I had the Alibi system installed several years ago. It has functioned flawlessly. The image quality is exellent both night and day and in all weather conditions. I particularly like the replay (which can be set at various speeds) and zoom functions of the system. Tech support from Crimefreeliving has been excellent. I have received quick responses to questions, and timely home visits — as when I changed IP carriers and my Alibi system needed to be reset. I have recommended Crimefreeliving to several friends."

Rich

"As a small business owner here in Chico we definitely saw the need for video surveillance. After expressing our needs and concerns Tim did an excellent job getting us set up with the set up with the appropriate equipment. He really took the time to address our concerns in a very friendly, professional and knowledgeable manner. I highly recommend Tim for all of your business and residential video surveillance needs."

Ron H., Owner/Auto Doctor

"I have to say I love having my security cameras at my home. Tim Truby did a wonderful job of installing the five cameras. He is very neat and cleaned everything up after the installation. He explained to me how to operate the monitor, my phone and IPad. However, I have had to call Tim because I'm not tech savvy and forget what he has told me. He usually just helps me over the phone and then all is well. I'm 80 years old and enjoy the comfort of knowing I have these security cameras."

Gloria

"Tim Truby designed and installed a 32 camera system for us here at the Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District. We had received several other quotes from security system vendors, but Tim’s quote was the least expensive. Tim also installed the system quickly and has always been available when we needed him. We are very happy with our security camera system and we can highly recommend Tim Truby for all of your surveillance system needs."

D. Weseman, Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District

Crime Free Living updated our old video system with a new 16 Channel HD Alibi Video Security System. The old system had been added onto by different installers which resulted in a cabling mess. There were cables that worked and cables that went nowhere. It was a mess. Tim sorted it all out and installed cameras that are very clear. He also installed a monitor for our cashiers to watch hidden areas, a monitor to watch the entry door, and a monitor that allows employees to watch the outside parking and gas pump area. All work was done on time and very professional! Will always recommend Tim and Crime Free Living.

S. AM PM Chico Arco Station

"I had Tim install an Alibi Video Security System at my residence and a couple business locations. The remote view option is invaluable to absentee owners or anyone who travels a lot. The clarity and quality of the cameras have allowed for viewing employee theft. The evidence provided from the HD video cameras was fantastic! Tim was professional and provided extra value from his law enforcement background."

J. Folsom Arco Station

"Tim, I want to thank you again for doing such a fantastic job on installing a wireless IP security camera system at our dream home. The extra time that you took to hide wires, and install a clean, professional system is much appreciated. I still can’t believe the clarity, quality, and ease of use of this new system. I wished that I would have met you before our original inferior system was installed by another company. Now, whether I am at home, or monitoring the system from around the world, I know that my home and family are safe and sound."

John M.

"In April of 2017, my husband and I made a phone call to Crime Free Living that turned out to be a smart and wise decision. Amazingly, in just a few hours, Tim installed four Dome Security Cameras, weatherproof enclosures, and hooked up into our home a 23" Full HD Widescreen Security Monitor. Even more than his professional expertise was the time spent with us in making sure that this system was working correctly and properly installed on our phones so that anywhere in our travels we can monitor our new home in Magalia."

Tieka and Don S.

"I have been using Crime Free Living for the last couple years ar work and at home and I really recommend this product. Tim is a very good service provider. If he can't figure it out, he's got good tech support with the system that he offers."

Gary D.

"I have known Tim for over 10 years. To date, Time with Crime Free Living has installed two separate surveillance systems for my company. With each system, Tim has listened to my needs and custom dsigned surveillance systems for my specific needs and within my budget. The equipment used is always state of the art, the workmanship is top notch, and Tim is the example of trustworthy. I would recommend him for any job."

Steve D., Down Range Indoor Training Center

images Certifications & Training

With 16 years of experience in law enforcement, Tim Truby, CEO, is fully certified in video surveillance and training.

  • Certified Advanced Crime Prevention Specialist
  • Academy Instructor Certification
  • California POST Certification in Specialized Surveillance Equipment
  • California POST Certification in Basic Crime Prevention
    • Advanced Crime Prevention through Environmental Design
    • Certified Alibi Security Dealer
    • Enhanced Risk and Threat Assessment (FEMA)
    • Incident Command System (100 & 200)
    • Certified Cognitech Video Forensic Investigator
    • Neighborhood Watch Toolkit Trainer
    • Computer Crimes/Investigations
    • Domestic Crisis for Crisis Negotiators
    Call (530) 327-7268