I've just put up 2 CCTV cameras on my house (1 on the front and 1 on the back).

They have built in LED's for improved night vision but unfortunately at night you cannot see anything, it is totally dark.

I was wondering what is the best thing to do to improve the lighting so you can see?

Thanks.

contary to what it says on the packaging you need to have a light fitted as well as the cameras only the very best cameras give a half decent picture in darkness you will have to get a couple of motion sensed floodlights to get results

Hi Starvinmarv, you will need either a floodlight (available at most diy centre's) or more specialised an Infrared illuminator which will light up the area without the light being visible (assuming the cameras are B/W)you can get these from Maplin's or Screwfix Direct,and possibly else where in Sheffield CLICK HERE (http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?cId=100111&ts=39761&id=55820)

I have sent you a p.m
Regards
Tony
www.meriton-electrical.co.uk

Hi

I tried different cameras and at night they dont work, I know you have already bought but consider taking them back and buying better ones, I paid £130 each for Super Night Owls from Maplins and they do see in pitch black. Sometimes they have them on offer at £99.

Would need a pci card to connect them to computer and pc on 24 hours a day.

ebay has plenty of ir lights http://search.ebay.co.uk/search/search.dll?cgiurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.co.uk%2Fws %2F&fkr=1&from=R8&satitle=ir+lamp&category0=

Hi

I tried different cameras and at night they dont work, I know you have already bought but consider taking them back and buying better ones, I paid £130 each for Super Night Owls from Maplins and they do see in pitch black. Sometimes they have them on offer at £99.

Would need a pci card to connect them to computer and pc on 24 hours a day.
edit:

i'll start a new thread

Hi

I tried different cameras and at night they dont work... I paid £130 each for Super Night Owls from Maplins and they do see in pitch black...
Oggy... Do you happen to know if this particular model would work efficiently at night if placed inside a window, looking out, rather than being installed outside? I suspect that most of the IR beam would be reflected back from the glass, although as the entire face of the camera, including the IR-emitters appears to be protected by glass anyway, I'm hopeful that this may not be the case.

How do you have yours installed and what is the efffective veiwing distance at night in total darkness? Any general opinions on their light-sensitivity and night-time video quality would be welcomed... Cheers!