Security Cameras, Decoded by What They Don't Tell You
A camera's "night vision range" is almost always measured to Detect (something is there), not Identify (you can recognize a face) — under the real EN 62676-4 DORI standard, Identification needs roughly 10x the pixel density of Detection. Megapixels don't predict this either. The specs that actually matter — sensor size, aperture (f-stop), and minimum illumination in lux — go undisclosed on most consumer camera spec sheets. We built the Night Vision Reality Index to show exactly what's disclosed and what isn't, model by model.
Most "best security camera" lists rank by megapixels, a marketing IR-range number, and star ratings. We start from what's actually disclosed on the spec sheet, name the undisclosed gaps as a finding rather than filling them in with guesswork, and never publish exact prices or claim to have tested a camera ourselves.
Outdoor Security Cameras
Ranked by what's actually disclosed — sensor size, aperture, and whether color night vision needs a spotlight — not the megapixel number on the box.
6 picks →
Video Doorbells
Which doorbells publish real night-vision specs, which gate every clip behind a subscription, and which let you skip the monthly fee.
4 picks →
Wired vs Wireless
Continuous PoE recording vs battery motion-clips — a real coverage tradeoff most buyers don't realize they're making.
4 picks →
Decode the claims first
How we work
We're a research-based site: we read manufacturer spec sheets, published standards (like IEC/EN 62676-4), and aggregate publicly disclosed specifications rather than physically testing every camera in a lab. We name every undisclosed spec as a gap, never publish exact prices or star ratings, and give no legal advice on recording laws — only factual pointers to check your local rules. Read our full methodology →