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There is a common misconception that Color CCTV cameras offer a better picture than B&W CCTV cameras. The simple truth of the matter is that although color cameras are more enjoyable to view, both types of cameras are fully capable of offering a good, solid picture. The real question is what type of camera is better suited for a particular situation.

The most important practical difference between color and b&w cameras is that only color cameras can offer a full and accurate clothing and vehicle description. Law enforcement highly rely on the reported color of clothing and suspect vehicle when responding to a call for service, as it greatly increases the likelihood of catching a fleeing suspect.

Although the images and video provided by color CCTV cameras can be more useful for law enforcement and prosecution purposes, color cameras may not always be the most practical solution given their increased cost over b&w CCTV cameras. For example, a KG-190SWB pro-grade B&W weatherproof camera that can see in extreme darkness cost about $55. A comparable pro-grade extreme low light Color weatherproof camera would be the KG-230EX , which features a 1/3” Sony ExView full-chip CCD and cost about $170. Lesser grade color cameras would cost less, but will not be able to produce a superior picture in adverse lighting conditions when it may matter the most.

Always be practical when choosing the proper system. If on a tight budget, we almost always recommend a inexpensive B&W video surveillance camera that will be able to see in low light, instead of an inexpensive Color video surveillance camera that will likely under preform in adverse or low lit conditions.

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