Choice is definitely not an issue when shopping for security cameras. Whether it's black and white or a color security camera you require, there are no shortage. But what about the age old question of black and white versus color. There is no doubt that black and white cameras were more effective in ordinary light conditions and and cheaper.

Black and white cameras are generally more sensitive and provide greater resolution. But the gap is narrowing a lot now. For most of your needs a color security camera will work pretty much the same as a black and white camera even in poor light condition and the prices have dropped a lot as well.

What Choice Should I Make?

You should still definitely choose a black and white camera if you want to monitor a very dark environment (you should also think of infrared cameras for these environments), but this could change in the near future, as color security cameras advance in performance. Keep in mind that color cameras have far more recognition qualities than black and white cameras, so it's better you test both black and white and color cameras in your environment before you decide.

There are environments where a color security camera is very important. For example, if you decide to setup surveillance for a parking lot, you should definitely use a color security camera, because this way you can better identify the monitored cars. It is also easier to identify products and people in a shop, based on color information.

Color Camera Choices

Basically you can find color cameras based on all known technologies. If you want to be able to access your camera from the internet or just connect it to the network, an IP security camera would suit you best. Standard CCTV cameras are also available in color. CCTV cameras may provide higher quality images compared to digital cameras, but this is not always true. Also, most web cameras are color, but this isn't very helpful, since they don't work well in poor light conditions.

How Versatile Are Color Cameras

One way to make sure your color security camera will work in dark environment is purchasing video cameras that work day and night using infrared.

Another thing you should watch for is the camera lens. You may have the greatest color security camera installed, but if your lens doesn't zoom/focus as you need it to, the camera is mostly useless.

Price wise, you could expect to pay up to $850 for a color security camera. The lowest you could get down to is about $75. There is a variance in factors such as resolution and reliability. On top of the camera purchase, you could be expected to fork out for a lens as most don't include one.

So, the question of black and white versus color continues to face consumers. On the basis of performing under poor light conditions then most would probably opt for black and white. Whatever you decide, make sure you perform a little due diligence before you purchase.