By If the security of your property is a concern, and you are considering installing a video surveillance system, such as the Night Owl Camera, we will explain the key factors you will need to consider in order to decide on the best product for your needs.
We will look at all of the most important features that the Night Owl cameras have to offer, and compare its features to other similar products on the market to help you decide if this product or perhaps another product is a more suitable option for you. In order for you to get the most value and satisfaction out of your security system, allow us to help make you feel secure in your property and in your choice of a great security camera system.
What’s So Good About The Night Owl Camera?
Night Owl Security Products, located in Florida, has been in operation since 2009 and considers themselves a leading innovator of security technology. They manufacture quality, user-friendly security DVR (Digital Video Recorder) and NVR (Network Video Recorder) security cameras. Their video surveillance cameras are used throughout the world and are suitable for use in home security, business security, or anywhere else video surveillance is required.This company aims to provide its customers with a cost-effective solution to their security needs that leaves the customer feeling satisfied and with the peace of mind that their property is protected. In order to ensure that their customers remain confident in their products, they offer 24 hours a day, year-round customer service and technical support in English, French, and Spanish, as well as various installation guides, an extensive FAQ section, and plenty of how-to video tutorials for extra customer support.
There are a number of key features that we will explore below that make the Night Owl Camera stand out from its competitors, such as clear color night vision, the option of wired or wireless systems, Internet-free features and storage options, two-way audio and dual audio options, and dual motion sensors and heat sensors, which activate deterrence features like floodlights and sirens. The Night Owl systems also work with Google Assistant and can be controlled remotely via the Night Owl camera’s mobile app.
Key Feature #1: Night Vision
In order to protect your property day and night, a surveillance camera that has high-quality night vision is vital. The Night Owl cameras have a very clear color night vision of up to 20 feet indoors and up to 100 feet outdoors. The DVR systems have 1080p HD, and the NVR systems have 4K Ultra HD image quality (most security cameras only have up to 1080p HD options).
This camera also offers a wide, 100-degree view to capture a larger area and get a crisper quality picture (most security cameras have an average 42-degree view).
These cameras, unlike other night vision security cameras, also have the ability to filter out infrared light using a special technology called an IR Cut Filter, which allows for a far less distorted and higher quality picture (other security cameras do not filter out infrared light, or depend fully on a motion detection floodlight in order to capture night footage).
You also have the ability to digitally zoom into your area of interest and view it from different angles using the mobile app on your phone, portable device, or computer wherever you are (other models don’t have the ability to zoom into pictures remotely).
Using the app, you are also able to control your access to your footage using Google Assistant (not all security cameras work with smart assistant technology).
Key Feature #2: Wired and Wireless Cameras
Depending on the model of the Night Owl Cameras you choose, you can either have a wired camera system or a wireless camera system for your Night Owl products. The wired systems can be used with both DVR or NVR and use CAT5 or CAT6 cables. This option provides the most stable footage, but should ideally only be used indoors to protect the wires from the outdoor elements.
The wireless cameras can only be connected to NVR, and provide a very high-quality 4K recording, have better ease of use, and provide an easier connection to the network than the wired option (not all security cameras have the option to buy either a wired or wireless system).
Key Feature #3: Internet-Free Storage Options and Features
A fantastic feature of this system is that it comes with a built-in 1 terabyte of storage that also allows you to be able to transfer and store your footage via a hard drive or Micro SD card without any monthly charges. If you prefer to store your footage on a cloud storage option, Night Owl security systems also have the option of cloud storage plans at competitive rates.
If you want a surveillance system that doesn’t depend on access to the Internet, this system is able to record all your footage without the use of the Internet. Both the DVR option and the NVR option which is more costly, but provides a better image, can be used with or without an Internet connection.
If you choose to use an Internet connection, you are able to do remote viewing via the mobile app from a computer or smart device and control it using Google Assistant. (Most camera systems require you to pay a monthly cloud storage fee and require an Internet connection for the use of some or all smart features).
Key Feature #4: Dual Audio and Dual Sensors
The DVR and NVR systems both have the option of two way audio, so that you can listen to what is happening at your property when you are not there. Other models in the Night Owl security range also have the option of dual audio which works like an intercom system, where you are able to speak through the system to, for example, warn a potential trespasser or criminal that they have been seen, and at the same time be able to hear what is happening at the camera locations (other security cameras only have the option of two-way audio).
Motion sensors found in security systems can warn you when someone has entered your property. It can also cause a lot of false alarms, as it detects anything that moves. This camera system works using both motion and heat sensors, and there is far less chance of a false alarm and much better detection of actual thieves or trespassers. These sensors also activate bright floodlights and alarms for effective deterrence (other security cameras come with only one motion detection sensor causing more false alarms).
Can Do/Can’t Do
This camera is great for a first-timer, who wants a simple no-frills, no-fuss indoor or outdoor 24-hour security camera to protect your property, but we wouldn’t recommend it if you are looking for something with more complex AI features.
Night Owl cameras have very clear vision in the dark, but they do not offer a view as wide or as long as some other similar products.
This is a good option for indoor and outdoor use and is considered weather-resistant, however, this camera will not be able to withstand a very humid climate or somewhere that has severe storms, as it is not weatherproof.
How do You Use It?
For wireless camera installation, you will need to have access to a power source near the set-up area. Both camera options will have to be securely fixed via screws into a wall. You can then sync to the device via the free app on your phone or computer and follow the setup prompts. In order to install the wired cameras, you will need to consider making the cables unnoticeable by hiding them in the walls. For this option, you might need a professional to install and hide the cables. Once connected via the cables, the DVR or NVR is connected, and you can set up via the prompts on the app.
If you prefer, you have the option of having it professionally installed via the InstallerNet service (only available in the US) to get you sorted out quickly.
What do the Reviews Say?
Most people have given a positive review of the Night Owl camera system and say that it is a good option for beginners. Other positive review comments agree that the company offers responsive and good customer care, and many people are happy with features, such as the option of wired or wireless systems, good night vision, and the fact that it can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Many people say that the mobile app has easy to use features. In terms of negative review comments, some people complained that the picture was not the clearest quality, but acceptable. The biggest complaint reviewers seem to have is that the mobile app does not always work the way it should. Some reviewers mentioned receiving defective units, however, the company offers a 30-day refund option, and this product does come with a 1-year warranty.
How does it Compare?
Night Owl Cameras Vs Google Nest Cameras
Like the Night Owl security camera, the Google Nest camera system offers high-quality features such as 1080p HD resolution, night vision, an app for remote viewing, Google Assistant compatibility, two-way audio, and free or paid storage options.
Google Nest uses the Z-Wave protocol. The Google Nest cameras however don’t offer a wireless power source like the Night Owl camera system but have a more stable connection due to it being wired. Google Nest is a top-rated and better-known brand than the Night Owl security system, but it is a more expensive option and the outdoor cameras can be difficult to install.
The Google Nest has the option of IQ Cams that have Supersight, which can zero in on a person automatically. It also detects familiar faces by registering them with the device and will alert you when it sees a stranger. It also has a 3-hour snapshot history, which gives you a summary of the footage, saving you a lot of time going through hours of video.
You will also receive live updates via your mobile phone app. However, in order to use some of these special AI additional features, Google Nest requires you to pay an extra monthly fee. The Night Owl has more product options than the Google Nest which only has 8 cameras to choose from.
The Night Owl camera is a better option if you are looking for an entry-level, simple, and effective DIY surveillance camera. If you prefer a camera with lots of extra smart features such as IQ Cams and Supersight, and are at a much higher price point, then the Google Nest is the better choice for you.
Night Owl Cameras Vs Kuna Security Cameras
Like the Night Owl cameras, the Kuna cameras offer a simple camera system with easy DIY installation, which is affordable, and most of its features are also free. Both have two way audio and connect to smart assistant technology (Kuna works with Alexa and Google Assistant, and Night Owl works with Google Assistant). Both camera systems use a mobile app for remote viewing.
While the Night Owl security system offers both wired cameras and wireless cameras, the Kuna only offers wired security cameras. Kuna offers 1080p HD, and the Night Owl offers up to 4K quality audio.
The Night Owl has a wide-angle camera, that allows for a 100-degree view, and the Kuna offers a much wider 155-degree view. The Kuna Torch is also affordable but only has four product options to choose from, far fewer options than the Night Owl range.
For the Kuna camera system, you will need a paid subscription to access some of its best AI features, such as a 30-day video history. Kuna cameras rely on the illumination of an area using the motion-sensor floodlight at night to see in the dark and do not use infrared night vision. The bright light doesn’t produce clear footage as the picture can look too bright.
The Owl Night Camera uses an IR Cut Filter technology for clear night vision, without the need for floodlights to see in the dark.
Kuna has the option of hiding your security cameras in a very elegant and discreet light fixture. Kuna also offers a 60-day return policy if you are not satisfied, while Night Owl camera systems only offer a 30-day return policy.
If you are looking for a camera that has a better quality picture using an IR Cut Filter technology to capture video at night but has a narrower view, choose the Night Owl. If you want a discreet camera that has the option of being hidden in a light fixture, you don’t mind using a floodlight as the main source of light for night vision, and you need a much wider area of view, pick the Kuna cameras.
Night Owl Cameras Vs Lorex Cameras
The Night Owl cameras and the Lorex cameras both have the option to have either wired camera or wireless camera security systems, multiple security cameras and channels, or a stand-alone security camera. They have the same features in terms of the option for a 4K camera system (Lorex also offers 2K), with 3MP and 5MP quality pictures.
Both products are enabled for the use of Google Assistant, the option of dual audio or two way audio, floodlights, and sirens. Both offer security cameras with the option of paid cloud storage or free hard drive storage. They are both weather-resistant and suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
The Lorex has a longer range for color night vision of up to 135 feet, and the Night Owl camera gives you up to 100 feet for outdoor color night vision. One of the biggest differences between the two products is that Lorex has a much bigger range of cameras to choose from (140 security camera systems). The Night Owl cameras come with 40 different options.
Both products offer very similar features. However, if you require a very large product range of surveillance cameras to choose from and need a longer range of view – up to 135 feet of night vision (the Night Owl has 100 feet), then choose the Lorex security camera.
Do Night Owl cameras have audio?
The camera itself doesn’t have a built-in microphone to record audio. A DVR receiver, however, can enable up to 4 cameras up to 100 feet away to receive and record audio via a separate microphone.
Can you talk through Night Owl cameras?
If you choose a Night Owl camera model with dual audio, you can talk through the camera like an intercom.
Does Night Owl security need the Internet?
You do not need the Internet to record or store footage from your Night Owl camera. The Night Owl cameras come with 1 terabyte of storage which can be transferred onto a hard drive or Micro SD.
How long do Night Owl cameras last?
If you have a Night Owl camera system with 1 terabyte of storage and 4 cameras recording 24 hours a day in D1 resolution, it should record up to about 45 days before running out of storage room.
Verdict
If you want a security system that has good night vision, both motion and heat detection sensors, the option of wired or wireless cameras that does not require the Internet for its operation, then the Night Owl camera is an excellent choice.
The Google Nest security camera is a good choice for you if you want a product with lots of great AI features, are looking to invest in a well-known brand, and don’t mind paying a higher price.
If you are looking for a wired home security or business security system that gives you the option of hiding it in a discreet lamp light fixture, and you don’t mind a lower quality night vision that requires floodlights in order to capture nighttime images, then choose the Kuna cameras.
Whether you are new to home security or business security or you’re a long time user, we have reviewed the most important features for you to consider when choosing the perfect 24-hour camera security surveillance system for your needs.