What Is The Lux Rating Of Night Owl Security Camera
How We Review
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Night Owl has swooped correct in as a fast-growing security company with lots of camera options. After taking a deep dive into their products' features and tech, it was obvious that in that location's something for everyone in Night Owl'due south cameras. And the prices weren't bad, either. Some of their basic add together-on cameras start at $59.99, which is quite competitive. They also sell high-tech security photographic camera systems with facial recognition for $1,000-plus.
That said, there are things to consider near Dark Owl earlier hopping on the "purchase now" bandwagon. For instance, I couldn't livestream video with their battery-powered cameras. And if you're a smart home buff, your options are limited with Night Owl. Otherwise, this camera make still holds its own confronting fierce competition. And then let's jump in to see if this service makes sense for your home and budget.
PROS
- Selection of Wired or Wireless Cameras
- No Contracts
- 1080p HD Video Resolution
- NVR, DVR Systems Stabilize Connection
- Nighttime Vision
- Two-Way Audio
- Facial Recognition and Human Detection Features
- Works With Google Banana
CONS
- App Is Buggy
- Wide Selection Can Be Overwhelming
- No Livestreaming on Bombardment-Powered Cameras
- Limited Home Automation Integrations
Night Owl in a Nutshell
Unlike many security companies that have their roots in Cathay, Night Owl was founded in Naples, Florida. Of class, their hardware is manufactured abroad (y'all know, to cut costs), but their engineers, software designers, and servers are all located stateside. You lot may capeesh this, but it's pretty standard for the manufacture.
The Night Owl brand has been in business concern since 2009,1 and they beak themselves equally the fastest- growing manufacturer of security DVRs and cameras. Unfortunately, in that location'south not a lot of info on the company to be constitute. But and so once more, Night Owl doesn't have the aforementioned name recognition every bit the Ring, for example, or Google Nest'southward super-high-tech cams. So I'll give Night Owl the benefit of the uncertainty here.
Before jumping into my experience with the cameras, hither are a few key stats to know about Night Owl:
Night Owl Camera Features
Days Tested | 7 Days |
All-time Feature | Night Vision |
Video Resolution | 1080p Hd |
Power | Plug-in, Wireless |
Price | $70+ |
My Feel With Night Owl Security Cameras
First Impressions
Night Owl'due south presentation was clean. Holding the 1080p Indoor/Outdoor cameras in-hand, you'll notice the devices wait and feel like high-quality modern security cameras — most like what yous'd find in a regime building. They're likewise lightweight and compact. But one quick tip is to match the camera colour to the color of your door trim. A black photographic camera will stick out like a sore thumb on white trim, and vice versa.
Installing Night Owl Cameras
Thankfully, Night Owl security cameras were quick and painless to configure and install. But honestly, I've come to look ultra-like shooting fish in a barrel DIY installation. The company'south website has all the information you'll need to install your cameras — vii devices in total — and connect them to the Night Owl Connect app in less than an hr.
Did You Know: It'due south a race to the meridian for home security companies to see who can offering the fastest and easiest installation in the industry. Acquire about more devices out at that place with hassle-gratuitous installation in our roundup of the all-time wireless cameras.
Equally far as setup goes, Night Owl wireless security cameras are unproblematic, but you lot'll want to follow their quick online setup guide just to exist sure. All I had to do was plug in the power adapter to hear that the camera was in pairing fashion. And adding the camera to your NVR is no sweat; its congenital-in Wi-Fi quickly plant the new camera and added it to an empty channel since everything runs over Wi-Fi. If you don't hear the camera say information technology'southward in pairing mode when you plug it in, just press the reset push until information technology says "resetting."
The wired options were but slightly more complicated, merely watching Night Owl's setup video helped. One time the DVR is connected, yous'll then connect the BNC cables. Thankfully, each side is labeled with its advisable home: "to camera" or "to DVR or NVR." I recommend connecting the cameras and making certain at that place'south a signal before mounting them. It's also worth mentioning that hiding wires on the wired cams was the most time-consuming part.
If y'all're intimidated by DIY projects, y'all'll similar Night Owl. While the cameras aren't as easy to install every bit Blink'due south wire-complimentary cameras, in my experience, it was easy enough.
FYI: Notation that with Nighttime Owl's wired cameras, I didn't take the time to hide all the wires. Surely you can probably do a better job, but a handyman can likely get the job done in half the time. Just something to consider.
Everyday Use
Some of Night Owl's higher-end cameras come up stacked with cutting-edge features similar person detection and facial recognition. These high-tech devices, in some ways, are similar to the pop Nest Cam IQ series I tested. Every bit far as the plug-and-play sub-$100 cameras go, I initially didn't think they had enough punching power in the features department. I'm happy to report, however, that later a few days of testing the cameras, they offered only enough features for the toll. Just don't look 24/7 perfection.
One of the standouts in Dark Owl's popular 1080p Indoor/Outdoor camera was the night vision that views up to 100 feet. The cameras picked up fairly decent details of my garden at almost 40 feet out, simply beyond that, the resolution wasn't so dandy. The two-fashion talk and infrared PIR movement sensing features are great, but those are pretty much standard these days.
On the other manus, the field of view could be improved. Night Owl advertises this camera with "wide-angle viewing," but the viewing bending is only 100 degrees, which pales in comparing to many pan-tilt-zoom cameras and quite a few of the Reolink cameras I've tested. All in all, y'all're going to want a device that offers at to the lowest degree a 120- to a 160-degree field of view; that way you can monitor more of your home without needing to purchase additional cameras.
FYI: If you're into smart dwelling technology with non-Google platforms, this might non be the brand for you, but I urge yous to visit our habitation automation guide for more than ways to apply cameras in your smart home.
The multichannel DVR and NVR kits worked well, besides. When it comes to feeling condom and secure in your castle, information technology definitely helps to know that video is constantly being recorded. Overall, Nighttime Owl might lack some bells and whistles compared to elevation-rated cameras like the Arlo Pro iii cameras I analyzed, but I'd yet recommend Dark Owl'south wireless cams if you're looking for do-it-yourself home surveillance.
FYI: A lot of people are intimidated by the more expensive DVR and NVR systems. But in many ways, they function similarly to lower-cease systems — and every bit a benefit you'll generally take admission to more advanced features.
Night Owl Customer Support
The Dark Owl website provides plenty of resources, including troubleshooting guides, if y'all demand help with their products. And their YouTube channel is often updated with videos for their equipment.
But sometimes there's nothing like a good old-fashioned phone telephone call. Conveniently, Nighttime Owl's technical support is offered in English, Castilian, and French. And they likewise have a 24/seven chat line. This around-the-clock access to support is a really nice affect, and something I rarely see in the manufacture. Most security companies accept online resources, but Nighttime Owl provides more than than enough assist to solve technical matters on your ain.
Overview of Night Owl's Features and Tech
DVR and NVR
I prefer Nighttime Owl'due south DVR over their NVR since yous tin still access remote live viewing when you plug in the Ethernet cable. The NVR can deliver 4K Ultra HD playback, simply be warned, it's a lot more expensive. Besides, the DVR'due south 1080p Hard disk video was clear enough to brand out details when angled just right.
Two-Way Audio
Nighttime Owl cameras tin capture audio, but yous can besides utilise certain models equally an intercom of sorts. For example, you can give a delivery driver instructions on where to leave your packages, and even tell a would-exist burglar to scram. It's ever important to have a good two-way talk feature.
Compatible With Google Banana
Google Assistant is designed to brand your life easier. And thankfully, Nighttime Owl's compatibility with Google Assistant allows you to see what the cameras are seeing on pretty much any screen. Voice control is a nice feature; it would be nice if Dark Owl besides worked with Amazon Alexa and other automation platforms similar IFTTT, though.
Local Video Storage
Since local storage is the way to get with Night Owl these days, you lot can only utilise the one TB hard drive in the NVR to store your recordings. Some devices utilize micro SD for storage, which can exist changed out as you wish.
Nighttime Vision
Night Owl security cameras shoot in full color during the solar day and switch to night manner effortlessly. Y'all can watch footage of the darkest corner of your yard, and you should be able to see up to 40 feet out without a problem. The visitor claims that you tin can see up to 100 feet at night with select cameras.
Dual Sensors
Dual motion and heat sensors add together a little pizzazz to Night Owl's motion detection. You lot might notice that the dual sensors tin get triggered by bugs flying into the photographic camera lenses, but otherwise, it's nice to take dual heat and motion sensors in one. Also, on some cameras, you can customize movement zones to reduce false alarms (from trees swaying, cars passing by, etc.).
Equipment Options
See beneath for Nighttime Owl's most popular equipment and cameras. Although this is not an exhaustive list of their 50-plus camera options and surveillance kits, it should give you an idea of what to expect from Nighttime Owl.
Indoor/Outdoor Wireless 1080p AC Powered Camera
This camera works equally either an addition or stand-alone device. The 1080p image quality was crisp and articulate during the day, and the night vision worked every bit expected. Only I do think the 100-degree field of view could be improved.
viii-Channel Wireless Smart Security Hub
This package gives y'all an NVR with a 1 TB hard drive and 4 1080p wireless cameras. Yous can connect upwardly to eight wireless cameras and enjoy remote viewing using the Night Owl app. The cameras are good for indoor/outdoor apply, covering every bending of a single-family dwelling with little trouble.
8-Channel 4K Ultra Hard disk Wired Smart Security DVR With 2 TB Difficult Bulldoze
If you accept a 4K Ultra HD Tv set or monitor, this packet is worth considering. It's more expensive than lower resolution models (every bit it should be), but the 4K video is crystal clear. Night Owl's 4K Ultra HD cameras are wired, which take longer to install, but offer a better indicate compared to the wireless cams.
half dozen-Aqueduct 4K W2 Fusion Hybrid Security DVR With 1 TB Local Storage
Dark Owl'due south Hybrid Security DVR tin can connect to wired and wireless cameras. This comes with four 4K Ultra Hd Indoor/Outdoor cameras and ii Indoor 1080p HD cameras.
iv-Aqueduct HD Wireless Gateway with 16GB MicroSD Card
This kit is similar to DVRs and NVRs, but note that gateways don't connect to a screen as DVRs and NVRs do. Otherwise, they accept all the same features.
1080p Smart Doorbell
The Nighttime Owl Smart Doorbell, like about of their equipment, handles remote viewing, 2-way sound, and integration with Google Assistant very well. This device is cheaper than many 1080p HD doorbell cameras on the marketplace, and it offers many of the same features. This ane won't blow you away overall, though; I urge y'all to bank check out more than of the industry's top-rated video doorbells like Ring or Arlo before making your choice.
four-Channel HD Wireless Gateway With ii AC Powered Indoor Wireless Cameras
If you lot're looking for affordable indoor cameras with the option to add more later, we recollect this is a good starter package. Night Owl's Wireless Gateway and wireless cameras take the least amount of time to set upward compared to the rest of their equipment. You'll too pay less purchasing this package than buying the equipment separately.
Nighttime Owl Costs
Since they're mostly sold every bit NVR/DVR kits,2 Nighttime Owl cameras tend to be on the pricey side. But you practice go solid equipment, and their individual cameras aren't terribly expensive in case you lot demand to add more in the future. All told, this is a brand worth considering if yous're on a budget.
You lot'll likely pay more than with Night Owl, compared to, say, a system of low-cost Swann NVR cameras; however, note that while Swann is considered an affordable make, it has less sturdy equipment. Just something to keep in heed.
For more buying options and pricing, head over to my Dark Owl pricing guide. In the meantime, hither's the latest breakdown of Nighttime Owl cams:
Snapshot of Night Owl Costs
Camera Model | Cost | Key Features |
---|---|---|
Indoor/Outdoor Wireless 1080p AC Powered Camera | $99.99 |
|
Add-On/Standalone 1080p Air conditioning Powered Wireless Indoor Panoramic Camera | $79.99 |
|
eight-Channel Wireless Smart Security Hub | $399.99 |
|
8-Channel 4K Ultra HD Wired Smart Security DVR (2 TB Hard Bulldoze) | $499.99 |
|
6-Aqueduct 4K W2 Fusion Hybrid Security DVR (ane TB Local Storage) | $399.99 |
|
iv-Channel HD Wireless Gateway with 16GB MicroSD Card | $249.99 |
|
4-Channel Hard disk Wireless Gateway with two Ac Powered Indoor Wireless Cameras | $149.99 |
|
1080p Smart Doorbell | $99.99 |
|
Note that Night Owl offers 12 different add-on cameras. These options are listed in the "Add-Ons and Accessories" section beneath. Also, continue in mind that Night Owl offers dozens of different DVR and NVR kits, along with stand-alone DVRs and NVRs. The chart higher up represents a sample of their products and prices.
Night Owl Deject Plans
Across the industry, cloud storage is becoming hugely popular as a way to manage and monitor footage from your cameras. It's as well relatively inexpensive, and I recommend information technology often if you don't take some other storage selection.
Dark Owl recently discontinued their cloud service, and then for at present, storing footage in the deject isn't in the cards. They do include a micro SD port with nearly of their DVR and NVR-based kits, so that appears to be the best way to store footage with Night Owl.
Like to a fix of Lorex cams I reviewed previously, Dark Owl keeps the focus more than on equipment and less on storage. So the loss of cloud storage with Dark Owl isn't much of a surprise; information technology just gives you something to consider as you lot choose the correct security setup for you lot and your family.
Nighttime Owl Add-on Cameras and Accessories
Night Owl isn't a perfect camera system, simply ane describe of the brand is how expandable their systems are. You tin can showtime ho-hum and build out a comprehensive security camera organization over time. Compared to most other security camera brands, Nighttime Owl has far more add-ons to cull from. Check them out beneath.
Night Owl Add-On Cameras
Add together On Cameras | Price |
---|---|
1080p HD Wired Cameras (2-pack) | $69.99 |
4K Ultra HD Wired Cameras With Congenital-in Spotlights (2-pack) | $129.99 |
1080p Air-conditioning Powered Wireless Indoor Panoramic Photographic camera | $79.99 |
4K Ultra HD Wired IP Cameras With Ethernet Cables (2-pack) | $179.99 |
5MP Hd Wired Cameras With Built-in Spotlights (4-pack) | $169.99 |
Hybrid Wireless 1080p Cameras (2-pack) | $169.99 |
4K (8MP) Ultra HD Wired Security Cameras (2-pack) | $169.99 |
Wired 4K UHD IP Bullet Camera due west/ Audio | $149.99 |
1080p HD AC Powered Wireless Photographic camera With 2-Way Audio | $99.99 |
1080p Wired Hd Analog Security Photographic camera With Heat-Based Motility Detection | $69.99 |
1080p HD Wired Security Bullet Cameras (four-pack) | $199.99 |
1080p HD Wired Security Bullet Camera | $59.99 |
1080p HD Smart Video Doorbell | $49.99 (was $79.99) |
Other Night Owl Accessories
Accessories | Toll |
---|---|
Decoy Dome Camera With Flashing Lite | $9.99 |
Decoy PTZ Photographic camera With Flashing Light | $14.99 |
12-Pack BNC-BNC Cable Connectors | $14.99 |
Camera Power Adapter With four-Way Ability Splitter | $fourteen.99 |
Combo DVR/Photographic camera Power Adapter With 9-Way Power Splitter | $29.99 |
ii-Pack of In-Wall Rated Video and Power Extension Cables | $34.99 |
xvi GB micro SD Bill of fare | $9.99 |
32 GB micro SD Card | $fourteen.99 |
Wi-Fi Enabled Smart Safe™ with Integrated Cloud Connectivity | $179.99 |
Reflective One thousand sign | $14.99 |
Night Owl Warranty
Nighttime Owl's one-year limited warranty leaves a scrap to be desired. It simply covers manufacturing defects and excludes key components similar the spotlight bulbs, LEDs, and batteries. There are enough brands out there offering multiyear warranties — and sometimes lifetime warranties — so information technology'due south definitely possible for Nighttime Owl to amend here. Fortunately, stores similar Walmart and Costco offer extended warranties. So I recommend looking into those options.
The Bottom Line
After getting plenty of easily-on experience with their products, it's clear that Nighttime Owl is a serious contender (it'due south on our meridian 10 list, subsequently all!). I welcome the simplicity of their devices, too as the extensive camera options — in fact, the possibilities are nearly countless with Night Owl.
Still, Night Owl's lack of habitation automation features and integrations (other than Google Banana) was a minor sore spot. As well, I wouldn't mind seeing the 1080p Indoor/Outdoor camera's 100-caste field of view improved to at to the lowest degree 120 degrees or more than.
At this point, if yous're easily overwhelmed by too many options (which believe it or non, tin can actually crusade anxiety3 ), and then Dark Owl probably isn't right for you.
Overall, if you're on the market for a consummate, multichannel DVR or NVR setup, then this company might have the appurtenances you're looking for. But if you're simply searching for a stand up-alone camera (or ii or three), then you may be better off checking out the total Ring camera suite I tested instead.
Oftentimes Asked Questions
Do Night Owl cameras work with Alexa?
No. Night Owl cameras pair with the Google Banana for smart habitation integrations, only no other platforms. So when you try to pair a Night Owl camera with an Alexa device, you'll probably go "Sad, in that location was a trouble. Please try once again later."
Are monthly fees required With Nighttime Owl?
No. One of the make's selling points is that beyond the initial equipment costs, in that location are no monthly fees with Night Owl.
Does Night Owl offering a deject storage option?
Not anymore. The brand discontinued their cloud service for video monitoring, only it'southward all the same easy to monitor Nighttime Owl cameras yourself using the NVR or DVR. You can besides connect the arrangement to your TV and employ micro SD cards to store footage.
Are Dark Owl cameras weatherproof?
Near Dark Owl cameras are made for the outdoors, with ratings of IP65 and up. This conditions rating doesn't mean the camera is waterproof, but it does protect against wind and dust.
How is Night Owl'southward nighttime vision?
In our tests, Night Owl cameras gave us some decent coverage in the nighttime, with good, non great, detail.
Source: https://www.safehome.org/home-security-cameras/night-owl/reviews/
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