Security Camera Night Vision Range: IR Illumination and Effective Distance

Volume I  ·  May 2026  ·  213 words

The effective night vision range of a security camera is the distance at which a human face can be identified under IR illumination — typically 20-40 feet for consumer cameras. The limiting factors are the IR LED output power, the LED wavelength (850nm is brighter but produces a visible red glow; 940nm is invisible but has approximately 50% less range), and the camera sensor's low-light sensitivity. The Reolink Argus 4 Pro uses 850nm IR LEDs with a claimed 33-foot night vision range. The Eufy SoloCam S340 specifies 26-foot night vision. At the maximum rated range, subjects appear as recognizable human forms but facial features may not be distinguishable — the 40 pixels per foot requirement for identification translates to a practical identification range of approximately 60-70% of the manufacturer's stated detection range. For critical identification points (entry doors, gate), either position the camera closer than its maximum rated range or supplement with an external IR illuminator ($20-40) that extends the effective illumination distance to 50-80 feet.