Could this be used to improve the quality of night time video for cell phones?
753737
No, these can only be used with camera's that are capable of picking up Infrared light. Cameras that are marketed for night surveillance for example. With some rare exception all consumer digital cameras, including those in a cell phone have an 'IR Filter' used to specifically block out this type of light as it can create less than desirable image color. In many dSLR cameras there is a a very advanced procedure to manually remove this, but doing so should only be done by experienced people who have a very specific reason to. The light ring LEDs here can also be used with some small SBC (Single Board Computer) add on cameras that come without an IR Filter, some as the NoIR camera for the Raspberry Pi. These small cameras intentionally done have the IR Filter and with IR Lights like these LEDS can be used for 'night vision'. There are also some low cost cameras like the infragram from infragram.org which is part of a larger public/community research site publiclab.org that do some really cool stuff inf interested. They are used for daytime photography but are designed to pick up near infrared for use with certain types of photography and research. I would image you could use these LEDs lights to get night vision pictures at a low cost. As i recall, the publiclab.org website also describes how to remove the IR Filter from cheap USB Web cams, in much the same way they are removed from dSLR cameras, except its easier and you are only messing with a $30-40 web cam not a $1000-$5000 dSLR. Anyways, these LEDs are not really the best quality, be sure to read my review on them i had a lot of issues with the LEDs starting to burn out after just a few hours or a couple days use. maybe try lower voltages or something, or look for better quality. Here is my review for reference:
1089324
I would have to agree with Samuel because most people can just use their iPhone or DROID phones to shoot great video for example. We have a DROID X that has a generous 4.5" screen and takes HD video & sound just fine for the everyday user. Videos can now be uploaded directly to YouTube without having to convert them either (had to do this a year ago for quality)! I think little pocket-cams will become obsolete by 2012 (along with the WORLD!!! LOL).
2001728
No it can't and I would consider another cam - this one does fine in the day but nighttime images are horrible.
597206
It should make the quality of the video better when viewing it on the TV from the camcorder.
2161866
I think there is only infrared function for night shot. You can take white-black video at night not color one
259484
Dear Wolfgang,Please check and verify if the camera you are using is Analog camera. You can use it for night owl systems if the cameras are analog cameras. Thank you!
1644586
I don't think it's a good idea to use it as a home security device. I have put it on the dashboard. It is really good during the daytime, but it is hardly seen on the screen at night. The quality of the recording at night is terrible.
1365377
No, I think this is because it is not needed due to high resolution. Thought it it would at night but the night vision is respectable
897689
I would say no for video, because the modeling lights are pretty dim and they are not white. For pictures they would light that well.
1771195
I would agree with the previous responder. It only works in darkness but does work well
352365
The video quality at night was great and during the day as long as you keep the room the baby is sleeping in pretty dark it was good. If you have a nightlight or window that shines light on the baby or near video, that affects the quality.
84762
Only if it is on transparency. To place a picture on the screen would black out the light.
234425
Hi Andrew, The camcorder has a Night Scene mode to shoot Night scenery but doesn't have night vision. - Vincent
1703363
It might work if you had external lighting, and plenty of it. Pictures are not clear at all. The camera is designed to take many poor quality pictures so you can see movement and determine the time and place of movement.
615091
It is terrible in low light and the built in light isn't very effective. Decent quality video in bright situations.
842423
No, I wouldn`t plan on any all night recording with this camera. I get about an hour of decent quality video with a 16 Gig disk. You may be able to set it to record longer, but you wouldn`t be happy with the video quality. If you want long term recording, get a camera that can record to your computers hard drive. This inexpensive cam will not do that.
843266
This is not a night vision camera therefore it requires some light source ie backup light. I have some Cree backup bulbs so it works well at night.