Customer Reviews

SVAT CV31 Hi-Res Outdoor CCD Security Camera w/Long Range Night Vision

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I wanted to monitor, then eventually record traffic entering my driveway. I know NOTHING about surveillance cameras, but I thought I might experiment with inexpensive camera equipment that would transmit VIDEO ONLY wirelessly to a home security PC that I would establish. As usual, I started my search at the trusty Amazon. After reading reviews and comparing prices I opted for the QSee Model No. QSC48030 Nightvision CCD Color Camera. I honestly do NOT know how it maintains the high rating presented here. From the start the "night" vision was so faded and resolution so poor it was almost useless even with the perimeter lights on. The resolution and color in daylight was also washed out and fuzzy. The installation was a bit clunky for a novice and the placement adjustment was awkward. I had decided I would be wasting my money by continuing this project when I saw a review for SVAT CV31 nightvision color camera. Since it was about 30% cheaper than the QSee and the reviews were high rated I decided to take the risk.

This little IR camera is a GENUINE night vision camera. I get CLEAR high resolution monitoring in just moonlight and street lights at least 50ft away. The daylight vision is very clear at 720x480 and 30fps. Sometimes I get altered tints, e.g., too much blue or red in the color field, but it is not objectionable. The installation and placement adjustment are easy and intuitive. The one problem I experienced is strange. For some reason the AC/DC adapter does not hold up. Communication with the Merchant was excellent and they replaced the adapter on the spot. However, the second adapter is failing in the same mode. I decided there must be a design flaw in the adapter and just replaced theirs with one of my own 12VDC adapters and the camera is working well. With a better performing adapter, I would give the rating 5-stars. The Merchant DOES get the 5-stars. You cannot fault a seller for a design flaw outside of his control.

For newcomers to the surveilance system arena, this is a BEST BUY, for trying out and setting up a do-it-yourself system.

I have been experimenting with a few low-end security cameras. This camera is in the mid-price range of the cameras I have tried. It also delivers mid-range results. You get what you pay for I guess. The only reason I give this camera 4 stars is that it seems like a bargain for $75. I'm sure it is not a great camera compared to some of the pricier models. I have compared it side by side to the Q-See QSC48030 and I was not very impressed with SVAT when compared to the Q-See. On the other hand, the SVAT is much better than the X-10 camera line, especially in dim light or at night. The SVAT is a bit oversized, which may be good if you are mainly trying to create a deterrent. But the camera feels a bit flimsy and hollow to me. One of the power units I received was defective and that might have rendered the camera useless had I not been able to replace the power unit. The SVAT does have a few infrared LEDs for night-vision, but the illumination is quite dim, and you probably won't get enough illumination for security purposes beyond about 10 or 15 feet. The camera is much sharper than X-10 cameras, but not as sharp as a Q-See camera. The sharpness issue is most apparent in dim lighting and at night. The camera is surprisingly bright in very dim lighting situations, like right before dark, and at first light. This camera has a minor problem with color imaging -- I have noticed a pinkish cast to images at certain times of the day. If money is tight, or you are using this camera in a not-too-critical situation, the SVAT might be a good choice. But if you can afford it, I recommend splurging on the Q-See model mentioned above. Right now, I think the price difference is only about $40.

This camera works better than I expected. The image is about the clearest I've seen over a composite video source. I can make out details very well. The color saturation is very true, and the night vision is incredible. I can easily see my entire front porch at night, and even almost all the way to the garage. I'm definitely going to buy a few more of these units in the future. My only gripe is that the cable that sticks out of the camera (which connects to the very long extension cable which is included) is a little awkward at only 1 foot in length. It makes it so that the connection is just sort of hanging off in space out the back of the camera, whereas if the built-in cable was two feet longer, I could have hidden the connection inside the wall of my house (much more elegant). It's a small gripe for an otherwise awesome camera.

I do own 2 of this cameras. One was stuck in B/W mode all the time (IR LED's were on, as well) - so there is a problem with the day/night circuit within the camera.
I called the service- hot-line and was told that I have to send in the unit on my costs... also that there would be a charge; I would get my money back, if it would be determined that the fault falls under warranty.
I decided to let it go - it's not worth it.

-Update: the second camera died shortly after end of warranty period.

Great camera with good resolution and night vision. Comes with 60 feet of cable (that was not mentioned in product description) that was easy to hookup.

This is a very nice camera, and the housing is solid and functional in terms of getting the viewing angle you need and keeping the camera out of the elements. The 60' cord included is great, and since it's an RCA connection, if you need more distance ANY RCA audio/video cable will work (eg; I used an old 50' mono/phono RCA cable added to the cable provided and it works fine). I have two of these cameras hooked up to a Slingbox for remote monitoring of our family vacation cabin. The picture in any type of daylight, including twilight, is great. The night vision leaves a little to be desired BUT with any additional light source it works very well. Past 15 feet in total darkness the infrared is only good for seeing objects which reflect light, such as license plates. Another nice thing about the infrared is the suble red light which makes the camera visible in darknes - a good deterent in total darkness.

Well, things started off pretty good with a decent picture day and night, but after 3-4 months, the night vision failed to work. After another month, the day vision only worked in black and white. After another month (it was mid-winter by now) the day vision only worked if the temperature was above about 35 degrees outside. In Kentucky 35 is a "warm" day in the winter. I'm giving up on this thing and trying the more expensive Q-See camera.

I was surprised at the picture you get off this thing. I figured for ~$75 how good could it be?
Well, I'd say pretty darn good. I can honestly say I could not expect better picture quality for
a sub-$100 camera. However the night vision part is where it falls short... It's not 45 feet
more like 25, But thats still pretty good. Within that 25 feet, people light up like the 4th of July
you can't miss em.

The picture in night vision mode is kinda grainy, but almost all night vision I have ever seen is
to some degree or another.

If you're looking for a low-cost camera that has 'ok' night vision capabilities, then this will definetly
fit the bill.

The camera is a good looking unit.
The night vision for very short distances is fine, but I would not say anything over 30' in darkness can be seen with any clarity.
The price is right, and it is an excellent daylight camera.

The day time viewing is very good. Night time (B/W) is not too bad but works really well with a motion sensor light that really improves the view.

I would definitely recommend this camera. If you order the extension cable (SVAT SEW33) with the camera you could end up with a cable with both ends being male connectors ( Mine was ). Don't have a DVR yet
so can't advise on how that will work. Just hooked mine to the TV for
the time being.