Hey everyone! In this post, we'll delve into the reasons behind motion blur in videos recorded by Tapo ColorPro night vision cameras in certain low-light scenarios. Additionally, we'll explore workarounds to address this issue. Let's get started!

Part 1: How does Tapo ColorPro camera display color images in low-light conditions at night?

The night vision performance of a camera depends on factors such as sensors, aperture, and image processing algorithms.

By utilizing larger sensors, apertures, and enhanced image optimization algorithms, Tapo ColorPro cameras, like the Tapo C325WB, can display color images in ultra-low light conditions without the need for spotlights.

In comparison, regular cameras might produce completely dark images in similar low-light environments.

Tapo C325WB - ColorPro Outdoor Security Wi-Fi Camera

Part 2: Understanding motion blur in low-light scenarios

Users may encounter noticeable motion blur or trailing effects in videos recorded by ColorPro cameras in certain low-light conditions. Here are some possible reasons:

1. Shutter/exposure time: To capture sufficient light in dark environments and present color images, ColorPro cameras employ longer shutter/exposure times in low-light conditions. During this period, if there is movement in front of the camera lens, it may leave traces on the camera's photosensitive element, resulting in motion blur. Increasing the shutter/exposure speed may lead to darker images and reduced clarity.

2. Object movement speed: If the movement speed of an object is faster than the camera's shutter/exposure speed, there may be noticeable displacement between frames, causing motion blur.

3. Noise Interference: In low-light environments, the image signal-to-noise ratio is lower, which may introduce some noise. When objects move, the noise also moves, further contributing to the blurring of moving objects.

Part 3: Workarounds

To address these issues and optimize your night vision experience, we suggest the following solutions:

• Ensure your Tapo camera is running the latest firmware.

We constantly explore different camera parameters and algorithm optimizations to achieve the best night vision performance. Therefore, it's recommended to upgrade your Tapo camera to the latest firmware to ensure optimal night vision results.
How to update the firmware of the Tapo devices on the Tapo App

• Utilize the spotlight to improve lighting conditions.

We provide diverse spotlight and night mode configurations, allowing users to adjust according to their specific needs. 

a) Full-Color Mode
The spotlight will automatically illuminate in low-light conditions and adjust its brightness based on the preset ambient light level (Dim/Dark/Extreme Dark).

b) Schedule Mode
You can set the spotlight's brightness and keep it on during specific time periods (e.g., from 8 pm to 6 am).

c) Smart Mode
The spotlight is initially disabled. However, when the ambient light level falls below a certain threshold and the camera detects moving objects (e.g., human, vehicle, or pet), the spotlight will automatically turn on. You can set the brightness and duration of the spotlight when it's activated, and it will automatically turn off when the countdown ends.

Please note that the spotlight won't necessarily turn on with every detected moving object at night. If the ambient light level is close to the threshold for the spotlight to activate but higher than the brightness to turn on the spotlight, the color night vision performance may be compromised. In such cases, we recommend selecting Full-Color Mode or Schedule Mode to ensure the best night vision experience.

Conclusion:

By understanding how ColorPro cameras work and utilizing the spotlight feature effectively, you can enhance your color night vision experience. Remember to keep your Tapo camera firmware up to date for optimal performance. If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to reply on this thread. Happy monitoring!

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