Night Owl security cameras are considered to be cost-effective, high performance and worth to its price. Night Owl describes their products in 3 words, innovative, quality, and affordable!!
Table Of Contents
- 1 A Brief Story of the Night Owl
- 2 Types of Night Owl Security Cameras
- 3 Night Owl Security Camera System – Pros & Cons
- 4 2. Night Owl DVR & NVR Reviews
- 5 Night Owl 16 Channel Security System Reviews
- 6 Night Owl 8 Channel Security System Reviews – 1080p Wired Surveillance Camera
- 7 Night Owl Wireless Security Cameras Reviews
- 8 Where to Buy Night Owl Security Camera Systems?
- 9 NVR vs DVR – Which security camera system is the best for you?
- 10 Other Factors To Be Considered
- 11 Features & Technology
A Brief Story of the Night Owl
Night Owl security company was started in the year 2009. It is a relatively new company if you compare with contemporary other security companies. It was the time when security cameras systems were very costly, and it was out of reach for most of the people.
Night owl realized this problem and came up with cost-effective, but they didn’t make any compromise with quality. Night Owl quickly solved this problem and filled the gap, and very soon became the industry leader in Security Camera world.
It’s easy to install and easy to operate. Night Owl offers the complete security cameras system. It is designed to use for home, business, government organizations, and any similar places. Night owl utilizes the latest & greatest technologies and integrates those in a way so that anybody and understand it.
Night owl security cameras are easy to install, in most of the cases you don’t need any professional to install, you can do it by yourself. In this Night Owl security camera reviews article, I will go very detail about every point that matters for you to make a buying decision.
Here is the comparison table which helps you to compare various products, features, and price.
| Sr# | Name | Chennel | DVR/NVR? | Connection | Resolution | HDD | Price |
| 1 | CL-HDA30-161022P-B | 16 | DVR | Wired | 3MP | 1TB | Check Price |
| 2 | IH804-1612BA-B | 16 | NVR | Wired | 4K | 4TB | Check Price |
| 3 | C-841-A10 | 8 | DVR | Wired | 1080p | 1TB | Check Price |
| 4 | THD301-88P-B | 8 | DVR | Wired | 3MP | 1TB | Check Price |
| 5 | WNVR201-88P-B | 8 | NVR | Wireless | 1080p | 1TB | Check Price |
| 6 | WNVR201-44P-B | 4 | NVR | Wireless | 1080p | 1TB | Check Price |
| 7 | CAM-WNVR2P-IN | – | – | Wireless | 1080p | 1TB | Check Price |
Types of Night Owl Security Cameras
There is many security cameras are available manufactured by Night Owl. Wired, Wireless, 16 channel, eight channel, etc. I am listing down all the categories which you might be familiar.
Wired Security Camera
This categorization is done based on the connection between DVR/NVR to a security camera. Wired security cameras mainly use a coaxial cable or network cable, commonly known as CAT5 or CAT6 cable.
Night Owl wired security camera is known as a robust one, but they are intended to install in a shed where there is rain is not hitting directly. Please read the product description before buying.
Wireless Security Camera
Wireless security camera uses wireless signal produced by NVR to connect to NVR. By design, wireless security cameras are simpler than the wired one from an end-user perspective. But technically except connectivity mechanism, there is not much difference.
Night Owl wireless security cameras are high performance and fewer issues if you compare it with similar price range brands. Of course, I am expecting you not to compare apple and oranges. Night Owl wireless cameras have fewer connectivity issues between NVR and cameras.
If you wish to learn more about security cameras, please refer here.
Night Owl Security Camera System – Pros & Cons
Every tech products have their pros and cons. Similarly, Night Owl security systems have a lot of plus and minuses. I like Night Owl security because of its low price if you compare with the other competitors.
But at the same time, there is no compromise with quality. If you get any other brand security camera of the same resolution, probably you won’t be able to tell the difference. This Night Owl security camera reviews guide would help to compare all the features and make a buying decision.
- Night Owl security camera is available in both types, wired and wireless. Few people prefer wired over wireless due to better picture quality.
- No monthly fees.
- Works with smart devices and compatible with Google Assitant too.
- The smartphone app allows controlling the security camera remotely.
- Excellent night vision.
- Motion detection and alert though push notification on your smartphone.
- No cloud storage options.
- The smartphone app is not reliable.
- Night Owl does not support IFTTT enables devices.
2. Night Owl DVR & NVR Reviews
Night Owl DVR (Digital Video Recorder) and NVR(Network Video Recorder) are excellent quality and do their job best. Analog security camera systems use Digital Video Recorders, but IP security camera systems use Network Video Recorder. If you wish to learn more about these technologies, please visit here.
1. Customized Motion Detection
NVR and DVR can be customized very quickly according to user needs. For example, you can turn on the motion detection record feature. When somebody moves around your home, then only DVR and NVR will start recording. This feature saves HDD as you won’t save every footage.
2. Recording Scheduling
DVR and NVR can be customized to record the video footage at a specific time. You can schedule the on and off timings in DVR and NVR. These recordings can be accessed remotely using the smartphone app.
3. CMS Software
The most exciting feature of Night Owl security camera system is that it can be controlled remotely using CMS Software. You can install CMS software on Windows or Mac PC and just by doing proper configuration and authentication; you can get full access to your Night Owl DVR or NVR system installed at your home.
4. Smart Devices Support Using App
Night Owl Security Camera System helps you to monitor your home or small business on the tablet, phone or any smart device. It offers a high definition(HD) smartphone app, that is entirely free to download and use.
This app has an auto-detection feature which finds out the Night Owl DVR automatically. Just make sure that DVR and app are in the same wireless network.
If you have multiple cameras installed and connected to one DVR, you can view all the cameras video footage directly on your smart device.
Night Owl 16 Channel Security System Reviews
16 Channel Security camera supports up to 16 security cameras. Which means you have 16 places to monitor at the same time. However, it is not necessary that you hook up all the security cameras. For example, you may have 16 channel DVR and plug only ten security cameras in it, rest six you can plug when it is needed.
In this section of Night Owl security camera reviews, I am going to review a few 16 channels security cameras which are best performing and have positive feedback from other users.
1. CL-HDA30-161022P-B Review- Night Owl 16 Channel 10 Camera Security System
CL-HDA30-161022P-B security cameras system is designed for robust and high performance — this DVR supports 16 security cameras. Eight bullet and two Dome cameras are included in the price. It is a wired security camera and has an excellent picture and video quality.
This security cameras system equipped with Dual sensor technology which can detect the motion much accurately than any other security cameras and minimizes the false alters.
DVR software is highly customizable and can be scheduled to record at a particular time. You have tons of options in DVR to customize for your needs.
Where it can be installed.
It is designed to install outdoor but can be used indoor too.
Product Overview
- This security camera is 16 channel, but only ten security cameras are included in the price. Eight Bullet cameras each 3MP and two Dome Cameras, 3 MP.
- 3MP resolution is better than 1080p. So you can consider it as ultra HD security camera system.
- Each security camera is audio enabled which means you can talk and watch at the same time.
- The smartphone app can be configured to view the live and recorded footage remotely.
- Because this security camera is a wired one, DVR connects to Security cameras using 24AWG UL cables. These cables are provided in the box.
- Night vision up to 100 feet.
- Dual Sensor technology makes it more intelligent, and it can detect the motion and movement more accurately.
- You have the option to add six more cameras in the future when needed.
2. IH804-1612BA-B Review – Night Owl 16 Channel Best 4K Security Camera System
If you are looking for a 4K resolution security camera for your big house (with 16 channel), this would be the right choice for you. This security camera has an excellent picture and video quality.
This DVR has 2 TB HDD preinstalled. It is a wired security camera and connects to NVR using an ethernet cable. This system supports two-way audio too.
It has a viewing angle 85 degree which is neither wide nor narrow. You can connect NVR to TV to watch live videos on TV; If you have 4K TV, you will notice a crystal clear video quality.
Where it can be installed.
It is designed to install outdoor but can be used indoor too.
Product Overview
- 16 channel security camera system equipped with 4 TB HDD preinstalled.
- 12 4K resolution security cameras are included in the price.
- It is an IP security camera.
- RID technology boosts the image quality which delivers stunning image and videos.
- Smartphone app facilitates the viewing of living and recorded footage remotely.
- Night vision up to 100 feet.
- These security cameras are audio enabled, which means you can watch and listed the sound. You can record the sound in DVR too.
- These security cameras are 8MP, ie. 4K resolution which is four times resolution than 1080p.
- Night Owl NVR uses H.265 data compression technology while storing video footage in NVR. This data compression technology is vital for end users. You can save more video footage in the same storage.
Night Owl 8 Channel Security System Reviews – 1080p Wired Surveillance Camera
Night Owl security camera system is most popular using it at home surveillance. 8 channels and 16 channels both are suitable options for this. If you have a big home, then probably you should go for 16 channels; otherwise, 8 channels security cameras are good enough to monitor.
As the name indicates, it is 8 channel, which means DVRsuppios up to 8 security cameras. Similarly, 16 channels of security cameras support 16 cameras maximum. I am going to review three security cameras which are 8 channels. Night Owl 8 channel security system reviews would help you find out the interesting facts about the Night Owl security cameras.
1. Night Owl C-841-A10 – Best Affordable Wired One.
It is simply the best product for the best price. I ordered it online and got the shipment after a week. I was not very sure that it is going to work as per my expectations. Installation took me a while, as this was the first time I was installing a wired security camera, it may not be the same case for you though. After the installation, when I looked at the first time the monitoring screen, I was shocked.
Picture quality is so clear! I mean I was confused for a while that it is 1080p or 4K. Night vision is also amazing. Smartphone app works well so far, no issues. As all the recording is on the DVR, I am not using much my smartphone to watch. When I am at home, I just turn on my monitor and watch the recorded footage.
Best Place to Install
This security camera is built for outdoor, but if you want, you can install it indoors too.
Product Overview
- It is a 8 channels security cameras system. It is a wired security camera, all the connecting cables are provided in the box.
- 1 TB HDD is pre-installed in DVR.
- Camera resolution is 1080p.
- Although it is 8 channels security camera system, only 4 bullet cameras are included in the price. If you wish to add more cameras, you can buy it separately and attach to DVR.
- These security cameras have a wide angle, which helps to monitor more area.
- Smartphone app helps to view the live and recorded footage remotely.
- It is compatible with older Analog security cameras.
- Easy installation.
- Not Expensive.
- Great video quality.
- DVR has HDMI output, you can plug it to the TV directly.
- The camera built is good, but the material used to build it looks inferior.
- It is not a PTZ Camera.
- No cloud storage option.
2. THD301-88P-B – Best Wired 8 Channel Security Camera System
It is a professional quality security camera. Camera resolution is better than 1080p which gives crystal clear view. It is a great built and works very well. Because it is a wired security camera, the picture quality is excellent.
Before getting this security camera, I had a lower resolution wireless security camera. So for me, 1080p is like a big thing. My previous wireless was giving hiccups and disconnecting very often, so I thought to give a try to the wired one.
Price is not bad beacuse you are getting DVR and eight security cameras in the bundle. If you compare with Swann or Reolink, this is approximately 30% less expensive. So I will give full points to the price.
Best Place to Install
This security camera is built for outdoor, but if you want, you can install it indoors too.
Product Overview
- 8 Security bullet cameras are included in the price.
- 3MP is the resolution of the camera which is better than 1080p.
- 1 TB HDD installed with DVR.
- Dual sensor technology detects the “true motion” and night vision more precisely.
- The cameras support 80 degrees of wide angle viewing.
- Because it is a wired security system, no issues with losing connection.
- 24×7 recording.
- 130 feet night vision.
- Installation is straightforward, but you may need a professional to install it.
- Motion detection is very accurate. It can tell the difference between human or any other animal and sends alert notification accordingly.
- You can customize the alerts in DVR.
- Smartphone app doesn’t work very well.
- The camera is not waterproof while installing you have to make sure that rain is not hitting it directly.
Night Owl Wireless Security Cameras Reviews
If you don’t want to get into the hassle of installing a wired security camera, which includes making holes, drilling in the ceiling, etc., probably wireless security camera might be a right choice for you. You need to install the camera at the desired place, and not worry about connecting it to NVR. Wireless security camera NVR connects to cameras using its own wireless signal.
if you wish to learn buyers guide for home, please check out the buyer’s guide for home security cameras.
Issues With Wireless Security Cameras
Generally, wireless security cameras are the first preference of users because of its smooth installation process. If you are planning to use security cameras just for indoor use, go ahead and buy the wireless security camera — no need to think too much.
But if you are planning to but the wireless security camera for outdoor surveillance, then you should read below cons about it before buying.
- Picture Quality – Wireless security camera’s picture quality is inferior to the wired one.
- Connection issue – DVR or NVR loses connection to cameras sometimes.
In this article, Night Owl Security Camera Reviews, I am going to review a couple of security cameras, it may help you to decide which security camera is the best for you.
1. WNVR201-88P-B – 8 Channel Night Owl Wireless Cameras Reviews
WNVR201-88P-B is a “true” wireless security cameras system by Night Owl. It is an eight-channel security camera and supports up to 8 cameras at a time. The camera is High Definition security camera, with resolution 1080p, and NVR is pre-installed with 1 TB Hard Disk.
8 channel security cameras are good enough to monitor the small and medium-size house, but if you have a large house or you need more places to watch, you need to go for 16 channel security cameras.
Best Place to Install
This security camera is built for outdoor and indoor both.
Product Overview
- 8 Channel NVR with 1 TB HDD installed.
- 1080p resolution security cameras.
- This security camera supports up to 8 cameras, and all 8 cameras are provided in the box.
- The two-way audio feature is available, which means you can view and talk at the same time.
- Strong wireless signal to avoid connection drop.
- No monthly fee as there is no cloud storage option.
- Wide angle viewing.
- 24×7 recording.
- 100 feet night vision.
- Easy installation, Not many wires, and simple setup.
- It is not using any wifi signal, so you don’t need an internet connection to operate. You would be saving monthly internet fee.
- The smartphone app is straightforward to set up and configure.
- Night Vision is good. 1080p security cameras are well working in the night too.
- Security Cameras generates a false alert as sometimes it detects false motion, especially in the sunny days.
- No cloud storage option.
- You need a booster antenna if you place NVR more than 40 feet away from cameras.
2. WNVR201-44P-B – 4 Channel Night Owl Security Camera System Reviews
WNVR201-44P-B wireless security camera is a four channel, and four bullet cameras are included in the price. If you have a smaller house and need to monitor only four places, this would be a perfect choice for you.
In a nutshell, this security camera is straightforward to install, as it is a wireless one, you don’t need to worry too much about it. Picture quality looks great. It is 1080p HD quality and good enough for home monitoring.
Each camera supports 2-way audio feature, which means you can list and speak using each camera. This feature might be helpful if you have installed this camera at the door and when the postman delivers the shipment, you can talk to him without opening the door.
Best Place to Install
This security camera is designed for indoor and outdoor use.
Product Overview
- 4 Bullet Cameras of 1080p resolution is included in the box.
- 1 TB Hard Disk Drive is included with NVR.
- 2-way audio feature.
- This camera is using its wireless signal; there is no dependency on wifi or internet.
- Excellent Night vision up to 100 feet.
- All security cameras need a power source. You need to plug those at an AC power outlet.
- Dual-sensor technology for motion detection.
- No internet is required, i.e., No monthly fees.
- This wireless security camera installation is straightforward.
- Anybody can finish installation in less than 30 minutes.
- NVR interface is straightforward and easy to use.
- NVR provides features to customize the alerts during motion detection.
- Smartphone app sends false alerts sometimes.
3. CAM-WNVR2P-IN – Night Owl Indoor HD Security Camera Review
This Night Owl security camera is entirely wireless and compatible with Wnvr201 series NVRs. If you already own this NVR and looking for an additional security camera for indoor use, this is the right pick for you.
This security camera can be used as a baby monitor or pet monitor also. You need to find out the correct way to install it, which might be the tricky part.
This security camera is a 1080p resolution, which means you have a good quality of image and video footage. It has 2-way audio which makes possible watching and talking at the same time.
Best Place to Install
This security camera is designed for indoor use.
Product Overview
- 1 camera with 1080p resolution.
- It can be used standalone as well as with compatible DVR/NVRs too.
- Motion Detection.
- 2-way audio feature.
- 24×7 customer support.
- 20 feet of night vision.
- This camera needs power from the AC outlet.
- Installation is simple can be done in 10 minutes.
- Works well with Night Owl HD app.
- View remotely from anywhere.
- Good for baby monitoring.
- Flexible mount with magnatic base.
- No night vision.
Where to Buy Night Owl Security Camera Systems?
You can purchase Night Owl security camera systems at Amazon website, and they ship it quickly. If you have Amazon Prime subscription, it is even faster.
Alternately, you can find Night Owl products at your local brick and mortar stores like Sam’s Club, Costco, Walmart, etc. You may try in Best Buy too. But you need to walk in and find out that. Buying it online is very convenient and saves time.
All the security cameras which I am reviewing in this article, are available at Amazon.com, if any item is not available, you may call to Amazon customer care and find out when it is going to be available.
NVR vs DVR – Which security camera system is the best for you?
As I have mentioned earlier, DVR receives an Analog signal from the security cameras and converts into digital format and saves in HDD. On the other hand, NVR gets a digital signal from IP cameras and keeps it in HDD. So, ultimately in Hard Disk Drive stores the digital data no matter what type of security camera you use.
So if you are wondering which one is better, my answer is that Analog and IP cameras, both are similar from an end user perspective. As a user, you should not care much about the underlying technology between security camera and DVR/NVR.
To learn more about the security camera and buyer’s guide, please refer here.
Other Factors To Be Considered
1. Night Owl Security Systems Customer Care Support
Night Owl security camera customer care support is available 24×7 hours. If you have any issues with installation or DVR configurations, or any technical issues, you can contact them on the phone number which can get from Night Owl website.
If it is related to installation, it is advised that you should look at the manual provided in the box. Make sure you have all the parts available before beginning the installation. Although Night Owl security camera installation is not much different than any other security cameras, but every security system has its a unique way of installation. So please go through manual first and if you have any questions, call to customer care support.
2. Manufacturer’s Warranty
Most of the Night Owl’s products have one year to two years of manufacturer warranty, but you should look at product description while making the purchase.
however, if you have any issues, please follow the troubleshooting guide. It is available online also on Night Owl’s website. If your problem is still not fixed, you should consider calling to customer support and any technician will help regarding warranty program.
3 Night Owl Security Cameras Website
This is the official website of Night Owl security camera system.
Features & Technology
1. Night Owl camera installation
1. Wired Security Camera installation
Night Owl wired security camera installation is not different than any other brands. Wired security camera installation is more challenging and tricky than the wireless one, in general. For wired security camera you need to plan very well in advance before starting the actual installation process.
You need to spot the places where the camera would be installed. You need to hide the wires, and probably you need to drill the wall for this. You might need to make a few holes in the attic to run the cables. So planning is more critical than doing the actual installation.
Once you have decided and made the whole plan on paper, you can start working on it. You may take help of professional security cameras installed, or you may hire a handyman for the drilling and installation process.
If you have professional helping, you don’t need to work much as he knows what he is doing, but if you have hired a handyman, you need to work with him very closely. Guide him where to make holes, where to do drill, provide him all the accessories.
2. Wireless Security Camera installation
Wireless security cameras installation is easier than the wired one. There is no wore connecting NVR and cameras; it makes a big difference for the installation process. You need to install the security cameras at the right place and plug it with a power source.
Login to NVR with the help of monitor and mouse. The monitor is not part of the security camera system package; you need to get it separately. You can use your TV for this purpose.
Customize the software and put the recording schedules etc. Configure the smartphone app if you want to view the live and recording remotely.
When NVR software is customized, and smartphone app is customized, pretty much you are all set to go.
After finishing the security camera installation process, you need to work on software installation and customization process in DVR or NVR. This process is the same for the wireless security camera system too. Night Owl software customization process is pretty simple. It is generally an auto guided process on the monitor, and you need to follow the instructions, and you can finish it within a few clicks
2. Night Owl Local & Cloud Storage
Night Owl doesn’t offer cloud storage or cloud storage subscription service. The benefit of cloud storage is that you don’t need t install DVR or NVR at your home. All the recording would be stored at the cloud for a certain number of days.
Night Owl doesn’t offer cloud storage or cloud storage subscription service. The benefit of cloud storage is that you don’t need t install DVR or NVR at your home. Cloud stores all the recording for a certain number of days. Cloud storages are usually expensive.
Instead of cloud storage Night Owl offers and promotes the installing DVR or NVR as part of the security camera system. It reduces the cost of overall operation as Hard Disk is much cheaper than any cloud storage subscription.
Benefits of Local Storage
- It is less expensive than cloud storage.
- No need
of internet connection to operate it.
As you know internet connection is a subscription-based service and every month you need to pay a significant amount for this. Local storage option would save you a lot of money in the long run.
3. Two Way Audio Feature
Night Owl DVR and NVR offer the two-way audio feature in most of the models. The two-way audio feature is helpful when you need to watch and listen to the surroundings at the same time.
Please check the product description before buying as not all the Night Owl security system offers this feature.
4. Night Owl Security Software – (DVR & NVR)
1. Motion Detection & Alert
Motion Detection & alert is a useful feature, especially when you are not at home. This feature gives an option to the user to customize the alert when any motion is detected. When any wanted or unwanted person moves around your property, Night Owl security camera system DVR/NVR generates the alert and displays at your smartphone using push notification mechanism.
If you listen to me, motion detection and alert feature work well. Although sometimes I use to get a false alert, that is ok.
I have access to live and recorded footage all the time at my cell phone, I can check it immediately if something is not right there at my home.
2. Night Vision
Night vision is a must-have feature of any security camera system. It is one of the reasons why people use surveillance system ay home. In the night when you are sleeping, your Night Owl buddy is active and keeps an eye on your property.
According to me, the night vision feature of Night Owl works as expected. Neither too good nor bad. Each model have its night vision limit, few models have up to 100 feet. Please look at the product description and make sure that the model which you are buying has a good night-vision range.
5. Continuous & Scheduled Recording
DVR and NVR provide an option to customize the timing of recording. You don’t need to record the video footage all the time.
You have scheduling option,
- If any motion is detected.
- 24×7 recording.
- Turn on and off recording based on the clock time.
For example, you don’t want to record the video footage in the weekend, or at a specific time, you can customize the scheduling section and mention the time when you want to record footage.
As I mentioned earlier, each model is different; please check the product description and make sure this option is available in the model when you are going to buy.
Night Owl Security System Problems
Majorly, I encountered two issues with Night Owl,
- Sometimes DVR/NVR generates a false alert for motion detection, but goo this is that it doesn’t happen frequently.
- There is no cloud storage. If you are planning to host all the DVR/NVR and maintain it on your own, then you can go for the Night Owl security system.
Night Owl Security Camera Troubleshooting
Night Owl FAQ and troubleshooting guide are helpful to look for common issues and solutions. You may find out this at Night Owl website.
If troubleshooting doesn’t help, you can call customer care support; a technician will help you to fix the issues.
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