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

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 is ten times better than the bullet camera I had before.
It really does what the manufacturer claims. It is worth the price.

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.

THIS IS FAR THE BEST OUTDOOR CAMERA I HAVE EVER SEEN. ITS NOT LIKE THOSE TINY CAMERAS THAT HAVE LIMITS TO SEE ANYWHERE FROM 7-15FT. THIS CV31 CAN SEE UP 45FT!!!!!! THAT RIGHT 45FT. I HAVE IT ON AERIAL SURVEILLANCE AND THE PICTURE IS SOOOOO.........GREAT!!! THIS IS EXACTLY LIKE WHAT YOU SEE ON HDTV. GET THIS CAMERA FOR YOUR HOME OR FOR YOUR OWN SECURITY!!! FEELS LIKE WATCHING 1080P RES ON THIS CAMERA.

Great Device. Would like to have known that it has RCA inputs and not BNC. Which means that if you have a DVR thats accepts BNC type connections you will have to purchase a gender changer for conversion. This can be pricey if you purchase the gender changers from RADIO Shack for multiple cameras. I ended up purchasing mine on line. Picture Quality is Great and night vision is not to bad either. if not going wireless I would recommend it in fact I am planning on purchasing another One.