Do Security Cameras Work through Glass or behind a Glass Window

In many cases, we may want to position a security camera indoors facing outside through a glass or window to monitor the front door or backyard. However, some people claim that security cameras do not function through glass or window glass. So, is it possible to use a security camera through a glass or window?

Or to be exact, what potential problems you might experience when placing cameras inside looking out through glass or window pane? Can an infrared camera see through glass or window? Does motion detection work through glass or windows? Can security camera record through windows or glass?

Potential Problems When Security Cameras Are Used through Glass or behind a Glass Window?

Using an infrared security camera behind or through a glass window at night can be challenging due to window glare caused by infrared LEDs, ambient lights, or status lights. Window glare or glass reflection can cause images to be washed out due to overexposure of lights at night, making it difficult to discern details.

On the other hand, cameras typically work well during the daytime. However, another issue is related to motion detection and motion-triggered recording when a security camera is placed behind a glass window. Motion detection may not work effectively through glass.

Do Infrared Security Cameras See through Glass/Window?

Infrared security cameras have a tendency to wash out the picture when placed behind a glass window or panels at night or in low light conditions, making it challenging to see things clearly.

Some potential fixes include turning off or disabling IR and status lights at night to mitigate IR security camera window reflection and enable clear viewing through glass or glass window screen.

Additionally, you can bring the camera lens as close as possible to the glass to reduce window glare and reflection. Another option is to use a suction cup mount that attaches to the window facing outside or an external motion-activated or automated light outside that illuminates the front door or backyard, enabling security cameras to capture more details.

Does Motion Detection/Recording Work through Glass or behind a Glass Window?

There are two primary types of motion sensors used in security camera systems: pixel-based motion sensors, which trigger alerts by measuring changes in pixels and rely on software algorithms, for example, ZOSI 1NC-518.

And passive infrared (PIR) motion sensors, which set off motion alarms by detecting body heat and infrared energy, such as ZOSI 1NC-306, 1NC-291.

Security cameras with a motion sensor that calculates changes in pixels are capable of detecting movement and recording through glass or a glass window. However, PIR motion sensor security cameras may not work reliably or may not work at all through windows or glass because modern houses today use insulated glass that limits heat coming through the glass, thus undermining motion detection.

To detect and record motion through glass or a glass window, you can place the camera outside or mount it on the wall or window ledge, or install it under a soffit or overhang.

Alternatively, you can install wire-free security cameras outdoors on the walls to keep an eye on areas of interest. Additionally, you can choose motion sensor security cameras that detect motion by calculating changes in pixels and place them in the window for daytime monitoring.