When are Infrared Security Cameras a Good Choice?
Infrared security cameras have become increasingly popular because they excel in monitoring areas even in total darkness.
An infrared security camera (also called a night vision security camera) uses infrared illuminators to light the area with infrared light that humans cannot see, but that the camera can. This lets the camera see and record for you a visible image of what’s going on even in total darkness.
How an infrared security camera works
Cameras are rated by for light sensitivity according to their lux rating. The lower the lux the better the camera can see in low light.
For example, a camera with 0.005 lux is better than one with 0.1 lux. An infrared camera, though, is considered to be 0.0 lux when in infrared mode. It can see clearly in total darkness.
An infrared security camera achieves this by using infrared LED illuminators around the lens, to light the area with infrared radiation. This night vision security camera then picks up the images illuminated by the infrared light.
Don’t confuse cameras that call themselves Day/Night cameras with infrared cameras. Day/Night cameras usually are suitable for use in low-light situations. They are not capable, however, of capturing images in total darkness. Only infrared or night vision security cameras can accomplish that.
What else you need to know
Infrared security cameras differ from each other in how far they can see in total darkness. This is generally based on how many infrared LEDs the camera contains. The more LEDs, the farther the camera can see.
A long-range night vision security camera is capable of seeing as far as 50 to 60 meters with no light at all.
Your infrared security camera will record only in black and white when in infrared mode, but you can get a camera that also records color during the day. Sensors on the camera automatically switch from color recording to black and white according to the light level.
You’ll find night vision security cameras are usually lightweight and easy both to set up and to use.
Avoid using an infrared camera that is contained in a glass-front outdoor housing. This is because the infrared light too easily reflects off the glass of the housing and creates a glare that obscures the image. Your best bet for an outdoor infrared security camera is a weatherproof bullet-style camera.
Keep in mind, also, that infrared cameras require more power (specifically, more amperage) than a regular camera. Make sure, therefore, that you check the power requirements in the specifications for a camera before you buy it.
Ultimately, when you want to be sure that your surveillance system will capture what’s going on no matter how low the light level, there’s no substitute for infrared security cameras. Their ability to see in absolute darkness cannot be matched by anything else.
