Security cameras are becoming an integral part of any home or business’ security. This is because security cameras are not only helpful in deterring any criminal activities, but they also provide the owner a window for viewing and reviewing the occurrences inside his/her home or business. However, there is a limitation to most types of security cameras because their basic design does not allow them to clearly acquire viewable images during low to zero light situations, making them useless if you intend to use them as a sort of night watch. There are some security cameras however that are capable of acquiring viewable and even identifiable images in low to zero light conditions. These are the infrared security cameras.
Infrared is a light that is invisible to our eyes as it has a longer wavelength with lower frequency as compared with regular visible light. Infrared security cameras make use of infrared LED (light emitting diodes) that are positioned on the outer part of the camera lens in order to acquire images. Infrared security cameras literally picks-up the heat emitted by objects and earthly living beings which are then translated as images by the security camera. Since infrared has a longer wavelength with lower frequency, it allows it to even penetrate through fog, dust and smoke regardless of how thick.
Infrared security cameras are not solely meant as nighttime security cameras only because they are also useable as daytime cameras. Their advanced technological feature allows them to automatically switch from normal to infrared and back, giving you color video images during daytime and monochrome video images during nighttime.
In order to determine the quality of an infrared security camera, you need to look into their lux rating. Lux is defined as a unit of illumination. This means that you need a specific amount of lux in order to get a good picture. However, a true infrared camera will have a 0.0 lux rating which simply means that it can completely and clearly acquire video images even in zero light conditions.
Despite being able to see in zero light, the distance that infrared security cameras are able to view will depend on the amount and the power of infrared illuminators it has. Adding an extra infrared illuminator on your security camera will however allow you to achieve more viewing distance.
Overall, infrared security cameras are an excellent option, especially if you are considering 24-hour video surveillance. When purchasing infrared security cameras, it is important to first consider the location where you will be placing your infrared security cameras, whether outdoor or indoor.
For more information about this topic you can visit some of the following resources:
Recent Comments