The Infrared Security Camera In The Spotlight

There seems to be a little confusion surrounding the infrared security camera. Seems like most folks get them confused with day/night time security cameras. This article will explain the role of the infrared security camera and it's ability to see in the dark.

The infrared security camera is like the cat of the camera world. Like it's feline counterpart, infrared cameras can turn any night into day and have become a big part of both military and law enforcement operations. Now, infrared is playing it's role in keeping home intruders at bay.

Did You Know?

Not all infrared security cameras are created equal. There is a rating figure assigned to these cameras and the closer to the rating 0 they get, the better performance at night they produce. Obviously with a rating of 0, a camera is the antz pantz of infrared cameras and will be able to see and display better in darkness than a camera with a higher number rating.

Let's take a look at what an infrared securiy camera actually is.

This camera has infrared lighting which is light from a different region than we would normally use to see the electromagnetic spectrum. The infrared lighting is installed outside of the camera’s lens and allows it the ability to capture good images in total darkness. In low light the picture captured by infrared cameras can look like one captured in day time.

These "electronic creatures of the night" don't really emerge in the light of day and obviously perform their best work in dark conditions. Either outside, for night time viewing or for businesses that at night have the lights out, the infrared security camera cuts through non lit areas with accurate precision.

One thing you should remember is that even during night time light is still emitted from the stars, moon or street lights so total darkness situations are rare. Infrared cameras are often referred to as “Night Vision” cameras because obviously at night they can ‘see’. However “Night Vision” and “Day/ Night Cameras” are not the same thing. They are different. Day/ Night cameras it must be pointed out don’t have infrared lights built in.

Are They Effective In Outdoor Housing?

Infrared security cameras, as a rule, don’t do well in outdoor housing because the reflection from house glass is reflected off by the infrared light. Sometimes, acceptable results can be achieved through reducing the glare by positioning the camera up to the glass. In this situation though, a day/ night camera with an extra sensitive imaging chip that can capture a good picture is usually sufficient without using infrared lighting. This works particularly well if you have an outside light that you can leave on at night. Even outside street lights aid them in this case.

Understanding Lux and Resolution

Despite their great effectiveness in night conditions, no camera without infrared lighting will capture an image with zero light. The camera's lux refers to the level of light needed for a good picture to be captured; a lower the lux, the better the camera can see in the dark. If a camera has 0.004 lux and another one 0.1, the former is better than the latter.

The infrared security security camera is obviously a wonderful asset to have during times of very little light. They act as "the eyes in the dark" of those who possess and rely on them to produce images at night. They are another weapon in the fight against home intrusion.