Seeing in the dark — Infrared Security Cameras
Infrared security cameras excel at allowing security personnel to see in the dark. There are advantages and disadvantages to using this type of lens in your security camera cctv system.
Let’s start out by acknowledging a infrared security camera’s obvious drawback: they capture black and white video. With that said, we can begin to speak about the benefits of having an infrared security camera in your security setup and the different types of infrared cameras.
An infrared security camera, admittedly recording in black and white, is often the only type of security camera that can record in adverse lighting conditions.
Configuring a CCTV setup, has to account for variables outside your control. Investing thousands of dollars into state of the art camera systems that can be disabled by simply cutting power to a few key lighting systems that were taken for granted, can be a major oversight. Installing a few cameras in your setup that can still function without lighting is essential. Also, for cameras that will be used outside, infrared security cameras are still the most widely preferred option out there.
How do Infrared security cameras work? Infrared Sensors (or IR) detect infrared radiation, which is essentially the byproduct of heat. Specifically, electromagnetic radiation has a wavelength longer than visible light but shorter than a microwave, which means that people cannot see it or be damaged by it. Infrared (or thermal) imaging is used in many devises such as smart missiles, night vision goggles, and television remotes. Other scientific uses involve using infrared light to predict the weather or study the formation of stars. Obviously, visible light is not necessary to produce heat, which is why infrared cameras work so well at night.
Infrared security cameras vary by having different numbers and sizes of infrared bulbs. Some lights range from 64 bulbs to as few as six. Generally more and larger bulbs means that you will be able to see farther with the camera.
An infrared security camera can be very sensitive, which is why it is important to know where you will use it before you decide upon a model. Many people often assume that more infrared light bulbs will make a better picture, but often when a infrared security camera is used inside the amount of infrared light produced can reflect off of hard surfaces and wash out the infrared sensor. Some infrared reflective surfaces include anything flat and made of glass or metal (such as doors, mirrors, or windows) or even some “glossy” style interior paints.
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