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A Guide To Infrared Security Camera

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An infrared security camera also known as night vision security camera is a type of surveillance camera that can capture clear images in low-light or no-light conditions, allowing it to “see” at night using infrared light. This feature makes it ideal for nighttime surveillance. 

Infrared cameras have IR LEDs around the outside of the lens of the camera that provide “Night Vision.” They can record clear video in complete darkness and even better video in low light conditions.

When there’s little or no light, the camera automatically switches to night mode and its infrared lights turn on, allowing it to “see” in the dark. This makes it great for 24/7 monitoring of outdoor spaces or places with low lighting, ensuring you still get a good view even at night.

Infrared Security Camera

How Infrared Security Camera Work

Infrared security cameras are designed to capture clear images in complete darkness by using infrared LEDs and sensors. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how they function:

1. Infrared Light

Infrared cameras have built-in LEDs that emit infrared light, which is invisible to the human eye. These LEDs project infrared light into dark or low-light areas.

2. Sensing Reflected Infrared Light

Once the infrared light hits objects or surfaces, it reflects back. The camera’s infrared sensors, typically made up of photodiodes or charge-coupled devices (CCDs), detect this reflected light.

3. Generating an Image

When the reflected infrared light hits the sensors, the semiconductor material inside absorbs the light and generates electrons. These electrons create an electrical signal that correlates with the intensity of the infrared light, which the camera then processes into a clear image, even in total darkness.

Day vs. Night Vision Cameras

It’s important to note that “Night Vision” cameras should not be confused with “Day/Night” cameras. While infrared cameras use built-in IR LEDs to see in the dark, day/night cameras do not have IR lighting but are designed to work well in low-light conditions without it.

Lux Rating of Infrared Cameras

The ability of a camera to see in low-light environments is measured by its lux rating. A lower lux rating indicates better performance in low light. For instance, a camera with 0.003 lux performs better than one with 0.2 lux. Infrared cameras are rated at 0.0 lux in IR mode, meaning they can see in complete darkness.

Range of Infrared Cameras

The range of an infrared security camera depends on how far its infrared LEDs can illuminate. Some infrared cameras can see up to 98 feet, while advanced models can reach up to 328 feet in total darkness.

Infrared Cameras for Outdoor Use

When installing infrared security cameras outdoors, it’s recommended to use a weatherproof bullet-style camera. Indoor infrared cameras placed in outdoor housings may reflect IR light off the glass, causing glare. If using an outdoor housing, ensure the camera is flush against the glass to minimize reflection. Alternatively, consider a day/night camera for low-light conditions if some ambient light is present, such as streetlights.

Power Considerations for Infrared Security Camera

Infrared security camera typically consume more power than non-infrared models due to the additional energy required to run the IR LEDs. Always check the power specifications before installation to ensure proper operation.

Choosing the Right Infrared Security Camera

When selecting an infrared security camera, several factors should guide your decision:

Night Vision Range

Consider how far the camera’s infrared LEDs can illuminate in darkness. Consumer-grade models typically offer a night vision range of 30 to 100 feet. For larger areas, commercial-grade cameras can extend this to over 300 feet under ideal conditions.

Resolution

Higher resolution cameras deliver clearer images, which is crucial when you need to capture fine details like faces or license plates, especially at night.

Camera Type

Infrared technology is available in different camera types, such as dome, turret, PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom), and multi-sensor cameras. Each type has its advantages, so choose one that suits your specific installation and monitoring needs.

System Integration

Integrating infrared cameras with other security systems like motion detectors or access control can greatly enhance your overall security. Together, these systems work more effectively, providing better protection.

Why should you choose infrared surveillance cameras?

People often refer to infrared cameras as “Night Vision” cameras because they can see in the dark. But, do not mix them up with “Day/Night Cameras.” Day/Night cameras do not come with infrared lights built-in.

Infrared security cameras provide color images when there’s enough light. But when it gets dark, the camera automatically switches to infrared mode and turns on its infrared LEDs. In this mode, the camera captures images in black and white, which applies to all infrared cameras.

The camera’s lux rating determines the amount of light required for a good image. Less lux means better camera performance in low light conditions. For instance, a camera with 0.003 lux highly recommended to one with 0.2 lux. These cameras have a rating of 0.0 lux in infrared mode, allowing them to see in complete darkness.

Manufacturers rate infrared cameras based on the number of infrared LEDs they have to see in the dark. Our bullet security cameras can see distances from 98 to 328 feet using infrared technology.

If you plan to use an infrared camera outdoors, choose a bullet-style camera that is weatherproof. When you put an indoor infrared camera in an outdoor housing, the infrared light may reflect off the glass. This reflection can cause glare. To reduce this, place the camera flush against the glass.

You can use a Day/Night camera with a sensitive imaging chip to capture clear images in low light. This camera does not require infrared lighting. This is effective when there are lights on the street or elsewhere that stay on during the night. However, keep in mind that cameras without infrared lighting won’t capture images in complete darkness.

Contact CAM Security For Infrared Security Camera Installation

At CAM Security Surveillance, we are experts in infrared camera technology and specialize in providing advanced solutions for access control, fire detection, intruder detection, and more. Our team is dedicated to installing cutting-edge security systems that keep your property safe.

For a 100% FREE site survey and consultation with one of our friendly and knowledgeable team members, simply click to contact us and fill out the form.

We’ll connect you with a security expert who will walk through your site, answer all your questions, assess potential security vulnerabilities, and help you design a custom security system for your property.

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