About Infrared Cameras
Many new security personnel are aware of the large obvious drawback of using an infrared camera: it captures in black and white.
However, black and white video is always better than no video, and the main purpose of infrared cameras and technology is to see in total darkness. In some CCTV applications you cannot take the risk of not being able to see with color cameras in low light conditions and thus will need to get infrared security cameras. Some color video cameras can work in low lighting conditions, but you do not want to invest over a grand in security cameras, cables, and a Security DVR and still have no video. Infrared cameras make sure that you will have the evidence to convict if there is an incident.
Seeing In Total Darkness - Infrared Cameras
When you are configuring your CCTV setup, you always want to account for many variables. One variable that must be considered is whether you absolutely need video in poor lighting conditions. In the surveillance world, having no picture in the dark is a waste of a thousand or so dollars, so people turn to infrared cameras. You have to make sure that you know the risk of going with color video in different models. For many security setups, we suggest bullet infrared security cameras (a bullet camera with infrared technology that turns on at night). As a bullet infrared camera can record color video in good light and switch to IR recording in low levels of light; bullet infrared cameras are the most preferred option.
Do Not Use High Powered IR Lights Indoors
It is very important to not use infrared cameras with 12 or more IR lights indoors, as the IR light can bounce off of objects and wash out the image. Most indoor CCTV applications have tight/small rooms and reflective surfaces, such as windows, doors, coffee tables, fish tanks, or anything else glossy. This is really important advice for homeowners who are considering infrared cameras, as many glossy interior paints will reflect infrared light.
You do not want to go overboard with infrared technology. Get something simple, especially if you own a home and you need two to four infrared cameras indoors. In most cases if you have a hallway night light or (if you want to invest in them) auto-night lights in every room of the house you will have enough light to have a color picture indoors.
About Infrared Camera Technology and Lights
IR stands for infrared radiation. IR is electromagnetic radiation at a wavelength that is longer than that of visible light, but shorter than that of terahertz radiation and microwaves. This means that you can't see it, but it still won't cook you. IR is a byproduct of heat.
Infrared cameras mathematically convert IR into the visible spectrum, which is why you can only see in black and white in the night. The technology in an infrared camera are a lot more common than people realize; they power such items as night vision goggles, heat seeking missiles, your television remote control, the mouse and keyboard you are using to surf this website, and many telephones.
More IR Light Mean Longer Illumination Distances
The distance that an infrared camera can capture has everything to do with how much IR light it emits. We have many different models of infrared cameras that feature IR lights. We have everything ranging from a 42 bulb infrared security camera to one with six lights. But, the number of lights isn't the only thing to consider when looking at infrared security cameras, the size of the bulb also matters.
If you have any more questions about IR technology, call us at 1-828-550-9931 today and talk to a tech.
You may also want to consult our Infrared Security Camera FAQ.
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