Infrared Security Camera Can See In Total Darkness

Many businesses with a threat of break-ins after they close are starting to use an infrared security camera instead of adding additional lighting to capture videos of break-ins after dark. Often referred to as night-vision cameras, an infrared security camera should not be confused with day-night cameras that count on minute light from the stars and the moon, coupled with a wide lens opening, to capture images in near total darkness.

An infrared security camera will have a series of LEDs around the camera’s lens emitting light in the infrared specter, which is invisible to the naked eye. This technology can allow the image to appear nearly as good as it would if seen in daylight. In many cases, adding the smallest bit of light, such as from a full moon, and the scene captured on the infrared security camera will look like it is in the middle of the day. Too much light, however may wash the image out, but many of the better cameras can automatically turnoff the LEDs if they are not needed.

For outdoor use, the mounting case recommended for use with an infrared security camera is the straight case as the glass in a globe may cause the infrared light from the LEDs to be reflected back into the camera lens. When this happens, the light available to create the image may be too limited to be effective.

Distance Is Issue With Infrared Cameras

While the idea of seeing in total darkness is attractive to many security personnel, the use of an infrared security camera is somewhat limited to the range of the LED emissions. On average, cameras are capable of viewing about 50 feet in total darkness, however there are a few units that can peer up to 300-feet into the dark without losing its sight. Most companies are happy with an infrared security camera that see about 100 feet effectively, as opposed to an average about half of that distance.

Many infrared security cameras could be considered hybrid cameras as under normal lighting they will produce an excellent color image. When the light diminishes to an extremely low level the camera automatically switches to infrared mode and renders a black and white image in total darkness. When the sun comes back up, it returns to its normal full color image capability. These are the types most companies prefer as when in total darkness many thieves are unaware of their capabilities and end up getting caught.

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