How Infrared Security Cameras Work

By Steven Williams

An infrared camera is a device that forms an image using infrared radiation, similar to a common camera that forms an image using visible light.

An infrared security camera has infrared illuminators installed around the outside of the lens of the camera. Infrared light is the light that originates from a different region of the electromagnetic spectrum than we normally see.

The infrared illuminators allow the camera to see good video image in no light at all. With a little bit of light the infrared camera can produce an image that looks just like daytime. Infrared security cameras are commonly used in businesses that turn their lights out at night

Infrared security cameras are often confused with Night Vision cameras because they both are designed to see at night. However the difference between Night Vision cameras and infrared security cameras is the wavelength of the light used. You may have seen an example of night vision goggles the Military uses. It is typically a green color that is seen.

Infrared security cameras use an invisible light also but when viewed on a video monitor looks more like a spotlight or white visible light

Another solution for low light situations is to use a Day/Night camera that uses an extra sensitive imaging chip. It can create good video images in low light situations without using infrared lighting. This works well for example if there are streetlights present or an exterior light that can be left on at night. Keep in mind that cameras without infrared lighting cannot produce an image with zero light.

The level of light required to produce good video image is referred to as a camera's lux; the lower the lux the better the camera can see in the dark. For example, a camera with 0.003 lux is better than a camera with 0.2 lux.

The video image that infrared cameras produce is usually black and white. Some color day/night cameras are capable of producing color video images during the day when light is available and will automatically switch to black and white when light is low.

Infrared security cameras are very popular today because they allow an image to be seen in little or no lighting conditions. They have the flexibility to be used inside or outside. Their relatively low cost make them fit in to most everyone’s budget.

If you need a security camera in the future, there is no doubt you should consider an infrared security camera to fit your needs.

Learn how to design the perfect CCTV Security Camera System or visit our blog CCTV Guide to see the latest hi-tech security cameras

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