Let's face it! We also need cameras that have a good view of what is going on outside our house or office even at night. In fact, this is the time when we should be more wary of burglars, intruders and vandals. Most of them strike at night! It's a good thing there are infrared security cameras in the market. With the help of these infrared security cameras, we can now record images in areas where there is little light.



Where to Put Them

Infrared security cameras are great for enclosed areas that are not well-lit like car parks and warehouses. You can also put them near your front door or backyard to keep track of what's going on outside your house at night. With the help of infrared security cameras, you no longer need to wonder what's causing the sound in your doorsteps.

How They Work

This type of camera can record images in total darkness because it illuminates figures in the dark using infrared light. This spectrum of light is invisible to the human eye but not to the cameras image sensor. Unlike standard cameras that use the regular lighting spectrum to receive and display images, infrared security cameras use the reflected infrared light to produce an image. This results in pictures that can only be displayed and recorded in black and white.

Choosing the Right Infrared Security Camera

If you plan on putting the security camera outdoors, you can opt for a Day/Night infrared security camera. This type of camera uses an image sensor that can record images in full color during the day then switch to B/W at night and use infrared light to maintain picture quality. Since you will be placing the camera outdoors where it would be at the mercy of the changing weather, you should make sure that it has a weatherproof structure. This feature will ensure the durability of your security camera. Some infrared security cameras even come with a heater and a blower that would save it frosty winters and hot summers. Choosing a camera with the right lens for the viewing area desired is also important. Wide angle lenses such as the 3.6mm or 4.3mm provide a very good overall view of an area but may not provide enough detail if objects are more than 40 feet away. If you are unsure of the lens size you want or need you can opt for a camera with a varifocal lens. The most common varifocal lenses are 3.5-8mm or 4-9mm and can be easily adjust for the field of view you need.

If you are staying in a large compound and you need to have a security camera that can display images of intruders climbing up your wire enclosure or fence and moving towards your house or office, you can opt for an infrared camera that can illuminate people and objects from a distance of 150 feet or more. You can also opt for a camera with powerful zoom lenses that can be adjusted with the use of a remote control or many digital video recorders and can provide facial recognition at over 300 feet.

With the help of infrared security cameras, we no longer have to fear what we cannot see. We can now have a good view of the criminals that lurk in the dark.