Humans have several great attributes, but seeing in the dark is not one of them. Human vision is limited to a small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum called visible light. It is possible for humans to see beyond this range by making use of equipment which allows us to capture non-visible sources of electromagnetic radiation known as infrared light.
Many CCTV cameras now have the ability to project infrared light using an array of LED illuminators. When this capability is combined with CCD sensors capable of recording the infrared light, you achieve what is reffered to as night vision.
CCTV security cameras with night vision capabilities allow you to see in total darkness. Many night vision cameras are capable of producing detailed video regardless of lighting conditions. When required, night vision security cameras automatically switch to infrared illumination mode without the need of human intervention.
There are four important things to keep in mind when dealing with night vision security cameras. Distance, resolution, light pollution and sensor type.
Many cameras tout their ability to project infrared light at great distances. Before spending resources on a camera that boast such feats, keep in mind that even if a camera can illuminate an object that is far away, chances are you are not going to be able to make out what that object is (unless you are using a camera with a zoom function). It is better to spend your money on a higher resolution camera with a lower infrared capability.
A vehicle will need to be within 50 feet of a night vision camera in order to properly identify the make and model (forget about color with an infrared security camera, the car will always be a shade of green). A person will need to be within 25 feet of the security camera to make a proper ID.
Most security cameras with IR illumination will have a reach of at least 30 feet - therefore the focus should be on increasing the image detail (or resolution) in order to have a better chance of identifying the subject. Remember that the resolution of the camera must be matched by a recording device that has the capability of recording it. If your camera has 480 lines of resolution, and your Digital Video Recorder can only record 320 lines of resolution, you are loosing the benefit of the higher resolution.
The other issue is light pollution. Many outdoor areas are lit at night. Sometimes by pretty strong light sources. Be very careful not to place your night vision security camera near such light sources, as it will interfere with the sensors and could produce unwanted artifacts in the recorded video.
If you plan to use your night vision security camera in an unlit area, keep in mind that the infrared illuminators do produce a faint reddish glow which can be easily detected at short distances. They may not be the best solution for covert surveillance.
Night vision is a necessary feature for any outdoor CCTV application. When choosing your camera, make sure that it features built in infrared illuminators and a CCD sensor. Cameras equipped with CMOS sensors do not perform as well in the dark, therefore I would recommend that you steer clear of them for outdoor applications. Also look for a camera with an IP55 designation which indicates that the camera is well suited to be used in humid and dusty conditions.
In case you did not know, infrared cameras are great alternatives to the more expensive night vision security cameras. Infrared cameras are great if you're thinking of using them as outdoor DVR security cameras for your home security system. To make the most out of your infrared cameras, here are some points to remember.
Focus On Your Property's Entry Points
Since most infrared cameras do not have pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) features, you can maximize its field of vision by placing it in key areas around your property. Driveways, front and back gates, garages, and porches are some examples. To turn infrared cameras into efficient DVR security cameras, make sure that they are always pointing at the right direction to avoid gaps in security.
Go Wireless If You Must
Putting an infrared camera at the mouth your long walkway means that you have to go wireless to prevent exposing any wires or cables to intruders. The good thing about wireless infrared DVR security cameras is that you can easily change camera positions and fields of vision. Predictable camera placement increases the risk of robberies and trespassing, so move your cameras around when you can. Most wireless infrared cameras are battery-operated to counter power outages that could cripple your surveillance systems. Use uninterrupted power supply (UPS) devices as power backups for your computer and DVR.
Hide Your Infrared Cameras
Infrared DVR security cameras would not be so effective if it is too visible, would it? If you are using wireless infrareds, mount them in plastic or metal cases to keep them away from trespassers. This way, it would be easy for you to take the camera out and mount it somewhere else. However, if you are camera placement is fixed, the best way to keep your infrared cameras secure is to screw the casings to the walls of your home. Bolt your cameras in very high places. This way, its field of vision is wider and it would be hard for intruders to tamper with your camera because it is so out of reach. When you protect your cameras, you are also making them weather-proof.
Do A Line-of-sight Check
When your infrared DVR security cameras are in the right place, it is time to evaluate your system's lines of sight and fields of vision. You can ask your friend to walk around your property while you monitor him through your surveillance software. If there are blind spots, attend to it immediately by changing the angles your cameras. Because your infrared cameras may not be able to zoom in on objects, make sure that there are no obstructions, such as trees, to lines of sight and fields of vision.
It is a fact that most homes are intruded during the night time. That is why you must use infrared cameras for your DVR surveillance system. You can use these cameras indoors or around your property. Either way, you would be sleeping more soundly because your infrared cameras are keeping you safe even in the dark.
Both Andy J Thompson & Nahshon Roberts are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.