| Safety and security is always important...but it's even | | | | but they will not work if that light is switched off or |
| more important in nighttime and low to no light | | | | broken (either accidentally or deliberately). |
| conditions. Infrared security cameras allow you to do | | | | When light is available, infrared cameras will give you a |
| more than just see in the dark...they work regardless | | | | color picture. As it gets darker, the camera |
| of the lighting conditions, giving you a sharp set of eyes | | | | automatically switches to infrared mode. In this mode, |
| even in absolutely zero light. But how do they work? | | | | the camera records in black and white. |
| Infrared light is light that we cannot see with our eyes. | | | | So how do you know how good an infrared security |
| Infrared light has a longer wavelength and lower | | | | camera is? One way of measuring is the camera's lux. |
| frequency than regular visible light. The name literally | | | | Lux refers to the amount of light required to give a |
| means 'below red', red being the the color of the | | | | good picture. Obviously, the lower the lux, the lower the |
| longest wavelengths of visible light. Infrared picks up | | | | light the camera needs. A true infrared camera will |
| how much heat an object or person has, since | | | | have a 0.0 lux in infrared mode, which means they can |
| everything on earth puts out some form of infrared | | | | see in complete, utter, total darkness with no light at all. |
| light depending on its temperature. | | | | You can also compare infrared cameras according to |
| Infrared security cameras use infrared LED lighting | | | | how far they can see in complete darkness. This is |
| positioned around the outside of the camera lens in | | | | measured according to how many infrared LED's are |
| order to capture information...even in areas where | | | | built in to the camera. Some long range cameras can |
| there is absolutely no light. No matter what the | | | | see up to 150 feet...in total blackness! Depending on |
| environmental conditions are, infrared measures the | | | | how much property you want to protect, you can |
| heat coming from objects in the area, and this can be | | | | select short range or long range cameras that will |
| read by the camera...no light required. Infrared can also | | | | keep you covered. |
| travel through fog, dust and smoke no matter how | | | | You can use these cameras inside or outside. If you |
| thick. It can even travel through some materials. | | | | use them outside, you're better off getting one that is |
| Although infrared security cameras are often referred | | | | meant for outdoor use...a weatherproof bullet-style |
| to as night vision cameras, don't confuse them with | | | | camera. Putting an indoor camera in an outdoor |
| 'day/night' cameras. A day/night camera has a very | | | | camera housing may result in glare from the glass of |
| sensitive imaging chip that lets the camera capture a | | | | the housing. |
| viewable picture even in low light conditions. It does not, | | | | Infrared security cameras are your best bet for |
| however, use infrared technology. A day/night camera | | | | protection...no matter what your environmental |
| is a good option for areas that have a constant | | | | conditions are. If you want to be able to see in the |
| source of light, such as a street light or security light, | | | | dark, you can't get better than infrared technology. |