About the Infrared (IR) Security Cameras

You may have come across the terms “infrared" and “thermal" used interchangeably. However, although infrared and thermal do mean the identical thing in mathematics, infrared security cameras are not the same as thermal imaging cameras, even though they both cope with infrared power. This is because thermal imaging cameras can detect infrared energy, while infrared cameras use infrared light to light up objects for the camera to watch. For this reason, infrared cameras can also be referred to as infrared light cameras.

Infrared Security Cameras Features

Next, we will mention the main characteristics of this type of security camera.

They offer a thermal image of high sharpness, around 76,800 pixels.
They have an interchangeable optical system.
They automatically relate visible and thermal JPEG images.
They include software to analyze and create reports.
They have an automatic or manual focus.
They contain target lighting for the darkest areas.
The optical head and screen rotate independently for better viewing.
They have a 3.6mm wide-angle lens. They are the ones that give the broadest vision. Giving a higher value means that the vision becomes narrower but that you can focus on the objects further away.
They have the ability to adapt to sudden changes in light (internal iris).
If they are installed outdoors, they are resistant to water and wind.
They have an automatic adjustment of the recording mode; provide color images in daylight or black and white images at night in infrared light.

Advantages of infrared security cameras

Although this technology was developed for military purposes, today it is applied for personal, commercial, and industrial use. Its use serves those who need vision in low light circumstances or places or equipment where the human eye cannot see.

Some of the most important benefits of infrared vision have to do with safety. Infrared security cameras offer superior protection in the most difficult conditions over other conventional cameras or other types of technology.

Next, we will present the main advantages:

They can generate images regardless of the lighting condition.
They are exempt from visual limitations or camouflage.
They do not lose the visual field despite the flashes of light that may be in front of them.
They determine what type of object is a risk or threat and which is not. Consequently, they allow for a decrease in false alarms.
They generate a higher return on investment.
These are more than just important things about infrared security cameras. If you still have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us, we will provide you with more detailed information tailored to your needs.

How Infrared Camera Work

To begin explaining how infrared security cameras work, we should discuss how routine security cameras can see. Much like the human eye, cameras see things in terms of reflected light. So when we, or the cameras, see something, we are really seeing the light bouncing off of things. Regular cameras cannot see in the dark since there's no light source to be mirrored. Likewise, the eye cannot see infrared light, but everything emits some number of these invisible wavelengths. So while they still rely on sunlight to watch in the dim like routine security cameras, they provide their light source.

Types of Infrared Security Cameras

There are two ways for infrared lighting to be supplied to infrared security cameras. First, IR incorporated cameras may have infrared LEDs currently set up on the camera. Second, other cameras will need an external IR illuminator that's mounted above or below the camera. These devices are like flashlights; however, they emit infrared light instead.

IR Integrated Cameras

IR incorporated cameras can also be referred to as accurate day/night cameras since they can be utilized for both daytime and night. These cameras will either have IR LEDs that turn off during the day or will have a light sensor with a mechanical IR cut filter to remove IR illumination throughout the day. These cameras are powerful, but a brief selection restricts them. Moreover, the heat produced by the IR LEDs causes the LEDs to degrade and die out quicker and when the LEDs expire out, the entire camera will have to be replaced. The heat also attracts bugs and insects that could obscure the camera's view. But they're cost-effective and have a simpler installation since the IR LEDs come already attached to the camera.

External IR Illuminator

External IR illuminators have a more illumination range compared to IR integrated cameras. They can illuminate distances of up to 919 feet which is 9x the range of integrated cameras. The IR illuminators also burn evenly that prolongs their useful life. However, these cameras have a more complex setup since you need to set up the camera along with the illuminator separately; however, this also offers more flexibility. Additionally, the upfront costs will probably be more expensive than incorporated cameras because there are two separate devices to buy.

CCTV Security Camera FAQ’s

Q: What is infrared light?

Infrared light is defined as a type of electromagnetic and thermal radiation of greater wavelength than visible light, but less than that of microwaves.

Infrared was discovered by William Herschel, a German-born astronomer, who wanted to measure the heat emitted by the colors of a glass prism through a mercury thermometer.

In this way, he found that the heat was strongest on the red side of the spectrum. The surprising thing was that there was no light there. This showed that heat could be transmitted by an invisible form of light.

Q: What are infrared security cameras?

Infrared cameras are security devices that use the thermal energy of a given space. Currently, its use has increased thanks to its good performance both at night and during the day.

These types of cameras work by using infrared light located close to the lens. This is a light that cannot be seen by the human eye.

The infrared camera can take a photo or record a video of as good quality as in daylight. Therefore, it perfectly complements any security system.

Q. How far can you run IP cameras?

There isn't a specific maximum distance for an IP camera run. The number varies depending on the network speed. As a general guideline, using a cat5 or cat6 cable, 328-foot (100 meters) limitation. If necessary, there are ways to expand this limitation. The most frequent way of doing this is by installing extra network buttons before the 100-meter limit. Another choice is to use an Ethernet Extender. All these are useful in circumstances where adding a switch is not possible.

More about Infrared CCTV Cameras

If you want to know more about Infrared CCTV Cameras or want to speak with a video surveillance expert who designs a system tailored to your needs. In case you have any questions about CCTV Camera up-gradation, it is always best to talk to an experienced professional. A reputable professional supplier Company would have the ability to guide you to the right products and advise you on how to improve the use of your system.