Darkness is the enemy of security system setups. Unless you have an infrared security camera, as infrared security cameras excel at capturing video in the dark.
Many new security personnel are aware of the large obvious drawback of using an infrared camera: it captures in black and white. However, there are many reasons why you would want an infrared security camera (or several) in your security setup.
An infrared security camera has the ability to capture video in conditions where other cameras cannot capture anything. Faced between having black and white video is better than having none.
Configuring a CCTV setup, has to account for variables outside your control. Investing thousands of dollars into state of the art camera systems that can be disabled by simply cutting power to a few key lighting systems that were taken for granted, can be a major oversight. Installing a few cameras in your setup that can still function without lighting is essential. Also, for cameras that will be used outside, infrared security cameras are still the most widely preferred option out there.
Infrared security cameras (or IR security cameras) are based upon sensors that pick up infrared radiation. Infrared radiation is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength longer than visible light but shorter than a microwave. The infrared spectrum is the wavelength of light beyond what a human eye can see that are emitted by heat. Heat seeking missiles, night vision glasses, many wireless communications, weather forecasting, and many telescopes use infrared or thermal imaging. Because heat emanates in complete darkness, an infrared security camera has many uses in a security setup.
Infrared cameras come with many different numbers of infrared lights built into the lens. Some have as many as 64 or as few as 6 bulbs, but the number of bulbs is not the only thing to consider. The size of the infrared bulb is important as well. Generally the more infrared light, in both size and number, that an infrared security camera has the farther that you will be able to see with the camera.
When it comes infrared cameras if the cameras has 12 or more bulbs, it was not meant to be used indoors. This is because many flat glossy surfaces can reflect the light back and overwhelm the sensors. A few examples of these types of surfaces include windows, doors, coffee tables, even walls painted with "glossy" paint finishes can wash out an infrared sensor if it has too much light. It is better to know where you will install the camera rather than just assuming that more lights equal a better picture.
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