Infrared light is visible as red or violet, which is translated by electromagnetic waves. Some waves are very short, and others are longer, similar to microwaves. When it comes to surveillance, there is no better way to do this than by using infrared security cameras.

There’s is a lot of technical information available but for the layman it would suffice to share only the information needed to source the correct system.

There are many uses for infrared, but the main use we will discuss here, is what to look out for when you want to install such a camera on your property:

Because infrared can be incorporated with particular equipment such as a camera, it can be used in complete darkness. How this translates is as soon as the level of light drops to its predefined setting, then its emitters kick in and start beaming infrared light at the area in question.

A really good camera must be able to see everything in it’s range, especially at night when there is little ambient light available. Some less expensive cameras with infrared will be bright in the center of the picture but the periphery or outer boundaries will be dark. A good camera should be able to provide infrared lighting to match the angle of the lens.

With the use of infrared illuminators, a regular surveillance camera that is B/W or turns to B/W in low light can be transformed into an infrared camera. This will allow your camera to record in black and white, using infrared radiation. How this works is the illuminator lights the area under surveillance with infrared light so that your regular camera can record black and white images with the use of infrared radiation, which is impossible for the naked eye to see.

If your existing system uses B/W cameras or cameras that turn B/W in low light, then there is also the option to install infrared illuminators. Then your camera will record motion in black and white by the use of infrared light which cannot be seen by the human eye. So your existing system without infrared will give you only coverage up until the light fades away. It will not record in a zero light area.

IR cameras come in a variety of sizes and types. The sizes can range from a small bullet cameras to larger bullet cameras which are the size of coffee cans. IR cameras can also be found in large block sizes that allow for a larger number of IR emitters.

If you are considering a closed circuit television security system you need to also consider the option of installing an infrared camera as well which will give you optimal coverage at night, when it’s needed the most.

Luckily the cameras are durable and lightweight which makes them easy to install. You can also at a later stage have additions to your system as your needs change.

Make sure you source from a reputable dealer who can explain the whole process to you thoroughly. Let them show you different recordings from various types of infrared security cameras. Buying online can be a great source for these cameras but you generally only have pictures to go by. Most reputable dealers will have a phone number to contact them. They should be familiar with the cameras and be able to help you decide. Also be sure they have a return policy and guarantee.

Author: Mike Ward is the technical advisor Protection Depot and has 10 years of experience in infrared security cameras and digital video recorders. For more information about infrared security cameras, please visit Protection Depot.

Tags: Home Security