One of the most challenging obstacles to outdoor surveillance is the lighting levels required to effectively record with your outdoor security camera. There are three basic ways we can overcome this aspect of the outdoor environment. We can try to control the lighting conditions ourselves, or we can use specialized tools to effectively record conditions ranging from low light to complete darkness.

Sometimes the best solutions are the simplest. Our first option is to install additional lighting to the area that is to be monitored by an outdoor security camera. There are multiple ways to control the lighting such as lighting sensors to turn the lights on when it gets too dark, or motion activated sensors that could turn the lights as well as start the recording on the camera. If the area is to be lit, make sure the light source is protected just as well as the security camera so vandals don’t get to it.

When additional lighting is not an option or not the ideal solution and it is low light conditions a black and white camera may suffice. This is only effective up to a point and some amount of lighting is still required for the camera to produce quality images. Black and white cameras work because they have lower light requirements than colored cameras.

Night vision security cameras come in varying degrees of effectiveness measured by the LUX rating of the camera. The LUX rating lets us know the minimum light levels required for the security camera to work. The infrared technology records light at a frequency beyond what is visible to our eyes and produces the image in shades of green. The LUX rating is only useful when comparing between similar manufacturers because it is relative to their standards. By itself it doesn’t tell us much except that a LUX rating of 0 means the camera can produce an image in complete darkness.

The sole purpose of an outdoor security camera is to record activity in an area for increased security and darkness is more reason to increase the level of security. Psychologically people feel more secure committing crimes under the cover darkness and that is why we have a need to protect our things, our families, and ourselves with security surveillance cameras.

The most effective way to protect your camera is by installing it properly in the first place. Install the camera inside a housing unit if necessary and it usually will be necessary, and mount the camera flush to the wall or ceiling if possible. Minimize the exposure of the cables to avoid tampering. Take as many threats into consideration when installing the camera to minimize the chances of an attack, and minimize the effect of the attack when it does happen.

Tags: Home Security