IR Cams - How You Can Benefit

(Infrared Camera Technology Primer)

posted by andy Wendt 05/24/2007

IR Cams receive a good number of inquiries but are perhaps the least understood of all the CCTV Security Camera types. IR Cams usually come up when asking the question of how best to cover a low light area with an affordable video security solution. With a basic understanding of IR Camera technology that question becomes a lot easier to answer.

Most important to understanding IR cameras is the concept that they provide their own light source. When the natural light drops below a pre set level the cameras own IR light source kicks on and lights the space. This IR light source is provided by a number of emitters that are either built in with the camera or are in a separate enclosure. The more emitters the more space can be lit up and the larger your visible area at night will be. A quality IR camera will list its effective range and angle of its IR beam.

Depending on the frequency these emitters operate at the IR light they generate may cause the emitters themselves to glow with a visible orange light. Emitters are available that operate at a frequency that does not produce this glow but be prepared to spend some money as IR cams of that nature tend to start out in the thousand dollar price range.

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

To see a full sized bullet IR Cam in use visit our IR Cam Video Demonstration and Information page

Some standard body cameras also have the ability to see IR light and they can be used in combination with any external IR light source.  For more information on Standard Body Cams see our Standard Body Camera page with a Video overview of Standard Body Camera components.

IR Cams are a good fit for areas with virtually no light that only need coverage in a limited or confined area. (See this page of unusual applications for IR Cams) I often make the analogy that using an IR camera is like walking around into the pitch dark with a flashlight: The smaller the flashlight the smaller the visible area. It’s this simple concept that makes IR a good fit for a small area as it allows for respectable coverage without a big “IR flashlight”

Of course if that large area must be covered with IR technology it can be done. Just be prepared to budget accordingly.

But even if the budget will allow and all other aspects of your situation make it seam like an IR camera is a good fit keep in mind that given any two identically areas the space with the least amount of lighting is going to be the space most often targeted by thieves.

To read more about low light alternative CCTV solutions see our article on Low Light vs IR Cameras.

For more information or for sample camera shots using the above technologies See our IR Camera Review. (add link)

Request An IR Camera Quote

See our IR Camera Recommendations

See our Low Light Camera Recommendations

CCTV Terms and Definitions

For more information contact:
Camera Security Now
web: www.CameraSecurityNow.com
email: sales@CameraSecurityNow.com
Toll Free Voice: 877-422-1907

Andy Wendt is a technology writer for CSN1 Technologies.

Note: “IR Cams” is an abbreviation for Infrared Security Cameras