Infrared Security Cameras for CCTV
How You Can Benefit

(Infrared Security Camera Technology The Basics You Should Know)

posted by andy Wendt 05/24/2007

Infrared Security Cameras are often requested but little understood. The topic of Infrared Cameras usually come up when some one asks about covering a low light area with CCTV cameras. Of course they mean "how can I cover this area with CCTV cameras affordably". With a basic understanding of Infrared Camera technology that question becomes one that is much more easily answered .

The most important point in understanding Infrared Security Cameras is the concept that Infrared Security Cameras provide / require their own light source. When the natural light drops below a pre set level the camera will have to have an independent Infrared light source to light the space. The Infrared beam of light that these devices emit is not visible to the human eye but of course is visible to an Infrared sensitive camera. This Infrared 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 Infrared Security Cameras will list its effective range and angle of its Infrared beam.

Depending on the frequency these emitters operate at the Infrared 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 Infrared Security Cameras of that nature tend to start out in the thousand dollar price range.

Infrared Cameras 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. Infrared Cameras can also be found in large block sizes that allow for a larger number of Infrared emitters.

Some Standard Body Cameras also have the ability to see Infrared light and they can be used in combination with any external Infrared light source. 

Infrared Security Cameras are a good fit for areas with virtually no light that only need coverage in a limited or confined area. I often make the analogy that using an Infrared 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 Infrared Security Cameras a good fit for a small area as it allows for respectable coverage without a big “Infrared Flashlight”

Of course if that large area must be covered with an Infrared Camera 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 Infrared Security 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 Infrared Cameras.

For more information and for actual video clips from Infrared Cameras see our Infrared CCTV Security Camera Information & Demo Page

Request An Infrared Security Camera Quote

Read about how Infrared Security Cameras are being used in some innovative ways.

See our Infrared Security 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: Infrared Security Cameras are also referred to as "IR Cams"