There are
several reasons to purchase a night vision security camera. Many businesses
large and small have night vision surveillance cameras in place in lieu of
security guards to make sure that all parameters of their building or rural
warehouse are being watched at all times. Recently infrared cameras have become
very popular with new parents. They are now being used instead of conventional
baby monitors because they help parents keep an eye on sleeping infants to give
them peace of mind.
In traditional night vision security cameras an
infrared light is what provides you with detailed imagery in very low light
situations because it reacts very well to movement and/or living tissue. Like
any other product on the market, night vision security cameras have different
levels of quality and features depending on its intended use, so it's important
to be informed and choose the right camera for you and your
belongings.
How does a Night Vision Security Camera Work?
There
are two main options available when choosing a night vision security camera. All
of the objects in the universe are made up of atoms, and these particles emit a
low frequency infrared wavelength as a reaction to light which shows up similar
to heat. Night vision cameras are very sensitive to these thermal-infrared
emissions. They amplify these emissions and the measurement of the invisible
wavelength is converted into an image on your monitor. This is called thermal
imaging. Thermal Imaging is great for detecting motion or people in near
absolute darkness especially in the vicinity of a locked business or warehouse
where goods are being stored.
Another option to the infrared light of
traditional night vision cameras is image enhancement or image intensification.
When dealing with image intensification, it is important to note that it does
not work with total absence of light. This type of camera will however provide
you with a more realistic and easier to see picture. An image intensifying
camera also differs from thermal imaging cameras because it is less
sophisticated therefore less expensive. If you have a particularly large
business or rural area you need to have under surveillance it is not recommended
that you use this type of camera as it doesn's work properly in the absence of
all light, like the infrared night security cameras will.
What Do You
Need To Know?
If you are considering a night vision security camera, you
should look at the Lux Rating. The Lux Rating refers to the minimum illumination
needed for the image on a security camera to be picked up. The camera's
performance in low-light or night time is better when the Lux Rating is closer
to 0. If the illumination rating or Luxor is 0, it means there is no light
required for the security camera to see, and produce a quality picture in total
darkness. What this means to you is that if you are looking into this product
because you have a new baby in the house, a lux rating of zero probably isn's
necessary and you may be able to buy a camera a little less expensive to fit
your needs. Color cameras will automatically switch to green phosphor shades or
black and white at night and then back to color when the light level is
adequate. This change is required to get the best performance in a low light
situation. A high performance night vision security camera will give you a clear
image in low-light situations or in the darkest of night.
Night Vision
Security Camera Range
A traditional night vision security camera's range
is limited by how much reflected infrared light it can detect. In the best
conditions a night vision camera can view from a 30 meter distance to 300
meters. However, because the range of your camera is affected by weather
conditions, you can purchase a separate infrared light emitter to saturate an
area with extra infrared lighting to increase your camera's range. Most cameras
are equipped with their own set of infrared lights around the lens, but if it's
not then it may be necessary to purchase a separate infrared light emitter in
addition to the camera. Make sure your night vision security camera is
sufficient for your situation because not enough surveillance could cost your
livelihood.
