Monday, January 25, 2010

Choosing an Infrared Security Camera

By Daisy Brooks

When you are shopping for a security camera, one type that you will want to consider is an infrared security camera. These types of cameras have an advantage over other types of security cameras because they are able to take surveillance photos in complete darkness. While there are other types of low-light cameras on the market, these still require some light in order to take photos. An infrared security camera can be placed anywhere, without having to worry about positioning it near a light source. This makes them perfect for placing in dark corners, where other security cameras would fail. This is important, because dark secluded corners are often the very type of location that needs security the most.

Infrared security cameras usually include a waterproof housing, and are extremely durable. This allows them to be used in any type of weather conditions. You will not need to provide auxiliary light, because they supply their own light source around the camera lens. When it gets dark, the LEDs turn on to provide its own lighting.

Under dark conditions, an infrared security camera will take photos in black and white, since this is the preferred mode for dark conditions. When the camera functions in daylight, a color infrared security camera will photograph in color. The camera switches between these two modes automatically, due to a photo cell inside the camera that monitors light levels. However, one condition that an infrared security camera cannot function in is smoke.

There are numerous styles of infrared security cameras, and each is well-suited for a particular type of need. Security cameras for indoor use, especially in stores and other types of buildings, are often a dome style camera. These types of cameras can be mounted on the ceiling, and are unobtrusive. They are also capable of being able to rotate a full 360 degrees, which makes them ideal for indoor security.

You should always pay attention to the range specifications of an infrared security camera for indoor use, because you do not want to get a camera with a longer range than the indoor dimensions of the building, since the camera will be unable to take good photos under those conditions.

If you need a security camera for the outdoors, such as in a parking lot, a bullet style camera is a good choice. These types of infrared security cameras are extremely durable, and have a weatherproofed housing. They look somewhat like a radar gun, and are highly visible when mounted in areas such as parking lots. High visibility security cameras have a tendency to reduce crime just because they are visible. These types of cameras have a long range, and are capable of also viewing a wide area. It is not advisable to try to use an indoors infrared security camera outdoors.

Some people try to use an indoor camera outdoors, using an outdoor housing, but most times, the camera LED lights cause a glare off the housing glass. There is often some confusion between infrared security cameras and other types of security cameras that can operate in low light conditions. Because the infrared camera comes with LEDs, they can actually work in zero light, which a low light camera cannot do.

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1 comment:

Bullet Security Cameras said...

hi,
thanks for sharing this useful information with us, i am very glad to know more security camera,and your post will really helpful for me. Keep sharing such a good ideas with us.