If you need to capture security video in the dark, you need an infrared security camera. Infrared security cameras have advantages and disadvantages that must be considered when designing a security system.

If you need to capture security video in the dark, you need an infrared security camera. Infrared security cameras have advantages and disadvantages that must be considered when designing a security system.

Although most security consultants are familiar with an infrared security cameras single drawback: the capture in black and white, many new security personnel do not understand the advantages of using an infrared security camera or when to use one in a security setup.

An infrared security camera, admittedly recording in black and white, is often the only type of security camera that can record in adverse lighting conditions.

Configuring a CCTV setup, has to account for variables outside your control. Investing thousands of dollars into state of the art camera systems that can be disabled by simply cutting power to a few key lighting systems that were taken for granted, can be a major oversight. Installing a few cameras in your setup that can still function without lighting is essential. Also, for cameras that will be used outside, infrared security cameras are still the most widely preferred option out there.

Infrared security cameras (or IR security cameras) are based upon sensors that pick up infrared radiation. Infrared radiation is electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength longer than visible light but shorter than a microwave. The infrared spectrum is the wavelength of light beyond what a human eye can see that are emitted by heat. Heat seeking missiles, night vision glasses, many wireless communications, weather forecasting, and many telescopes use infrared or thermal imaging. Because heat emanates in complete darkness, an infrared security camera has many uses in a security setup.

Infrared cameras come with many different numbers of infrared lights built into the lens. Some have as many as 64 or as few as 6 bulbs, but the number of bulbs is not the only thing to consider. The size of the infrared bulb is important as well. Generally the more infrared light, in both size and number, that a infrared security camera has the farther that you will be able to see with the camera.

A good rule of thumb is: if the infrared security camera has 12 or more infrared lights, it was not meant to be used indoors. Often times, the CCTV applications for indoor cameras is to help secure small rooms or tight spaces that have many flat reflective surfaces, such as windows, doors, coffee tables, fish tanks, or anything else glossy " including some types of glossy interior paints. Many users assume that more lights will automatically make a better picture, but this is not the case. It is generally better to know the application for your security camera before you purchase.