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It is
important to remember that all colors of light visible to human eyes
falls within a small area of the electromagnetic spectrum. Active infrared (IR) light, for camera surveillance purposes,
is light that lies in the wavelength region of 700nm to 1000nm that the
human eye cannot see. Radio waves, microwaves and x-rays are all
part of the same spectrum with the only difference being
wavelength. The problem is that humans cannot see the majority of
these wavelengths.
IR-sensitive cameras see what human eyes cannot. Special CCD technology allows sensitivity to light in the infrared wavelengths. What is a completely dark scene to human eyes is perfectly illuminated image to an IR-sensitive camera if there is sufficient IR light on the scene.
IR-sensitive cameras see what human eyes cannot. Special CCD technology allows sensitivity to light in the infrared wavelengths. What is a completely dark scene to human eyes is perfectly illuminated image to an IR-sensitive camera if there is sufficient IR light on the scene.
IR Camera Or Illuminator?
There are countless models of infrared cameras available, and if you are going to invest in one, try a brand name such as Everfocus, Capture, or Extreme CCTV. If you already own a black and white CCTV camera and do not wish to buy a camera+infrared unit, you can invest in what is called an infrared illuminator. This simply floods the area with infrared light, allowing your regular camera to record in pitch black conditions, just as a regular infrared camera would. Be mindful of exactly how much infrared light the unit sends out; different models send out infrared to different distances. An IR flood distance of 20-50 feet is good for most residential applications.
There are countless models of infrared cameras available, and if you are going to invest in one, try a brand name such as Everfocus, Capture, or Extreme CCTV. If you already own a black and white CCTV camera and do not wish to buy a camera+infrared unit, you can invest in what is called an infrared illuminator. This simply floods the area with infrared light, allowing your regular camera to record in pitch black conditions, just as a regular infrared camera would. Be mindful of exactly how much infrared light the unit sends out; different models send out infrared to different distances. An IR flood distance of 20-50 feet is good for most residential applications.
Above:
The Same Camera View, Before And After Infrared Light Is Applied.
The Same Camera View, Before And After Infrared Light Is Applied.
Above:
A Basic Infrared Camera Unit, And Infrared Illuminator.
A Basic Infrared Camera Unit, And Infrared Illuminator.
How Infrared Cameras Work: