Night vision cameras were once the standard for the military, scary movies, ghost hunting, and those energetic wildlife enthusiasts. Nowadays, nearly anyone can make use of the technology, especially when protecting business properties using night vision CCTV systems.
Night vision technology is instrumental when it comes to business security. Several burglaries and attempted break-ins occur at night, and there are many things you can do to improve your business’s nighttime security. For example, installing motion-sensitive lighting and night vision CCTV cameras like infrared security cameras are the most feasible solutions to help you sleep peacefully at night.
CCTV keeps businesses safe. Several surveillance cameras are motion-sensitive CCTV systems with motion detection and can send alerts when movement is detected. You’ll instantly know if someone is trying to access your facility without your permission. Yet, typical cameras can’t see in the dark, so they can’t always pick up motion and send you the essential information you need. This is where the night vision comes in. So, how does it work?
What Is Infrared Night Vision and How Does It Work?
Infrared, or IR, is the most common type of night vision popular in outdoor infrared CCTV security cameras. This kind of technology is brilliant; it can flood an area with light invisible to humans, but the camera’s lens has no trouble picking it up. A possible intruder would see complete darkness while the camera would film in near-perfect clarity using the IR light produced. Humans cannot see IR light because it has a longer wavelength and frequency than normal light that’s visible to the human eye. Red is the color with the longest wavelengths visible to humans, and infrared means ‘below red’.
On most infrared cameras, you’ll see a unique configuration of bulbs being used. Higher power infrared LED lights are positioned around the outside of the camera lens. IR is used for several different filming purposes and is typically used for wildlife filmmaking. This is because the invisible IR light doesn’t bother the animals as they cannot see it. This makes for a very secretive, nocturnal filming opportunity.
Types of Night Vision: IR vs Image Intensifiers Explained
Another type of night vision filming technology exists. It’s not something commonly used in homes, businesses, or even professional security cameras. Image intensification tubes are used in night vision goggles to collect and significantly intensify all available light, including infrared light. This allows the wearer of the goggles to see in low-light situations or even in total darkness. When an area appears to be completely pitch black, it never truly is. There usually is a source of light, even if the human eye finds it difficult to spot. The light entering the goggles is converted into a green tint, making people’s eyes shine brightly in the image created, as human eyes are most susceptible to green light. Night vision goggles that employ this technology are most likely used in military and law enforcement operations.
How Night Vision CCTV Helps Detect Intruders and Capture Evidence
Night vision is instrumental in security cameras since it allows the camera to detect motion more adequately, thus picking up movements by an intruder with ease and alerting you immediately.
Although, there can be occasions where you (or the police) cannot get to the location in time, and the intruder makes a getaway. If this happens, your night vision cameras become even more valuable. The clarity of the footage that they can record with IR light and night vision technology means that perps can be more easily identified and arrested. The footage then becomes very useful as evidence. In contrast, a standard surveillance camera would pick up a blurry image in poor lighting or absolutely nothing at all in the pitch dark.
Most night vision CCTV cameras also come with extra features and functions to further enhance the footage’s quality and clarity. These include:
- Blur Reduction Technology
- Curved PIR Sensors to Improve Detection Angles
- Super Low Glow LED Lights
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between IR camera and night vision camera?
An IR (infrared) camera uses infrared LEDs to illuminate dark areas, allowing it to capture images in low light or total darkness. A night vision camera is a broader term that can include IR cameras, low-light image intensifiers, or thermal imaging, depending on the technology used.
What does infrared do for night vision?
Infrared enables cameras to “see” in the dark by emitting light that is invisible to the human eye but detectable by the camera sensor. This allows for clear footage even when there is no visible light present.
What is the best security camera for night vision?
The best security camera for night vision typically includes high-powered infrared LEDs, motion detection, and HD resolution with low-light optimization. Features like blur reduction and wide detection angles also improve performance in complete darkness.
How to tell if a security camera has night vision?
Most night vision security cameras have visible infrared LEDs around the lens, which may glow faintly red in the dark. You can also check the camera specs for terms like “IR,” “infrared,” or “night vision range” to confirm.
How far can night vision CCTV cameras see?
Infrared night vision CCTV cameras can generally see between 40 to over 100 feet in complete darkness, depending on factors like IR LED power, lens quality, and sensor type. Commercial-grade systems often offer ranges exceeding 100 feet, ideal for monitoring large outdoor areas.
Capturing Wildlife Footage
Whether you’re attempting to identify an unwanted pest or trying to catch a glimpse of nocturnal animals on your property.
Protecting Your Business At Night
Protecting your business when you are away from the premises for any amount of time; night vision cameras can use IR light to detect motion and send out an alert, no matter where you are located in the world.
Eliminate Unwanted Activity
If you have ever been frustrated by people who litter or any other antisocial behavior that seems to happen at night? Night vision cameras can help gather essential evidence to stop it in its tracks.
Capture Faces, Number Plates, Etc. With This Technology
With this new technology, you can capture faces, license plates, and many other details to provide to the authorities. A lot of activity takes place under cover of darkness, and night vision cameras can help you keep a sharp eye on what is going on. This is very useful in legal cases, investigative matters, or just to provide everyday proof of suspicion.
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It feels that there may be no end to the number of applications for this fantastic technology. It’s exciting to anticipate what is to come in the future of night vision cameras and infrared solutions!