Infrared Cameras

Infrared cameras are maybe one of the most widely used type of security cameras today. They are usually placed in waterproof casing with fixed or varifocal lens. They are called infrared because of the diodes included in their casing. They use light invisible for human eye (infrared) to light up the objects at low light. The infrared cameras have built-in light meter to automatically determine when to turn on the diodes. At that time, the camera starts working in night mode, the image from the camera is black and white but the camera is effective in the darkness. The number of diodes in the casing determines the infrared distance. This is the maximum distance at which the camera is effective at 0 lux (total darkness). There are cameras with 5, 10, 15, 25 meters and so on infrared distance. The more and more powerful are the diodes the greater the infrared distance is.

But ... why do we need cameras with less diodes?!

Despite the price, camera with greater number of diodes may have certain disadvantages. The light from the diodes (infrared light) is reflected by the objects. When the object is too close, the reflected light brings down the image quality. That means the camera with big infrared distance is not so suitable at close distance. So choose according to your needs.

Infrared cameras are easy to install and maintain, does not need additional components (lens, external case and so on). That is why infrared cameras are preferred not only for DIY project but for wide scale surveillance systems as well.