Home And Gardens Advice

Is infrared security a scam? Is it just a marketing ploy by those selling this technology to get you to spend more money?

I guess this is a pessimist’s view of security cameras with infrared but the truth is, if you have it on your security coverage then you can feel a heck of a lot more comfortable in the knowledge that your security camera system is keeping an eye on your property 24/7.

Using infrared security cameras means your covering those dark areas on your property which would be attractive for would be intruders to enter. And better still, they won’t have a clue most of the time that they’re being watched.

While infrared technology may cost you a few dollars extra it’s certainly the smart way to keep an eye on your property even when there is no lighting speak of. Infrared cuts through dark “like a knife” and is recommended in areas where the only source of night light apart from property lighting are the moon and the stars.

How Does Infrared Work?

What makes security cameras with infrared so effective in total darkness is what is known as LED lighting. This is short for Light Emitting Diode which in effect gives the camera the ability to take in a whole spectrum of light that our eyes can’t see.

The images captured are in black and white during any night filming. LED lighting gives the camera just enough light to film what’s going on, but not enough light to be a dead giveaway to the subjects being filmed.

Better still, infrared security cameras are extremely effective when there is very low light conditions when the only source of light is that reflected off the moon and in many instances, they can still capture images in color.

Night Time Vision Cameras

There are some cameras on the market listed as “Day/Night cameras”, but they are different from infrared security cameras. They don’t use LED lighting but uses extra sensitive chips and are considered inferior in capturing good images for night time filming.

To make things even more confusing, there ARE some Day/Night cameras that use LED lighting. Whatever the camera used for night surveillance, be sure it has LED lighting.

If you are considering an infrared security camera for your home or business, then it’s best to get a weatherproof, round (”bullet”) model. Be sure to install it outside.

Remember how the light reflected off of nocturnal animals’ eyes to make them glaringly bright? This can also happen if you install the camera indoors and it tries to film through glass.

Not all security cameras with infrared are alike. Price will depend not only on shape and size, but also how far away they can film in total darkness.

Think hard about all of the requirements you need in a security camera. Will there always be an outdoor light on somewhere? Do you get a lot of light from streetlights?

In other words, if you really don’t need to film in total darkness, there’s no sense in spending the extra dollars and cents for abilities you’re not going to use.