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< DVR Cameras Provide a Convenient Covert Surveillance Option |
How to Choose the Right Home Security Camera >
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| 6/18/2010
by
Mike Ward
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Infrared security cameras are great for both day and night surveillance. Most infrared security cameras
today provide a full color picture during the day then switch to B/W
(black and white) at night. They use an array of infrared LEDs around
the lens to provide a B/W image even in complete darkness. They should
not be confused with thermal cameras which use radiated heat signatures
to provide an image. They emit light only visible to the cameras sensor
onto objects in dark areas or rooms. This results in very good image
quality in low or no light that cannot be achieved by standard security
cameras.
There
are a wide variety of infrared security cameras. There are those
specifically designed for indoor use, while others are suitable for both
indoor and outdoor use. Outdoor models are more durable than the indoor
models. They are built to withstand harsh external elements like rain,
wind and the hot sun. They can also come in a variety of shapes and
sizes with fixed or adjustable zoom lenses and even OSD (on screen
display).
When
shopping for an infrared security camera you want to consider the
resolution of the image, size of lens provided and the infrared
distance. Obviously the higher the resolution of the camera the better
the image quality but that should not be your only consideration. The
size of the lens will determine your field of view or viewing angle.
While the number and size of the LEDs along with the lens will determine
how far you can see in darkness.
Generally
for nearby surveillance of 20 feet to 25 feet a 3.6mm to 4.3mm lens is
good. This will give you a wide field of view and good detail out to 20
to 25 feet. If you need to see detail at a further distance of 30 to 50
feet you would probably want to go with a 6mm or 8mm lens. Keep in mind
that the larger the lens size for any given distance the more detail you
will see but your field of view will be smaller.
Most
websites will state the maximum distance the infrared illumination will
shine. You should always choose a camera that has more infrared
distance than you need. This is because the illumination at its maximum
distance will not be as bright. As an example if you need to see 80 feet
in the dark choose a camera with 100 feet or more illumination.
Infrared
security cameras make a good choice for video surveillance. They are
not difficult to install and can give you a very good picture whether
indoors or outdoors, with no light or daylight. They are also reasonably
priced with many models starting under $90.00. Just determine the area
you need to cover and nighttime distance you need to see. If the area is
large you may want to consider using a couple of cameras with larger
size lenses instead of just one with a wide angle, this will provide
more detail in the picture. |
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< DVR Cameras Provide a Convenient Covert Surveillance Option |
How to Choose the Right Home Security Camera >
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