When it comes to protecting a home or business, it is important to implement systems that can increase the level of security at night or in the absence of light. Night surveillance cameras are key elements for this type of environment, providing continuous and efficient monitoring around the clock. These cameras provide quality images in low light or no light, thanks to the application of various technologies and their ability to modulate light in a customised way. Infrared technology plays a key role for night vision cameras, exploiting the heat emitted by objects, people and animals.
What are night vision cameras
Night surveillance or night vision cameras are devices specially designed to capture images and record video in low or no light environments, providing businesses with a higher level of security during these periods of time.
Thermal security cameras are capable of capturing the temperature of objects and living beings in their viewing space, which is then reproduced in colour. Infrared technology allows the manufacture of this type of camera, which is able to record even when there is no light source.
How night vision cameras work
Night vision cameras emit a beam of infrared light that makes it possible to view areas that are invisible to the human eye. The images are captured with a monochrome filter so that they can be viewed by people.
During the day, or in favourable lighting conditions, night surveillance cameras deactivate the emission of infrared light, so their recording and image emission is as usual. However, when they detect that these light conditions are insufficient for traditional recording, they automatically activate this IR light to start recording in night mode.
It is common for many night surveillance cameras to incorporate LED lighting in order to amplify the available light. This is an alternative to thermal imaging cameras that is very useful in indoor or confined spaces, such as warehouses or access areas.
How Far Can a Night Vision Camera See
Although it varies depending on the type of technology and the model of the device, the range of night vision is around 10 metres, as this is the ideal distance to capture images with a high level of quality; the range of five to seven metres.
However, there are high-end models that are capable of going much further in their ability to capture images in the dark or in low light, reaching up to 100 metres range.
Types Of Night Vision Security Cameras
There are several types of night cameras, the most popular are the following:
Thermal night vision cameras
This technology is based on the detection of infrared radiation emitted by objects due to their temperature. Bodies emit infrared radiation depending on the heat they radiate, so the thermal imaging camera can capture these temperature variations to create an image.
It is especially useful in situations where the temperature difference between objects or people and their environment is significant, such as in search and rescue operations, surveillance and military applications, etc.
Image intensifier
Cameras with this technology amplify the available light in the environment to generate a visible image (even in very low light conditions). Their use is really efficient in environments that already have some ambient light, but this is not sufficient for traditional recording (they do not work as well in total darkness).
Active illumination
This kind of camera emits its own light source in the infrared band, which is not visible to the human eye, but is detectable by the camera. Thanks to this active illumination, the camera can capture images even in complete darkness.
They are typically used in night surveillance systems and often use infrared LEDs to illuminate the scene.
Why use night cameras in your business
Here are a number of reasons why it is very interesting to have night surveillance cameras in your business:
- Security at all times. Night surveillance security cameras will allow you to extend your security 24/7, that is, you will even be able to monitor everything that happens in your company.
- Ease of installation. This type of camera can be easily integrated into a video surveillance system, coexisting with other traditional cameras and technologies.
- They include extra functionalities. Night vision cameras can include other very interesting technologies, such as motion detection, automatic alerts, voice communication, etc.
- High profitability. The ROI or return on investment of this type of device is high, i.e., with an adjusted cost, you can enjoy multiple and interesting benefits.
- They adapt to different environments. With these cameras it is possible to monitor both the interior area of the business, as well as the exterior areas. Therefore, they are ideal for implementing a complete security system that monitors all areas of the company.
Using night surveillance cameras is the best way to maximise the security of a business thanks to the possibility of capturing images at night or during periods of low light.
If you want to improve the level of security of your company or business, do not hesitate and contact us. At Microsegur we are specialists in security and we have extensive experience in helping maximise the security of people and businesses, implementing modern and secure video surveillance systems.
