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CAN SECURITY CAMERAS SEE IN THE DARK?

Camera in the dark

If we want to answer this question, we must know that not all security cameras have the same function. When security camera companies develop and manufacture these cameras, they must have an emphasis. Therefore, there will be something that one camera can see in the dark and the other camera cannot. Choosing a surveillance camera is not just about buying and installing, because we need to pay more attention to aspects such as image quality. For technical reasons, if surveillance cameras have night vision, they all can see in the dark, but the only difference is the image quality during night vision.

Do CCTV Cameras Work In The Dark?

There is no doubt that security cameras need some type of light to capture high-quality surveillance images during the day, and of course at night. Although Some cameras have a built-in infrared function that invisible to the human eye, can produce enough light to capture a viable record.

But in addition, we can also use external lighting to assist security cameras to record footage at night. For example: street lights, lighting of nearby buildings.

Not only that, but some cameras can also use light enhancement technology, which can improve the visibility of areas that are often difficult to monitor.

There are two main types of night vision: most of the security cameras use one of them, while night vision goggles use the other. Most security cameras use the most common infrared (IR) night vision device.

If you have ever seen the front of a security camera, you may notice that it is surrounded by some small LED bulbs. It is the IR light. When the environment is dark, these lights will turn on and act as floodlights, so that the camera can capture the image that we need to capture at night.

The fact is that infrared light is completely invisible to the naked eye. Therefore, it seems that there is no strong light flooding the outside area, but in fact, it is actually under your supervision.

In addition, the night vision footage from the security camera always looks black and white, that is because the human eye can distinguish between black and white much better (compared to red, blue and other colours). Therefore, to make it easier for human eyes to see the image, most of the night vision cameras will switch to monochrome filters.

cctv camera with ir

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Thermal Imaging

Thermal imaging is the rarest type of night vision camera. Because it is mainly used in military, government buildings and other important national institutions. Of course, in recent years, a few high-end venues have also begun to use it. Thermal imaging technology is to form an image by capturing infrared energy radiated by catching the temperature of an object. Therefore, when the camera takes an image, it depends on temperature, not on light.

 

When an object emits a lot of heat, the infrared energy released will also increase, so the camera can capture it and generate an image. The colour of the captured image depends on the temperature of the target. When the temperature of the target is low, the camera will capture a black image, and when the temperature of the target is too high, the camera will capture a white image. Since the cameras only operate according to temperature, they can capture very good images compared to ordinary cameras.

CCTV camera with THERMAL IMAGING

Conclusion

In conclusion, criminals are different in terms of their IQ levels. They have different strategies for doing their business due to their different intelligence levels. Some techniques always leave people thinking that the criminals were very smart. The question of whether security cameras can see in the dark arises from the fact that most if not all criminals would not dare break into a facility in broad daylight when there are lights everywhere. They prefer at night where darkness offers cover that facilitates their activities and gives them a better chance to escape. Criminals know too well that most facility surveillance cameras are meant to work well during the day than at night. Since extreme darkness will reduce the level of performance for the security cameras.

 

In short, because criminals have different levels of intelligence, they will develop different strategies or techniques. And some technologies make people think criminals are very smart. As a result, most criminals dare not break into a facility in broad daylight. They like to commit crimes in the night or darkness that can provide cover because it is conducive to their activities and provides them with a better chance of escape.

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Criminals are well aware that most facility surveillance cameras work better during the day than at night. Due to extreme darkness, the performance level of security cameras will be reduced. Although the surveillance camera has the corresponding night vision capability, if the situation permits, please use appropriate lighting equipment to assist the surveillance camera. In addition to improving the ability of the surveillance camera to do so, it also allows criminals to dare not easily start your facility.

 

Generally speaking, as recommended by security consultants, using lighting equipment to assist surveillance cameras is the best way to deal with criminal activities. Sometimes the cost is high, but obviously this is an effective method. In addition, it is necessary to pay attention to some places that may hinder the lighting, which makes the lighting equipment not function well as an assist to surveillance cameras. Remember that it only makes sense to install a lighting system if the security camera can capture images well at night. If a person can get a camera that can clearly capture images at night, then they can also be regarded as having solved the security problem.

 

Although none of the options listed above can provide a perfect solution at night. And only the effect of thermal imaging alone is outstanding, especially its performance on capture images at long distances. Therefore, thermal imaging may become more and more popular in the future. But no matter which option you choose, you can at least improve security. This is crucial for everyone.

 

CSI solution

Over the years, we have embarked to be the best provider of security and surveillance systems for many homeowners and retailers here in Malaysia. All businesses, regardless of size, warrant our full attention and service. We know our clients definitely need to pay extra attention to such intricate security details at their workplace.

We are one of the leading home security providers in Johor Bahru, Malaysia empowers us to have the experience and true understanding of how security, particularly remote surveillance and access control security, is of uttermost value to any business.

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