Outdoor Wireless Security Cameras Pros
Using outdoor wireless security cameras in your overall video surveillance security system has many of its own benefits that do not come with other types of outdoor security cameras. Sure, all outdoor cameras have to stand up to durability standards in order to survive harsh outdoor climates. We already know that there are all types of cameras as well as security camera housing units that provide the level of protection needed against external factors that threaten the well-being of the camera. But that protect comes with all cameras designed for outdoor use. What really makes outdoor wireless security cameras to desirable is the convenience it offers by being wireless.
There are three basic things off the top of my head that I can think of which would be reasons to consider going wireless. The first is if this camera is being installed in a new area that does not have the infrastructure in place to connect it to the rest of the system or is a brand new system. And since there isn’t a need to lay down new lines every single time a new camera is to be installed there is a scalability factor which is very economical in both large and small security systems. Finally, since wireless security cameras transfer data over the network wirelessly, the information is already in digital form so it just makes sense to have a digital system as opposed to the traditional analog system. Network security system has many advantages over analog technology which we will go over in a later article.
Let’s imagine installing the very first camera. A small system such as a private home security set up consisting of two or three cameras will need to run a data cable for the camera to transmit the video feed as well as a power line for the camera. Imagine doing this a hundred times for a campus or other place that would require a large security system. Even at home with three cameras it is already a lot of work getting the cables in the right places. Since most homes have wireless routers these days, and it is inexpensive for most people if they didn’t have one, a wireless camera can be installed anywhere on the property so long as there is a signal from the router. In the case of most homes, this is not too much of an issue or a signal booster can be used. The video feeds right into the computer or dedicated recording device which can be accessed from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.
This means you can be at work or on vacation and if the camera is installed indoors you can keep an eye on the help or the nanny. Installing additional cameras in the future is very easy since all you need to worry about is the power source. If the area, such as the inside of a home with a wireless system already established, you can set up the camera anywhere with running new lines all over the house and avoid having to get into the walls to run cables. Outdoor wireless security cameras are designed to be used outdoors but the infrastructure that supports the camera will allow you to install indoor cameras as well as outdoor cameras as long as there is a wireless signal. For large systems, multiple transmit points will greatly expand the range of coverage to wherever surveillance monitoring is needed.
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How Infrared Security Cameras Work
Without the technology of infrared security cameras, the problem with most regular outdoor security cameras is recording in low light conditions. Since the outdoor scenario makes it harder to control the lighting and installing additional lighting might not always be an option, infrared security cameras will work wonders to continue protecting your home or property even during the darkest hours of the night. Infrared technology is very effective in capturing images even in complete darkness by being able to detect the light wavelength part of the spectrum that is invisible to human eyes. Special image sensors capture both visible wavelengths of light in addition to the infrared part of the light spectrum.
The Light Spectrum
The different colors we see in the visible part of the light spectrum are the different wavelengths of light. The spectrum contains ultraviolet and infrared wavelengths at either end of the visible wavelengths. Infrared light waves are emitted by any amount of heat so infrared sensors can pick up images of any object that produce heat such as a human body.
This ability to pick up light waves beyond the visible range is vastly different from typical cameras whose image sensors are designed to pick up relatively selective wavelengths of light. For low light conditions, a black and white camera might be good enough depending on light levels and the camera. A colored security camera usually requires much more light to be effective so if infrared is outside your budget or a little overkill for whatever purpose you need the camera for, consider a black and white camera with a low LUX rating. The LUX rating is a measure of how much light the camera requires to capture usable images. A true night vision camera with infrared technology should have a LUX rating of 0 meaning it can detect images even in complete darkness.
Infrared Image Sensors
Most infrared security cameras available in the market today come with dual chip sets or a single dual function chip. This allows the camera to capture regular images during daylight conditions and can detect when light levels are low enough to switch over and start recording infrared images. This allows the outdoor security camera to be installed and is able to capture images both during the day and at night when light levels are very low.
The only problem might be that infrared illuminators give off a red glow if a person is to look straight into the camera. In scenarios where you don’t want to give away the presence of a security camera, filters are available that can be installed over the lens to hide the fact that anything in the area is under surveillance.
Since we know that criminal activity tends occur at night or under the cover of darkness where the offender feels safe, a camera that cannot capture useful video images during low light conditions has very limited use. An infrared security camera allows for surveillance recording both day and night.
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What is an Infrared Security Camera?
An infrared security camera offers the benefits of a traditional security camera with the additional advantage of infrared technology. Anyone who is considering the purchase of an outdoor security camera should definitely look into an infrared security camera. Outdoor cameras are built durable to withstand weather extremes and in many outdoor situations, the lighting levels cannot be controlled. Night time surveillance is impossible with a regular camera that cannot record during low light or no light conditions which is where the addition of infrared technology comes in extremely handy. This differs from cameras can function under low light conditions because infrared technology allows the camera to record in complete darkness.
The two primary factors should be user friendliness and functionality. It needs to be easy for a regular user to install especially for home owners looking to protect their property and family. The functionality is a whole other aspect that could get a little particular. The infrared security camera needs to hold up to the standards that will be required wherever it is to be installed. Indoor cameras do not have to stand up to as strict durability standards as outdoor security cameras.
Outdoor Security Cameras
A very common design is the bullet style camera for outdoor surveillance and is often mounted along the outside wall of a building. These cameras are capable of monitoring wide areas of space such as a parking lot and come with special casing or housing to protect the camera against different weather conditions. Infrared cameras allow the area to be monitored at night for any activity that might occur.
Infrared Camera Sensors
Infrared technology uses thermal imaging which reads the light wave emitted by any type of heat. Since these light waves are emitted during night or day, the camera can capture infrared images regardless of the light conditions. However, most people would prefer regular video surveillance and rely on infrared only when necessary. That is why most infrared cameras will come with dual functionality. That way it can record like a typical camera during the day and switch to infrared when it gets dark enough to set off the light sensor in the camera.
Buying and Installing
To buy the right camera you need to know what conditions the camera will be installed in. As with any outdoor security camera you want to make sure the camera is able to withstand the weather conditions. Otherwise an additional housing unit can be purchased to put the camera inside for protection. Make sure you plan the installation carefully to protect the wires from being exposed. Exposed wires can be tampered with if not protected and that will seriously compromise the effectiveness of your entire security system.
On advantage with an infrared security camera is that criminal will usually not know they are being watched in the dark so they don’t even think to disable the camera.
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