CCD Night Vision Camera

CCD Night Vision Cameras Come In Two Varieties

Infrared light-based cameras use an infrared light source (usually LEDs) to “illuminate” the scene. The human eye is not sensitive to infrared light, so these sources are not detected by any people in the area. Good infrared cameras with illumination up to 100 ft are available for under $200.00.

Thermal imaging is the other type of night vision technology. These cameras are much more expensive than IR based cameras.They work by detecting the heat radiating off an object, and convert it to an image. The image is usually a false-color showing levels of heat. This type of camera does not need an illumination source. Thermal imagers are used for security and detection mainly by the military, and also for facilities and process monitoring in factories and plants where temperature monitoring helps keep track of performance of plant equipment.

Infrared Light Illumination

Night vision cameras using infrared sensors provide a grey-scale image. This is because the light is in a different “band” in the electromagnetic spectrum (there is no red, green, blue color), and the translation of the sensors used in these cameras is better in black and white.

For infrared cameras to work correctly a source of infrared illumination is required. Many night vision security cameras come with built in illuminators, which switch on automatically when it gets dark.

Day/Night Infrared-based CCD Night Vision Cameras

Both CCD and CMOS sensors are sensitive to IR light. In order to avoid overexposing the sensor during the day, a filter is used to remove IR. However, if we want to use the same sensor for infrared night viewing, we would like to change the filter. Thus some cameras come with automatic filter options.

Since IR light is a longer wavelength than visible light, the image will focus differently. Many newer day/night security cameras come with automatic compensation for this.

Thermal Imaging

Thermal Imaging detects heat from an object, which is converted to an image.

Heat, or thermal energy, radiates in the electromagnetic spectrum (as with visible light). Thermal energy is part of the infrared light spectrum. Human eyes are not sensitive to this portion of the spectrum, however, we can construct sensors which are.

Thermal imaging is also used in other applications, especially in forensic sciences, facilities and process inspection, and the military.

HOW TO CHOOSE A CCD NIGHT VISION CAMERA

FACTORS To Consider When Choosing a Night Vision Camera

• Day/night use needed?
• Indoor or Outdoor?
• Distance of furthest area to be observed.
• Color-B/W or just B/W
• Thermal or IR
• Cost
• Wireless/wired
• video format

This article touches on the important factors to consider when choosing a camera for night vision applications. There are many options and variations of cameras available. You may want to consult with a security expert to determine the best solution for your situation. Continue to do your research, and you will have an excellent system.