Infrared Security Cameras: How They Work and Why You Need One

Your home or business property deserves 24/7 protection, especially during low-light conditions when intruders feel most emboldened, thinking they can dodge accountability for their actions. Infrared security cameras are the solution to this problem, allowing you to capture footage in low-light conditions and hold any intruders accountable.

What is an infrared security camera, and how does it work? Here’s a post that explains everything you need to know, including how to hide infrared lights on your security camera.

What Is an Infrared Security Camera?

The simplest way to put it is that infrared security cameras are security cameras equipped with infrared technology, allowing them to survey an area in low-light conditions effectively. You may know them as ‘night vision cameras.’

How It Differs from Standard Cameras

Infrared security cameras differ from standard cameras; they utilize specialized lenses and sensors to capture infrared light that’s invisible to humans.

The technology proves highly effective in low-light conditions. Infrared security cameras are ideal for monitoring dark areas and detecting motion in the dark.

How Do Infrared Security Cameras Work?

This security camera feature works by using near-infrared LEDs to illuminate a dark area, allowing the camera sensor to capture images using light just beyond the visible spectrum and converting them into visible images for monitoring and recording.

The Infrared Spectrum

Before diving into how infrared security cameras work, let’s first understand what exactly infrared is. It’s a type of electromagnetic radiation that falls into the non-visible spectrum, meaning the human eye cannot see it.

Infrared is just below the red end of the visible light spectrum, thus giving it its name, meaning below-red.

Let’s get back to how infrared security cameras work.

A Breakdown of the Infrared Technology

1. IR LEDs

Infrared security cameras use special infrared light-emitting diodes (IR LEDs) to light up the area to be recorded. These IR LEDs emit light in the infrared spectrum, which humans can’t see but is detectable by the camera sensor.

The number and strength of IR LEDs vary depending on the camera’s specifications and intended use. Some cameras may only have a few IR LEDs, while others may have dozens or even hundreds for better coverage in total darkness.

IR LEDs typically have a longer lifespan compared to traditional light bulbs, making them ideal for continuous use in security cameras. They also use up minimal energy, so they’re more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

Infrared light is reflective under the right circumstances, meaning it bounces off surfaces and can cause glare or hot spots in the camera’s footage.

To avoid this issue, some security cameras come with an infrared cut-off filter, also known as an IR cut filter. This filter allows the camera to switch between infrared mode for low light conditions and normal color mode for daytime use.

2. Sensor and Motion Detection

Some security cameras use sensors to detect motion and trigger recording or alerts. These sensors are diverse and based on varying technologies such as infrared, ultrasound, or video analysis.

Infrared sensors, also known as PIR (passive infrared) sensors, work by picking up temperature changes caused by movement. When a warm object, i.e., people and animals, moves around the sensor, the camera starts recording, and an alarm could be triggered.

Infrared security cameras are commonly used for outdoor surveillance as they can detect motion from a distance and through different weather conditions. However, they may also be prone to false alarms caused by changes in temperature or movement of small animals.

How Image Conversion Technologies Work in Night Vision Cameras

Infrared security cameras rely on specialized image conversion technologies to transform the invisible infrared light captured by their sensors into visible images. These technologies allow the cameras to “see” in total darkness and provide surveillance around the clock.

Below are some of the most commonly used technologies in infrared surveillance cameras:

1. Thermal Imaging

Thermal imaging detects heat (infrared radiation) emitted by objects, converting it into a visual image. Here’s how it works:

• The infrared sensor picks up heat signatures in the environment.
• These heat readings are translated into images, where hotter objects are brighter and cooler objects darker.
• Unlike traditional cameras that depend on light, thermal cameras are effective even in complete darkness, smoke, or fog.

Advantages

• Ideal for low-light and no-light surveillance scenarios.
• Useful in industrial and scientific settings to detect temperature differences, equipment failures, or even intruders.
• Provides long-range detection capabilities.

Limitations

• Thermal images typically have lower resolution than standard night vision cameras.
• They lack color and fine detail, making them less suitable for identifying individuals or reading license plates.

2. Active Infrared (IR) Illumination

Active infrared cameras feature built-in IR LEDs for emitting infrared light. No one can see it, but your infrared security camera has sensors that detect it.

Active IR illumination is the most common in home and commercial settings.

How It Works

• The camera emits IR light through LEDs, typically around the 850nm or 940nm wavelength range.
• The IR light reflects off objects in the environment and returns to the camera sensor.
• The sensor then converts the reflected IR light into a black-and-white image.

Advantages

• Delivers clear night vision images in total darkness.
• Can capture detailed footage suitable for identifying people or reading license plates.
• More affordable and common than thermal imaging.

Limitations

• Performance can decrease in poor weather conditions like heavy rain or fog.
• IR LEDs may be visible as a faint red glow, which could reveal the camera’s position.
• Shorter effective range compared to thermal imaging.

3. Image Intensification (Low-Light Cameras)

While not purely infrared, image intensification is a common night vision technology used in some surveillance cameras, especially those designed for low-light environments.

How It Works

• Image intensifiers amplify available light (such as starlight or moonlight) rather than using infrared light.
• These cameras multiply weak light signals thousands of times to produce a usable image.

Advantages

• Produces images that retain color and detail in low-light conditions.
• Useful for outdoor surveillance in areas with some ambient lighting.

Limitations

• Less effective in complete darkness unless paired with infrared illumination.
• More sensitive to bright light, which can wash out the image or damage the sensor.

Busting Myths: Is Night Vision Infrared?

Night vision technology does not necessarily involve infrared light, although it’s a common component in many night vision devices. In fact, we have two main types of night vision: thermal imaging and image enhancement.

We already discussed how they work, but here’s more context.

1. Thermal Imaging

This type of night vision uses heat signatures to produce an image. Objects emit infrared radiation based on their temperature, and thermal cameras can detect it.

The camera features sensors and image conversion devices that capture the IR radiation emitted by objects and convert it into a visible image.

2. Image Enhancement

In contrast, image enhancement uses available light sources to produce an image. These night vision devices amplify dim light sources and make them bright enough for visibility.

Some people think that night vision goggles only use infrared technology, but in reality, they don’t necessarily need it. They’re designed to work with any available light source, such as moonlight or starlight.

However, many night vision devices do use infrared technology as well. In some cases, this can improve their performance in low-light conditions or complete darkness.

For more context, read: ‘How Reliable Are Security Cameras At Night?‘

Do All Security Cameras Have Infrared?

Infrared night vision is a common feature in many consumer-level security cameras. These cameras often use IR LEDs to illuminate their field of view in total darkness. However, the quality and range of night vision can vary based on the model, type, and quality of the camera.

You have to be intentional about getting the right IR camera for your particular situation, and they’re totally worth the investment.

Benefits of Using Infrared Cameras for Home Security

1. 24/7 Security Surveillance

Cameras with infrared capabilities switch off the infrared feature during the day, relying on natural light to capture high-quality images. At night, the infrared feature is automatically activated to continue recording in low-light conditions.

You get coverage even in pitch darkness, making it impossible for criminals to hide or conceal their identity while committing a crime.

2. Improved Security Coverage for Backyards, Garages, and Driveways

Eliminate blind spots in your home’s exterior with strategically placed infrared security cameras. Most folks only keep the lights on in rooms they are occupying, leaving the outdoor areas dark and unmonitored.

Infrared cameras help you to see and record any suspicious activity in your backyard, garage, or driveway. Intruders may think it’s dark and no one is seeing them, and you’ll be calling the cops and taking defensive steps.

That’s how you catch them off guard and foil a home invasion attempt.

3. Deterrence of Criminal Activity

Criminals will think twice and likely abandon their nefarious plans if they know you have hidden infrared cameras watching over your property.

Criminals exploit blind spots in security systems, and they mostly move in cover of darkness to avoid detection. They assume most security cameras can only capture clear images in daylight.

The thought of hidden infrared cameras recording their every move, regardless of light conditions, can be a powerful deterrent to criminal activity.

How to Hide Infrared Lights on Security Cameras

Situations Where Hiding IR Lights Is Desirable

There are several scenarios where hiding infrared lights on security cameras is desirable.

1. In covert surveillance operations, where you don’t want to reveal the presence of security cameras.
2. To prevent criminals from detecting weak points in your security system.
3. To avoid theft or vandalism of the security cameras themselves.
4. To play mind games with potential intruders and catch them off guard.
5. In places where aesthetics matter, such as in upscale neighborhoods or commercial establishments.

Tips for Hiding Infrared Lights on Security Cameras

1. Use cameras with built-in invisible infrared lights: These cameras have special filters that block the visible red glow of infrared lights, making them undetectable to the human eye.
2. Place the security cameras higher up or at an angle where they’re almost unnoticeable.
3. Hide the infrared lights behind small plants or furniture to conceal them from view.
4. Install motion-activated security lights so intruders don’t see them until it’s too late.
5. Use wireless security cameras that don’t emit any visible light.
6. Use camouflage patterns or colors on your camera’s exterior to blend it in with its surroundings.
7. Install fake, visible security cameras as a deterrent. They should look realistic and have blinking red lights to mimic real ones.

Hiding Security Cameras: Safety and Legal Considerations

In the U.S., federal law requires at least one-party consent for audio recordings. Video surveillance is typically legal in public or semi-public areas, such as front yards or entryways, but is prohibited in areas where privacy is expected (e.g., bathrooms). Always check your state’s specific laws before installing covert cameras.

It’s important to note that it’s illegal to hide security cameras in places where people have legitimate privacy expectations, such as in bathrooms and bedrooms. Never install cameras in these areas if you’re using security cameras in your business.

It’s legal to use fake security cameras in public areas.

You can also obtain consent by putting up signs notifying everyone that your property is under constant video surveillance.

Get Kentucky Secured

One way to enhance your security system is by incorporating infrared technology for low-light and no-light conditions. The next time you need an outdoor security camera, ensure it has IR capabilities.

At Kentucky Secured, we offer a range of products and services featuring infrared technology, providing you with peace of mind and added protection for your property.