Infrared Security Camera System: The Ultimate Guide to Night Vision Surveillance

Infrared security camera systems have revolutionized night vision surveillance through security cameras that can capture clear footage even in complete darkness. They are ideal for 24/7 surveillance with optical video quality.

In this article, we will explain how an infrared security camera system works and its important properties. Besides, we will look at the best systems available that can be installed in your home or business.

What is an Infrared Security Camera System?

An infrared security camera system consists of infrared security cameras. These have built-in IR LEDs that brighten up areas without any visible light. In contrast to traditional cameras, IR cameras can capture crystal-clear video in complete darkness. This quality makes them perfect for nighttime surveillance.

Such systems are very much in demand where 24-hour protection is required, such as in homes, businesses, and remote properties. They don't rely on visible light but emit infrared light, invisible to the naked eye but detectable by the camera's sensor.

How Does an Infrared Security Camera System Work?

Infrared cameras function through built-in IR LEDs. The LEDs get activated as soon as the camera detects low light or motion in front of its vision.

They emit infrared light, which is invisible to the naked eye but visible to the camera sensor. The camera sensor captures the image of such illuminating infrared light and converts it into a black-and-white image, satisfying the need for clarity of the objects.

Key Features of Infrared Security Camera Systems

Night Vision:

IR cameras are ideal for night and low-light conditions. They can offer clear footage even in extreme darkness. The light of IR LEDs does not alert or disturb anyone and captures clear and detailed footage.

Image Clarity:

High-resolution sensors help document high-quality images. This ensures that all details are preserved perfectly under low-light conditions.

Range and Detection:

IR cameras can be used for wide-area coverage. They can cover distances up to over 100 feet.

Motion Detection:

The motion sensor detects motion if there is anyone around the camera. It activates the IR LEDs instantly, and the camera starts recording. It records clear black-and-white videos.

Pros and Cons of Infrared Security Camera Systems

Pros:

• Works in Complete Darkness: Infrared cameras provide reliable surveillance in darkness.
• Cost-Effective: These cameras are more cheaper, although they perform equally well.
• Easy Installation: Most infrared cameras require little set-up and are essentially plug-and-play.
• Low Maintenance: Infrared cameras need little maintenance after installation; thus, they are convenient.

Cons

• No Color in Night Vision: In night vision mode, infrared cameras record black-and-white footage, lacking some detail present in color footage.

Best Infrared Security Camera System Recommendations

WiFi Plug-in Infrared Security Camera System: Home Hub with E1 Zoom

The Home Hub with E1 Zoom is a versatile infrared security camera system that can do indoor and outdoor surveillance. It has a 5MP resolution and 3X optical zoom to capture clear and detailed videos. The built-in black-and-white night vision helps capture images in absolute darkness.

The system offers easy installation and a home network interface. Since it has motion detection and remote access functions, you can control all the things with peace of mind anywhere anytime. You can connect up to eight security cameras to the Home Hub, and it offers encrypted storage without monthly fees.

Wireless Infrared Security Camera System: Home Hub with Argus 3E

The Home Hub with Argus 3E offers 3MP resolution, while the Wi-Fi ensures wireless connectivity. The infrared night vision allows for clear footage in total darkness. You can also use the spotlight night vision when needed. These are battery-powered cameras, and you can also connect them to a small solar panel for automatic recharging.

The motion detection and real-time alerting ability put it at the forefront for securing large properties and remote sites. The Home Hub comes with a 64GB micro SD card, which is enough for 1 year of storage. Its bank-level encryption and alarm center take privacy and security to the next level.

Infrared vs. Color Night Vision Security Camera Systems

Both night vision security camera systems are based on different technologies and offer distinct features and performance. Here’s Infrared vs. Color Night Vision to help you select the right one.

Infrared Camera Systems

Infrared security camera systems record footage in black-and-white even in total darkness through IR LEDs. You cannot see the infrared light emitted by the LEDs, so the cameras record in stealth mode. They are inexpensive and perfect for places where there is no ambient light. Not to mention the fact that they hold back the scope of detail due to a lack of color in night vision mode.

Color Night Vision Camera Systems

True-to-life colors are captured with color night vision cameras even in low-light conditions. These cameras have advanced technologies, such as Spotlight and ColorX.

Spotlight Color Night Vision:

These cameras use built-in spotlights to illuminate the area. Once the area is illuminated, colored videos can be captured. This very feature also helps scare away intruders as the light is visible.

ColorX Technology:

ColoX is Reolink's proprietary technology that is incorporated as part of Reolink's most recent color camera series. By utilizing an F1.0 super aperture and a revolutionary 1/1.8" image sensor,

ColorX promises to extract bright, magnificent, true-to-life colors even in almost complete darkness. ColorX is a new-age solution for completely dark-light surveillance. The cutting-edge part is that it does not require any extra lighting, unlike conventional IR cameras.

Best Color Night Vision Security Camera System Recommendations

Home Hub with Argus Eco Ultra:

The Home Hub with Argus Eco Ultra is a high-quality color night vision security camera system with 4K resolution. It can capture true-color images in very low light. Being powered by solar energy, it can be installed in places that lack power supply sources.

The Argus Eco Ultra ensures reliable surveillance activities with motion detection and real-time alerts. Encrypted storage on the Home Hub can be scaled to support eight cameras for either home or commercial use.

Home Hub with Argus PT Ultra:

The Home Hub with Argus PT Ultra is a versatile color night vision system that covers 360°. It offers dual-night vision to capture clear footage day or night, even in near darkness. Thanks to exceptional pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) functionality, larger areas can be monitored with ease.

It boasts features such as motion tracking and remote access that are perfect for large properties and businesses. The Home Hub also provides encrypted storage for up to eight cameras. You have 1-year of local storage without any fees.

Conclusion

An infrared security camera system is an optimal and cost-effective way of ensuring night vision surveillance. IR cameras always give clear footage and elaborate advantages, such as motion detection and remote access. Check out our best recommendations for both colored and infrared security camera systems.