Will A Laser Pointer Damage a Camera?
When we use cameras for security reasons, we must ensure that they are protected from external problems. Those can be environmental problems as well as someone tampering with the camera. That's why there are different types of protective covers available. However, these protection options do not prevent the passage of light, and that makes people think "Will a laser pointer damage a security camera?"
Stay with us as we explore the answer to this question along with protecting tips.
Will A Laser Pointer Damage a Camera?
Yes, the camera operates with its lens and that lens is a sensitive part of the camera. Lens has the job of collecting light and converting it into digital data which then forms the image. When you shine a laser on it, the laser may cause permanent damage to the lens hence hindering the functionality of the camera.
How much will a laser pointer damage a security camera? The answer to this question depends on several factors which are:
- Power of the Laser.
- Distance from where the laser is being pointed on the camera.
- How long has been the camera to the laser for.
As these factors vary, there could be temporary blindness for the camera and sometimes permanent damage to the lens.
What Happens If You Point a Laser at a Camera?
A laser is a focused beam of light with high intensity and a lens is a device that converts light into electronic signals which are then used to create digital images. Lens is a sensitive element and when a laser is pointed at it, it may get overwhelmed with light which can disrupt the image. In the worst cases, disruption can cause permanent damage to the lens. So, it results in dead pixels, dark spots, or lines in the image generated by that lens.
Powerful lasers can also produce heat on the surface they are pointed at. So, if that happens with the camera, then the extent of damage may lead to other parts of the security camera causing further damage.
How to Prevent Laser Point Damaging Security Cameras?
While it is simple to damage a security camera by pointing a laser at it, if you take the right prevention measures, you can restrict people from damaging your cameras. Below are some of the most efficient techniques one may follow to prevent laser points from damaging security cameras:
Physical Protection
Install protective shields for the security camera that do not affect its surveillance results but protect the camera from laser pointers. These protectors diffuse or block the laser beam which prevents the camera from any laser damage.
Camera Placement
Strategic camera plays a crucial role in protecting it from laser pointers. Installing your camera at a hidden angle or at a height where people cannot see it easily prevents them from pointing lasers at it. You may install cameras behind protective barriers to hide them.
Security Lighting
Security lighting creates a well-lit environment around the camera which not only aids its performance but also prevents laser beams from directly reaching the lens. That light interferes with the laser beam hence protecting the camera from laser damage.
Anti-Laser Technology
Anti-laser technology is one of the most effective solutions to prevent laser damage. These covers diffuse or completely block laser beams to reach the camera lens. Thus, the laser becomes ineffective at causing any damage to your camera.
Legal Deterrents
Using signs that display the legal restrictions of causing laser damage to cameras may prevent people. It usually works for people who point lasers at cameras for fun or out of curiosity. Publicly mentioning penalties, fines, imprisonment, and other charges helps discourage such activities.
Is It Legal to Shine a Laser at a Camera?
No, it is illegal to shine a laser at a camera in most states, but it may vary under different local regulations. The reason it is usually illegal is that this activity contains malicious intent to interfere with the surveillance. Moreover, it can cause permanent damage to the security camera that comes under vandalism.
Bonus: Recommendations For Good Quality Security Cameras
Let's explore some security cameras including wired and wireless options that cover your surveillance requirements.
4K Dual-Lens Wi-Fi Solar/Battery Camera – Argus Track
The Argus Track from Reolink comes with a 4K result with a dual-lens design that provides a wide-angle view with a 6 times hybrid zoom. It works over dual-band Wi-Fi technology and provides PTZ functionality. Moreover, it gets power from solar and battery, so its installation is completely wireless.
While it works wirelessly over Wi-Fi and gets power through solar and battery, if you want a product that follows a wired protocol then we have an option with PoE functionality as discussed below:
4K Dual-Lens Wi-Fi Solar/Battery Camera
4K 8MP Ultra HD, Auto-Zoom Tracking, Pan, Tilt & 6X Hybrid Zoom, Color Night Vision, Dual-Band Wi-Fi.
16 MP Dual-Lens PoE Camera – Duo 3 PoE
Duo 3 PoE is a dual-lens camera design that provides 180-degree panoramic coverage. It has a crystal clear 16 MP video result and the PoE technology ensures that the installation requires only one ethernet wire. This security camera comes with features like color night vision and smart tracking.
Groundbreaking 16MP Dual-Lens PoE Camera
16MP UHD, Dual-Lens, Motion Track, 180° Wide Viewing Angle, Power over Ethernet, Color Night Vision.
FAQs
1. How strong does a laser have to be to damage a camera?
Lasers having power as low as 5 milliwatts can damage the camera when they are pointed at it for a long time. When the laser power goes beyond 5 milliwatts, the extent of damage increases, and the duration of exposure needed to cause that damage decreases.
2. Why do people point lasers at cameras?
While some individuals may point a laser at a camera out of curiosity, in most cases, it is done to hinder the functionality of the camera. People do that to disrupt surveillance and it counts as vandalism. This is because they not only disturb surveillance but can also cause permanent damage to the camera.
Conclusion
When installing security cameras, you must be careful about protecting them from vandalism, and that comes in all forms. One unique form of damaging security cameras is by pointing laser beams at them. It may cause permanent damage to the functioning of cameras. That's why adopting anti-laser technologies and strategic placement of security cameras is highly important.
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