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IR Emitting cameras may look hi-tech. However, in the world of security, simply looking hi-tech doesn't cut it. It's more about being practical.

It's the law of photography... cameras need light to see. When working with CCTV cameras, the question is how much light does a particular camera require to see, and will the light be of the visible spectrum or invisible IR spectrum. A camera featuring a high-grade CCD, such as the KG-230EX featuring a Sony 1/3” ExView, can see in very low light without the aid of IR emitters. However, other cameras featuring a generic or poor grade CCD or CMOS chip require IR emitters to see in low light.

In today's market, it's not hard to find IR emitting cameras. In fact, it seems that most everybody is pushing them. However, what most vendors don't want you to know is that the average life span of IR emitting cameras is only 1-2 years under optimum conditions. Worse yet, due to the highly competitive nature of the CCTV industry, many manufacturers choose to utilize low-end IRs that only last an average of 6 months to a year. In any case, the overall life expectancy of any infrared IR may be greatly reduced or immediately terminated when subjected to even a modest power fluctuation or power spike.

While IR emitting cameras certainly fill a need in the CCTV industry, it's unfortunate that most vendors choose not to forewarn potential buyers as to their short life spans and temperamental nature. Whether it's from a lack of concern, ignorance to the problem, or wanting to raise their bottom line, the problem can be easily avoided in most all cases by vendors simply recommending surveillance camera that does not require IR emitters to see in low light.

It's amazing how far video surveillance camera technology has come in the past years. Fairly recently, a few companies began to embed slow-shutter technology into CCTV cameras. A technique used by professional photographers to snap photo's in extremely low light, slow-shutter mode sacrifices video frame rate but dramatically increases the camera's ability to see in very low lit conditions... almost to the point of seeing in complete darkness. This method is becoming popular with military and law enforcement applications, as it eliminates the need for IR emitters that may give away the camera's location.

When covering an area that is completely absent of light, an IR emitting camera will be necessary... that is unless a source of visible light (such as a floodlight) can be entered into the mix. Floodlights are inexpensive, can automatically turn on when motion is detected, and can help further deter criminal activity. No power... no problem... consider an inexpensive solar-powered floodlight for short-range applications. Keep in mind that while a IR emitting camera may only last you a couple of years, a non-IR emitting pro-grade CCTV camera should last you well over 10 years.

My suggestion – if considering a IR emitting camera, first ask yourself if you really need it. If there is even just a little light present, then consider using a CCTV camera that features a Sony ExView CCD and/or slow shutter technology. Non IR-emitting cameras will have a much better service life. No light at all? Consider installing a floodlight instead of an IR emitting camera. If you absolutely have to go with an IR emitting camera, then be sure to choose one that features a Sony ExView CCD. That way, the camera will still be able to see in low light (but not complete darkness), even once the IR emitters eventually go out.

Top reasons why NOT to go with an IR emitting camera:

1. IR cameras cost more than non-IR cameras
2. IR emitters do not last very long, and may leave the camera unusable once they go out
3. IR emitters typically light up a small area, and act more like a spotlight than like a floodlight
4. When flying bugs are about near the camera, the light from IR emitters reflects off the wings and commonly bounce back into the camera lens.  This may do two things... temporarily obscure the camera view and/or trick a DVR to think that something larger is afoot and set-off the motion detection.
5. Visible light provided by standard floodlights acts as a deterrent against crime. The light from IR-emitting cameras cannot be easily seen, and will not act as great of a deterrent.  Being practical... catching a criminal is good... but preventing the crime is most always better.

Questions? You know the drill... free advice is just a phone call or forum post away!

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