Outdoor Security Camera Solutions For Low Light Conditions
The most important factor to capturing useful surveillance video is making sure the lighting levels are adequate for your outdoor security camera. Depending on the type and model of the camera there is a wide range when it comes to minimum lighting requirements. There are some basic strategies we can use to make sure poor lighting won’t hinder the performance of the security camera.
Sometimes the best solutions are the simplest. Our first option is to install additional lighting to the area that is to be monitored by an outdoor security camera. There are multiple ways to control the lighting such as lighting sensors to turn the lights on when it gets too dark, or motion activated sensors that could turn the lights as well as start the recording on the camera. If the area is to be lit, make sure the light source is protected just as well as the security camera so vandals don’t get to it.
If the area is not completely dark and the light levels are just too low, try a black and white camera. Colored cameras have higher light requirements than black and white cameras and for that reason a black and white camera can capture images at much lower light levels than a colored camera. This is only effective if there is still some light in the area to be under surveillance. Otherwise a night vision camera will be required.
For lower light levels where black and white cameras are useless, night vision cameras are the next option. They use infrared technology to detect lights at wave lengths outside the visible range in the spectrum. The minimum light level a camera requires is measured in LUX ratings and a rating of 0 means the camera can record in complete darkness.
An outdoor security camera definitely has much more demands than an indoor camera because of the harsh environment it is installed in. However, there are numerous ways to tackle any specific problem and lighting should be the most basic of challenges you will face. There are vandalism and weather conditions to be taken into consideration as well so be ready to protect your security camera.
The most effective way to protect your camera is by installing it properly in the first place. Install the camera inside a housing unit if necessary and it usually will be necessary, and mount the camera flush to the wall or ceiling if possible. Minimize the exposure of the cables to avoid tampering. Take as many threats into consideration when installing the camera to minimize the chances of an attack, and minimize the effect of the attack when it does happen.
