When it comes to optimizing the effectiveness of an outdoor security camera the most important thing is capturing useful video images. The first obstacle that most outdoor conditions poise is night surveillance since outdoor environments are little more difficult to control than indoor environments. At night it may be a challenge to provide enough light for the camera’s image sensors to pick up anything. That is when the alternatives must be considered.
While it is not always an option, installing additional lighting to the area is one way we can make sure the outdoor security camera captures usable video footage. A simple system like a light that is controlled by a person is not always viable when there may not be a person to do the job. There are also motion activated lights as well as motion activated cameras that begins recording only when there is some movement detected. The important part is that the light is sufficient in illuminating the security camera’s entire field of view.
When additional lighting is not an option or not the ideal solution and it is low light conditions a black and white camera may suffice. This is only effective up to a point and some amount of lighting is still required for the camera to produce quality images. Black and white cameras work because they have lower light requirements than colored cameras.
Night vision security cameras come in varying degrees of effectiveness measured by the LUX rating of the camera. The LUX rating lets us know the minimum light levels required for the security camera to work. The infrared technology records light at a frequency beyond what is visible to our eyes and produces the image in shades of green. The LUX rating is only useful when comparing between similar manufacturers because it is relative to their standards. By itself it doesn’t tell us much except that a LUX rating of 0 means the camera can produce an image 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.
Some basic ways to protect your camera is by installing it with as many threats in mind as possible. Housing is recommended especially for areas that are high risk of physical abuse by either malicious attacks or weather extremities. How the camera is installed and mounted and how the cables are managed are all things that will minimize the chances of the surveillance equipment from being damaged and rendered useless.
