History of Infrared Camera
Infrared or IR radiation is electromagnetic radiation of wavelength that is longer than visible light, yet shorter than microwave radiation. Infrared light was discovered by the famous English astronomer William Herschel in early 1800s, and the potential to use this in photography and imaging has been on enthusiasts’ minds ever since. The history of infrared camera hence dates back to approximately the same time as the discovery of thermography. Infrared cameras using ‘thermography’ technology is the term used to refer to equipment or methods employed to detect infrared energy emitted from an object and convert it into temperature. An image showing clearly demarcated areas of temperature variation or distribution is the end result of thermography. Infrared cameras therefore employ a type of photography that measures temperature differences in the infrared range and this technology found its very first use in the field of medicine.
Since then, infrared cameras have evolved and today, the first time ever in the history of infrared cameras, very compact versions of these are available (mini infrared camera). Images from infrared cameras normally produce monochromatic pictures since these gadgets are usually designed with only a single type of sensor which responds to a single wavelength range of infrared radiation. This limitation is owing to the fact that color cameras require a more complex construction to differentiate wavelength.
At times, these monochromatic images are displayed in what is known as ‘false-color’, wherein changes in color are used rather than differences in intensity to display alterations in the signal. This often proves to be useful since the ability to see fine intensity differences in bright areas is fairly limited in humans, though we have a much greater dynamic range in terms of intensity detection when it comes to color. Thermographic or infrared cameras can be broadly classified into two types namely, those with non-cooled infrared image detectors and those with cooled infrared image detectors.
Wireless Infrared Security Camera Systems
Infrared wireless camera security systems are a hot favorite among users of mini infrared cameras since these are extremely easy to install and use.
Camouflage becomes all the more easy while using these wireless infrared security cameras, cause there are no tell-tale wires that need to be concealed. Infrared wireless camera security systems find their use both indoors as well as outdoors owing to the flexibility and ease of installation that it offers. These wireless infrared security cameras prove to be very useful in activities like gathering valuable proof to hold wrong-doers to the law guilty, for instance.
Infrared Outdoor Cameras
When used for surveillance purposes, infrared outdoor cameras can prove to be useful if they are built tough and made weather-proof with extra features and functionalities.
Especially in case rural areas need to be surveyed for any reason, these infrared outdoor cameras can prove to be rather reliable since they are of the hardy variety and don’t require the delicate treatment that is usually demanded by similar gadgets. Owing to this reason, infrared outdoor night security cameras are in great demand since these can capture clear images in case of covert operations or hidden surveillance purposes, where a relatively small infrared camera can come in handy.
The other important aspect about these infrared outdoor night security cameras is that they can function absolutely well even in pitch darkness and produce images of amazing clarity considering that they were captured in the absence of any light!
Mini Infrared Cameras
Mini infrared camera essentially finds its use in undercover or spying activities and is available in the size of a lipstick or even a small bullet cartridge. Small infrared camera also comes with the unique advantage of being able to be integrated into a variety of under-cover accessories since it can easily be hidden under clothing or even accessories like head-gear or eye wear.
In conclusion, infrared cameras are a true boon to see what the human eye cannot see otherwise!
