Types of Infrared Cameras
What is an Infrared Camera?
An infrared camera has sensors that can detect radiation emitted from objects in the form of heat. Infrared cameras create an image depicting sources of heat and also the density and temperature range of objects. This is why an infrared camera can also be referred to as a “thermal imager” or a “thermographic camera.”
Types of Infrared Cameras
Because most infrared cameras only detect a specific range of infrared radiation, the images created are usually colorless (monochromatic). Higher temperatures are often depicted as a brighter color (i.e. white). However, other cameras can create pseudo-color images. What this means for the user is that the camera attributes certain colors to specific temperature ranges, allowing the viewer to better distinguish between objects and backgrounds.
Most commercial infrared cameras also act as regular video cameras during the day. The infrared detection aspect is colloquially referred to as “night vision.” Indeed, the user can view any objects at night that give off heat (people, animals, electronic devices, etc.), and a camera with both day and night function can be equally useful at all hours.
There are two main types of infrared cameras based on functionality.
The first is the simple “night vision only” camera that does not offer regular daytime camera function. This is useful for dedicated monitoring of an exclusively dark area.
The second type is also known as the day-night camera which can be used as a regular camera during the day and switches to infrared mode when it detects a lack of adequate light. Both types of infrared cameras can be further categorized by whether or not pseudo-color (or “false color”) is available.
Three common types of infrared cameras
How to choose
Infrared cameras have many practical uses. The most common application for the average user is security purposes. Because many night vision cameras are approved for outdoor use, they are ideal for allowing property owners to monitor their premises without adding another external lighting source.
Author: Nuttawaj Chieobangyang
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