Outdoor Security Cameras In Low Light Conditions

by Steve Goldman

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.

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.

In especially low light conditions near complete darkness, night vision cameras are also available. Cameras with night vision use infrared to detect light that travel at waves beyond what we can see. A security camera's minimum light requirement is measured by the LUX rating. The higher the rating the better lit the area must be for the camera to be useful. A LUX rating of 0 means the camera is designed for conditions with no light at all.

Although most people are inherently good by nature, there are always discrepancies to that rule and that is why we need things like an outdoor security camera, or two or three, to protect ourselves and validate our accusations against any offenders. Sometimes just lighting an area will be enough to deter criminals, other times they will stop at nothing and the security camera is important for proper recourse.

The best way to protect an outdoor security camera is by using common sense and taking as many threats into consideration before installing the camera. This way you can look for the optimal installation position and strategy to minimize the chances of damage to your camera. Don't forget all the supporting accessories in your security surveillance system such as the cables that connect the hardware. They need to be protected just like the rest of the system.

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