Purchasing Infrared or any other CCTV cameras or equipment online can sometimes be a daunting and confusing process. We have written this guide at the request of several customers who thought it would be helpful to other buyers. As always, if you have any specific queries or require advice on choosing equipment, please contact us.

IR Cameras – The basics
An Integrated Infrared Camera, as used in the CCTV Industry, is a camera capable of capturing colour images in normal light and black and white images in low light or complete darkness using infrared LEDs which are controlled by a photocell on the camera.

The ability of the camera to switch from colour to black & white with IR sensitivity is achieved through either the electronic manipulation of the received images, by means of a mechanical IR cut filter or by a combination of both methods.

The Wavelength of Infrared light is measured in nms and IR illuminators used in CCTV are within the range 730~950 nms. The most widely used spectrum for integrated cameras is 840~850nms – this produces a slight red glow at the camera but otherwise is invisible to the human eye. While 950 nms produces no visible glow, it requires a camera with very high IR sensitivity to produce images at this wavelength and range can be greatly reduced.

Camera Attributes
Numerous sellers on the Web significantly overestimate the IR range of their products and do not explain the variables that greatly effect the useful range of IR illumination. It is not uncommon to find listings claiming 30m, 50m and even 100m IR ranges for cameras that will, in most environments, produce only 10-15m of useful IR image capture.

When a manufacturer states the specification of an IR camera, the testing has most probably been conducted in an indoor environment. As IR light is reflective, any IR illumination benefits from the effects of reflection on walls, ceilings and floors, hence increasing range. When the same camera is placed in a working environment, such as externally on a domestic or commercial premises, the IR range is significantly reduced.

Other claims such as “extra large” or “xx number of Leds” should not be taken too much into consideration, as a lot depends on the manufacturing of the camera. For example, a camera with 18 LEDs may produce the same range as a unit with 50 LEDs – the range will be determined by the quality of the camera and the quality of the LEDs used in the manufacturing process.

It should also be noted that IR cameras produce a “Torch Beam” of infrared – so if you need to see an object 20m from the camera, using a True 30m range camera with a 3.6mm lens will probably not produce the results you require, as the wide angle lens will not produce a good focussed image at that distance.

Another distinction to look for when choosing a camera is on the front glass panel – traditionally, manufacturers stopped infra-red “bleed” (IR light seeping onto the lens – causing poor images or “White Out” at night), by using small foam or rubber tubes fitted flush against the camera’s viewing window. Most modern and higher specification cameras now use a solid 'anti-bleed' ring which is embedded in the front viewing pane. This embedded system is a far superior method of preventing IR bleed and will ensure better camera operation with both short and long term use.

Physical Characteristics of IR Cameras
As most integrated IR cameras tend to be used externally, an IP Rating of 65 or more is generally required.

What Connections are fitted to the camera ?
While units such as sports/ bullet cameras tend to be fitted with RCA connections , BNC connections are the industry standard worldwide for professional CCTV Cameras and equipment.

Appearances can be Deceptive
Please do not judge cameras by appearance, there are numerous companies manufacturing cameras from different components and, whilst two cameras may look identical, the quality of components can be very significantly different. Photographs will not show the manufacturing quality or in fact the construction material of the camera, with several cameras that may look similar to professional equipment, being constructed from polycarbonate or other plastic materials.

CCD Image Sensors
Within the CCTV and Digital Camera industries, "CCD" is (erroneously) used as a synonym for the type of image sensor fitted in a camera even though, strictly speaking, "CCD" refers solely to the way that the image signal is read out from the chip. However, it’s use in specifications is now so commonplace, that it is now used as a means to identify the manufacturer and resolution of camera’s image sensor.

While a Sony CCD based CCTV camera will produce excellent quality image capture, the branding of the image sensor is not the only factor to be taken into consideration when choosing a camera. There are other manufacturers, notably Sharp and LG, who produce image sensors, and whilst their CCD sensors tend to be used in economical units, they are not without merit and should not be dismissed. The size of the sensor is equally important - normally 1/3" and ¼" on CCTV Cameras. The TVL describes the horizontal resolution of a camera – the higher the number the higher the resolution.

Unfortunately, these specifications can also be used to mislead buyers, with claims of 500TVL etc, being listed. A quality Sony 480TVL or 420TVL will normally have a spec. of more than (>480TVL, >420TVL). Sometimes, sellers appear to have taken it upon themselves to regard and sell such cameras as 500TVL+ and 470TVL.

Before You Buy!
As with all purchases, the Web or high street, buying CCTV equipment requires some consideration as, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is, so the following are always worth noting:

What is Quasar Security's Returns Policy?
Provided the products are returned to us in the same condition as they were supplied, then we can either offer a refund or you can select an alternative item. This applies for 30 days from date of purchase. The cost of returning the goods should be met by the purchaser. If goods have not been packaged correctly and are returned to Quasar Security in an unsaleable condition, Quasar Security will not offer a refund or goods exchange.

Product Support
Quasar Security will always support your product, just email of contact us by phone where one of our support staff will help you with your queries or problems.

We hope this guide has been helpful - if you have any specific queries or would like advice on choosing CCTV Security equipment, please contact us and we will be glad to help.