Surveillance Cameras

Night vision and thermal cameras

Night Vision and Thermal Cameras are both technologies used to see in low-light or no-light conditions, but they operate very differently. Here’s a comparison to help you understand:

Night Vision Cameras

How They Work:

• Amplify available light (like moonlight, starlight, or infrared light).
• Use image intensifiers to enhance visibility in the dark.

Features:

• You see a greenish image (common due to how human eyes perceive green better in low light).
• Best when some light is present.
• Cannot see through fog, smoke, or walls.
• Often used in military, security, wildlife observation.

Types:

• Analog Night Vision (Gen 1, Gen 2, Gen 3): Traditional military-style tubes.
• Digital Night Vision: Uses sensors and displays, often cheaper and more versatile.

 Thermal Cameras

How They Work:

• Detect heat (infrared radiation) emitted by all objects.
• Create an image based on temperature differences.

Features:

• Work in complete darkness, fog, smoke, or foliage.
• Show images in black/white or color gradients (hot = white/red/yellow, cold = black/blue).
• Can detect hidden objects (e.g., warm body behind bushes).
• Widely used in search & rescue, firefighting, electrical inspections, security.

Types:

• Cooled Thermal Cameras: Higher sensitivity, longer ranges, expensive.
• Uncooled Thermal Cameras: More common and affordable.