IR LED on your CCTV Camera

✴ Are you wondering whether to use a built-in IR LED on your CCTV camera or an external one?

(The Post Based on Research)

There are two ways to use IR LEDs with CCTV cameras: built-in or external.

❇ Built-in IR LEDs are integrated into the camera body and are usually positioned around the lens.

❇ External IR LEDs are separate devices that can be mounted near the camera or at a distance from it. The main difference between them is the coverage and quality of the infrared illumination.

❇ Built-in IR LEDs have a limited range and angle of illumination, depending on the number and power of the LEDs and the lens focal length. They also tend to create a hotspot in the center of the image and cause overexposure of nearby objects.

❇ External IR LEDs can provide a wider and more uniform coverage of the scene, as well as more flexibility in adjusting the angle and distance of illumination. They can also avoid the hotspot effect and reduce overexposure by using a separate power source and controller.

The advantages and disadvantages of each option depend on your specific needs. Here are some
factors to consider:

✅ Cost: Built-in IR LEDs are usually cheaper and easier to install than external ones, as they do not require additional wiring or mounting. However, they may also have a shorter lifespan and need more frequent replacement.

✅ Performance: External IR LEDs can offer better performance in terms of range, angle, and quality of illumination than built-in ones, especially for large or complex scenes. However, they may also consume more power and generate more heat than built-in ones.

✅ Compatibility: Built-in IR LEDs are compatible with any CCTV camera that supports infrared mode, as they are controlled by the camera itself. External IR LEDs may require a compatible camera that can synchronize with them or a separate controller that can adjust their brightness and timing. To use an external IR LED with your CCTV camera, you need to configure the operation modes for both devices. There are three common modes:

✅ Auto mode: The camera automatically switches to infrared mode when the ambient light level falls below a certain threshold, and the IR LED automatically turns on at the same time. This mode is convenient and energy-efficient, but it may not work well in situations where the light level fluctuates frequently or where there is interference from other light sources.

✅ Manual mode: The camera and the IR LED are manually switched on and off by the user or by a timer. This mode gives more control and flexibility to the user.

✅ Smart mode: The camera and the IR LED are controlled by a smart controller that can adjust their brightness and timing based on various factors, such as motion detection, scene analysis, or environmental conditions. This mode can optimize the performance and efficiency of both devices, but it may also be more expensive and complex to set up.

Source: LinkedIn

Credits: Ahmed Hosny