Night vision equipment operates by using one of two different methods. The first method is called thermal imaging which involves using the heat emitted by people or objects to reveal a form to the viewer. We all give off thermal energy and there are devices (primarily used by the military) that pick up this energy. If you have a set of thermal imaging goggles on, you can detect a person in absolute darkness.

The infrared light given off by the person or object is picked up by infrared detectors and a comprehensive temperature pattern is generated. This is known as a thermogram. The thermogram is then transformed into electric impulses, and these electric impulses are then passed to a signal processing unit. The processing unit translates the signals and sends them to a display. This all happens in a second.

Other Night Vision Security Cameras

The more common form of night vision equipment involves the method of light amplification. This method involves converting small amounts of light in the surrounding area into electrical energy. The electrons travel through a thin disk where they are multiplied. All these electrons then bounce off a phosphor screen which, in turn, converts the electrons back into light.

Does any of that make sense to you? All you need to know is that these are the reasons night vision security cameras can see in the dark. Neither is really considered better. Both methods work just fine and both will capably protect your home or business. If you do plan on getting security cameras, make sure they are night vision capable. Nighttime is usually when your home or business is most vulnerable.