Higher powered IR webcam reccomendations

[aumudin]

Hey all,

I am looking for some recommendations on some good IR cameras for outdoor use. With my current project I have just bought something similar to whats found in this link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/1821656000 ... noapp=true
I couldn't find a case for the camera with the IR mounted to it so I just siliconed the heck out of it for testing. The problem I have with it is the viewing distance is not good at all, guessing once you get out past 4'-5' you cant see anything really. I have it mounted up on top of a post looking down and need to see closer to probably 9'-10' with decent clarity(thinking something like a game camera).

I have bought a bunch of extra IR leds and going to play with creating a board that has them all on it but if I can just purchase something that works well and not go through all the hassle that's what I'd rather do!

[stderr]

the viewing distance is not good at all, guessing once you get out past 4'-5' you cant see anything really. I have it mounted up on top of a post looking down and need to see closer to probably 9'-10' with decent clarity(thinking something like a game camera).

During the day? If you are talking about at night, the not being able to see very far is, assuming it works during the day, due to there not being enough IR (or other) illumination for the camera or its settings. Test in both situations and if it works during the day, I'd look at testing with some external IR illumination. With the camera up on the poll, you are going to need a lot of light if you want to basically turn your backyard, or whatever, into day. It might be better to just strategically place IR illumination more close to the actual areas you are trying to see. Test with hand held device walking around while camera is running.

[6by9]

Check how those ir leds are powered. There is only a 3.3V power line up the flexi to the camera and it is NOT rated for driving lots of ir leds as well as the sensor. Others have reported intermittent operation from similar setups.
If you're wanting reasonable illumination then you'll be wanting to use a bigger ir lamp (something like the 6W ones if you search for "ir cctv light" on eBay).

[jbeale]

I got a little 850nm IR flashlight, specifically this one http://www.ebay.com/itm/Zoom-OSRAM-Cree ... 1104197942
although there are many similar ones available. Using this light in the more focused (zoomed-in) mode, you can see things more than 10 feet away at least, although the lighted spot area is small. So if you get an equivalent IR lamp, it should work OK for you. Running your IR LEDs off the camera power supply, like in the ebay item you linked is not going to work well at any distance.

If you want longer range, try something like the "Univivi long range 6pcs IR lamp" https://www.amazon.com/Univivi-U06R-Wid ... B00M3O5ERK ...I have two of these and they can reach more than 70 feet. Like all such illuminators, there is a hot spot in the center and much less light coming out at higher angles; this gives you somewhat even light if you have it mounted high up and aim the hot spot at the most distant area; then the nearby ground is out of the maximum-light center spot, but being closer it still gets enough light to work with.

[aumudin]

Awesome thanks for the replies. I will will buy one of those IR lights just to try and see if that'll work for what I am trying to do!

The first question, do people use IR for cameras during the day? Seems like it wouldn't make much sense..