Infrared Night Vision with Digital Video

The nature of sight is the interpretation of light as it bounces off surrounding surfaces. That light is read by the optical nerve and we are able to make out a three dimensional world that surrounds us. Without any light it is impossible to see anything, and using little light will make the image dark and unrecognizable. This is difficult for spontaneous filming, especially at night outdoors. To remedy this many people use infrared video technology, often just referred to as “night vision.”

What infrared video does is it picks up a color wavelength that is too long to be visible by the naked eye. The camera picks up on this color area, which is still prevalent in very low light. This allows for the “green and grainy” image that you normally associate with night vision and security camera technology. You are not going to get an very clear image, and it is most likely going to distort and flatten most of the visuals. Likewise, the chances of actually getting color with any type of night vision device currently available is unlikely.

If you are going to use infrared in normal light situations you have to be much more careful than you would be normally. Sunlight is still good, as long as you are inside and only small traces are coming through. If you want this as a light source it is best to get it as diffused as possible. Try putting a white sheet over the windows so a cool and soft light will drift into the location. Avoid florescent or neon lights because you will not be able to tell just how strong they will be. Try to never get a light source actually into the frame.

The range of these devices is commonly 600-1000nm of spectral light, which then allows the monochrome video you expect from night vision. This feature is often not on lower end digital video camcorders, so if you are looking to use this a lot try to find an inexpensive security or surveillance camera.

Night vision is great really only for observation or event capturing, mostly so you can document that something is taking place. It is hard to use for artistic or storytelling purposes, except as a character item in and of itself. Before you attempt to use this feature make sure that you have the appropriate purpose for it.