All these choices...Security cameras

[jdigs]

The scenario - putting "something" up that takes video in a low light (~1 lux) area. I say something because of all the choices out there in the video market these days...everybody wants a slice of the pie

I will admit that I am about 95% sure I will be purchasing an IP camera given its ease of mounting and hard outer casing for protection, but thought I would see what you all had to say about going in a different direction. Comments? Questions?

Best y'all,
Jay

[edDV]

Is this for a security camera? Normal is IR LED lighting (invisible to perp).

[redwudz]

This isn't about camcorders. Moving you to Newbie/General forum. I also changed your title, guessing you are asking about surveillance cameras. You might look at Supercuircuits. I've used them for several years for security cameras. http://www.supercircuits.com/cctv-products Don't know if they can ship to your location, but their catalog may give you a better idea of what's available.

Most color cameras have a problem with ~1lux. Will a model with a infrared illuminator work for your application? Or a black and white camera? They have B+W cameras available down to .001lux. Though not for IP cameras.

The mounting location, distance of cable run, amount of available light, distance of the subject, all determine camera choices. I assume outdoors. Generally for night use a B+W camera may be a better choice. Color cameras mostly operate as B+W cameras anyway in very low light situations. The type of light matters also. Mercury vapor lights don't have enough infrared for night illumination. Metal halide or quartz lights are a couple of choices. If you want to operate with no visible light, consider a infrared illuminator if the distances aren't too great.