Thermal cameras versus standard CCTV: which is right for your site?

It’s been around for many years, but CCTV remains one of the most effective security tools available. That’s especially true since the advent of AI, which has transformed the humble camera into a virtually all-seeing, all-knowing device that can recognise people, analyse behaviour and help you optimise your stores. And all while continuing its basic job of recording images and acting as a deterrent. But one thing you might be wondering is how regular CCTV compares to another imaging option: thermal detection cameras.

What advantages do these offer over your standard CCTV cameras, and how do you know which is right for your site? Let’s take a look at each of them and see why a hybrid system might be the best solution.

How does normal CCTV work?

Standard CCTV remains the go-to security solution for all manner of different premises, from shops to factories, office blocks to QSR outlets. It works like any regular camera, using visible light to capture detailed images and videos. It’s come on a long way since the grainy images we used to see on Crimewatch, with high-definition footage and accurate colour now producing crisper-than-ever images that make it easy to read number plates and identify faces.

However, even the best CCTV cameras have their limitations. They’ll struggle when it’s foggy, when the air is filled with smoke or when there’s foliage in the way. Even at night, they need obvious extra lighting to be able to see clearly, and that’s not very discreet. That’s where thermal cameras come into their own.

What do thermal cameras do differently?

Rather than using visible light, thermal detection cameras work by using thermal infrared – heat energy – to ‘see’ their environment by picking up the heat generated by humans, animals and vehicles.

They can pick out people or animals against any background, which makes them harder to fool than regular CCTV cameras. Camouflage won’t work on them, and it’s difficult to hide from them. It also gives them some distinct advantages in the kind of conditions they’re able to operate in. For example, they can see in complete darkness and in poor visibility, such as fog or smoke.

Thermal cameras also have a high detection range, meaning they’re able to spot people as far away as 1.5km and vehicles 4km away – long before they’re visible to the naked eye or they’re picked up on a standard CCTV camera. This makes them especially effective for keeping an eye on perimeter fencing, warehouses and industrial sites, or anywhere you could benefit from early warning.

Which is best for your site: standard CCTV or thermal?

There’s a lot to be said for running thermal cameras in conjunction with standard CCTV. This is because they have a complementary set of abilities that, together, make a hybrid system a powerful ally in your on-site security. Here’s a breakdown of how they compare.

As you can see, thermal cameras make up for the things that standard CCTV cameras aren’t so good at, and vice versa. Standard CCTV provides clear identification, behaviour analysis and evidence, while thermal cameras are great for early detection at night and in other challenging conditions.

That’s why many of the most effective security systems combine the two, using thermal cameras to detect and standard CCTV to verify. For example, a thermal camera can detect a heat signature approaching your perimeter fence at night, triggering an alert – but it’s a standard CCTV camera that provides clear footage with identifiable faces when the target comes closer.

Combined with our cutting edge intelligent security system, V5, a suite of standard and thermal cameras improves detection accuracy while capturing footage that’s suitable for subsequent investigations. With standard CCTV now smarter than ever thanks to AI, adding thermal detection cameras into the mix heightens your coverage and accuracy for complete peace of mind.

We can work with you to design an integrated security system that works for your site. Give us a call on 01749 600 600 and we’d be delighted to answer any of your questions and discuss your business needs.