Sometimes it is necessary to see the “things that go bump in the night,” and with illuminators, you can. Adding a night vision illuminator to your surveillance system can greatly improve your chances of catching thieves, vandals, as well as executing other night-vision needs and saving your business unnecessary expense to boot.

There is a vast selection of IR illuminators for camcorders and cameras on the market today. Before you begin your product search, prepare yourself by considering these three matters:

1. Determine how many areas you need to cover. This will help you identify the number of infrared illuminators you will need.
2. Find an illuminator for your specific type of camera or buy a camera already equipped with camera illuminators.
3. Familiarize yourself with your state’s laws regarding surveillance cameras and IR illuminators.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Add an IR illuminator to your surveillance camera

If you already have a surveillance system and would like to add illuminators to enhance night-vision abilities, do your research to find one that best suits your needs. There are many different types of illuminators on the market.

I recommend: For long-range IR illuminators, which can typically see from around 250-500 feet, consider EZWatch Pro or 123Security Products.com's selections. For IR dome illuminators, which produce more diffuse, even illumination, check out Surveillance-video.com.

Buy a surveillance system already equipped with an IR Illuminator

If you are in the beginning process of considering your small business security needs, look for cameras that come with illuminators.

I recommend: BrickHouse Security has a wide selection of cameras with night vision illuminators already installed. Protection One sells many of the top-tier IR cameras with illuminators and offers a free business evaluation to assess your current and future needs.

Compare prices between suppliers of illuminators

Security systems can be pricey, but in the end, the cost is negligible compared to costs due to damage by theft or vandalism.

I recommend: NexTag is a great source for comparing prices on camera illuminators and also provides user reviews on products. MSN shopping also compares prices from several stores on the same product. Just plug in the name of the camera illuminator or IR illuminator equipped security camera to retrieve a list of prices and online stores that have the product.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When buying IR illuminators or any security devices, seek out vendors that offer replacement parts, fast service and products that comply with industry standards. If your illuminator breaks, you don't want your security compromised due to difficulty finding parts or repair services.
• •  To find UV illuminators, microscope illuminators and other types of illuminators used in research and analysis, check out medical supply companies such as RhopointComponents.com, Capital Microscope Services (CMS), and Pro-Med Products.