Security cameras usually have a LUX rating. This LUX rating is the actual available light intensity at which the camera can produce a picture.
A LUX, abbreviated lx, is the International System of Units (SI) measure of the intensity of light. It can be thought of as the strength of light as determined by the human eye. A LUX is based on another unit of light measurement called a lumen, which is based on yet another unit called a candela. In the United States, the non-SI unit to measure light intensity is the footcandle. One foot candle is approximately equal to 10.8 LUX.

The LUX rating of a security camera

The LUX rating of a security camera is based on several factors, three of which are the lens, sensor chip, and ''F stop.'' The lower the LUX rating of a security camera the less light is needed for the camera to produce a usable picture (video).

What effect LUX rating

When considering sensor chip technology and LUX rating, there are basically two types of sensors used to produce an image, CMOS and CCD. CMOS sensors usually require a brighter intensity of light then CCD sensors and therefore cameras built with this sensor have higher LUX ratings. Generally, the greater the sensitivity of the sensor and therefore the less light needed to produce an image, the higher the cost of the camera.

In addition to sensitivity of the CCD or CMOS chip, the lens can affect the LUX rating as well. Light must pass through the lens and although a lens may appear as perfectly clear, it still absorbs some light as it passes through it. If the lens has any special filter technology, if it is unusually large, or if it is shaped in a unique way, these factors can all increase the LUX rating of the camera.
The camera has an opening or hole that the light passes through before activating the sensor. This is called the aperture or sometimes referred to as the ''F-stop.'' The lower the F-stop the closer to the camera the image will remain in focus. If the aperture is at a high F-stop, the objects farther away are in focus. Less light is needed for low F-stops to produce a clear image. More light is needed for a greater F-stop. Most cameras do not have a fixed F-stop per se; the iris controls the size of this opening and in most cases varies it as needed.

Most security cameras operate with a LUX rating of 1.0 or less. Some cameras have LUX ratings as low as .003 LUX. If a camera has a rating of 0.0 LUX it must be an infrared camera because a rating of 0.0 LUX means there is no available light and therefore an image can not be captured, unless it is through infrared imaging.

There are many factors that affect the LUX rating of a security camera. Talk with your professional security technician about your particular requirements. A professional security technician can help you choose the right LUX rated camera for your specific application.

As for cameras, we do have a few that are highly recommended as following:

(SKU: PL0294) Mini 1/3 CMOS 420TVL IR Camera

Features:

(SKU: PL0420) Mini 24 IR LED CMOS Outdoor Waterproof Security Video Camera

Features:

(SKU: SCA0145) Sony DSP Weatherproof CCD IR Camera Iris lens Invisible IR Light

Features:

• IR Day/Night Weatherproof Camera
• 1/3" SONY Color SuperHad CCD
• SONY SS11&SS11X&HQ1 Digital signal processor (DSP)
• allows better picture quality and full function control
• High Resolution 420TV Lines;
• Low Sensitivity:0 Lux(Infrared LED On, at F1.2)
• Outstanding signal to noise ratio better than 48dB or 50dB
• Compact function for Shutter/Auto; BLC/Auto; AGC/Auto; Day & Night Function
• Stylish Housing and Easy Exterior Focus Adjustment from the front
• Over 15m Visibility Range at Darkness
• Front Glass Anti-reflection Design
• Cable Protection Bracket Design

As for lens:

(SKU: BB0001) 1/3 Wide Range lens 2.1mm for CCTV Camera F2.0 Cam 150

Product Description

• This lens can be compatible with camera with IR led.
• Mainly be used for CCTV board camera.
• Focal Length (mm): 2.1mm
• Angle of view: 150 Deg
• Aperture (F): F2.0
• Mount: 12*0.5
• Format (Inch): 1/3
• M.C.D (M): 0.1

(SKU: PZ0077) 1/3 SONY CCD 540TVL Color Board Camera CS Lens for Low Illumination

Features:

• 540TVL, High Picture Quality
• 1 / 3 SONY CCD
• Low illumination:0.01Lux
• Next chip DSP
• BNC output
• CS Mount Lens. (with 12mm and 16mm lens option, by default, we ship out the 16mm one)

(SKU: PL0253) 1/3'' Sony CCD Black and White Surveillance PCB Board Camera 480TVL

Product Description

• 6 focal lens for your optional: 2.8mm, 3.6mm, 6mm, 8mm, 12mm, 16mm. (By default, we ship the 3.6mm lens)
• With IR connection for your optional
• B/W 480TVL High Resolution. Get good image at night.
• With the BNC to RCA connector, compatible for both BNC and RCA cable

Need any help? Please feel free to contact us via info@securitycamera2000.com, we always reply email within one business day.