For surveillance and perimeter protection, capturing useful and actionable video begins with choosing the right surveillance camera technology. Two common options are visible cameras with near infrared illumination capabilities and thermal imaging cameras—both are optimal for distinct situations. The most common surveillance cameras require visible light to produce images. However, optimal lighting isn’t always available or guaranteed, especially when a scenario calls for 24-hour awareness for security applications, including outdoor, remote, or rural locations, or if there is need to see beyond the fence line to identify and react to incoming threats.