Observation Systems

Black and White (monochrome) observation systems have been used for years and are generally less expensive than color systems, though the cost of color systems has come down appreciably in recent years. Monochrome cameras dollar-for-dollar give better resolution pictures plus the cameras are inexpensive and work better in lower light conditions. With Infrared illumination, many cameras are equipped with LEDs [light emitting diodes], which are solid-state devices that emit a light that is invisible to the human eye but shows up as daylight when used with black & white cameras.

Color sobservation systems, of course, give an important detail, namely color information. This might be very important when trying to identify the color of a car, a person's clothes, their hair, what they are holding in their hand, etc. Some higher quality cameras have high or higher resolution and lower light sensitivity than black & white cameras.

Some parts of a observation system are only available as a color component, such as video tape recorders (VCRs), digital video recorders (DVRs), and most multiplexers. Splitters, quad processors, monitors, and cameras are readily available in black & white (B/W) versions. You may want to consider using color equipment and using B/W cameras where they may be most efficient or cost effective. Black & white cameras work fine with color equipment, but color cameras will appear B/W if used with any B/W processors.