MINI B&W VIDEO CAMERA W/ IR ILLUMINATION

"Comes complete with a miniature metal enclosure"? looks more like black plastic that has been painted silver.

The camera images visible and near-red infrared light well with the caveat others have mentioned of requiring brighter illumination than provided by the IR LEDs for objects at a distance. It won't detect IR wavelengths near the thermal range though. Even searing objects won't appear until they cast off visible light.

I purchased this camera and used it to monitor a patient who required constant care. The LCD lighting was better than similar cameras but unless you put the camera within 3-4 feet it was very dim. Since almost any light bothered the patient it was minimally acceptable.

After looking at some really expensive IR lighting systems I purchased a cheap 'Black Light($4.50)", the incandescent bulb type. It puts out almost no visible light but illuminates a very large room as clearly as daylight when viewed through the camera.

If you are willing to accept the very low level of visible light that a "Black Light" emits, you can use the camera with perfect daylight clarity.

I may buy another to put on the front stoop.

I have tried almost half a dozen different makes and models of Lo-light, IR, you name it cams simply so that I can see someone standing at my front door - and NONE of them worked worth a DARN. Well I plugged this little guy in (at 1/2 the cost of the others by he way) and BLAMMO!! (blammo!?) I could see clear as day. Then I turned out ALL the lights and it was JUST as good! This is a MUST HAVE device for all you Home Auto. techies and other Jamres Bond types.

I wasn't sure how good this would work but the price was great so I gave it a try. When it showed up I thought it looked a little cheap but it works great. It focuses close-up and at large distances instantly with no adjustment. Highly recommended for low-light (or bright-light) applications where audio and color aren't needed.