MWIR or LWIR thermal cameras for surveillance applications?

A long-range thermal camera system is an ideal sensor for 24/7 all-weather surveillance often used in protected environments such as a border or an airport. Quite often it is difficult to decide between a thermal camera active in the mid-wave infrared spectral band (MWIR 3-5 micron) or in the long-wave infrared spectral band (LWIR 8-12 micron).

Here’s a breakdown of the technical differences between the two, with comparative costs and benefits associated with each that may help you decide on the most appropriate technology between MWIR and LWIR.