An electro-optical camera, using its own radiation for illumination at night, is referred to as what type of camera?

An electro-optical camera that uses its own radiation for illumination at night is referred to as an active camera. Active cameras emit their own light or radiation to capture images, which is particularly useful in low-light or nighttime conditions. By using its own illumination, the camera enhances visibility and image clarity in darkness, making it effective for surveillance, reconnaissance, and other applications requiring clear imagery in poor lighting conditions.

In contrast, passive cameras rely on ambient light or external sources to capture images, which limits their effectiveness in low-light situations. Infrared cameras specifically capture infrared radiation, which is emitted by objects based on their heat, but they do not necessarily use their own active illumination. Hybrid cameras combine features from both active and passive systems but do not solely rely on self-generated light for illumination. In this scenario, the definition of an active camera aligns precisely with the functionality described.