Camera Systems

CCTV Security Cameras In Brief

In terms of security, keeping your home or business safe is best achieved by establishing layers. The installation of a security alarm is excellent, however, there is more you can do.

Dealing with the high level of criminal intelligence as well as a justice system that has become so complicated that actually catching a criminal in the act of burglarizing your property isn’t necessarily enough to guarantee they will be convicted and put out of business.

These days it’s better to be able to produce video evidence of an offense in order to make sure a criminal is not returned to the street, for lack of evidence — to resume their nefarious activities, perhaps even returning to your home or business — this time with an even better understanding of your home security system.

Video security offers irrefutable proof for legal and insurance purposes.

The most important part of any video security system is its cameras — with that in mind, here is are some important things to consider before choosing your equipment.

Surveillance Cameras – Basic Features

Surveillance cameras have a number of basic features in common, so lets have a look at some of the features we can expect to find in a standard surveillance setup.

• Connection features. Regardless of whether a camera stores video within a local chip or transmits video information to a main computer by means of a cable, wireless broadband or WiFi link, it will output information in some way. Dummy (fake) security cameras naturally have no need for a connection because their sole function is to create the illusion of a working camera as a crime deterrent.
• Colour and quality features. Inexpensive surveillance cameras may only record pictures in black and white video however, colour and infrared cameras are no longer that much more expensive. High-definition cameras, on the other hand, come at a higher price and need additional data storage and these factors may high definition a practical choice for some users.
• Point of view features. Basic security cameras are manually aimed and fixed on a point of view and have to be manually adjusted in order to change their point of view if necessary. Cameras with a the ability to sweep an area back and forth constantly, come at a higher price. The most maneuverable cameras are the PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) security cameras that are operated remotely to look in the direction you want when you want, wide or close-up but understandably come at an even higher price.
• Durability features. Outdoor suitable surveillance cameras as you may guess, have a protective housing that shields the lens and circuitry from harsh weather conditions. Dome cameras on the other hand, make use of a durable plastic dome that not just shields from climatic conditions, but also acts to avoid criminal damage and tampering.

Surveillance Cameras – Advanced Features

Like anything else, the more features a camera offers, the higher the price point. Usually a business such as a retail outlet, a manufacturer, or a storage facility will budget a hefty amount of money for a security surveillance system, because they must survey large areas both internal and external under widely varying weather and available light conditions. When looking for a home surveillance system, it’s essential to establish which specialized features you are not likely to need.

• PTZ feature. The pan-tilt-zoom ability of a PTZ camera allows it to do the job of two or three cameras, even so; it requires a person to operate the camera from a remote monitoring location increasing the overall cost of obtaining this kind of equipment.
• Infrared (IR) vision feature. More cameras these days offer integrated infrared — invisible radiant energy, electromagnetic radiation technology, in addition to visible light spectrum vision. Currently this “night vision” feature is offered at an additional cost, however advances in technology and pressure from market competition, has some manufacturers including this technology as a regular feature on all except the lowest cost security cameras.
• Internet access feature. IP or Internet Protocol cameras have actually been around for a while. Making use of an IP address they accessed similar to a web site. In addition, wireless broadband GSM cameras transfer information similar to a cellular phone and receive instructions the same way. Many of these innovative features are quite useful for home security setups, enabling property owners to keep track of their security cameras from any place at any time.

Choosing The Best Camera For Your Security System

Before investing in any surveillance camera or system do some research first. Security contractors may not stock a wide collection of cameras and some may even recommend a brand or type of camera that represents a greater profit for them instead of what is best for your purposes.

A reputable, professional security company will recommend equipment that will serve your needs and make sure the installation is done correctly. Typically well established security companies will carry brands that have a reputation for reliability and work well with all the other components of your system.

Some Points to Remember Before Purchasing

• For exterior locations only choose weatherproof cameras.
• If a camera is to be installed within reach it should be one of the anti-vandalism type.
• Some dummy security cameras can be included here and there, instead of real cameras in your overall system to support the impression of full surveillance coverage while saving cash on your overall security budget..
• If you plan to have several cameras spread around, it may be advisable to go with a wireless networked WiFi system to prevent drilling numerous holes and running wires to everything.
• Invisible (spy) cameras are perfect for hidden surveillance, but offer absolutely no crime deterrent.
• For many surveillance systems, high-definition security could be considered overkill. High definition is really helpful for long-range cameras, however, for a typical, home surveillance system, it could be a total waste of money that might be better used in a different part of your system.

Once you feel confident that you have a good understanding of the different kinds and of security surveillance cameras and the features you might need, you will need to map out the most comprehensive coverage for your security surveillance system.

A few last points; avoid fancy gadgetry wherever possible, a practical and reliable surveillance system will continue to perform for many years with fewer problems — whenever possible choose equipment of the same brand, as this will ensure that components will work well together and not void any warranties.