When selecting the best security camera system for your home, property or business, it is important to select the right cameras that suit the unique needs of your situation – even wading off hack activities. There are numerous options and products features available in the market.
By reading this security camera selection guide, you’ll be able to identify the special features that your situation requires and determine which cameras best fit your needs. Ultimately this will allow you to spend your money efficiently while getting the best surveillance coverage possible.
- Image Color
Will you need cameras that produce color or black and white images? Most surveillance systems come with color cameras. These color cameras can identify valuable features of a suspect such as clothing or hair color. Also, black and white cameras are cheaper and perform better at low light than color cameras. Actually, color cameras switch over to black and white in dark light. A good example of such camera is the Hikvision camera released in 2017.
- Night Vision Capability
What type of night vision capability do you need? A typical great color security camera has a night vision ranges between 15 and 50 feet. A high powered night vision cameras have a range of 150 feet. The major factor considered in determining the night vision range of a camera is the number of infrared LED available on the camera.
- Image Quality
You may have different image quality requirements for each location. You may install a camera at the front door only to buzz people when they arrive at your location. Another camera may be installed to capture license plates of vehicles driving through the parking lot. Generally speaking, the quality of images produced is determined by the number of TV Lines (TVL) per inch. General purpose security cameras usually have 400 – 420 TVLs. Also, cameras with CCD sensors generally produce a better image than CMOS cameras.
- Wired vs. Wireless
It is important that you learn the disadvantages of using wireless security cameras before deciding to buy them. Many people fail to realize wireless security cameras still need power via a power cable. Wireless cameras use wireless technology to transmit signals to a receiver which is connected to a DVR or monitor, but most of them still require a power cable to plug into a nearby outlet. However, there are also some wireless security cameras that operate on battery but the batteries need to be replaced much often.
Also, the image quality produced by wireless security cameras is usually inadequate as a result of signal interference. However, there are situations where the use of wireless security cameras is ideal. Many of the wired systems available in the market have cabling that supplies both video and power.
- Weather Elements
If the cameras you are looking to buy are going to be exposed to harsh weather conditions such as hail or windstorm or vandalism, you may want to consider upgrading to cameras with stronger housing and mounting brackets.
