Solution Overview
When deciding which security cameras to use for a CCTV system there are many options to consider. A video surveillance system contains several key components that have to not only be compatible with each other but also fit your budget and fulfill the requirements of the application.
There are a lot of brand names and price ranges to choose from. The general rule of thumb 'you get what you pay for' is true in this industry. There are many low priced overseas brands that offer no warranty or technical support. We hear from customers almost daily about how they went the cheap route the first time and the equipment broke down after a short time. Now they are replacing their cheap security cameras with top value equipment. All of the surveillance equipment we carry has been thoroughly tested either by us or by the manufacturer. Almost all of the products we carry have at least a 1 year warranty. Many have 2 and 3 year warranty.
Security Cameras and More recommends products from Vitek Industrial Video Products, CNB, NUVICO, SVAT and Swann Security Systems. These CCTV manufacturers offer high quality surveillance equipment at very affordable prices. Vitek and SVAT offer 24/7 technical support to help you through any type of issue you may while installing the new system
The top level varieties of surveillance cameras are:
Most of these top level varieties come with some basic options.
Night vision or infrared LEDs are implrtant if you need the cameras to capture high quality footage at in darkness. Typically the greater number of infrared LEDs the further the camera can see in total darkness.
Other options to consider are depending on where they wiil be installed
vandal proof cameras may be needed. For professional grade installations Pan, Tilt, Zoom or PTZ technology may be required.
PTZ systems require a separate controller and are usually used when someone is actively monitoring the system.
The lens of the camera may be the most overlooked, but most important feature of the installation. Even if you spend top dollar, if the wrong lens is chosen you may not capture video that is high enough quality to prove anything. The two most important factors in choosing the lens are the TVLs (resolution) and the Focal Length. Good resolution starts at about 420 TVL with some lenses going to as high as 600 TVL. The lower the focal length the wider the angle of view, but the shorter the focal distance. So a 2.9mm lens will give you about a 90 degree angle of view, but will only capture high resolution video from about 30 feet and closer. Likewise a 9mm lens will only have about a 45 degree angle of view, but can capture high quality footage up to about 100 feet away. Some cameras will varifocal lenses, which can be adjusted to fit the needs of the area being surveyed.
If you installing an outdoor security camera make sure they can stand up to the elements to which they will be exposed. Every camera has an "IP" rating that indicates how weather proof they are. A rating of IP66 or higher should only be used for outdoor applications.
If you are considering installing a wireless security cameras there are few important things to remember. First, the video transmission is wireless. The cameras will still need to be plugged in. Also, for most wireless systems, there is always a chance for interference from other devices. A wired system will almost always produce better quality video than a wireless system.
There is more to consider when designing video security systems, such as cabling, power and the location of the DVR.
