How to Choose a Surveillance Camera

Security Camera

Security Camera

Cameras are the eyes of camera surveillance systems.  Without them, you are blind to whatever your system is set up to observe.  There are dozens of types of cameras to choose from and hundreds of models as well.  So, What factors do you use to determine the camera that is right for you?  It all starts with planning.  When determining the right camera for you system, match the camera to the requirements developed from your plan.

After you have determined the need for a camera surveillance system, you will put together a plan with a list of camera requirements related to the goal of the plan.  In deciding on your camera, review the list of camera requirements and filter out all of the ones that relate to the purchasable attributes of the camera.  Here is a list of important things to consider when developing your camera requirements :
  • Do you want the subjects to be aware of the camera.  In other words, should the camera be hidden?
  • Distance from camera to receiving unit. Any obstructions?
  • Lighting conditions
  • Level of resolution
  • Motion of subjects
  • Remote control of camera
Once you have this list of requirements finalized, use it the determine the features desired on your camera. Some of the features will be critical in the success of your surveillance camera system.  for instance, if your system needs to recognize faces, then you need to choose a CCD image sensor over the lower quality CMOS. Also, environment is an important consideration.  For instance, the requirements are much different for an outdoor security camera system than they are for an indoor system.  Some important features to consider are:
  • Wired or Wireless
  • type of antenna for wireless
  • Pinhole camera
  • Type of image sensor to determine resolution – CCD (charged couple device) or CMOS (complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor)
  • With or without audio
  • weather resistance
  • color,  black and white, infrared
  • Illumination factor, LUX rating
  • fixed focal length, varifocal lens or auto iris lens
  • video standard – NTSC, PAL or SECAM

Once you have determined the ideal features of your camera,  work with your local supplier to find cameras that best match these features.  Cameras will have a wide variety of options.  Simple is best.  Pick the camera that matches your needs the best without functionality that you will never use.  Use your budget and the features that are most important to determine the camera that works best for you.  Wireless surveillance camera systems are significantly less expensive than their wired counterparts.  Also, fake security cameras can help save expenses.  If you follow these simple guidelines, you will end up with a camera that meets your needs and integrates beautifully into the rest of your surveillance video camera system.

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