What Type of CCTV Camera is Right for You?
CCTV is without a doubt one of the best ways to deter thieves and vandals. It also gives you the best chance of catching the culprits if anything does happen to your property. But unlike some equipment, there’s no one ‘best’ CCTV camera for all different types of building.
Instead, it depends on a number of factors, as this post will explore…
1. Camera type
First and foremost, there are also a number of broad camera types to choose from…
Analogue
The most affordable type of CCTV camera, analogue is used for simple monitoring of people’s movement in specific areas. It’s not ideal if you want to identify people by their face or pick out details like car registration plates.
High definition
As the name suggests, high definition (HD) cameras provide a much better quality of image, which is required to identify numbers, characters and provide evidence for legal cases. HD cameras come in a range of specifications, from 720p upwards.
Internet protocol
Internet protocol (IP) cameras are those which transmit footage through the internet. These cameras are the perfect solution if you want to monitor your site remotely, and can typically be controlled – zooming or panning in different directions – from a smartphone or laptop.
2. Coverage
Next, you’ll want to consider where your cameras need to cover. A basic CCTV camera will typically cover a 60-degree angle with around 4 metres of range. That means you will be able to identify anyone within 4 metres of the camera.
Obviously, this isn’t the limit for a camera’s range. An increase in lens size will maximise the range for further distances, though this may come at a cost to the field of vision – the angle to the left and right which the camera covers.
For larger sites, multiple cameras may be required to achieve full coverage without compromising on image quality. In many cases, this could comprise different camera types to suit the various angles and differences across your property.
3. Environment
Do you want your cameras to record at day, at night or around the clock? If you need coverage throughout the night, consider whether the space you’re monitoring has its own lighting. This could include a security light linked to a sensor, which comes on when movement is detected.
If not, you’ll need to make sure your CCTV camera has low-light or night-vision functionality. This will allow you to see what’s going on regardless of whether the sun is down or lights are off.
It’s also worth factoring in whether the cameras will be indoor or outdoor. The main difference here is that outdoor cameras are weatherproof and tamper resistant. As a result, they’re a bit more substantial and typically cost more than their indoor counterparts.
Find the right CCTV cameras for your property
Video surveillance should always be assessed on a case-by-case basis. What’s right for a large outdoor car park, for example, won’t be suitable for the inside of a much smaller retail space. At Selectron, we’re committed to providing the best solution following a detailed inspection of your site.
Our security experts will choose from the latest CCTV cameras to find an option that fits your requirements and your budget, providing the highest level of security and complete peace of mind. Get in touch today to find out more.
Selectron Ltd
At Selectron our solutions help you meet the increased challenges of today’s security and surveillance, enabling you to improve safety by reducing and preventing security breaches and accidents. Find out more about us >>
Recommended Posts
5 CCTV Statistics You Can’t Ignore
28/11/2023
