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There are many great security camera systems on the market today and no one can tell you the right system for your particular situation without visiting your location. This can be very expensive depending on the company and can result in very high-pressure selling tactics designed to scare you. Before you go it alone or invite the experts to your home, consider these questions.
What Type Of Security Camera Is Right For Your Situation
The first question that the person thinking of installing a security camera system will need to ask is what type of camera fits their needs the best. There are six different types of security cameras.
Is A Box Security Camera Right For You?
The first type of security camera is the box camera, which are large cameras that are usually shaped to look like a box with a lens attached to the front. Since these cameras are large, they often act as a deterrent to crime through their presence, which can be easily spotted. Another advantage of these cameras is that they can be equipped with different lenses equipped for different distances. When you are looking for a security camera to be used outdoors, box security cameras are a great choice as many types of housing is available for them. Box cameras are stationary and it is easy to tell where the box camera is being pointed.
Is A Dome Security Camera Right For You?
The second type of security camera is the dome cameras. The housing to these cameras is shaped like dome and they are usually mounted on ceilings or hung from poles attached to the ceiling. Since the visible part of a dome security camera is just the housing, it is hard to tell where a dome security camera system is taking the footage. These cameras come with a fixed lens that cannot be changed and most dome security cameras do not work well in low light situations. Dome security cameras usually take 360-degree photos, which can be hard to interpret if the viewer has not done so many times. The majority of dome security cameras are used indoors, although they can be installed outside in special housing.
Is A Bullet Security Camera Right For You?
The third type of security camera is the bullet camera, which takes its name because it is shaped like a bullet. Unlike the dome camera, it is relatively easy to tell where this camera is pointed. One advantage of these cameras is that they are small so they can be easily hidden. Unlike the large box cameras, the mere sight of a bullet security camera is hard for the thief to spot. These cameras do not act as a deterrent to crime by themselves, but the footage from these cameras, which can be used indoors or outdoors in special housing, can be phenomenal.
Is a PTZ Security Camera Right For You?
The fourth type of security camera is the point/tilt and zoom camera. These cameras can be left stationary to act like a box camera, but they can also be moved to follow the action when monitored. They can be panned left or right to follow the action. They can also be tilted up or down, making them very useful in seeing objects on the floor or objects near the ceiling or roof. They can also be zoomed to get a better look at the action. Most of these cameras have a fixed lens that cannot be changed. The camera can be used inside or outside in a specially built housing to protect it from the elements.
Is a Covert Security Camera Right For You?
The fifth type of security cameras are the covert security cameras. These discreet cameras can be hidden almost anywhere. Popular choices include security cameras made to look like a child’s toy, security cameras hidden inside clocks and security cameras hidden inside pens. These cameras have fixed lenses that cannot be changed. Most of these cameras will only operate in daylight.
Is A Fake Security Camera Right For You?
The last type of security camera systems is the fake systems. These cameras record no footage. They are useful as a deterrent to crime by their sight.
Tip: There May Not Be One Right Answer
Often businesses and homeowners discover that a combination of camera types provide the best answer for their security needs. They may use a dome camera inside the store or home and use a large box security camera system outside. Others will find that they need covert security systems inside manager’s offices or inside children’s bedrooms.
Is a Wired Security System The Right Answer For You?
The next question that a person installing a security camera system should answer is rather a wired or unwired system is right for them. While a wireless system is much easier to install in a home or business, the best choice for many situations is a wired system.
What Other Systems Operate On The Same Frequency?
Most wireless security camera systems work on the 2.4 Ghz signal. Other items in your home may also work on this system including wireless routers, microwaves and cordless telephones. When two or more systems work on the same frequency problems can occur with interference.
What Is The Difference to the Receiver?
Many businesses and homes have problems with the signal not reaching the recording device. Generally, the camera must be within 300 feet of the recording device. On large property this can be a problem by itself, but it is further complicated as the footage goes down each time that the signal must go through a wall. Some materials, including metal, will totally stop a signal.
How Will You Power The System?
Even though a system may not require a cord for its signal, only the most expensive cameras do not require electricity. Some of the newer security camera systems rely on solar power, which can be a very nice feature. Many security camera systems are wired so that the same cord carries both the signal and the power.
How Good A Resolution Do You Need?
Although the difference is not as noticeable as it once was, wired cameras still tend to get better resolution than their wireless counterparts do. The better resolution security camera systems will provide a great picture making it easier for authorities to identify important details in the footage.
What Type Of Lighting Is Available?
When thinking about a security camera system, the homeowner or business owner has to consider the amount of available lighting before the right camera system can be chosen.
Is An Infrared Camera Right For You?
An infrared camera works with no available light so it is a great solution for those situations where no light is present at all. In most cases, the LED on an infrared system will only cover 50 feet to 300 feet. Infrared cameras will record only black and white photos, making it hard to identify some objects.
Is A Night Vision Camera Right For You?
For many homeowners and business owners, a night vision camera is a great solution. These cameras multiply the available light so that they can take great footage with only minimal light. When recording under these conditions, the camera will record in black and white mode. As more light becomes available, the camera will start recording in color. In order to determine the amount of light that the camera will require to take color pictures, look at the lux rating on the camera.
• Sunshine 10,000 LUX
• Public office 500 LUX
• Comfortable reading 300 LUX
• Cloudy 100 LUX
• Twilight 10 LUX
• Full moon .1 LUX
• Quarter moon .01 LUX
• Complete darkness 0 LUX
Is a Daytime Camera Right For You?
In some situations, you will need only a daytime camera. If you can be assured of having enough light at all times, then a daytime camera is the right solution for your situation. This style of camera is the most economical camera on the market today.
Tip: Combine Camera Styles and Types
Remember that you can combine different camera styles with different camera types. Usually this is the best solution. When installing a security camera system, you will need to pick one or more camera styles and one or more camera types.
What Resolution Do You Need?
A security camera’s resolution is determined by either TVL or pixels. If you are going to splurge in any area when buying your security camera system, then this may be the place to do it. Look for a TVL rating of at least 480 or a 10-megapixel rating.
When you have determined the right answers to these questions, then you will be ready to buy your security camera system. Remember that most security camera systems will require more than one camera. Take your time, but do not be misled by sales people who are after only your money. Protect your family today with a great security camera system that you have brought after you have answered the right questions.