If you have decided to install a CCTV outdoor camera in order to protect your home or business, you are making a wise decision. A lot of people do not realize just how important and helpful CCTV cameras can be when it comes to security, but having them can help to keep your home or business safe from burglars and other criminals. Not only can having CCTV cameras installed outside your home or business help to deter crime, but these cameras can also capture highly valuable surveillance footage in the event that someone attempts to break into your home or business or if a crime happens on your lawn or in your parking lot.
Once you have determined that you need CCTV outdoor cameras, however, you will have to learn how to properly install a CCTV outdoor camera. It isn’t difficult to do so if you spend a bit of time researching the proper way of installing these cameras, but you can make costly mistakes if you are not careful. Therefore, it is important to put plenty of thought and consideration into how you will be installing your CCTV outdoor camera before you get started.
Choose the Right Camera
The first step to installing a CCTV outdoor camera is to choose the right camera for your needs and budget. There are a lot of different types of security cameras out there, but they are certainly not all created equally. Therefore, you will want to do your research in order to make sure that you get the best camera for your money without breaking your budget.
First of all, it is important to look for a camera that is designed for outdoor use. Some people make the mistake of purchasing an indoor camera and hanging it outdoors because they are not paying attention to the type of camera that they are purchasing. Others think that a security camera that is designed for indoor use will be fine outdoors if it is under a shelter, under the eaves of a roof or somewhere else that seems to be properly protected from the elements. However, it is absolutely essential to purchase a camera that is designed for outdoor use and that is at least somewhat weather resistant, even if you are hanging your camera in a so-called sheltered place. You never know when a bad storm will hit, and you don’t want to find that your new camera has been ruined by the elements. Although you may have to spend a little bit more money up front on a camera that is designed for outdoor use, you will actually save money in the long run because it will last much longer than a less durable camera.
Along with choosing a camera for outdoor use, you will also want to take a look at the features that each camera offers. One problem that many people deal with is choosing between a camera that offers night vision and one that does not. If possible, it is a good idea to purchase a camera that automatically switches back and forth from night vision to a regular view. This helps to ensure that you get high quality video footage at all times, regardless of the lighting around your camera, and it prevents the need for hanging additional artificial lights. If you do not want to purchase one of these cameras, however, you will need to hang a light of some sort near your outdoor CCTV camera in order to get a clear picture at night time.
Not only should you choose a camera that offers a view that will allow you to capture high quality footage at all times, but you should also consider whether the camera is wireless or not. In the past, cameras with wires were commonly used, but wireless technology has changed the way that people look at security. Installing CCTV outdoor security cameras that have wires can be a challenge; not only do you have to consider how you will install the camera and run the wires to your power supply, but you also have to consider the possibility of a criminal cutting the wires or otherwise using your system to his or her advantage. Therefore, you might want to consider the convenience and security of a wireless CCTV outdoor camera.
Choose the Right System
Along with choosing the right security camera for your outdoor security needs, you will also need to purchase a system that will record and store your footage and that will allow you to watch your footage when needed.
Many people choose to watch their surveillance footage on their personal computers. This is a possibility, and it can help to prevent you from having to purchase additional hardware, but you also have to remember that video footage can take up a lot of memory on your computer. If you choose to go this route, you will probably want to use a computer that you don’t often use for other purposes. You will also want to make sure that the computer is up-to-date enough that it will run the video software, and it is important to ensure that the computer has plenty of memory for your video footage.
Many people find that purchasing a digital video recorder is a better idea for their outdoor security camera needs. A digital video recorder is a standalone device that is used to record and store your footage, and it hooks up to a monitor so that you can watch your footage. Once you have chosen the right system for recording, storing and watching your footage, it is time to devise a plan for how to properly install your CCTV outdoor camera.
Make a Plan
Once you purchase your camera and your system, you will probably be a bit excited and ready to begin installing everything. However, failing to make a clear plan prior to installing your camera and setting up your system can compromise the security that your new system provides. Therefore, it is a better idea to sit down and think about what you are going to be doing before you get started.
First of all, consider the areas of your lawn that you would like to watch. Some people make the mistake of purchasing only one camera and hanging it in the wrong place, and you certainly don’t want to make this error. Doing so can mean that you completely miss the footage that you need in the event that something happens. Every lawn is different, and every person is concerned about different areas of their property. However, it is a good idea to keep a camera pointed at your front and back entrances as well as the area close to your property. If you have a garage or storage shed that contains your vehicles or your expensive tools and other items, you may want to think about keeping these areas under surveillance as well. Many people think about their homes being broken into, but a lot of these individuals do not realize just how easy it can be for criminals to get into their garages and outdoor storage buildings. Failing to keep these areas under a close watch could mean that you lose your valuable property.
If you are a business owner who is installing a CCTV outdoor camera to protect your commercial property, you will want to think about these things as well. It is usually a good idea to have a clear picture of those who come in and out of your business, but you will also want to think about your parking lot as well. Not only can you sometimes capture the evidence that you need by keeping your parking lot under surveillance, but you can also cut down on vandalism, petty theft from vehicles and other crimes that tend to happen in commercial parking lots. Not only can you help to keep your business, employees and customers safe, but you will also make everyone feel safer at your business if people see cameras in your parking lot.
After choosing the areas that you would like to keep under surveillance, you will need to determine a spot to install your camera so that it can get a good, clear picture of the area. It might take a few minutes to determine the proper location for each camera, but taking this time can help you in the long run.
Think About the Details
In order to properly install a CCTV outdoor camera, you will need to think about the small details. Experienced criminals often put a lot of thought into their crimes, so you want to make sure that you put a lot of thought into preventing and catching these crimes. Make sure that your camera is not placed in an area where it can be stolen or tampered with, and make sure that any wires that run to your system are in a place where they cannot be cut. Hanging your cameras as high as possible can help to prevent any tampering.
Also, consider areas of your lawn that you may be missing, and think about how missing this footage can affect the security of your home. Since an experienced thief will look for areas that are out of your camera’s range, make sure that your camera gets the best view possible so that criminals do not have anywhere to hide.
Test Everything
After you have set up your security cameras, you will need to test everything to make sure that both your cameras and your system are working properly. It is important to set up your digital video recorder or computer-based system. Not only will this allow you to test your footage, but it will also give you an opportunity to learn how to use your system properly. Take the time to read the manual and to try out various features until you feel as if you have a good grasp of how to operate your video recorder.
Next, take a look at your footage. You will want to make sure that you are able to monitor the areas that you came up with in your plan, and you should also check for items that obstruct your view. Something as simple as a tree limb can get in the way of your camera, and it can cause you to miss important surveillance footage. Therefore, you will want to check for these items before something goes wrong. It is also a good idea to check the lighting and the focus of your video footage to make sure that you are getting the best possible view.
Tweak as Necessary
If you don’t know how to properly install a CCTV outdoor camera, you might make beginner’s mistakes when installing a camera for the first time. Therefore, it is important to make adjustments as necessary. If everything does not seem to be properly protected when you do your initial test, make an effort to move things around until you are able to get a clear picture. It might take a little while to get everything adjusted in the way that you would like for it to be, but taking this time can help to ensure that your home or business is properly protected.
Even if everything seems to be in good order when you do your initial test, you should consider doing tests later on. By watching your surveillance footage in the future, you can get a better idea of things that you feel you are missing in your surveillance footage. By watching your footage regularly, you can both keep an eye on what is going on around your property, and you can determine any adjustments that need to be made to your camera placement. Over time, you will get a better understanding of your camera and your system, and it will be easier to make simple changes in order to get the best possible use out of your outdoor surveillance system.