Selecting the best security camera systems for your home or business is an important investment in safety, security, and peace of mind. Security cameras can identify suspicious activity, deter crime, and even help the area as a whole.
Modern security cameras are designed with incredible features and capabilities that can provide a property many benefits. Even with advanced features like motion detection and night vision, new security camera systems have never been more affordable.
Every month, new security cameras are introduced into the surveillance marketplace. Furthermore, there are a wide number of security camera models and brands to choose from.
This can make choosing the right option for your home or business a challenge when choosing a security camera system. Fortunately, by considering certain factors, you can pick the best security cameras for your surveillance needs.
The following article will highlight what to consider when choosing the best security camera systems for your property. If you have any other questions or would like to browse through a wide selection of the top security cameras for sale online, be sure to visit Security Camera King today.
Best Security Camera Systems – Analog CCTV or Network IP?
Most of the technology used in security cameras can be separated into two classes: analog and IP. Although both are used for surveillance, most security experts agree that consumers should consider IP surveillance cameras over the older analog CCTV systems.
Once you understand the differences, the reason for choosing IP network security cameras is very clear. First, we will examine analog CCTV systems.
Analog security camera systems can be considered the precursor to network IP security cameras. Almost everyone has seen the characteristically fuzzy, black and white video footage produced by analog security cameras.
Analog security camera systems are notorious for producing low-quality video footage that often makes it difficult to identify any specific details. Poor video quality is just one drawback of many for analog CCTV security camera systems.
Analog security cameras must be hardwired directly into the overall system. This can make it difficult to add new cameras or mount cameras in strategic locations.
Video storage is another issue with these older security camera models. Users must directly connect to video recorders to record and store all video footage. The footage has limited access and rarely allows for remote viewing.
IP security cameras, by contrast, offer the ability to produce high-resolution video footage that makes identifying specific details much more clearly. The cameras can be mounted virtually anywhere depending on their type and some are even battery powered.
Storage is relatively easy too since all the security camera footage can be stored internally, over a network, or via cloud storage. Although individually analog security cameras are generally cheaper than their IP counterparts, their limitations make them a poor choice for modern safety and security.
It is important to remember that choosing the best security camera systems means investing in the best quality equipment and products. This is especially true as older analog technologies become increasingly outdated and incompatible with newer security products.
Best in Class IP Cameras
Choosing Between Black & White Or Color Security Cameras
When choosing the best security camera systems for your home or property, it is important to take into account whether you will need full-color video footage or black and white. Most modern security cameras produce color images.
However, black and white video footage has its own advantages. Black and white security cameras are helpful for identifying details in a low light setting better than colored security cameras.
Colored security cameras are able to produce high definition video footage. Specific details such as hair color and attire can be easily identified with color security cameras.
It is important to note that many security cameras will switch to black and white if the light in the environment becomes low. Considering if you must secure low-light areas can help you choose between color and black and white.
Wired Or Wireless Security Camera Systems
Another consideration when choosing the best security camera systems for your home or business is selecting between wired or wireless security cameras. It is important to note that wireless security cameras must still be connected by a wire to a power source (with a few exceptions, such as battery-powered cameras).
The security camera sends its video footage as a signal to a receiver connected to a monitor, DVR, or NVR. This can cause a number of issues including low video quality due to interference. Distance and obstructions determine the overall quality.
Wired security camera systems are sometimes designed to use a single cable to supply both power and video through PoE cabling. This makes it easier to manage all the power requirements from a single location. Although wireless security cameras have their limitations they are extremely useful in certain settings.
Determining Image Quality
Depending on what you will be using the individual security camera for will determine the kind of image quality you require. The best security camera systems will use cameras that produce varying image quality depending on their functions.
For example, a license plate capture security camera that must be able to identify a license plate will require high-resolution capacity. By contrast, a security camera that will be used to help buzz people may not need a high image quality.
In general terms, the image quality produced is determined by the number of TV Lines (TVL) per inch there are. Most general purpose security cameras have 400 to 420 TVLs while higher resolution security cameras have 480 to 520 TVLs.
It is important to remember that the most important factor for image quality will be understanding how to select the best security camera lens.
Considering The Environment And Elements
Security cameras, especially those used outdoors, are vulnerable to the environment and vandalism. Heavy rainstorms, high winds, and hail can all damage the security cameras and make them much less effective.
Users can purchase reinforced housing and brackets to protect security cameras on their property from the elements. Vandalism is another concern that should be accounted for.
It is usually recommended that security cameras be mounted just out of arm’s reach to prevent tampering and vandalism. Users can also invest in vandal-proof security cameras that are extremely difficult to disrupt.
