With so many options available, it’s easy to get confused when buying CCTV cameras. How do you know if you need a specific choice or just a waste of money? In order to choose the best video surveillance option, please pay attention to the following points. Here are six steps to select the best solution for your home or your properties. They are suitable for home or business cameras.
Step 1. Ask yourself: What Do You Want to Monitor?
The first thing to consider is what will the camera be used for. Just because this is the most expensive or full-featured camera on the market does not mean that it will perfectly be suited. Your answer to the question will affect the rest of the decision-making process. If you want to monitor a small warehouse behind the office, it makes no sense to buy an expensive high-end thermal imaging camera. Choose the camera that suits your desired application.
Step 2. Research and Understand Camera Capabilities
Before jumping into the shopping time, it’s important to understand the basics of camera functions. this way, you will know what you are looking for, instead of browsing through numerous websites and suppliers manually and aimlessly, hoping to gain something. When buying a CCTV camera, there are two important things to keep in mind:
- Focal length – it shows “How far” the camera can see. Generally, the size of a camera lens (in millimetres) is equivalent to its focal length (in meters). For example, a camera with a 4mm lens can recognize a target four meters away.
- Field of view – it is the tilt angle of the camera peripheral. A camera with a 60-degree lens can see light within 60 degrees on both sides of the centre. A lens with a wider angle of view can see more but less detail.
Step 3. Consider the Lighting
CCTV cameras are like any other camera: they need light to work. Therefore, it is important to consider the lighting of the area to be monitored. Cameras that monitor low-light areas (especially at night) need solutions, such as:
- Support lighting – Simply add more lights to monitored areas. This can save you money on fancy night-vision cameras but will also increase your energy bill.
- Low-light imaging – Cameras equipped with low-light imaging, are designed to operate in low-light conditions. Their performance is not as good as infrared or thermal imaging cameras in a completely dark environment, but they are much cheaper.
- Infrared (IR) – The most popular choice in low light conditions. Infrared cameras use infrared light to produce clear images even in the darkest areas. Infrared light is invisible to the naked eye, so don’t disturb your neighbours with dazzling headlights.
- Thermal – Use heat instead of light to create images. Thermal imaging cameras are best suited to capture long-distance motions even in complete darkness. However, this service has its price. The heat dissipation video is not very detailed. Someone is present, but his appearance may not be cleared enough to be detected.
Step 4. Look around and Check: Analog or Internet Protocol (IP) CCTV Cameras
CCTV cameras are divided into two groups: Analog and IP. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it is very important to choose products that suit the unique needs of your family or business.
- Analog cameras – traditional security cameras. They can be plugged (hardwired) into your building’s power and are connected to on-site recording equipment like a DVR. Analog cameras are generally cheaper than IP cameras but lack lots of modern features.
- Internet protocol (IP) cameras – operate and store data using the internet. They typically have much higher resolution and are more flexible than analog cameras but at a higher cost. Due to the scalability and ease of use of IP cameras, they are quickly becoming the most popular surveillance option.
Step 5. Think About the Future (2-3 years ahead)
It is not always a good choice to choose the most profitable option. It may cost more money in the future. As requirements change, you may need to update solutions or improve security. This may mean an inexpensive solution that can completely replace you. Consider what you might need in the future and choose a video surveillance system that can be expanded and updated as you wish. This may not be the cheapest option right now, but it will save you money in the long run.
Step 6. Consult with the Experts at Trantech Security Wholesaler
If you’re having trouble selecting the perfect CCTV cameras for your home or business, it can be helpful to consult an expert. At Trantech Security Wholesaler, we have years of experience working in the Melbourne and Sydney area, and long-term relationship with national tradies and business owners, helping them find customised security solutions to fit all their needs.
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We feel these are a great addition to complete any security system and one of the best proactive solutions you can invest in. Trantech Security Wholesaler is proud of being the top wholesaler that provides useful knowledge to all readers, which bring benefits for both customers and the security community.
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