8 Tips for Choosing the right CCTV Cameras

Choosing the right security cameras is a decision that businesses of all sizes and from all industries face. It is important to engage with a security company that will offer the correct design advice but having a good indication of the areas of risk that you feel necessary to cover for safety and security always offers a solid head start for any installer that you may choose to engage with.

The surveillance industry is fast paced and continually evolves and with this software advances, CCTV cameras continually offer more and more features, and this brings businesses benefits beyond just security. As a result, making the right choice can have more benefits than ever before.

We have listed 8 points below that businesses must ask themselves before investing in a new surveillance system.

1. Discreet or a Deterrent

The location and what you need to monitor will determine whether obvious or discreet cameras are required. Is the area being covered as a general overview or is the camera there to deter? If there is a particular secluded area of a property or an area where multiple thefts have occurred? This may call for a camera that stands out and perhaps doesn’t blend into the background. If you are looking for a camera that is needed for general observation or where aesthetics play a big part in the area it would be mounted then a smaller camera that maybe be colour coded to blend in with its surrounding may be more suitable

There are many choices from dome cameras to PTZ and each style will come with ultra-compact variations and more overt variations depending on your needs.

2. Internal or External

Most modern cameras are rated so that they can be used both inside and out, but it’s important to consider the types of mounting and housing and the environmental factors. For use in extremely cold environments, choosing a camera which has a durable design, and an inbuilt heater means it will have the ability to start up and operate despite the temperature.

In areas such as transport, energy, and laboratories as an example, it’s also important to choose a robust surveillance solution which can operate reliably in harsh environments and where there may be a high level of vibration, risk of explosion and where harsh substances maybe used.

Although external camera may be more open to the elements, it is also important to consider where internal cameras may be mounted. Areas like kitchens, gyms, bars, and night clubs will need camera with the correct rating so they too offer the correct functionality for the area they have been positioned.

3. The area of Coverage

The area that you want to cover with a surveillance system will determine the best cameras to use and the network type you need. It’s important to detail the amounts and types of cameras required on a floor plan to give a good overview of the requirements.

PTZ cameras can work best for larger areas given their large range and ability to zoom but also are more effective when the surveillance system is continually monitored. Modern static camera can offer lens options which allow for up to 90 degrees viewing angle and furthermore there are now extremely effective 360-degree panoramic cameras that, when positioned correctly, can negate the need of multiple cameras being installed to cover the same area

With all the camera options available, more coverage can be achieved by installing less cameras and in turn this can keep costs down.

4. Detail and Image Quality

The size of the area you want to monitor will determine the resolution you need. Surveillance cameras can now range from 1 megapixel to over 60 megapixel and this range of details offers a solution for any scenario.

Smaller areas may be more suited to a lower resolution camera and more vast area of coverage may sway towards a higher resolution camera to achieve the required details. The camera must suit the area its installed, for example, a 12-megapixel camera viewing a fire exit that is no more than 3 metres away is most certainly not fit for purpose and not an effective way of spending your budget.

5. Lighting Conditions

This is an area that seems to get overlooked often. It’s important survey the areas where cameras will be installed and ensure that the cameras that are being installed can support the lighting conditions. Areas inside and outside will experience different amounts of light throughout the day, not to mention throughout the year as seasons change.

Where will you need more infer-red support? Or perhaps cameras with good wide dynamic range if there are reflections that may obscure the cameras’ view? The same with night clubs which may have strobes and lighting that constantly changes.

Thankfully there are a variety of technologies which will ensure you capture usable footage in a range of lighting conditions. Light filtering technology such as IR filters and artificial illuminators can amplify or reduce the amount of light reaching a sensor, creating clearer images during the day and night.

6. Scalability

Flexibility and scalability is key. Traditional CCTV systems are closed circuit meaning that everything is hard-wired and difficult to scale.

Choosing an IP camera system which connect over a WAN or LAN allows you to easily grow and scale any installation as you need. Adding IP cameras to a network works in much the same way as adding a phone to a VOIP network – it’s simple and easy and there’s no wiring to change or update.

7. Challenges and Analytics

An effective Video Management System (VMS) is essential given that the average amount of time someone can focus on video footage is only 20 minutes. VMS or in-built analytics can alert you to suspicious activity and apply analytics, improving the way you run your business.

Built in motion detection and intelligent algorithms provide useful, actionable information, such as the total number of people that walk into a shop. Compared against sales, retailers can assess the rate of conversion and the best times of day for promotions.

8. Selecting a Suitable Video Management System

It’s important that the requirements of a video management system, including how you plan to use it, are identified during the design and planning stages. The key problems that have driven your purchase of a surveillance system will outline the key criteria of which system and what features you require.

Engaging with an experienced installer who can understand and assist with your requirements ensuring that the correct solution is critical. The CCTV industry is vast with many options and, with every project different, it is vital to make sure the design meets the safety and security needs of your property.

Need some help choosing the right CCTV Camera for your property or premises. Contact our experts here or call 01702 293157 for more information.