How to Select Right CCTV Camera?
Crime rates have risen considerably in the last decade. Today, we are not safe even in our own homes. Security companies are constantly coming up with innovative ways and means to protect people and safeguard property. One of the simplest and most effective pieces of crime prevention technology is undoubtedly the CCTV camera.
CCTV stands for closed-circuit television. CCTVs started out as surveillance tools for financial institutions. But it is now used in schools, malls, convenience stores, prisons and residential complexes. You can even install these cameras in your home or at your place of work to enhance security.
The Right CCTV Camera for You
You could just walk into a store that sells security equipment and let the sales people there tell you what to get. But it’s a great idea to do some research on your own before selecting a CCTV camera device. You can do this by first jotting down your requirements, learning about CCTVs on the Internet, and by talking to other CCTV users and people who are more technologically inclined than you.
The device you invest in should meet your requirements. So first, sit down with pen and paper and make a list of general factors. Here’s a few to get you started in selecting the right device for you.
What’s your budget? Cameras that run on CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) technology will cost less but aren’t that great on image quality, while cameras with CCD (Charge Couple Device) microchips will produce capture better quality pictures, but will be heavier on the pocket.
Will you need better surveillance footage during the day or at night? Note the Lux rating of the camera; a higher Lux rating indicates that the camera needs more light to provide good pictures, and a lower Lux means that it will capture images in little to no lighting.
Do you really need color or will black and white do? Color cameras cost much more than the black and white ones. On the other hand, the black and white cameras will give you better picture quality even in the worst light.
Will the cameras be outdoors or indoors? If they are indoors, you’ll probably want the cameras to be camouflaged, or perhaps want to get aesthetically pleasing housing for them. If it’s outdoors, the housing of the camera should be weather-proof.
How many cameras do you need? Do a simple walking survey of the areas in your office complex or home where you’re thinking of installing a camera. Are there areas with lower security risks that could make do with a dummy camera? A dummy camera looks as authentic as the real thing but is, in fact, just an empty box. This is especially a good idea for the workplace. Just knowing that they can get caught will motivate your employees to behave themselves.
Make sure you do your research before investing in a CCTV camera for your home or business. You don’t need to go broke trying to protect yourself and the people around you. |