Author: Molly Source: www.mvteamcctv.com Released on: Jan.27, 2015
You work hard to keep your home and office safe and looking good, but robbery or vandalism can shatter an owner’s confidence in even the nicest-looking place. A security camera is your best bet as a property owner to protect the things you work hard for. They deter criminals before the act is committed, and record them if they still go through with it!
Learn more about the different types of cameras, below.
Not just for banks anymore…
Surveillance cameras are being used in retail stores, schools, hotels, nurseries, hospitals, private homes, and more. Isn’t it time you start protecting your home and office, too?
What makes a security camera?
Security cameras, also known as CCTV cameras, use CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) or CCD (charge-coupled device) video chips to capture high-quality surveillance video, similar to a point and click camera. The larger the chip size, the better the image. CCD chips come in 1/4, 1/3 and 1/2 inches, with 1/3 being the most commonly used.
Which one do I choose?
Choose the camera that best suits your needs from a range of form factors and functionalities, including wireless, dome, and/or infrared. Keep in mind the location and lighting of the area where you are placing the camera for the best results. More details about the different types of security cameras is below.
Black & White
Black and white CCTV cameras offer high resolution, and are ideal for home use. They do not capture color video, but in many situations color is not required.
Infrared
Infrared cameras can switch from color to grayscale depending on lighting conditions. At night, they capture black and white footage due to the infrared, but during the day they capture color.
Weatherproof / Vandal proof
If you’re placing your camera outside, make sure it’s a weatherproof and/or vandal resistant version. They are made to be both compact and rugged for outdoor use, but many cameras made today are effective in just about any environment.
PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom)
Cameras that zoom, pan 360 degrees, and tilt are known as PTZ cameras. These cameras can often perform double duty, as they can cover a much larger area. Some software even allows PTZ cameras to follow moving objects, making them ideal for police departments and other government agencies.
Fisheye
If you have a large area that you want to cover with one camera, consider the fisheye option. Fisheye surveillance cameras have a wide angle 360º lens that is perfect for monitoring your company’s sales floor, cash registers, etc. The software for fisheye cameras also allows you to zoom in on and zone off specific areas to watch individually, as if you had multiple cameras in one.
Dome
Dome security cameras, like the kind you see in malls or banks, are covered with a small, dark dome that allows the camera to see out, but makes it very hard for a person to see in and judge where the camera is pointing.
Box
Box cameras are your traditional camera that you see in many public places. They are typically mounted on a mounting bracket and sticking out from a wall with wires connected. These cameras are typically larger than dome and cube camera, but usually offer higher resolution, interchangeable lenses, and better construction.
Cube
Cube cameras are relatively new in the CCTV world and are thinner, front to back, than a traditional box camera, but are taller top to bottom and left to right. This allows them to have a lower profile and not stick out so far from the wall when mounted. Most cube style security cameras have options for night vision, and some are network-based, as well.
Network (IP) Cameras
If you need to share your footage across a system, want higher resolution options, and need more access to your security system, network CCTV cameras are available that allow the user to monitor the feed from anywhere with internet access. IP cameras can also use power-over-ethernet (POE), which removes the need for a power supply for every camera. These cameras are typically higher resolution, as well, allowing for an overall higher quality recording.
Wireless
Wireless cameras can also be considered IP cameras, but they do not require ethernet to connect each camera to the network. They do, however, require power. These cameras are becoming more popular and reliable as technology improves. Wireless security cameras are ideal if running cable is not cost effective or possible. We have integrated systems that transmit wireless video up to two miles.
Mini / Covert / Spy /hidden Cameras
Looking for something a little more… discrete? Consider a hidden camera, also known as mini, or covert. These cameras come in the shape of motion detectors, fire alarms, screw heads, fire sprinkler heads, and more.
We understand that your needs are unique, and we’re committed to offering the best solution for your security. Whether your situation calls for a covert spy camera, a complex wireless system, or a trusted, everyday box camera, we’re here to help you find your best option.
Mvteam cctv 