Security Camera System – Buyer’s Guide

Although the application of CCTV security has not changed much in recent years, the tools and equipment have changed significantly. Cameras got smaller, cheaper, and better, but the biggest advance was in recording equipment.

Therefore, many customers who buy complete CCTV monitoring and recording systems are confused by such veracity of available products. The objective of this article is to guide buyers towards the best and most economical type of CCTV equipment possible, depending on the implementation and anticipated requirements.

Selecting the right cameras.

It is practically impossible to describe all the types of available in this short article. Instead, we will focus our attention on the most popular and widely used camera types.

CCTV security cameras produce images using CMOS or CCD (Pair Charging Device) chips. Small, very low-priced CCTV cameras often use CMOS technology, produce poor quality images, and have very poor sensitivity to light. Decent quality CCTV cameras use CCD technology. The size of the CCD chip is normally 1/4 “, 1/3” or 1/2 “. As a general rule, the larger the size, the higher the quality of the image produced and the higher the price. However, Higher density 1/4 “and 1/3” CCD chips can now produce as good an image as many 1/3 “or 1/2” chips.

The number of TV lines in the security camera image is a measure of the image resolution (sharpness). The higher the number of TV lines, the better the resolution and therefore the overall image quality. The standard resolution camera can have 350-380 lines, more than 400 TV lines is generally considered a good resolution, while more than 500 TV lines is considered high resolution. B / W chip cameras produce higher resolution and better light sensitivity, making them suitable for use in dark areas where light conditions are poor most of the time.

On the other hand, color cameras offer a more realistic and natural image. CCTV cameras are generally divided into different types based on the camera body used.

Professional grade cameras.

It has a box-like body with the ability to use different types and sizes of lenses. Interchangeable lenses allow this camera to monitor objects from virtually any distance. Although for indoor use, they can be used outdoors when combined with a weather-resistant housing. They are considered the most flexible and the most used by professionals for commercial installations.

Bullet cameras.

Bullet-type cameras are, as the name suggests, contained within a bullet-shaped housing.

Most bullet type cameras are weather resistant and sealed without the ability to use different lenses. The big advantage of the bullet camera is the small size and the integrated design, some bullet cameras will even have built-in infrared LEDs in the future. Infrared technology is simply LED light in the infrared spectrum (not visible to the human eye). This light will illuminate the viewing area, making monitoring in complete darkness possible. This is a great future, but it only works up to a certain distance (usually between 10 and 50 feet, depending on the model). Various of easy installation and aesthetic design, bullet cameras are an excellent choice for residential and DIY installations where objects are monitored. They are about 25 feet from the camera location (with a standard 3.6mm lens).

Dash cameras.

Plate cameras are basically fixed lenses mounted on a circuit board. These cameras can be packaged in a small case (mini cameras) or dome (minidome) or can simply be sold unpackaged for the buyer to assemble. The lenses in these have an industry standard aperture or a very small aperture “pinhole” lens. Pinhole lens cameras are often referred to as “spy” cameras and can be mounted covertly for covert surveillance purposes. The most popular examples of covert dashboards are smoke detectors and motion detection cameras.

Since dash camera lenses are pre-mounted, have a fixed iris, and typically have a short focal length (i.e. wide angle), their usefulness flexibility is limited. However, this type of camera can provide a low cost solution in the right situation, particularly in a home environment. We have briefly described the most popular camera types, now let’s discuss how and where they are used.

Professional types with C / CS mount lens attachment generally offer the best performance and many important futures such as lens control output, backlight compensation and many more …

The distance from the monitoring object to the camera is not an issue, which is why the ability to select different lenses, based on location, is so important. Installation is a bit complicated and professional installation is highly recommended. We recommend this type of security camera for commercial installations.

In comparison, most Bullet cameras do not offer high resolution or flexibility in lens selection, but they are likely to be weather resistant, some will have infrared light built in, and most of all, they are relatively easy to implement. They usually come with 3.6mm lenses which are considered adequate for most standard installations (good for covering small to medium sized rooms or equivalent).

For larger rooms or longer distances, cameras with 6mm or larger lenses may be required. They are a great option for any DIY installation.

In contrast, plate cameras are widely used in covert camera installations, sometimes called spy cameras. Many are basically board with a built-in transmitter. We are not going to go into wireless cameras at this point, as this would be enough material for a completely new article.

Board cameras are sold as a simple circuit board, to be integrated into hidden camera devices. They are also available in dome housing, like the most popular dome cameras or integrated with smoke detector, motion detector, exit signal, etc. Most also come with 3.6mm lenses, although some allow for replacement.

Over time, the most practical design has been the dome camera with its aesthetic appearance that blends in with the surroundings, especially with the fold-out seal, ideal for use in shops, lobbies, gas stations and other public places. A practical solution for covert installation is also smoke and motion detection cameras, which are not a substitute for your security alarm or fire protection at all. They should always be selected based on the location of the camera (indoor / outdoor), distance from the monitoring object, lighting conditions, and budget.

When buying security cameras, customers are faced with the fact that they will have to select one or another recording device.

The days of the well-known CCTV time-lapse VCR recorder are almost over.

Although some customers still prefer this old-fashioned recording solution, it is worth investing some extra money to buy a good quality digital video recorder (DVR). The digital recorder transfers the video feed from the analog camera to digital format and stores it on the hard drive. There are two main types of digital recorders on the market right now.

PC-based systems.

A special board and software installed on the computer will allow camera inputs and store video on the hard drive.

Many people have the misconception that a personal computer with additional hardware installed will do the job. This accounts for the hundreds of companies that hung up a sign, took out some ads, and started working in basements and garages, considering themselves DVR manufacturers and security specialists. The main problem with this type of CCTV recorder lies in the main component of it … Yes, it is a computer, designed to perform unlimited tasks, but not well. The truth is, any computer-based digital video recorder is, and will always be vulnerable to software crashes, crashes, system instability, virus-related problems, etc.

Autonomous systems.

Very similar in appearance and control functions to standard VCRs, they are truly remarkable devices. Most of the video processing is done by hardware, therefore, eliminating system glitches, the video is also stored on the hard drive in digital form. The basic operating system, usually Linux, is permanently stored on a special processor, which is impossible to overwrite or corrupt. Designed and built with a single application in mind, it is far better in performance and reliability than its PC-based rival.

Some DVR systems will even have remote monitoring capability, useful when monitoring is required at different locations over the Internet or network. The most important futures to consider when selecting the right DVR recorder are motion detection and frame rate. The higher the frame rate, the smoother the video recording. Motion detection will allow you to record video from each camera only when motion is detected; This is ideal for extending video recording time.

Security monitors.

The video from the security recorder can be displayed on a normal TV monitor. It’s okay to do it this way, for baby monitoring or for residential applications, when image quality isn’t that important. However, for a professional installation, security monitors are just as important as cameras. They offer longer picture tube life (necessary with any still image, which can cause image wear) and much higher resolution.

Cables and wiring.

Finally, any camera installation will require proper wiring. Good quality cable will prevent video degradation on long distance rides. RG59 or RG6 coaxial cables are recommended to be used as they are fully shielded and will prevent video loss up to 400 feet. Coaxial cables will require BNC connectors and proper installation possibly by an experienced technician. For short runs, plug and play non-coaxial cables with factory installed BNC connectors can be used (up to 150 feet). Plug and play cables are quite easy to install by inexperienced users.

CCTV camera cables consist of two cables bundled together in a jacket. One cable for video and one for power supply.

Conclution.

Every CCTV system is only as good and reliable as its weakest component. With this in mind, investing in cameras of the highest quality and performance, while purchasing a poor performance recorder, from an economical and practical point of view simply does not make sense.

For example, why use CCTV cameras with 500 TV lines of resolution with a monitor that offers only 380 or less? The entire benefit of the high-resolution camera is affectively sacrificed for the limited capacity of the monitor. It is important to ask questions before purchasing a video security system, and your vendor will likely be able to provide more details and recommend equipment for specific needs and requirements.