How to Buy a CCTV Security Camera System
CCTV stands for Closed Circuit Television, and is a system of security
cameras all linked to one monitoring system. Since CCTV cameras are now
gaining in popularity and becoming more affordable, homeowners can feel
more comfortable knowing they can secure their home, home businesses and
other personal properties. Scroll past the jump to learn more about
them and how to make an informed purchase.
Steps
1. Evaluate your needs: Do
you want to monitor general comings and goings? Do you want to see
faces, merchandise, crowds? Do you need wireless or wired CCTV security systems?
Do you need an indoor and/or outdoor CCTV camera systems? Would you
benefit from an IP network camera? Do you need a 1, 2, 8 or 16 camera
system? What is your budget?
2. Select the type of camera: Based on your needs and recording environment, you should select a camera that is best for you:
wired: a standard wired color security camera. Most wired security
cameras today are indoor/outdoor and have an IR (infrared) cut-filter
for night vision (the night vision image will be in black & white
for improved contrast and image detail). Wired cameras are available in
BNC or DIN terminations (connection ports) and will require video
extension cables.
wireless: More and more people are turning to wireless cameras as a
cost-effective way of building a comprehensive surveillance system in
their home or business. The latest digital wireless cameras are secure,
free of interference from household devices, and offer crystal clear
video and audio.
IP / network: IP (Internet protocol), or network cameras are another
option. These cameras connect to your computer's router just like a
computer or other net-workable device. IP network cameras allow you to
access the cameras from remote locations over the Internet. Many also
give you the option of recording video directly to your computer or to a
network video recorder (NVR).
3. The Type and Quality of the Imaging Chip in the camera:
CCTV security cameras produce images using CMOS or CCD (Charge Couple
Device) chips. Tiny and/or very low price CCTV cameras usually use CMOS
technology, produce poor quality video and have very poor light
sensitivity. Decent quality and better CCTV cameras use CCD technology.
The size of the CCD chip is normally 1/4", 1/3" or 1/2". As a rule of
thumb, 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 older 1/3" or 1/2" chips.
4. Select black and white or color: If you are going to
use the cameras in an environment where the light conditions are very
low, it is recommended to buy a black and white CCTV camera system.
Color should only be considered for inside use with good lighting
conditions. For consumer-grade CCTV cameras, color cameras are suitable
for indoor or outdoor applications. Many high resolution color cameras
now use an IR cut-filter for built-in night vision.
5. Understand light level: One of the most important
specifications. Light levels are measured in Lux. The lower the number,
the less light it will take to reproduce a clear image.
6. Understand resolution: The higher the resolution
number, the sharper the image will be. Entry level camera resolution is
330 lines, high resolution cameras producing better than 400 lines.
7. Select a monitor that will match the resolution of your CCTV camera system.
8. CCTV cameras system recorders: DVR (digital video recorder) which record onto hard drives is the best option.
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