CCTV cameras and motion sensors allow you to ensure the safety and control of an apartment, a country house, an office, or a shopping center. Modern camcorders support high-definition recording, including at night. They can be equipped with a microphone or a built-in motion sensor. In this guide, we will show you what considerations you will have to look for while buying a CCTV camera.
CCTV cameras are analog and digital (IP).
Analog cameras transmit a signal via coaxial cable: KBK, RK, RG. The advantages of such devices are their low price, signal transmission over a distance of up to 500 meters, and ease of configuration and installation. However, analog cameras are sensitive to electromagnetic interference and must be connected to a separate cable for each device.
IP cameras (digital) transmit a digital signal over a network cable (UTP) or over Wi-Fi wireless networks. Their advantages are: high accuracy, resistance to interference, and the possibility of remote access. Some models support wireless data transfer and can store recordings in the cloud. But digital cameras have a high price, and it is better to entrust their setup to specialists so that there are no malfunctions and interference during signal transmission.
If your budget is tight, you can put multiple analog cameras around your home or office instead of one expensive digital camera. If the quality of the image is important for you, shooting at night, or cameras purchased for a large enterprise, choose IP cameras.
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Shooting type
By the type of shooting, cameras can be divided into fixed, PTZ, and panoramic cameras. Fixed CCTV cameras are always directed to one point. These are the most the most inexpensive and common models. They are used in buses, kiosks, and at the entrances to supermarkets. PTZ cameras are able to change the point of view by rotating the body. They work in automatic or manual patrol mode; they track the target. They are used in shopping centers, parking lots, and office buildings.
In panoramic video cameras with a 360-degree view, several fixed cameras are installed in one body. The image from them is combined, and if necessary, it can be enlarged to see the details. Most often, such cameras are used in jewelry stores, banks, and warehouses.
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Frame
The camera body can be domed and cylindrical. The dome housing is designed to hide the direction of the camcorder lens from prying eyes. Thanks to this body, it seems that the camera inside covers the entire area. In the cylindrical body, the direction of the lens is clearly visible.
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Viewing angle
The angle of view of a video camera is measured in degrees and determines the width of the viewing area. If you require to watch a large area, a camera with a wide viewing angle is suitable—up to 360 °; for a small area, an angle of view of 70 ° is suitable. To see fine details at a great distance, get a camera with a narrow viewing angle, from 10 ° to 30 °.
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Photosensitivity
Light sensitivity is indicated in lux (lx). The higher this parameter is, the more the object is illuminated. For example, a camera with a sensitivity of 50 to 500 lux is suitable for apartments, offices, or shops with good lighting, parking lots, or warehouses—up to 50 lux.
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Permission
Resolution affects the clarity of the camera and is measured in megapixels. To monitor warehouses or emergency exits, a camera with a resolution of only 1 megapixel is enough; this will allow you to see the big picture without details. For installation in apartments, porches, banks, or large enterprises, cameras with a resolution of 2 megapixels or more are usually used.
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Recording speed
The recording speed affects the latency and smoothness of the video image; it is measured by the number of frames per second. It is better not to use cameras with a frame rate of less than 24 fps because the video will “slow down.”.
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Additional functions
Cameras can be equipped with motion sensors, a built-in microphone, reinforced housing, or night vision mode. Motion sensors make the camera sensitive to activity in the shooting area. The response of the device depends on the model and its settings. Cameras with a built-in microphone record video with sound. The reinforced body is resistant to rain, hail, snow, and mechanical damage. Night vision mode allows you to shoot in complete darkness.
What motion sensors are there?
- Acoustic (ultrasonic). They work as locators and react to the sound vibrations of objects. These sensors are designed for an area of up to 5 meters and are suitable for apartments, small shops, or offices. It is not suggested to use them where there are animals, as ultrasound is harmful to them.
- Thermal. They react to infrared radiation and detect the movement of a person or animal. The range of the thermal sensor can be up to 150 meters. It should be kept in mind that the device can react to any warm objects; therefore, an accurate sensitivity adjustment is required. Suitable for installation in a private area.
- Microwave. They produce microwaves, not sound. They will be triggered when changing frequencies come to the receiver. Cover an area of 20 meters and consume a large amount of energy. Most often used in apartments or offices, as well as a sensor for automatically turning on the light.
- Always keep your CCTV cameras clean for better recording. Know how to clean any camera lens like a pro!
Where is CCTV footage kept?
If you want a complete video surveillance system, captured footage is saved on an external recorder. In IP systems, these are called NVRs, or network video recorders. In analog systems, they’re called DVRs, or digital video recorders.
How can I connect my CCTV camera to my phone without the Internet?
- Buy a suitable SIM card.
- Enter the SIM card into the camera.
- Download the monitoring app.
- Add safety cameras to the app.
- Pick a security camera to view.
Conclusion
In this era of modern technology, the necessity and importance of CCTV cameras in our day-to-day lives are increasing very quickly. The usage of CCTV cameras has increased in such a way that now every user should know about the installation process of CCTV cameras. So, we have decorated this guide in such a way that the users can easily learn about the installation process of CCTV cameras.
