It can be expensive to install a CCTV system at your workplace or home. However the benefits of having one in place make it worth the investment. You will have your peace of mind as far as security goes and have more control over what happens in your specific areas. The market has so many system options for you and this wide range makes it possible for you to choose a system you can afford and one that will also serve all the security needs you might have.
Connectivity Options
The CCTV camera systems have different connection demands. You can choose a wireless or wired setup depending on what you feel is most ideal for the security needs you have. They both come with their pros and cons and you can consider them before making the choice.
Wired – They need to be connected to your existing recording infrastructure and other recording units through cables. They are great for the outdoors, but can be difficult to install and expensive for that matter.
Wireless -These camera systems transmit the security feed wirelessly. They are cheaper and easy to install and start using. However the environmental conditions might affect the signal broadcast.
Camera and Lens Options
The security systems are made up of cameras and lenses which can be very different from one system to the other. With the choice that you make, you can enjoy the high detail or wide range or both.
High resolution – CCTV cameras have higher resolutions and HD capture. This makes it possible to improve image details, detection and identification. The cameras filming in HD or high resolution are more expensive.
Lens angle – The angle is usually measured in millimeters and denotes the field of view and focal length. Large millimeter lenses denote a small field of view while small millimeter lenses such as 3.5 to 15 denote a wide field of view. Small areas capture more and clearer detail compared to large ones, but your needs should dictate the angle you choose.
Tilt – It gives you the option to rotate the camera to a desired angle for different fields of view. Some cameras with this option will have motors connected to special motion sensors so the camera can follow movement direction.
Light sensitivity – The CCTV cameras are manufactured to suit different sensitivities and this is usually measured in Lux. The Lux specifications you choose should be compatible with the areas where the cameras will be installed for best results. You can easily choose sensitivity to suit your environment using the manufacturer specifications that indicate the Lux range and rating.
Iris – It can be operated manually or can be automated. The automatic iris makes adjustments to match light conditions that are ever changing so you can get high quality images in any given condition. Manual iris is cheaper but is only set once when the cameras are installed. Consider the pros and cons of each before making your selection. If you are not very sure of what to choose, you can use a CCTV expert to help you decide.