What factors should I consider when buying a security camera?
Purchasing a worthwhile security camera is a great way to monitor your property, discourage illegal activities, and keep track of what is going on in your neighborhood and underneath your roof. Security cameras also represent a not insignificant investment, as well as one that should be able to satisfy all of your goals. Below are several questions to consider before purchasing your security cameras.
Will the Camera Be Used For Home or Office?
Business security may require more specialized monitoring tools, such as CCTV systems and other devices that do a better job reducing crime. Surveillance cameras designed to be used in the home may not require such a drastic investment.
Are You in a High Crime Area?
The more at risk you are for these crimes, the more worthwhile it will be to purchase multiple cameras that can monitor all the sides of your home or office.
Do You Need 24 Hour Monitoring and Protection?
Surveillance cameras that will continue to be used at night, especially outside or in the dark, will need to be equipped with either night vision or infrared systems depending on the amount of lighting. With some/low light, night vision will suffice, but in pitch black an infrared system may be more beneficial.
What is the Distance That Needs to Be Monitored?
If you are keeping an eye on an area that is far off in the distance, you will likely need a larger millimeter or verifocal lens, as well as a C-Mount camera in order to better monitor the area. If not, a standard bullet or dome camera may be more beneficial.
Will You Need Web Monitoring?
Some cameras come equipped with receivers that support web monitoring so that you can see a live feed anywhere you have Internet access.
How Important Are Wires to You?
All camera, both wired and wireless, have at least one wire to plug into an outlet. Wireless cameras do not require an additional wire to reach the receiver, but they also carry risks, such as the ability to be hacked as well as issues with camera quality during times of poor signal.
What Type of Body Are You Looking For?
Bullet and C-Mount cameras are more straight and long, with the former coming equipped with its own mounting system to go on a wall or ceiling. Dome cameras are only effective on the ceiling, and are better designed to monitor larger areas, where questions about the direction the camera is pointing may be important. Network cameras and hidden cameras also have their own unique styles.
How Many Cameras Will You Need?
The number of cameras you need to place in your house or office may alter the type of cameras you buy. Wireless cameras have frequency limitations, while C-Mount varifocal lens cameras may cover enough ground that you could reduce your overall camera needs.
Once you have been able to answer all of these questions, finding the right security camera for you should be easy. These devices have improved dramatically with their technology, and most modern security cameras are able to pick up high quality images that are designed to meet your security needs.
