Closed Circuit Television (CCTV), a combination of a camera and recorder, has become more sophisticated as surveillance technology improves. It offers more security features such as audio, face detection, infrared and high-quality night vision footage. There are many options and specifications available. You will be overwhelmed by the variety of features and designs. Choosing the best surveillance camera for your needs is crucial to maximize its many benefits.
We have listed the six most important things to consider before investing in a CCTV system.
Why do I need a surveillance camera?
Before investing in a surveillance system, it is important to assess your needs. Consider the following questions: Why do I need a CCTV? What do I want to see on my camera? What type of installation is best? What is the cost of installing it? You should also consider which type of CCTV is best for your home. Each CCTV comes with its unique features. Some might be best suited for your home, while others work well in a business setting.
- Which type of CCTV is best for my home?
You should consider the following factors before choosing the best CCTV system for your home: resolution, zoom, zoom, and infrared night vision.
Camera
There are three types to choose from when it comes to CCTV cameras. Analogue cameras are less expensive than High Definition (HD), or Internet Protocol (IP), cameras. Despite the low resolution, it’s good enough to identify people and monitor large areas.
High-resolution images are the main selling point of HD and IP cameras. These cameras can be used to identify numbers and characters and record evidence for legal purposes. Business premises prefer high-end Turbo cameras and IP cameras.
It is also worth checking if the camera has zoom capabilities, can pan, tilt, turn, and tilt 360 degrees, and can be turned around, panned, tilted, and pan-tilted.
Resolution
High resolution images and footage are enhanced by crisp, high quality. It controls how far a camera can see and monitor. It also allows CCTV cameras to maintain high quality images even after being digitally zoomed in. The highest resolution IP cameras are approximately 8MP. Mid-range cameras range from 5MP to 8MP. Lower range cameras can only display around 2MP.
The size of the area you are looking at will also affect the resolution you require. Higher resolution cameras are required for larger areas. This will ensure that the footage or image is not blurred, fuzzy, or distorted. Static cameras are sufficient for small areas such as your living room, and do not require a larger resolution image.
Infrared nightvision
The infrared night vision function allows the CCTV camera see at night. It also determines the focal length, just like camera resolution. Clearer footage will result if there are more red lights. Pro CCTVs can capture detail images and footage even in complete darkness. Installing one is a good idea. However, it should not be placed behind any glass or windows as infrared light (IR) can cause IR reflections or glare.
Zoom
A CCTV camera’s ability to zoom in or out is another important feature. There are two types: digital zoom and optical zoom. This depends on the type of lens your CCTV camera has.
You can zoom digitally on either live footage or recorded footage, but your camera’s resolution limits it. Optic zoom on the other side acts as a pair or binoculars. Because it uses a zoom lens, optical zoom can see further and produce clearer images than digital zoom.
Do I want to install the CCTV outdoors or indoors?
You will need to choose where the CCTV should be placed. You might choose a durable and weatherproof CCTV if you plan to put it outdoors. A CCTV camera designed to work in extreme cold environments has a heater built in that allows it to continue working despite the harsh conditions. A CCTV camera with waterproof protection is essential for tropical environments like Malaysia.
A CCTV camera is usually installed near an entry point, such as a gate or front door. You can have it installed in the darkest parts of your home. This allows you to create a perimeter that is inaccessible by outsiders. A pan-tilt camera is useful for covering larger areas. It allows the lens to track a moving object while monitoring the area.
What data storage do I need for my CCTV camera?
You have many options for data storage when it comes to your CCTV. There are many options for data storage. You can store as little as 16 GB to as much as 1 TB. You can increase your storage capacity by attaching your CCTV camera to an unlimited network storage device or adding another hard drive. Keep in mind, high-resolution cameras need large data storage. Memory cards will not suffice.
What type of CCTV do I need?
A wired CCTC camera costs less than a wireless CCTV. The wires can be connected to the DVR via a coax cable, which provides better connectivity. This makes it more reliable that a wireless camera.
A wireless camera, on the other hand is portable and easy to carry. It is also portable so you can change its position as needed. It is battery-operated so it will need to be maintained from time to time. It is also important to ensure that the internet bandwidth can support it. It will still work even if your electricity is interrupted. It can be used as a backup battery to increase your home security in the event of an intruder.
It also allows live streaming. Remote monitoring allows you to view the live stream from anywhere.
Receive professional advice and assistance
When choosing the right CCTV system for your home, it is always good to get some professional advice. Ask them to inspect your home and recommend the best features and pricing. Before you commit, it is important to ask about maintenance costs, installation costs, and other expenses.
