A Quick Guide for Choosing the Right Surveillance Camera for Your Home or Business
So why should you be concerned about security cameras and lenses not being created equally? How does this impact your specific situation when choosing a video surveillance camera system for your home and business?
Looking at only the cost of a camera can seem like an easy way to decide, but the decision involves much more. When choosing a Video Surveillance Camera for your business or home, you need to make important decisions. The first decision is the type of camera you need. Of course, the application and your budget will determine this decision.
The lens types each camera uses can also significantly influence your choice. Perhaps the area you need to monitor doesn’t change much. In that case, you won’t need the same type of lens that cameras in a bank or department store require. If the scene is active, you might need something more advanced. While this might sound a little overwhelming, don’t get too anxious. The decision is much easier than it seems. Below is a breakdown of cameras and why those differences should matter to you.
The Video Surveillance Camera Rundown
Box Security Camera
The box camera is the standard camera type, and its shape gives it its name. Aesthetically, it doesn’t have anything extravagant, but what’s inside counts. For instance, you can customize the lens based on what the indoor or outdoor application needs. Despite this camera’s seemingly primitive design, it can use fixed lenses and the more advanced varifocal lenses. While people often think of these cameras as primarily analog, you can find them as IP cameras as well.
Why you should care: Plenty of reasons! This is a common type of video surveillance camera used in residential and commercial indoor and outdoor applications. This also makes it more affordable compared to some camera types. In addition, having a camera that allows lens customization is good because you can choose the right lens based on the environment and lighting conditions.
Mini Dome Security Camera
ou’ve most likely seen mini dome cameras installed in department store ceilings. Their overall function is just like any camera; the housing is what differs. The dome housing is ideal for warehouses, department stores, kitchens, and any indoor or outdoor application that could make the camera excessively dirty and dusty.
Why you should care:Commercial applications frequently use the mini dome surveillance camera. If you own or manage any type of facility, this camera is a great way to keep tabs on what happens at all times. You can find them in both analog and IP models; the IP models offer better system management and resolutions. However, your needs and budget will determine your options.
Bullet Security Camera
The bullet camera is a type that looks like it came straight out of a science fiction film because of its modern aesthetics. People also call these surveillance cameras “IR illuminators.” The housing’s design reduces the need for servicing. Plus, these cameras tend to take up less space than others. The IR illuminator is the type of camera you want in a low-light situation. You can also find this camera in analog and IP versions.
Why you should care: The bullet surveillance camera is tough and doesn’t require separate housing to protect it from the environment. When looking for the right camera, you may need an IP or analog model that takes up very little space, needs servicing less often, and operates well when lighting may not be optimal.
PTZ Security Camera
If you think the bullet camera has a bit of a sci-fi feel, the PTZ surveillance camera offers a higher level of functionality. This type of camera lets you remotely pan, tilt, and zoom using software or a joystick. You can also preset surveillance patterns so the system records areas of interest automatically instead of requiring manual manipulation. This type of security camera helps you survey a wider area with a single camera instead of fixing a camera on one location. You can even zoom in on specific details in real-time. You can find this camera type in analog and IP versions.
Why you should care: The PTZ camera gives you more control so you can see what you need to see with a single unit. If you prefer to not be at the mercy of a camera that is fixed on one area of interest, then this may be precisely what you need for your home or business.
Quality cameras that keep an eye on your home or business
Choosing the Right Video Surveillance Camera Lens
There are two types of lenses used in video surveillance cameras. They are the fixed security camera lens and the varifocal lens. You may remember seeing these mentioned earlier since the box camera is one type that can use both.
But what’s the difference?
The fixed lens is a monofocal lens, which means the lens’s focal length is permanently set and you can’t change it, so it tends to have a fixed focal point. 1 This leads to your next very important decision: do you choose a narrow-angle camera lens or a wide-angle lens? Of course, what you need the camera to look at determines the decision.
The varifocal lens allows you to adjust the focal length based on what you need. The PTZ security camera, for instance, uses a varifocal lens because its motorized controls allow it to. You can zoom in and out on an object or area as needed. If you need to get a clearer and more focused image, a PTZ camera with a varifocal lens will make that possible.
Fixed lens applications: A fixed lens is ideal for interior spaces because the lens can’t be adjusted, so it has a fixed focal point. Some applications include a baby’s room or the family room.
Varifocal lens applications: Cameras with varifocal lenses are ideal for commercial and residential spaces where the scenery will change a lot. Some applications include entrances, gates, garages, parking lots, large spaces with a lot of people, and anywhere where a close shot may be needed to identify a person or vehicle.
Rochester, Syracuse, & Buffalo NY Video Surveillance Camera Installation
One of the biggest lessons of all is that you don’t have to go through the process alone. At SPS Fire & Security, WE LISTEN TO YOUR NEEDS. This helps us make recommendations based solely on what you wish to accomplish with your video surveillance system. We understand the legalities, technology, and installation techniques that can give you the added security you’re looking for.
To learn more, call us at 585-770-0348 or complete our contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.