What to Consider When Buying a CCTV CameraThere are many important factors to look into when buying a new CCTV camera, most of which concern the basic hardware components; therefore, understanding these parts and how they affect the CCTV camera's performance is crucial to any shopper.
Lens
The lens collects light for the sensor. Anything you see or whatever is saved on the DVR comes through the lens. With the lens controlling focus, it determines up to how far you will be able to recognize a face or read a car plate number. In several cases, a better lens is more useful than a higher output resolution, because the output is always dependent on the input, and the input is always dependent on the lens. Also consider getting a zoom lens, which comes in handy when you analyze video recordings where details are critical.
Why People Think Systems Are A Good Idea
Sensor
A Simple Plan: Options
There are two things you should think of when choosing a CCTV camera based on its sensor - type and size. CCTV sensors are usually CMOS or CCD. CMOS is cheaper and more energy efficient compared to CCD, but it is also less sensitive and produces a less clear image. When you talk about size, larger sensors process greater amounts of light, hence producing higher quality images. You can find CCTV camera sensors in two common sizes nowadays - 1/4 inch (measuring 3.2 mm by 2.4 mm) and 1/3 inch (measuring 4.8mm by 3.6 mm).
Output Resolution
The number of horizontal lines of TV resolution CCTV cameras can output - also known as their TVL - is one common specification for these devices. Some experts say this should be at least 420TVL, but this is not true for all cases. A high resolution is great to have, but remember that output depends on input, so unless the lens and sensor can match the output resolution, which depends on the DSP, the extra resolution is of no use. What really matters is that there is enough resolution to clearly display any image produced by the camera.
Types
> Bullet
Bullet cameras are cylindrical in shape and are usually used in environments in which discretion is important, but it is unnecessary to install the camera permanently in a protective dome. They are perfect for service areas and shops in which the staff needs to be monitored.
> Dome
A CCTV dome camera is ideal for surveillance since it doesn't only protect itself against vandalism, but it also provides some degree of security because it's typically hard - if at all possible - to know where it's pointed.
> IR Day/Night
Though it's easy to tell by their appearance, these cameras can offer round-the-clock outdoor coverage in any lighting condition. They come up with colour images during the day and shift to black and white for infrared viewing during night time. Purchasing a CCTV camera isn't going to be that simple indeed. But with this information, you should have a great start.