CCTV camera systems are one of the gold standards in both home and business security. If banks, casinos and government institutions still depend on them for crime detection and prevention, it’s a pretty safe bet that they’ll work for your home as well! There are several different types of CCTV camera systems; within those types you’ll find anywhere from a handful to dozens of different products. Here we look at the broad categories of CCTV camera systems, and how to tell which will suit your home best.
Outdoor Cameras
Outdoor CCTV camera systems are constructed to deal with the environmental pressures of wind, water, dust etc. They have several features that help them survive life in the big bad world!
- Discreet design
- Weatherproof
- Cannot be removed from its mounting or the wall
- Cables are hidden
- Tough lens glass
Many outdoor CCTV camera systems have features of additional camera ‘types’ – such as being high resolution, infrared capable, or able to record in colour – we’ll look in detail at these features below.
Indoor cameras
These are usually much less sturdy, but far cheaper than outdoor cameras are. While they obviously aren’t as vandal resistant, be aware that if your CCTV camera system is linked to your back to base alarm monitoring, your security company will be alerted if a camera has been tampered with. This makes indoor cameras the ideal, cost-effective indoor security solution.
Infra-Red Cameras
Some CCTV camera system of this type will pick up the movement of people even in zero-light conditions – although some systems need at least 0.1 lux of light to work. Infra-red cameras have a traditional camera lens, with additional infra-red detectors arranged around the lens in concentric circles. Many infra-red cameras nowadays are pet-proof, so if you decide you want to install one indoors, there is no need to worry about false alarm calls to your security company.
High Resolution Cameras
In CCTV camera systems, ‘high’ resolution is around 750 pixels horizontally. ‘Ordinary’ resolution is around 350-500, and on micro cameras or pinhole cameras the resolution may be around 200-300; these are ideal for shorter distances and in constantly lit conditions. However, high resolution cameras can pick up motion up to 240 feet away – and if they are infrared equipped, they’ll be able to do this in complete darkness.
Wide angle cameras
You sacrifice some picture accuracy when you go for a wide angle lens, but you cajn gain up to 170 degrees of vision. Wow! If your CCTV camera system is monitored by your alarm security system company, wide angle cameras can be a good choice – your focus will be on early detection and prevention of burglaries, rather than on getting evidence to prosecute somebody after a break-in.
Micro Lens Cameras
Micro lens cameras can be especially useful in indoor situations; a great substitute for ‘nanny cams’, and completely unobtrusive. However, there is a definite trade-off between the capability of these CCTV camera systems and other more visible and conspicuous types. Micro-lens cameras most often come in black and white, usually need at least 1 lux of light to work (about the level of low street lighting). However, they do tend to be very low-cost compared to other CCTV camera systems, also!
You can also get a free consultation at Pacific Security Technology to help you determine the CCTV camera system type that will work best for you. Don’t sleep lightly for another night!
