Tips on Choosing Cameras for CCTV Systems

The cameras you choose for CCTV systems provide major part of the functionality. Your DVR or PC software can’t record detail that your security camera doesn’t give it. The style and functionality of the CCTV camera styles you choose will, in large part, determine the capabilities of your security and surveillance system. These considerations can help you choose the best security cameras for your CCTV systems.

What Is the Purpose of Your CCTV System?

The biggest consideration when choosing a surveillance camera to go with your system is the purpose for which you’re buying it. That will determine everything else about the camera, from the camera body – an outdoor security camera needs a weatherproof body, for example – to the focal length of the lens. Before you look at security camera systems, jot down your intended use for the system – will you be using it to keep an eye on premises when you’re not there? Do you intend to use the footage to provide evidence to law enforcement authorities? If you’re purchasing a CCTV system for a retail store and intend to use the footage as evidence in court, for instance, you’ll need to choose a surveillance camera with a high enough resolution to be admitted as evidence in your district courts.

What Equipment Will You Be Using?

A CCTV camera cannot operate on its own. It needs to be compatible with any other equipment you’ll be planning to hook into your network. There are some very broad categories, including IP security camera choices and wired surveillance camera options, but beyond that, you also need to be sure that the cameras you purchase are compatible with both the DVR/PC base station you’ll be using and the software that will be running your system.

What Are Your Recording Options?

There are three choices for recording and storing images from your security camera a standalone DVR, a PC-based security system or the camera itself. Each type of camera has benefits and limitations, as does each type of CCTV system. When deciding on the cameras and recorder for CCTV systems, it’s important to know how many cameras you’ll be connecting, what kind of image quality you want and how long you intend to store the images.

Do You Need Cameras that Move?

Another choice you’ll have to make is whether to use fixed or PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom) cameras for your CCTV system. In many cases, you may choose a mix of the two. Fixed cameras are the best choice for monitoring a specific area – and are less expensive – while PTZ cameras allow you to sweep an area and get a wider view in your surveillance.

Companies that sell CCTV systems and security cameras can provide you with more information about the best CCTV camera and recorder combinations for your needs.

Where to Place Cameras in Retail CCTV Systems

Every year, retailers lose millions of dollars to “shrinkage,” the sanitized term that encompasses shoplifting, employee theft and other merchandise losses that could be prevented. CCTV systems offer the best way to combat retail shrinkage. A well-designed system with CCTV camera locations in the right places can both discourage shoplifting and theft and help you catch places where you can prevent loss. The trick to designing retail CCTV systems that work is to put in the work to figure out the best placement for each security camera. These are the most common surveillance camera locations in retail CCTV systems.

Entrances and Exits

It’s nearly impossible to enter a supermarket or retail store without being captured on camera as you come through the door. Many stores even mount a monitor just inside the door – a not-so-subtle way of letting you know to smile, you’re on candid camera! There’s a good reason to place a security camera at the entrance and exits, though. It gives you a clear view of the flow of customers and employees, and is one of the best places to capture faces for later retrieval in case you need the evidence for police or a court case.

Point of Sale

Anywhere cash changes hands is a hotbed for illegal activity. It’s easy for dishonest employees to steel from the store in many different ways, some of them very creative. You should place a security camera above the register or at the point of sale located so that it records all activities at the register. If you suspect an employee of giving sweetheart deals, you can even place a surveillance camera to capture the scanner so that you see what’s entered into the computers.

On the Floor

Depending on the size and configuration, you may need several security cameras. Watch store traffic patterns to help you decide on the best place for each CCTV camera. Any low-traffic aisle should be monitored by a camera, an you should position a security camera to afford a view of any area that can’t be easily seen from multiple areas in your store – or from the front counter, if the store is small.

Warehouse/Storage Room

In 2010, more than $425 million in cargo was stolen from warehouses, storage rooms, loading docks and trucks. The thieves include burglars who break in, but are more likely to be employees of the store or of delivery companies. A security camera mounted on beams, in drop ceilings or on main ceilings will allow you to monitor the inventory and catch any incidents of merchandise theft.

Parking Lot

Store parking lots are major targets for thieves who break into parked cars of employees and customers. CCTV systems can help you cut down on car break-ins and catch those who are doing the thieving. Choose a high-quality CCTV camera with the capability of capturing faces and license plates to make identification easier.

CCTV systems are commonplace in retail stores these days. Take the time to figure out the best placement for cameras, and you’ll see a drop in your shrinkage rate almost immediately.