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.