There are a wide variety of CCTV cameras suited to different purposes and budgets.
Make sure that you take the following into account when choosing:
- Camera form and function? The first thing is to decide where and how you want to position a camera and what you want sufficient coverage of. The most common types are a fixed bullet or dome camera, suitable for both indoor & outdoor use (weatherproof) with discreet styling. Other cameras provide more advanced functions such as remote pan/tilt/zoom control while smaller hidden cameras are suited to catching thieves indoors.
- Analogue or Network IP camera? Analogue cameras have been around for years and are now very affordable. The main difference when it comes to performance is that IP cameras are capable of providing an image with greater detail (Megapixel IP cameras). However with increased resolution is increased cost and for small business/home use if you require a multi-camera system that is suitable for indoors & outdoors with night vision, then an analogue system will offer sufficient monitoring and recording capabilities at a very affordable price.
If you require only a single camera to monitor/record through your local PC network (router) or wish to monitor multiple locations via the internet then this is where IP cameras can be more cost effective as they do not require a DVR to do this.
- CCD/CMOS sensor & resolution? A camera with a CCD sensor generally produces a better image with a higher resolution. Analogue camera resolution is measured in TV Lines (TVL). 420TVL and above is ideal with 600TVL being about the most you can benefit from with a standard monitor. 420TVL equates to about 500 x 582 pixels. Pixels is the digital resolution measurement used with IP cameras.
- Lens, viewing angle and vari-focal cameras: The lens determines the viewing angle and zoom of the camera. Typical fixed lens cameras provide around a 50 degree viewing angle, however wider angle options are available which are a little more 'zoomed out'. A vari-focal camera provides an adjustable lens enabling you to perfectly alter the angle, zoom and focus on install!
- Colour/Black & White? Nearly all cameras no provide a full colour image and revert to black and white for low light/infra red viewing
- Night time viewing with infra red? Many cameras come equipped with a ring of infra red LEDs enabling black and white viewing in complete darkness. Night vision capabilities vary as some cameras are able to see much further than others, ranging from 5m to 50m!
- Audio? If you require audio capabilities, certain models do come with an integrated microphone. However a separate/discreet microphone is often used.
- Wired/Wireless? Wireless cameras provide a quick and easy solution without the signal wires. The problem with analogue wireless though is the susceptibility to interference. However newer models are now interference free (such as the Swann ADW range) although the image quality is not too good and suitable for general observation and low risk applications only. More expensive wireless IP cameras are the only way to achieve good quality interfierence free wireless CCTV coverage.
Once you have decided upon your requirements you should be able to confidently select the right camera(s) for your needs. Unless you are going for an IP camera setup you’ll need a DVR (digital video recorder) to view and record your camera output, or even view over the internet. Take a look at our guide to CCTV DVRs. Our DIY CCTV System Kits contain cameras and a DVR based around the most common requirements for a range of budgets.
If you have any questions please contact us for a speedy email response!
