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:
- Weather resistance? If you are looking to position cameras outdoors then it is important to select an outdoor camera that is built to resist the elements.
- CCD/CMOS sensor & Image quality? The sensor is what captures light and converts it into a digital signal, it is the eye. A CCD sensor generally produces a higher quality image (a higher resolution with more TV lines) and is certainly beneficial for low light viewing. CMOS sensors are often found on lower end cameras and have the advantage of lower power requirements for battery powered devices.
- Colour/Black & White? Colour images provide far more information for evidence purposes; however they do require more light than black and white cameras to produce a good image. Luckily though many cameras now provide a colour image in adequate lighting and revert to black and white in low light/night time 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.
- Wired/Wireless? Wireless cameras provide a quick and easy solution without the signal wires. However each camera will require its own power source and a system is limited to ideally 3 (maximum 4) cameras due to the possibility of interference. For this reason a wired setup is usually the way forward for a fixed solution.
- Camera form? CCTV Cameras come in many shapes and sizes, some designed to be undiscovered to catch thieves in action, others a deterrent. Many of the cameras included in our systems are contemporary styled and not too intrusive for most domestic/commercial applications.
- Analogue or network IP camera? IP cameras can be viewed directly over the internet or local network with PC software. This is ideal if you are looking to monitor multiple locations, or even one location over the internet. With analogue, each location will require its own DVR with remote viewing capabilities, which could work out to be a more expensive solution. However IP camera choice is limited and they do cost more.
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 likely 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!
