A Guide to CCTV Cameras
There is a large selection of CCTV Cameras on our website, it can be very confusing trying to figure out what CCTV cameras will be most suitable.
So we have put together some information about the features available, so that you can try to make a more educated decision. Simply look through the features listed below, and try to see what is important for you, keeping in mind the purpose of your CCTV system. Once you have decided what features are important to you why not see what CCTV cameras fit your requirements.
CCTV Camera Basics
For those who know little or nothing about what a CCTV camera is, or what it does.
CCTV Cameras are the “eyes” of a CCTV system, you place them inside and outside buildings to enable you to see and also record (via adigital video recorder) what the camera is looking at.
Unfortunately that’s where it stops being easy, we cant emphasise enough how you need to educate yourself as much as possible about what CCTV cameras are capable of and then look seriously as to what you want to use a camera for and what you need that camera to do.
By this we mean there are literally thousands of cameras available nowadays, but this is because there are so many different situations where a camera is required that there isn’t just one camera for all jobs. So please do take time to learn as much as you can from the features at the top of this page before you make a purchase.
So how do you go about choosing a camera, well you have to start with basics….
First where is the camera going? indoors or outdoors? If outdoors use the weatherproof guide to choose what kind of an IP rating your camera requires.
Once you know this, go to the area where you want to install the camera and look at what you want the camera to see. how far is the scene you want to capture from the camera? how big is it? think about this and ask one of our CCTV advisors to make sure you know what lens size you need to be able to see the scene you want at the distance it is away.
Consider, will you need to be able to see in dark conditions? or only during the day time? If its needs to see in low light conditions, how dark does it get? is there a street lamp near by? or is there a security light on the premises? go back at night time and see how dark it actually is, then use the Lux guide to see what kind of “minimum illumination” your camera requires. Keep in mind during the winter it gets dark very early, no good having a camera that’s only useful during the summer.
Is the camera going to be installed in such a place it may be subject to vandalism? if so make sure you use a vandal resistant camera.
Ok, now hopefully you have a better idea about what a CCTV camera is and what kind best suits your situation, now refer to the features listed below to learn more about what a CCTV camera is capable of and then use the CCTV camera product finder or browse through our site to find one that fits your situation.
And good luck with your security project…