Seven Tips to Help You Select the Right CCTV Security Camera

CCTV security systems are becoming very popular as crime-fighting tools, with DIY security camera systems becoming commonplace. While CCTV surveillance can be a powerful tool, it’s important that you choose the best security camera to obtain the kind of security footage that you need for your situation. These tips can help you choose the right surveillance camera for your CCTV system.

Determine the Coverage Area

Before you buy a security camera, consider how much of an area you want to be able to cover and how far the camera will be from the target. Chances are that you’ll find you need multiple CCTV cameras, with each covering a specific area.

Select the Focal Length for Your Security Camera

The quality of the video you capture will be dependent upon getting the right focal length for your surveillance camera. The best way to determine that is by using an online CCTV lens calculator.

Choose the Right Security Camera Type

There are dozens of styles of security cameras on the market today. They include bullet cameras, dome cameras and box cameras. The type you choose will depend upon whether you’re planning to use your camera indoors or outdoors, and how visible you want your camera to be, among other factors.

Choose the Best Camera Resolution

The higher the resolution of your camera, the more detail you’ll be able to see in your surveillance videos. For general use, choose 480 to 525 lines of resolution. You’ll get decent detail without using up too much valuable storage space for your security videos.

Choose Night Vision Cameras With Good IR Lighting for Night Time Surveillance

Infrared LEDs illuminate the area for good filming, but is invisible to the human eye. If you’re going to be doing nighttime surveillance, IR lighting is worth the extra investment.

Consider the Pros and Cons of Wired vs. Wireless CCTV System

A wireless security camera gives you flexibility in designing your security setup and is easier to install than wired systems. However, they are more  prone to outside interference, and require a transmitter and receiver, which add to the cost of the security camera system.

You Get What You Pay For

While you can find very cheap CCTV camera systems online, keep in mind that you get what you pay for. At the same time, the most expensive option isn’t always the best CCTV security setup for you. Find a vendor who is willing to answer your questions and work with you to design the best CCTV security system for your needs.