Random CCTV Systems Information for Non-Techies

From city condos to country estates, homeowners are turning to CCTV systems for security and safety in their homes and on their property. These tips can help non-techie people who are looking for information on CCTV systems, security cameras and surveillance cameras make choices about the equipment they need.

Need a Good Face Shot?

The best place to put a good, high resolution camera is at your entry areas. Those are the type of security camera you want to record good face shots of anyone entering your property. Mount the surveillance camera so that it is aimed directly at the face, making it harder for visitors to obscure their faces or hide from it. A good face shot can be extremely valuable if you need to use it for evidence in a court of law.

Use Wide Angle Cameras for Large Areas

Inside your building, choose a wide angle color security camera. The wide angle lens lets your camera capture a much wider range of area than a standard camera. You don’t need to worry so much about high resolution and focus on these cameras, since you’ll be able to identify people by the clothing they wear and their silhouettes.

Consider Dome and Bullet Security Cameras

A bullet security camera is a good choice if you want people to know that they’re under surveillance. A dome camera can be hidden in the ceiling or a wall, and makes it difficult to tell where the lens is pointed. There are many inexpensive surveillance camera options available starting as low as $80 for black and white and $150 for color.

Choose Black and White for Low Light Situations

Outdoors and in low light, choose a black and white security camera. B/W cameras often have higher resolution than similarly priced color cameras. They also can “see” in lower light, making them the ideal choice for areas where you’ll be doing most of your surveillance at night or in low light situations.

Choose a Camera with a Changeable Lens

Many cameras let you change the lens just as you would do with a traditional camera. You can choose from lens options ranging from 2.5mm up to 500mm, giving you many options for magnification. You can also find many cameras with varifocal lenses, which allow you to adjust the zoom and fucos on the camera.

PTZ Security Camera Advantages

Pan-tilt-zoon cameras allow you to look around the area you’re keeping under surveillance from a distance. The surveillance camera can pan the room, tilt up and down horizontally and zoom in on anything you choose.

Choosing the right security camera makes CCTV systems even more beneficial in protecting your property and your family. Ask for more information when you make your purchase to help you determine your needs exactly.

Tips for Installing CCTV Systems

Many people shy away from buying CCTV systems because they’re afraid of the installation process, which can be the most expensive part of the whole process. While it can be tricky to install CCTV systems, it’s not impossible. If you have decent do-it-yourself skills and know how to follow directions, it’s totally doable for the average homeowner. Here are some tips that can help you decide on the right CCTV camera configuration and install your own CCTV setup.

Before You Buy

Make sure that you’re buying the right security system for your property. If you’re going to spend money on a professional, this is the best place to spend it. Have a security professional do a survey of your property and suggest the best CCTV equipment for your needs, and point out potential problems so that you can solve them before you invest in a system that won’t meet your needs.

Check Your Outlets

One of the most common problems homeowners face when installing security camera systems is the lack of adequate power outlets, especially if you’ll be installing a surveillance camera outside. First, figure out where your power outlets are located. If they’re not accessible to the places you’d like to install your cameras, you have a few options. You can add outlets where you need them, which is not as expensive as you think if you can do the work yourself. You can reconfigure your ideas about the CCTV system, or you can ask for expert advice. Again, this is a problem that can be foreseen if you consult an expert installer before making your purchase. Professionals will often have suggestions you may not have considered.

Adequate Lighting

If you want to monitor an outdoor area at night, you may run into another problem – adequate light to deliver a good image. Again, you have several options if you don’t have adequate security lighting. You can install a security light near the camera, or you can choose a security camera that’s meant to record in low light situations – either one with a low lux rating or one with infrared capabilities to record in complete darkness. Another option you can consider is a motion sensor light that will turn on both the light and the camera when it senses motion in the area.

Weather Considerations

If you’re going to install a surveillance camera outside, you’ll need to choose one with a sturdy, weatherproof case. You should also consider the climate conditions in your area. If you live in an extremely hot or cold area, you may need to choose a CCTV camera that can withstand extremes of heat or cold.

Cabled CCTV Systems or Wireless Cameras

Finally, consider whether you want to run cables from your camera to your recording device or whether you can rely on wireless CCTV systems. Running wire can be the most difficult and time-consuming part of the installation process, but wired systems are the most secure. Wireless systems are easier to install, but are not as secure as wired systems.

Once you’ve planned your installation, you’ll find that actually carrying out the steps to install your system is quite easy. The pre-planning is the most important part of installing CCTV systems.