Understanding Cameras for CCTV Systems

Choosing the right security camera for CCTV systems isn’t an easy process. You’ll have to take into account the technical specifications, the application and its requirements and any physical challenges the installation site may present. There are hundreds of surveillance camera options available today, and the ever-evolving technology adds new choices to the mix every day. Making an informed decision about the right CCTV camera for your system can be a challenge unless you understand the basics of CCTV systems and CCTV camera technology. This overview provides basic information to help you in the early planning stages of your CCTV system.

The center of CCTV camera technology is the Charge Coupled Device sensor, which converts light into an electrical signal. That signal is processed by the camera’s electronics and converted to a video signal output. The way that video signal is treated depends on the type of camera you choose – analog or digital. CCTV cameras can be further subdivided by resolution, color/monochrome and day/night cameras, and further still by levels of performance.

Analog or Digital Security Camera?

Digital Signal Processing (DSP) has increased the flexibility of security cameras and enhanced the quality of the images produced by CCTV systems. Until recently, analog was the camera type of choice because it produced a good quality image at affordable prices. DSP technology has brought digital security camera choices into the affordable range. A standard DSP CCTV camera is relatively inconsistent, and provides more consistent picture quality than most analog cameras, and is a good choice for most CCTV systems. If you want better quality and more flexibility, a premium DSP security camera provides lots of added functionality, including a feature that evens out awkward lighting and ensures crisp pictures throughout the course of  the day.

Monochrome or Color CCTV Camera?

Color security cameras are typically more expensive than monochrome (black and white) CCTV cameras, but they’re not always the best choice for a number of reasons. While it’s easier for humans to remember an image or recognize a person when they see it in color, a color security camera doesn’t do a very good job of recording in low-light situations. A color surveillance camera is thus a good choice for store surveillance, which will nearly always be in well-lighted situations, but a monochrome security camera is a better choice for night recording or low-light situations. In addition, you can buy monochrome cameras with infrared sensitivity, which can be used with IR illumination for night surveillance.

Choosing the right cameras for CCTV systems can be a challenge. The more you know about your intended use for the system, the easier it will be to choose the right CCTV camera.