How to choose your CCTV camera
Different video surveillance solutions, with more or less options, can protect your home or prevent access. To secure your home, it is essential to choose a good video surveillance system. Complete, it is composed of an alarm, a video surveillance recorder and a monitor. The choice of the type of CCTV camera depends mainly on the needs in the matter, because the performances vary according to the models.
The different types of CCTV cameras
Several types of cameras exist, more or less equipped with options depending on the model.
The wired and wireless IP cameras
- Wired cameras have a better signal and are not affected by thick walls or metal structures. The installation may require more or less heavy work. • Wireless cameras are easy to install. They transmit the image and the sound by the wifi of the house. However, their scope is limited. Be careful not to confuse wireless transmission and battery-powered camera.
CCTV kits
- These complete kits are equipped with several cameras and a monitor connected to them, allowing simultaneous viewing of the recording channels.
Cameras with built-in microphone and speakers
- They make it possible to see and hear and to speak via a telephone to anyone on the property.
Cameras with deterrent siren
- These camera models trigger an uncomfortable shrill sound when movement is detected in the monitored area.
Night vision cameras
- They allow you to continue filming after dark. They switch to night vision mode when the light drops.
The main criteria for choosing a camera
To choose your video surveillance system, some technical criteria should not be neglected.
Cameras for indoors or outdoors
- Indoor cameras are generally discreet to better integrate into your home. For even more discreet and aesthetic equipment that can hide in objects, the mini-camera or the spy camera are ideal.
- Outdoor cameras are more durable than those designed for indoor use. The robustness can be appreciated thanks to the waterproofing standards specified on the product (IP 65, IP 66…). The numbers represent the degree of protection against bad weather: the first number corresponds to protection against solid bodies and dust, the second against water. The higher the numbers, the more resistant the camera is to both types of attacks.
Cameras with motion detection
These CCTV cameras record images when motion is detected, day or night.
The detection can be infrared (based on heat radiation) or digital (based on the detection of movement). In the first case, it will only detect movement linked to the movement of an individual.
Some cameras allow you to determine a precise area of motion detection. Recording will only start when there is movement in this area.
The different recording media
Cameras and CCTV systems can save images for later access. They can generally be viewed remotely.
- Micro-SD card: the images are recorded directly in the camera which has a slot to insert a micro-SD card. The advantage is that the images are kept locally. They are accessible remotely via the camera when it is connected to the Internet.
- Hard Disk: It is generally recommended for CCTV systems with multiple cameras, in order to record more hours of video. Some systems have a built-in hard drive. Otherwise, it can be added by connecting it to the system recorder.
- Remote server (cloud): the images are stored on an external server, accessible at any time by internet. The data is preserved in this cloud, even if the camera is stolen.
Tip: Some of the cloud storage capacity is usually free. A subscription can be offered by the camera supplier to extend this storage capacity.
Image quality: an essential element
The resolution of the image is directly related to the smoothness of the image. To be able to use the recorded images properly, it is advisable to choose a camera with a high resolution.
There are different levels of video quality depending on the chosen camera.
- SD Video: This is standard definition. The image is pixelated and the faces are not very recognizable.
- 720p HD video: high definition which provides good image quality. This is a good compromise between the definition of video and the need for a fast internet connection to transmit this data.
- 1080p HD video: very high definition. The image is very detailed but requires a good broadband internet connection.