Closed-circuit television cameras, or CCTV as they’re usually called, are a type of camera used for capturing video surveillance footage. They transmit a signal to a specific place, on a certain set on monitors. Types of CCTV cameras are numerous and designed in a way to meet every possible need in any possible situation. There is a lot to take into consideration when choosing the right camera. Which one do you put indoors, and which one outdoors? Do you use it to keep an eye on your pets or possible intruders? We can help by giving you a list of a few major and most popular camera types and their uses and specifications.
Source: IFSEC Global
Analog vs. IP
Firstly, we need to differentiate analog cameras and IP cameras. Some benefits of the first type are the cost, wider choice of vendors and simplicity. The cost can often be significantly lower for the analog camera, but the gap between the prices is definitely getting smaller. If you need a bigger number of cameras and have a limited budget, analog is a way to go.
Analog cameras have been used for many years now meaning that it might be easier for you to find a vendor or an installer.
The simplicity of installation is another advantage of analog cameras. They send the recordings to a digital video recorder (DVR) which is also fairly simple to set up.
On the other hand, image quality and frame rate of IP cameras are undoubtedly better. The areas with a lot of traffic and motion are better covered with IP cameras since they create much sharper images and allow for you to zoom in. Also, IP cameras cover a wider area, require less equipment and provide encrypted and secured transmission.
CCTV Camera Shop, located in the UK, offers a lot of different options. For a very reasonable price, you can get outdoor video monitoring CCTV kit which includes 4 channel HD DVR paired with 4weatherproof 720p surveillance bullet cameras with night vision.
If you’re ready to spend a bit more money and need something that will give you a better video quality and clarity, high resolution (1080p) weatherproof cameras with night vision to up to 100ft and a motion detector could be a way to go. Options truly are plentiful.
Major types of IP cameras
Above, we mentioned bullet cameras. We should probably explain what exactly those are and what the alternatives are. Our focus is mainly on IP cameras since they are becoming more and more affordable with time and many are now switching from analog.
Bullet cameras are designed for capturing images in a fixed area. This is the most common type of cameras used mostly for securing supermarkets and neighborhood. Their viewing angle is around 80o horizontally and 40o vertically.
Dome cameras are a type of IP cameras with a dome cover. Probably the main advantage of this type of camera is that it’s hard to tell what part of the area they’re filming. They do, however, have a fixed viewing angle of around 100o.
PTZ cameras are the most common choice for home security. They allow you to control the pan, tilt, and zoom remotely using the software. They are a good option for backyards, gardens, garages, and driveways.
IP or analog, dome or bullet cameras, it’s easy to get lost when trying to find the right one. The truth is there is no the best or the worst, the choice mainly depends on your needs.
Source: UAE Technician