Choosing the proper security camera system is something that you will have to choose carefully. It is a decision that you need to make based on the size of your business or home, and something that will keep everyone, including your product safe. However, with all the software and surveillance advancements, CCTV cameras are bringing various benefits, benefits that go beyond security. Here are 10 questions that you need to ask yourself before making an investment.
Contents
1. Do the cameras need to be discreet or do they need to at as a visual deterrent?
![](https://thefrisky.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/security-camera-hero-100694753-orig-730x411.jpg)
Source: TechHive
The location and what you need to keep an eye on will determine if the cameras should be visible or hidden. Box cameras are the largest and quite obvious and they will remind people that they are being watched and it will reduce the chance of theft. However, if you want the camera to be non-visible, you can use dome cameras, since they have a small half-spherical shape with is compact and small. And the Pan Tilt Zoom cameras, or for short PZT are great to monitor wide areas and follow the subject easily.
2. Will they be outdoors or indoors?
![](https://thefrisky.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/stickupcam2_indoor-730x497.jpg)
Source: TechCrunch
According to Onboardditech.com, commercial security cameras can be used both outside and inside, however it is important to think about the features, such as how will they be mounted and protected. For example, during cold weather, you should choose a camera that is durable and has a heater in it and what that means is that it will be able to start up and operate during extremely low temperatures.
In industries, it is important to choose a robust system that will be able to operate in difficult and harsh environments and where they can sustain high levels of vibration. But, it is not only the outdoor systems that need proper protection and housing. In industrial environments, such as factories or transport, cameras need to be protected from sawdust. And in restaurant kitchens, they need to be protected against steam and grease.
3. How big is the area you want to cover?
![](https://thefrisky.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/ip-camera-LZV2622-L1-730x487.png)
Source: Lorex
The area that you will want to cover with the surveillance system will determine which cameras you should use and what network will you need. It is important that you get the blueprint of the area in order to see how many cameras you will need. PTZ cameras work best for large areas since they have a big range and the ability to zoom in and out when needed. What this means is that you can cover a large area and you will not need a lot of cameras. The smaller areas will need static cameras. There are also different networks that you can choose and it will all depend on the area you will set them up in.
4. How much image clarity and detail do you need?
![](https://thefrisky.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Security-Camera-Systems-The-Greatest-Prevention-of-Crime-in-the-Workplace-730x402.jpg)
Source: Computers Nationwide
The size of the place you are monitoring will determine the resolution you will want. Wide spaces require high-resolution cameras in order to keep the image clean when zooming in. Smaller areas, like coffee shops and office, will need cameras that have lower resolution.
5. What about lightning?
![](https://thefrisky.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/night-vision-security-camera-730x411.jpg)
Source: Security Camera Reviewer
In order to see the lighting conditions, you will need to test the cameras. Places indoors and outdoors will have different lighting during the day, as well as during each season. Think about the places the light will be good. Of course, with all the advancements in technology, you can make sure that you can choose a system that will work best with all lighting environments.
Conclusion
![](https://thefrisky.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/architecture-building-camera-374103-730x486.jpg)
Source: Unsplash
These were some things that you will need to consider when choosing the right surveillance system for your business or home. Before making an investment, make sure that you know what you need in order to save time and money.