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7 Tips to Select the Best Security Camera

Article Description:
====================

CCTV (closed circuit television) systems are gaining mainstream
popularity as a crime-fighting tool. The do-it-yourself (DIY)
security camera system is commonplace. Video surveillance can be
a powerful tool, but only if the system is designed properly for
the particular situation and intended outcomes. Whether you're
in the market for a business or home security camera system,
choosing the BEST security camera is key to ensuring that high
quality video surveillance footage is obtained.

Additional Article Information:
===============================

1133 Words; formatted to 65 Characters per Line
Distribution Date and Time: 2009-06-16 14:00:00

Written By:     Bob Arpin
Copyright:      2009
Contact Email:  mailto:bob.ar...@thephantomwriters.com

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7 Tips to Select the Best Security Camera
Copyright (c) 2009 Bob Arpin
How To Surveillance
http://www.howtosurveillance.com/

CCTV (closed circuit television) systems are gaining mainstream
popularity as a crime-fighting tool. The do-it-yourself (DIY)
security camera system is commonplace. Video surveillance can be
a powerful tool, but only if the system is designed properly for
the particular situation and intended outcomes. Whether you're
in the market for a business or home security camera system,
choosing the BEST security camera is key to ensuring that high
quality video surveillance footage is obtained.

1) Determine Coverage Area and Target Distance - Before buying a
security camera do a simple survey of the area that you want to
observe with your CCTV system. What particular area(s) are you
covering? Depending on the situation you'll need to choose a
security camera that will best capture the scene.

Here's where you need to "think like a criminal" and ask
yourself what you would do and where you would go if you were
trying to rob the place. what areas would you cross?

You'll most likely need multiple cameras and each camera should
be chosen to cover a specific area.

First, determine how wide of an area needs to be covered - this
is called the field of view. Next, determine the target distance
in feet. The target distance is the distance that the subject is
expected to be from the security camera.

Security camera placement is based on several factors such as
accessability (i.e. can you install the security camera there and
get a wire to and from it?) and visibility of the camera (do you
want the security camera somewhat hidden or in plain sight to act
as a deterrent?), and of course whether the camera will capture
the activity in the area. Exposure to the elements is another
consideration when determining placement of security cameras.

2) Select Security Camera Focal Length - Once you have determined
the target distance and desired field of view, you'll want to
calculate the best focal length for each security camera. The
best way to do this is to use an online CCTV lens calculator.

Based on the target distance and field of view, the lens
calculator will recommend the focal length lens needed to obtain
the desired view and magnification of each security camera. This
is extremely important in order to obtain high quality video
surveillance footage. There is a trade off between field of view
and magnification.

3) Choose the Right Camera Type - There are a huge variety of
CCTV cameras manufactured today. The right security camera
depends on the specific environment that the camera will be
placed in (outdoor versus indoor), the desired visibilty of the
camera (do you want the camera in plain sight as a deterrent, or
somewhat hidden), and the desired aesthetics (does the security
camera need to look nice and blend in with the surroundings or
does that not matter?).

Here are some common styles of security cameras:

Bullet Cameras: (also known as lipstick cameras) These are small
(about the size of a finger) cylindrical shaped cameras that are
usually sealed in a weatherproof housing. They are a well hidden
camera due to their small size and inconspicuous shape. These fit
well under an eve of a house, and can be used indoors or
outdoors.

Dome Cameras: These are very commonly seen in malls and
department stores where the security camera needs to look nice
and blend in with the surroundings so as not to make customers
feel uncomfortable. These security cameras also sometimes come
with dark tinted glass which makes it difficult for anyone to
determine which way the camera is pointed. Many dome cameras are
also fitted with vandalism proof lexan plastic domes to prevent
damage. There are also dome cameras that come with fortified
metal housings and crush proof glass. Dome cameras come in both
indoor and outdoor weatherproof versions.

Box Cameras: These are very commonly seen in some shops and in
banks were the security camera does not need to be hidden and is
used partially as a deterrent. The box shape of the camera is
highly visible and also allows for a variety of variable focal
length lenses to be used to achieve the desired coverage area and
magnification of details. These security cameras are usually
restricted to indoor use only since they are not sealed.

4) Choose Camera Resolution - This refers to lines of resolution
of the security camera. The more lines of resolution, the more
detail that can be seen in the video so you want this to be as
high as possible. 350 lines of resolution is fairly low
resolution by current standards. 480 lines is very common and
fairly good for general use. 525 to 580 lines of resolution is
considered high resolution for standard CCTV and will give the
best picture quality. There are megapixel cameras and
hi-definition security cameras that have much higher resolution.
These are on their way to market but are expensive and require
more storage space for the increased video information.

5) Night Vision Cameras with good IR lighting - If your security
cameras are going to be used for any night time surveillance
where the lighting is dim, then you'll most likely want to
choose a security camera that has infrared (IR) LEDs that
illuminate the area. IR is invisible to the human eye but not to
the camera.

6) Wired vs. Wireless Security Camera - Many first time CCTV
buyers are attracted to the concept of wireless security cameras
due to the 'high tech' appeal and the fact that no video cable
is required. However, be aware that wireless cameras are
susceptible to interference from other wireless devices such as
cordless phones, wireless internet devices etc. that also utilize
frequencies in 2.4 Ghz and 5.8 GHz range.

Also, wireless cameras do require a power cord so they aren't
completely wireless in that sense. Finally, wireless cameras
require a radio transmitter and receiver which add to the cost of
the camera. Whenever possible, use a conventional wired security
camera instead of a wireless system.

7) Cost Consideration - In general, the old adage "you get what
you pay for" applies to a certain extent when buying CCTV
equipment. Sure, you can save some money if you shop around, but
beware of very cheap security cameras as you're likely to be
disappointed with the results. Find a good vendor who is willing
to work with you and takes the time to become familiar with your
requirements. Don't just settle for the cheapest security
camera. Take the time to research various products, talk with a
vendor you can trust and then buy CCTV equipment that represents
the best performance for the price as it applies to your security
needs. The best value option in CCTV equipment is not always the
cheapest one, nor the most expensive one.

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Bob Arpin is the founder of http://www.HowToSurveillance.com/
an information website that features free how-to videos
and articles on the topic of video surveillance. The
website also features a free online CCTV lens calculator
http://www.howtosurveillance.com/HowToVideo/CCTV-lens-calculator.html

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