Because of the rapid speed of technological innovation, we are now able to take use of all the positive aspects of modernization in every facet of our life. Even in the realm of security, this innovation has brought about significant improvements.
Security cameras have been around for quite some time and have always been an important component in the overall security of a community’s inhabitants, assets, and buildings. One other tool that may assist keep an eye on vital areas and capture high-quality video footage from wherever is a security camera.
What Is a Security Camera?
A security camera is a piece of specialized hardware that may be installed either inside or outside and is used for the purpose of keeping an eye out for intruders or thieves.
Most of the time, security cameras work with security systems, whether they are used to protect a home or store or to keep an eye on a private property. They are often put up in public places to keep people safe by discouraging criminal activity or to provide proof of a crime if it was caught on camera.
Types of Security Cameras
There are several varieties of security cameras available on the market. Here are several kinds of security cameras and their distinguishing characteristics:
Bullet Security Cameras
Bullet security camera is an obvious choice if you’re worried about the safety of your outside space. Bullet cameras, sometimes known as cylinder cameras, are generally longer than other types of security cameras. A bullet security camera is the most effective option for keeping an eye on a large area from afar. You may install bullet security cameras to monitor the outside of your home.
The primary camera inside of these cameras is shielded by an outside casing. Furthermore, they include a protective covering that keeps the camera safe from dirt, dust, and other environmental hazards. To facilitate installation, a mounting bracket is included. You may choose between fixed or varifocal lenses, depending on your needs.
Floodlight Cameras
An outdoor floodlight camera is a useful piece of equipment that combines the features of a regular floodlight with those of a security camera equipped with night vision. Floodlight security cameras will throw a bright light on the area where motion is detected during the dark hours of the night. This serves as a deterrent to prowlers and would-be thieves by shining a light on the area where motion is detected. In addition, these kinds of home cameras often have the capability to connect to your home Wi-Fi and provide a live video of the action as it occurs.
Although they are more commonly found in residential settings, these devices are also occasionally used in commercial settings. They are useful for illuminating driveways, warehouses, parking lots, and other areas that would otherwise be dark and difficult to navigate at night if they were not lit up.
Day/Night Security Cameras
The day/night security camera is a good option if you need a camera that can function in low-light settings during the day as well as at night. You can put these kinds of security cameras inside or outside. They have an IR filter that works at night and lifts itself automatically as morning comes.
Wired Cameras
Wired cameras, which are powered by wires, are the earliest and most established form of security camera. There are two important wires on these cameras: one goes to a power source, and the other goes to your home’s landline. Landline-connected cameras don’t need batteries, but they do need to be set up by a professional. Most of the time, these cameras store video on an SD card that is kept inside the camera.
Businesses usually use wired-in cameras because they are easier to maintain and often have a more reliable signal. Their video quality is also always high because they aren’t affected by changes in bandwidth or electromagnetic interference. Just like wireless cameras, there are outdoor and indoor wired cameras so that businesses can have the same level of security both inside and outside.
Motion Detector Cameras
The sensors on these types of security cameras turn on when they sense movement. It waits for something to happen, and when it does, it starts automatically recording and sending data. Because it doesn’t turn on until there’s anything to capture, this kind of camera can notify you of potentially suspicious behavior while also helping you save hours’ worth of space on your video storage device.
Dome Security Cameras
Because of its widespread use indoors, such as in shops and workplaces, the majority of people are acquainted with this kind of camera. However, uses in the outdoors are also a possibility. This particular kind of surveillance camera are simple to set up. Not only do owners purchase them for their aesthetic value, but also because they provide a more expansive field of vision. The enclosed design of the camera shields the lens and internal components from dirt and dust.
PTZ Security Cameras
PTZ security cameras are specifically built to monitor both inside and outdoor environments. PTZ stands for Pan, Tilt, and Zoom. As a result, these cameras may move left and right as well as up and down for greater capture. Not only that, but these cameras feature improved zooming capabilities, allowing the lenses to be zoomed in and out.
IP Security Cameras
This high-tech camera sends a digital signal over the Internet Protocol. This lets you collect, send, and stream data over a wireless network. These kinds of security cameras provide higher scalability and resolution. In addition, many of these Wi-Fi IP cameras have video analytics software.
Smart Cameras
The smart voice-integrated security camera is one of the newest technologies now available on the market, and it is quickly gaining popularity, especially for residential properties that have smart home systems installed. This particular kind of camera can work in conjunction with voice assistants. This enables the owner to monitor and manage the system hands-free, which improves use and flexibility.
C-Mount Security Cameras
C-mount security cameras have a range of up to 40 feet, which is a great characteristic of the security cameras. Because these cameras have removable lenses, you may easily change the lenses based on your requirements. C-Mount cameras are used a lot in the utility and logistics industries, as well as in the food and manufacturing industries, because they work well in extreme temperatures.
Things to Consider When Purchasing a Security Camera
Resolution
The most important and basic thing about a camera is its resolution. Even for simple security uses, you need a camera with a decently high resolution because you don’t want the pictures or videos to be pixelated. Recognizing people in video footage requires a high degree of clarity. In addition, HD, or high definition, is now widely used and widely accessible at low prices. The most popular resolution these days is 1080p.
Storage
Depending on the system, there are different ways for a security camera to store the video it records. Some options are:
- Internet-based storage – often known as cloud storage
- SD card – often inserted directly into each camera and capable of storing only limited quantities of video.
- Personal computer – more storage capacity may be required
- Digital video recorder (DVR) or Network Video Recorder (NVR)
Make sure that the cameras you buy will work with the recording system you want, and vice versa. Also, the amount of footage and storage you need will depend on whether or not your camera is set to record continuously or only when motion is detected. If your system is set to record continuously, you will need more storage than if it is only set to record when motion is detected.
Motion Sensors
Also known as event-based recording, is a feature that comes standard on security cameras. When motion is detected, even the tiniest amount, the camera immediately begins recording. They save space because they only record when they sense movement. They also let you know when something happens, so you don’t have to keep an eye on them all the time. This could be as simple as someone leaving a package on your front porch or as serious as someone trying to break into your house or just hanging out there for no reason.
Night Vision
Even for the simplest purposes, a security camera with night vision is always preferable. After all, nighttime is when the highest level of protection is necessary, therefore your cameras should be in alert mode the whole time. Most smart cameras offer night vision settings that switch on or off automatically depending on the amount of available light.
Field Of View
When buying and setting up security cameras, it’s important to think about the field of vision, also called the viewing angle. The viewing angle tells where to put the cameras and how much they can see at once.
A camera with a smaller field of view collects fewer photographs, but since it is closer to the subject, it delivers greater information. With a wider viewing angle, the camera seems to be farther away, enabling you to see more without having to reposition or spin the camera.
Two-Way Audio
You can now set up a wireless home camera system with a speaker and microphone for two-way audio. The person viewing the video may converse with the person or individuals in front of the camera using this feature.
Built-In Alarm System
If you’re looking to buy a security camera, look for one that has a built-in alarm. This makes it more likely that a thief or intruder won’t be able to break into your house at night when you’re asleep.
The Value of Having a Security Camera System
Help deter crime
Most thieves will stay away from a place just because there are security cameras there. A burglar who is scoping out a potential target area will think twice before targeting any buildings that have surveillance cameras installed.
Observe the activity in a certain area
As long as a power source is nearby, security cameras make job simpler since they can be installed everywhere. CCTV cameras come in a variety of forms and sizes and may be installed discretely in desired locations. Additionally, security cameras allow you watch the activity surrounding your house or place of business.
Help with putting together evidence
With the help of CCTV footages, criminals have been caught by the police on more than one occasion. Modern cameras can record high-quality audio and video, which makes them better at capturing what’s going on in a given area. So, it’s easier to follow the chain of events as they happen.
Help keep records so they can be used in the future
Security cameras record and keep track of everything in a systematic way. It is much simpler to obtain any sort of information from any date and time.
Conclusion:
These days, security cameras are more than simply a piece of technology; rather, they are a means through which improved safety may be achieved. You are able to maintain the safety and security of your premises so long as you have the appropriate security system installed.