Know Your Video Surveillance Options!

Choosing your security surveillance camera may seem to be an easy task, but upon further inspection, there is more to decide than simply conventional versus wireless. Originally, video monitoring only had one option: Closed Circuit TV. You have the privilege of choosing between that, the newest digital technology and every combination of developments in between. To prevent complicating your decision, keep your eye out for a few specific types of features. 

The first option you have on your security camera is the LUX level. LUX is the term used describing the camera’s light sensitivity. If your camera will need to operate in a low light situation, you will need a lower LUX level. While the lowest LUX level is the highest sensitivity to light, it does not mean that the video quality will be as crisp as in daylight. 

After you determine the LUX level you may need, you may find that a color-camera works best for your situation. On the surface, it seems color cameras are the higher technology and black and white cameras are a thing of the past. This isn’t necessarily true. Color cameras do offer a more appealing picture in some situations, but may not be the best option if you are recording much lowlight situations. Decide how your camera will need to be used before you begin choosing one. 

The reason black and white cameras offer a higher quality low light picture is their ability to “see” infrared light. Infrared light is invisible to the human eye, but emitted by most objects. The black and white camera’s ability to read this type of light makes it ideal for low and even no light situations. Using a black and white camera on all surfaces, however, isn’t the best option either. Some surfaces, such as hot pavement, can “confuse” the camera and make the recording nearly indecipherable. 

Another quality feature you need to look for when beginning your search for a security camera is the line rating. The picture quality of each piece of equipment in your security system is rated by how many lines of color there are. However, if your camera’s line rating is higher than your monitor’s rating, the quality will only be as good as your monitor. Be sure to check the line rating on the monitor you’ll be viewing your recordings on when purchasing your system. 

The final option you can consider is analog versus digital or wireless. Analog means the camera records to a VHS cassette, whereas digital cameras record directly to a harddrive and sometime a Digital Video Recorder (DVR). In actuality, most cameras now operate digitally because of the space economy, though analog is still available. If your system is wireless, the information from the camera will transmit directly to your DVR or PC with out wires or connections, only a USB port. When transmitted to your computer, it can be especially convenient for remote viewing in any location. 

The important thing to remember as you gather information is that there is no “right” or “wrong” set of equipment to buy. Each camera comes with its positive and negative aspects and works best in specific situations. Determine your security needs, and there will be a camera that fills them.