Security monitoring in commercial establishments can prove efficient if the security team has proper resources to handle it. One among the many resources which lead to efficient security arrangement is deployment of video surveillance equipment. To be precise, there are lots of different types of video surveillance cameras out there to choose. And here’s an article which helps in choosing the best camera as per your needs
In general, there are 10 different types of security cameras to choose and the selection depends on the kind of activity under surveillance. Please note that the video surveillance cameras can be categorized by type, application and/or housing
Bullet Camera- A bullet camera used for surveillance purposes is usually ceiling or wall mounted and pointed at a particular area that needs to be surveyed. Although, they usually aren’t designed to have pan, tilt or zoom functionality, most are waterproof. These cameras are typically used indoors, but can be used outdoors as well with the help of proper housing. The name bullet derives from the camera’s design – as it is sleek and cylindrical in appearance, like a 0.45mm bullet.
Covert Cameras- These cameras are often disguised as other objects, such as smoke detectors, clocks or motion sensors. Covert cameras can also be conventional cameras placed in discreet locations. But their deployment needs to be done under best surveillance standards.
Day/Night cameras- These cameras are primarily used for outdoor security applications. For example, these cameras can be used for parking lots. These cameras compensate for varying light conditions allowing the camera to capture images in direct sunlight, glare, reflections and strong backlight. Some day/night cameras switch from color during the day to black and white at night or in low-light conditions.
Dome cameras- A dome camera, sits in the dome shaped housing and is usually installed in indoor environments like homes, shopping malls, government offices and small business establishments. Units which allow the camera to spin quickly within the housing are called speed domes. Now, for those who do not want their customers see where the camera is focusing in the dome, smoked dome covers can prove as ideal solutions.
High definition camera- The demand for high definition content is growing enormously nowadays and so the same trend is being observed in surveillance field as well. HD cameras are often used in niche markets, such as high-end retail stores, jewellery stores, financial institutions and casinos. These cameras give operators the ability to zoom-in on a subject while maintaining extreme clarity. The images are usually transmitted using high-definition closed-circuit television.
IR-night vision cameras- These cameras are nowadays becoming extremely popular. The produce high-resolution color video during the day and are much preferred in no light or low lux conditions. These video surveillance cameras are capable of seeing images in pitch black conditions using IR LEDs which surround the lens.
PTZ cameras- Pan/tilt-zoom cameras can be controlled through a joystick, remote viewing software, a DVR or automated solutions. These cameras have the ability to move left and right; up/down and zoom the lens in and out. PTZ cameras are used by operations that have live guard or surveillance specialist monitoring the video feed and are often used to cover a wide area with only one camera. Due to their increased functionality these cameras are more expensive than a fixed one.
Varifocal camera- A camera with a varifocal lens is specially designed to operate at various focal distances. It differs from fixed lens cameras because it allows the operator to zoom in and out while still maintaining focus on the image. These cameras are best suitable in environments where the operator or the enterprise is unsure of the distance and viewing angles they wish to capture.
Wireless cameras- Obviously, these cameras are used in places where a wired internet service or powering resource is not available. These cameras have to powered at the camera location with the help of a battery or a solar source. These cameras can be IP-based or can use alternative modes of wireless transmission such as radio signals. However, it is observed that wireless cameras offer poorer video quality than a wired camera. But the ultimate benefit is that these units offer extreme flexibility in installation.
Network cameras/IP cameras- Surveillance industry is observing a shift from analog to IP based surveillance. Network cameras transmit images over the internet, often using a compressed bandwidth. IP cameras can be both hardwired and wireless and do not require a separate power source or cable run to send images over longer distances.
Conclusion
Before you choose a video surveillance camera, make sure you know exactly what you need to survey. Conditions such as indoor or outdoor location and the presence or absence of light will play a big role which camera is best suited for the task at hand.
