If you’ve done any research at all on business security camera systems, you’ve likely discovered how much there is to know about CCTV systems. From selecting from analog or IP cameras down to video storage and internet plans, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to creating a video surveillance system that meets the unique requirements of your business.
In this article, we aim to simplify ways to select the best business security camera system so you can achieve peace of mind when choosing protection for your company. Read on for tips on how to choose between business security camera systems!
How to Choose the Right Camera for your CCTV System
When it comes to selecting between Internet Protocol (IP) or digital cameras and analog ones, there’s more to consider than just cost alone. In this section, we break down some of the top things to think about when selecting between analog and IP cameras so you’re getting the best video surveillance coverage possible for your circumstances. Here are some of the primary things to consider when choosing a camera for your surveillance system:
1. Will you need audio capabilities? In selecting between the wide array of cameras on the market, keep in mind if you will need one-way or even two-way audio capabilities for your camera setup.
2. Will your cameras go inside or outside? When selecting outdoor cameras, it’s important to choose models with greater durability like resistance to dirt, water, or animals while cameras placed inside may be a little less hearty.
3. What frame rate do you need? Video is comprised of a series of photos strung together in quick succession. The higher the frame rate, the clearer the overall picture—but keep in mind, standard cinematographic films tend to capture 30 frames per second.
4. Which resolution is best for your circumstances? Some businesses can get away with lower resolution cameras like cheaper analog cameras; other, higher security endeavors will likely want to rely on IP cameras for higher resolution images, especially if they rely on predictive or analytic technology.
5. What lighting conditions will the cameras be operating within? Some cameras are built for low-light or infrared conditions, while others filter out interference from LED lights. For high-resolution surveillance in dark conditions, select a camera with a high infrared LED count.
6. Which camera design is best? Once all the technological considerations are taken care of, it’s time to think about physical camera design. For example, a bullet camera protrudes from the wall significantly, which can be great for deterring theft, but bad for attracting vandals or nesting wildlife. If you don’t like the aggressive look of bullet cameras, you may be interested in a more subtle model, like a dome camera. (For more information on the different kinds of cameras, click here!)
7. What is the price of the cameras and associated licensing fees? Keep in mind, camera prices vary dramatically based on specs and capabilities. If you will be using more than one camera to cover your business, it may be beneficial to opt for a slightly cheaper model that can still accommodate your needs.
How to Choose the Right Video Recording System
Selecting the right camera is just one step in the process of building your custom CCTV security system. In order to complete a video surveillance network, business owners must choose between a compatible video recording system. Here are some of the primary factors that affect which video recording system is best for your needs:
1. Camera compatibility. When selecting a video recording system for your cameras, you’ll likely end up choosing between DVR and NVR systems. Typically, analog cameras go with DVR systems while NVR is reserved for IP cameras.
2. Storage. The amount of storage you will require for your CCTV system depends on how long you plan to archive your video content, the quality of the video, and the amount of footage you’d like to keep. Typically, surveillance footage is stored either on a physical hard drive or in the cloud. If you select a hard drive, keep in mind that while they are often cheaper than cloud storage, it is wise to purchase a little more storage than you think you will need. Cloud storage is generally paid for on a subscription basis, so tends to be more expensive.
3. File compression. In order to store more content in the available storage space, you may choose to rely on file compression. Compression is usually done in MJPEG or H.264 format, so make sure you choose a video recording system compatible with your desired compression form.
4. Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities. Particularly when it comes to selecting from analog or digital cameras, you’ll need to settle on how many cables will be required for sending power to your camera and sending signals from your camera to a video recording system. When selecting a PoE-compatible camera, you’ll likely end up with a digital camera connecting to an NVR system. Typical NVRs offer up to five ports for the PoE cables, but some PoE switches offer over 40 ports for easy scalability when it comes time to expand your surveillance system. Wireless digital cameras are also an option, but they might not be as secure as PoE transmissions.
Best Business Security Camera Systems
With so many different models of cameras on the market, it can be daunting to decide which kind to trust with the security of your business. Besides selecting from digital IP or analog camera models, you’ll need to understand how your cameras interact with a DVR, NVR, or hybrid video recording systems to ensure your storage is optimized, your content secure, and your business protected. If you have any doubts about what kind of camera is best for your business, it’s generally a good idea to seek professional insight on the best approach to security for your circumstances.
Want to know more about what Sentry Surveillance has to offer? Contact us today for a consultation!
