SecurityPLUS Advisor

1) Security and Safety Tips

2) Considerations Before Purchasing A CCTV Camera

List by Importance

Resolution
Resolution refers to the number of lines the camera uses to create an image.  The image quality will be better when the number of lines is higher.  Standard quality cameras have a resolution of 420 TV Lines.  Generally, 420 lines of resolution will produce:  “low/average” image quality and “semi-blurry” face or word recognition.  With this resolution, it is only possible to identify a person in the camera image if you’re already familiar with the person.  You will not get a clear camera image of a stranger’s face or a license plate; it will have some blur.  Higher resolution models start at 520 TV Lines. Generally, high resolution cameras produce: “good” image quality and clear face and word recognition.  Even higher resolution (550-570 and up) is required to capture the details of a person’s face and the type of car a person is driving.  It is important to note that other factors influence a camera quality besides high resolution - lighting, distance of camera to the object, etc.

Lens
Lens choice is crucial.  The CCD (Change-Coupled Device) size refers to the size of the sensor that picks up light.  The smaller the CCD chip, the narrower the angle of view:  Thus, 1/3” CCD has a wider angle of view than a 1/4” CCD.  For example, if you want your image to capture a section of a parking lot – choose 1/3” lens; if you want to see only a few specific parking spaces – choose 1/4” lens.

The lens type is also important to consider.  Fixed lenses have a set field of view.  Varifocal lenses allow you to manually adjust their field of view.  This allows for more flexibility in different situations and locations.

Lenses with an automatic iris are more expensive, but necessary in situations with varying degrees of illumination – outdoors, for instance.  Manual iris lenses suffice in situations where the light remains constant - an office or warehouse, for example.

Finally, focal length should be considered.  Shorter focal length yield wider angles of view.  When a “wide” amount of information is need, choose a lens with smaller focal length.  When “specific” information is needed, choose a lens with a greater focal length. Longer focal lengths yield narrower angles of view.   If you need both, consider a varifocal lens.

Light Sensitivity
This is measured in lux.  The number indicates the amount of light the camera needs in order to produce a usable image.  The lower the number, the greater the sensitivity to light.  Most LED cameras have a lux of 0 – meaning they don’t need ANY light to produce a usable image.  Cameras designed for use in well lit areas usually have a lux of 0.5 lux.  Day/Night cameras that don’t have LED’s have a lux of 0.1 lux.  This means that in extremely low light situations, the camera can still record a usable image.  Unlike LED cameras, however, they cannot produce usable images in complete darkness.

Infrared cameras are designed to capture images in complete darkness.  It is important to note that Color Infrared cameras capture images in color in with light, but will show image in black and white in complete darkness.

Lighting
Certain lighting consideration should be made.  Will the camera be used during the day? the night? or both?  And if the camera will be used at night, how far away is the area of interest from the cameras?  LED (Light Emitting Diode) cameras are designed for use during both day and night.  These cameras display brilliant color during the day and the image turns to black and white at night.  Keep in mind that the greater the number of LED’s the greater the viewing distance, at night.  A 54LED camera is capable of displaying imagery up to approx. 100ft away, while a 12 LED is limited to a distance of approx. 40 ft. 

Vandalism
Outdoor or indoor cameras in certain areas may be easily damaged by offenders.  If the location of the cameras makes them prone to possible damage, then protect them.  Vandal-proof cameras provide the extra security necessary in such an environment.

Flexibility
Are your surveillance areas consistent, or constantly changing?  Do you need the ability to quickly change the area of interest of your camera, zooming in and out as needed, or panning across a location?  If so, a PTZ (Pan, Tilt, Zoom) camera is probably what you’re looking for.  It allows you to pan, tilt, and zoom a full 360 degrees.  If your camera images are being recorded, these actions will be captured also.

Location of Camera
Specific cameras are designed for use indoors, outdoors, or both.  Camera designated as “indoor/outdoor” are designed to withstand the elements – both inside and outside.  For cameras that require protection from the weather, the camera should be combined in “camera-housing units” and should be weather-resistant.

 

3) SecurityPLUS Home Security Alarm Evaluation