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The CCTV Camera: What Are the Different Cameras and Their Uses?

Are you worried about the security in your business or home? You're not the only one. According to IHS, a technology research company, there were 245 million video surveillance cameras installed across the world in 2014.

Besides the obvious security reasons, there are plenty of other reasons to install CCTV cameras. They can help you reduce security costs, reduce insurance premiums, and increase a sense of security for everyone in the establishment.

Even if you don't live or work in a place where crime is an issue, CCTV systems can help aid law enforcement for everyone in the area. If you're looking to install a CCTV camera in your business or home, read on to find out more about the different types of security cameras.

How to Pick the Best CCTV Camera for You

When choosing the best security camera, there are a couple of questions you should ask yourself.

The first is where you would like to place the cameras. The second is how detailed do you need the footage to be. And the third is how much control you would like over the cameras.

Cameras for Homes vs Businesses

There aren't many differences between high-quality surveillance cameras for homes and businesses. They can both capture high-quality images. The only difference would be the features such as size, appearance, and the amount of control it gives to the owner.

There are some security cameras for special purposes. For example, there are cameras that record fast moving objects like cars and there are cameras specifically good for recording audio. But for the most part, most CCTVs can be used on both commercial and personal properties.

Generally, homeowners prefer smaller cameras due to space reasons and because they are more discreet. Large business establishments, however, generally don't care as much about size because they have more space and they don't mind if people to know they are recording.

Other camera features such as resolution, control, lenses, are completely up to the individual person's preference. Most cameras can capture up to 35-40ft.

Different Types of CCTV Cameras

Long gone are the days of bulky cameras and blurry images. Nowadays, security cameras are capable of much more than just recording. They can set alarms off, recognize faces, record sounds, distinguish between usual activities vs unusual activities, and much more. Let's take a look at some of the most common types of video cameras that people use.

1. Dome Style Camera

The dome style camera is an excellent choice for indoor settings. They are small discreet and easy to install. Also, their dome shape adds an additional layer of security because it's hard for the person who's looking at it to tell which way the camera is angled.

2. Bullet Style Camera

Bullet style cameras are small but efficient. They allow you to record things farther than most normal cameras. Depending on the type you get, they come with fixed or varifocal lenses, which would allow you to adjust the distance you want to record.

The bullet style camera also comes with protective casings which makes them ideal for outdoor settings. The casings protect the camera from snow, rain, dust, dirt and other outside elements. They are perfect for driveways, parking lots, and etc.

3. P/T/Z Camera

P/T/Z cameras are one of the more sophisticated security cameras. P/T/Z stands for pan, tilt, and zoom, and they allow users to move the cameras in all directions and zoom in on specific spots.

This type of camera is best for establishments that need a higher level of protection and have live security personnel who will monitor the cameras. P/T/Z cameras are ideal for places such as stores where shoplifting is a concern or places where there is a lot of traffic.

4. C-Mount Camera

The C-mount camera is a flexible camera that allows you to fit different types of lenses onto the camera. They are a great choice if you need a series of them for multiple locations but you would like each of them to do different things.

For example, maybe you would like a camera to capture a long hallway and then another one for a staircase. You can fit different lenses on each camera. With the right lens, C-mount cameras can cover beyond 40ft.

5. Day-Night Camera

The day-night camera is best for establishments that need 24-hour security or areas where there is less light. They are perfect for places like parking lots, drive-throughs, or any areas that have poor lighting.

In order to capture high-quality images in dark areas, most standard cameras need additional infrared illuminators. Day-night cameras, however, do not need them because they have special imaging chips.

Other Desirable Features

As we mentioned, security cameras nowadays come with a variety of special features. When choosing a camera, think about what other features you would like on yours besides record.

To give you some ideas, some cameras now have internet connections and can be hooked on phone apps where you can control them. Some can transmit live images by command and some have smart tracking features where the lens will follow movements. Others have infrared capabilities, vandal proof casings, and much more.

When shopping, make sure you ask the camera retailer about these special features so you don't miss out.

More Than Just Safety

CCTV cameras aren't just used for deterring crime but also to give all of us a sense of peace.

Think about it. When you're walking home late at night, do you feel safer walking on a street with cameras or one without? Or how about when you have to stop by the grocery store late at night and you're the only one in the parking lot?

Remember, the most important things to focus on when choosing a CCTV camera are size, image quality (resolution), and sensors. Once you're happy with the basics then you can move on to the special features.

If you found this article helpful, we hope you'll check us out on our website for more information on CCTV installation and monitoring services. Stay safe!

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