Choosing an appropriate CCTV system can be a complex process, given the wide variety of available options today. Whether the objective is to secure residential, commercial, or public premises, the decisions that are made have a significant impact on the effectiveness of the system. At cctvvillage.co.uk, we aim to simplify this process by highlighting the essential factors to consider when purchasing a CCTV system.
Purpose and Location
The first step in choosing a CCTV system is to clearly define its purpose and identify the specific locations where cameras should be installed. Are you monitoring an outdoor car park, a business entrance, or a residential property? The environment plays a crucial role in determining the most suitable type of camera.
- Indoor vs. Outdoor: Outdoor cameras need to be weatherproof and robust to withstand the elements, whereas indoor cameras typically focus on delivering higher resolution for better image quality.
- Standout vs. low-profile Cameras: Visible cameras serve as a deterrent to potential intruders, while low-profile cameras are better suited for discreet, hidden surveillance. The choice between the two depends on your specific security requirements.
CCTV Camera Lens Size and Angle of View
The lens size of a CCTV camera plays a crucial role in determining the angle of view (also known as field of view), which affects how much area the camera can cover. Understanding the relationship between lens size and angle of view is essential for selecting the right camera for your security needs.
Lens Size
CCTV camera lenses are typically measured in millimetres (mm). The lens size determines how much of the scene is captured and at what level of detail. Common lens sizes include 2.8mm, 4mm, 6mm, and 12mm, each offering different viewing capabilities.
- Smaller Lenses and Wider Angles (e.g., 2.8mm/ 3.6mm): Cameras with smaller lenses provide a wider angle of view but capture less detail over long distances. These lenses cover broad areas, such as parking lots or wide entrances.
- Larger Lenses and Narrower Angles (e.g., 8mm/12mm ): Larger lenses offer a narrower angle of view, but they are better for capturing details from a distance. This makes them suitable for monitoring long corridors or spotting specific objects in focused areas, such as car number plates or facial details.
Fixed vs. Varifocal Lenses
CCTV cameras are available with either fixed lenses, which offer a fixed field of view, or varifocal lenses, which allow users to adjust the view to focus on broader or more targeted areas. When selecting a camera, it is important to consider the surveillance needs of your location to ensure you choose the right lens size for effective coverage.
Night Vision and IR Distance
When selecting a CCTV camera, it is also essential to consider its night vision capabilities, particularly the infrared (IR) distance. Cameras with night vision use infrared LEDs to illuminate the area in low light or total darkness, allowing for 24/7 surveillance. The IR distance indicates how far the camera can capture footage at night, with typical ranges varying from 10 to over 50 metres, depending on the model.
For example, a camera with a 20-metre IR distance would be effective for small to medium-sized outdoor areas, while one with a 50-metre range would be more appropriate for larger open spaces or long driveways. Ensuring the right combination of lens size and IR distance will provide optimal security coverage both day and night. Note that, cameras with newer technology benefited from low-light features which do not need infrared LED light systems anymore.
CCTV Camera Resolution
The resolution of a CCTV camera is one of the most important factors in determining the clarity and details of the captured footage. A higher resolution means that the camera can capture more detailed images, which is essential when identifying faces, vehicle number plates, or other critical details. Higher resolution not only provides better identification but also helps zoom into recorded footage without losing clarity. However, it is important to consider that higher-resolution cameras require more storage and bandwidth for recording and transmitting footage. So, a balance must be struck between resolution needs and available resources. CCTV cameras come in various resolution levels, each suitable for different applications depending on the security needs. Common options include:
- 720p (HD): Offers basic high-definition quality suitable for homes and small offices but lacks fine details. (Almost discontinued in the market).
- 1080p (Full HD): Provides clear images at a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, ideal for residential and commercial use where details are important.
- 4MP (Super HD): Delivers higher clarity than Full HD, perfect for larger spaces like warehouses and parking lots. (More common in the market).
- 4K (Ultra HD): Offers ultra high definition at 3840 x 2160 pixels, providing exceptional details for high-security areas and large spaces. (More common in the market).