Security Camera Buyer’s Guide for Surveillance

Security and surveillance have not been as greatly prized as they are in today’s world. The use of the camera has certainly not drastically change over the years however cutting-edge technology has definitely brought cheaper, smaller, highly, sensitive, and feature-laden cameras.
For the non-technical person, choosing the best security and surveillance system can become confusing. We, at STG recognizes the dilemma that you are in thus we have come up with this guide to help you pick out the best CCTV monitoring and recording system that will fit in your requirement and budget.
This guide will give you valuable information about different types of cameras, Digital Video Recorders (DVR), power supplies, cables, and other surveillance system accessories. If you have further inquiries and/or clarifications please get in touch with our friendly customer services representative at 480-343-1325

CAMERAS

  • Wired Security Cameras
    Wired cameras are the most recommended because of the following features:
    Zero interference
    Best video quality
    Cost-effective
    Can be installed at a considerable distance from the security DVR system – we have a collection of pre-cut Siamese cables of varying lengths. For a distance of more than 700 feet, the best solution is to use CAT5e cable and Balun connectors to allow clear video signal up to a distance of about 1,300 feet.
    Can be powered remotely – this can be accomplished using Siamese cable that allows both video and power in the same cable enabling you to link your cameras to your security DVR and turn them on remotely.
  • Wireless Security Cameras
    Wireless security cameras do not come highly recommended because they are not as reliable compared to wired cameras. Aside from being relatively expensive, they operate by Line of Sight (LOS). Although you have no need for a coaxial cable to transmit videos, you still need a wire to connect the camera to a power source. Also, tech-savvy individuals can easily access and “hijack” the feed of wireless cameras even from a distance of a hundred meters. Thus, if you plan to use a security camera on a specific location for a considerable period of time, installing a wired one is still the best option.
  • Color Cameras VS. Black-and-White Cameras
    Color security cameras come in handy when identifying a suspect. However, this can be expensive, thus you have to think it over whether the price is worth the benefit that you can gain from this buying one. On the other hand, black-and-white cameras offer several advantages over color cameras. They are slightly cheaper with better light sensitivity. These cameras can also ‘see’ better in conditions where there is low light.
  • Night Vision Cameras
    Cameras with night vision capability are highly recommended. Crime rates are higher at night when it’s dark. With night vision cameras, black and white pictures are made even in complete darkness.
  • Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) Cameras
    As the name implies, PTZ cameras can pan, tilt, and allow optical zoom. Zooming might come in handy in certain situations however it is better to install more static cameras in the long run. Chronic shoplifters and thieves often know how to ‘attract’ a PZT camera and while the camera is focused on the person, an accomplice can do his job without fear of being caught on cam.
    PTZ cameras are also relatively expensive. These cameras are designed to work best in casinos and law enforcement where an operator can keenly observe and maneuver the PTZ cam.
  • CMOS versus CCD Cameras
    The quality of the image produced by security cameras depends on what type of chip it is using. There are two types of chips being used to produce images –Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) and Charge Couple Device (CCD) chips. The chip normally comes in different sizes—1/4 inch, 1/3 inch, or ½ inch. The larger the size of a chip, the better is the quality of the image that is produced. With advances in technology, the difference in quality between different chip sizes is not as distinct. The most popular chip size is 1/3 inch.
  • Dome Cameras
    Dome cameras are aesthetically more pleasing compared to other popular types of security cameras. They can easily blend into the surroundings thus they are often recommended for installation in stores, building lobbies, and other public places.
  • Infrared (IR) Cameras
    Infrared security cameras are able to capture images in total darkness using built-in IR illuminators. These cameras are quite flexible. In low light conditions, they can produce black and white images while returning to color when lighting is good.
  • Box Cameras (Full Body Cameras)
    These are your traditional CCTV security cameras. Larger in size than most, this type is often sold without a lens thus giving you the liberty to choose the best lens for your need.

  • Spy Cameras
    These are the cameras of choice for covert operations. They can easily be disguised because of their small size.

  • Outdoor versus Indoor Cameras
    Installing a weather-resistant camera is recommended for outdoor use. There are also weather-proof cameras housing which can be used to protect security cameras which are not weather-resistant.

  • IP versus Analog Cameras
    The main difference between IP and Analog cameras is the manner by which video signal is delivered. IP-based cameras or IP network cameras have the capability to digitize the video signal using a highly specialized encoder with a web server onboard. This feature permits viewing of the captured video images via an existing network and also through a web browser which can be easily accessed via the internet.
    On the other hand, analog cameras have the capability to convert video signal into a format that can be received by a VCR or television monitor.
    Both the IP-based and analog video cameras have the capacity to transmit signals via wired connections (e.g. Cat-5 cables) or wirelessley. However, IP-based cameras have the advantage of being able to utilize hubs, routers, and switches, thereby allowing expansion of the Cat-5 network to broader ranges.
    An IP-based video camera can run by power provided by Power over Ethernet (PoE). This is a technology where power is integrated into a LAN infrastructure such as in an IP phone or network camera via the same cable being used for network connection. With a PoE, there is no more need for power outlets and there is also easier application of uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) for 24/7 operations.

    RECORDING EQUIPMENT

  • PC-based DVRs
    PC-based DVRs are linked to a PC that runs on a Window operating system. It requires a video capture card with 4, 8, 12, 16, or 32 camera inputs. A Digital Video Recorder (DVR) has the capability of capturing video from cameras (analog or digital) and record the video into a digital format. This format is then stored on the hard disk drive. The DVR software allows archiving, playback, live view, remote access, and a variety of other important functions. Other advantages of PC-based DVRs include ease of use and a variety of features and functions. It is also possible to add more cameras to PC-based DVRs as long as you add more video cards or extension cards depending on the manufacturer’s instructions. However, these DVRs can be more expensive than stand-alone DVRs.

  • Stand-Alone DVRs
    Unlike PC-based DVRs that run on Microsoft OS, Stand-alone DVRs run on Linux operating systems. Stand-alone DVRs do not possess as many features as PC-based DVRs but they are ideal for those who are not comfortable with PCs or in environments where the use of a PC is not practical or allowed. The latest models of stand-alone DVRs allow live view, remote access, camera control and a variety of other functions.

  • Motion Detection Camera
    Motion detection is a built-in feature of the DVR software. The DVR software has the capability of analyzing each video frame from the camera and when a movement or change in the frame is detected, it will begin recording. Motion detection sensitivity can easily be adjusted to get rid of false triggers or to increase its sensitivity. More sophisticated models or types of DVRs already possess these unique features allowing the user to define specific areas where motion should be ignored. There are also DVRs that can detect objects which are left behind or are missing.

    SECURITY MONITORS

    A PC monitor or TV monitor is compatible with most types of DVRs to view video from cameras.

    CABLE TYPES

    Co-axial cables like RG59 and RG6 are the most commonly used cables to transmit video signals in most surveillance cameras. The Siamese Cable is the most popular cable used in surveillance systems because it combines RG59 to transmit video signals with a pair of 22-gauge wires for power source connection. This design eliminates the need for many cables attached to each camera.

    POWER SUPPLIES

    Most surveillance cameras operate using 12V DC while a few can run with a 24 AC. It is recommended that individual power supplies should be provided for 1-2 camera installations. A multi-port power supply is recommended for 3 or more cameras.