When security cameras first came out in the market, there were a few options. Everything was analog and fixed and boxy. Now the selection rivals with PTZs, fisheyes, domes and high definition, low light, and more. The deciding is the hard part, so how to choose what is best?
When security cameras first came out in the market, there were a few options. Everything was analog and fixed and boxy. Now the selection rivals with PTZs, fisheyes, domes and high definition, low light, and more. The deciding is the hard part, so how to choose what is best?
Security Cameras
But unlike most things, picking the wrong camera can be a costly transaction, not only in terms of budget but also overall security, thus, when the time comes to make a camera choice it's critical to weigh out options. Here are some questions to consider:
“What do I want to accomplish?” With all the options in the marketplace it's important to drill down to just how the camera will be used and what result is desired. Think about not only how it will be used, but also where — indoors, outdoors, in a setting where aesthetics are important, and so on.
“What do I already have in place?” While there are instances when purchasing cameras as part of a new installation, often a camera is being added to an existing system. So think about what types of recording and analytics systems are in place and if the camera will be the appropriate fit.
Once determined how the camera will be used and what works with existing or desired system, move on to looking at specific types of cameras to fit the requirements. In North America, mini-domes have become the form of choice, having proven to be versatile, robust cameras that provide wide angle, telephoto, and IR illuminator options. Cameras also come with various mounting options, so add that to your list of considerations when making a selection. Compact mini-domes may be a more appropriate choice in a budget-conscious installation, still providing high-definition, but in a smaller size for discrete applications.
If it has been determined that a rugged, all-in-one solution, is best suited then a bullet camera may be the right pick. Sturdy and weatherproof, bullets often come with included mounts so there is ease of set up. On the flip side, box cameras can be among the most flexible, offering dozens of lenses, built-in recording, and various housings and mount options, customizable and tailor the camera installation to fit the requirements.
Of course, specialized cameras such as fisheye cameras and PTZs offer different levels of functionality for a variety of applications. For example, the fisheye provides a 360-degree view, offering good situational awareness. But there are also limitations; in this case, a 20 to 25-foot sweet spot, which means that anything beyond that range falls off in resolution and image clarity at a much greater rate than other types of cameras.
A PTZ camera can track and zoom in on a subject. However, PTZs perform best when used in conjunction with other types of cameras because the PTZ may not be looking exactly where you want it to when an event occurs. A fisheye or fixed camera, for instance, may catch an event in its field of view, but it's the PTZ that can then be used to zoom in, pick up the action, and follow it.
And then there's camera resolution: “How much do you really need?” Higher resolution comes with trade offs, especially in terms of storing and moving data across a network. Deciding on the proper resolution goes back to the first question about the goals. How does the resolution of the camera support the objective? Is the goal to be able to capture faces and license plates, or simply detect movement in the dark? Knowing the answers to these questions can determine resolution needs.
Finally, don't rely solely on the product specifications provided, but rather narrow down options and put them to the test. There are no industry standards on specifications, so they vary by manufacturer and individual camera. The best way to figure it out is to see a camera in action — does it address the issues and allows see, capture and analyze video to its fullest extent? If it does, then that's the one to best suited.