As discussed in an earlier blog, installing commercial video surveillance or CCTV can be of benefit for businesses for a number of reasons including health and safety assurance. Once you decide that surveillance cameras are required, selecting the right camera to fulfil the purpose of the system is important.
While we tend to still use the term CCTV for security camera systems, since the development of IP cameras, and more recently cloud IP cameras, the monitoring options are vast, and are no longer the closed-circuit model of the analogue-based systems. This article provides an insight into the main camera models available and discusses why a cloud version may be worth considering.
Selecting the right model of camera
Bullet and box security cameras:
Bullet IP cameras are box cameras enclosed in a weatherproof housing, making them ideal for installing outdoors. They provide excellent long-range viewing and can be installed along fences or walls so that intruders can be detected. This makes them particularly suitable for perimeter protection. They are the most recognisable form of camera but if you want a more discreet camera you may want to look at a different model. They can also have blind spots in some indoor locations and can be prone to vandalism without extra protection.
Meanwhile box IP cameras are more suitable for indoor installations and offer more customisation to fit your needs, as specific parts of the camera such as the lens and housing can be switched out.
Dome Cameras:
Dome Cameras incorporate wide-angle lenses so it is possible to cover large areas with a single camera. These lenses are inside a clear dome-shaped enclosure that protects the device from damage and harsh weather conditions. These security cameras can be mounted on walls or ceilings and in indoor or outdoor environments, and it has a discreet appearance that blends in with the surroundings. This can be of benefit, however, if you want to have a camera partly to deter crime, and therefore it to be highly visible, this model may not be the most suitable option.
Pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras:
PTZ cameras can be adjusted remotely to help security personnel monitor unfolding events in real time. Each camera’s field of view can be moved up, down, left, or right, as well as zoomed in or out to view live activities. This enables PTZ cameras to provide 360-degree coverage of large spaces without the need to install multiple cameras. They are most appropriate to use when there are camera operators able to adjust the PTZ so are ideal for car park, retail park or commercial building security settings.
Panoramic & 360-Degree Cameras
Fisheye Camera: this has an ultra-wide-angle lens, which allows it to monitor a wide area or capture panoramic images of a target location. They can be a cost-effective solution, covering large spaces like car parks and warehouses that would otherwise require multiple cameras to achieve optimal coverage.
360/Panoramic Camera: These cameras deliver high resolution video for all-round visibility. These also allow you to set your field of view.
Considering a cloud option
Most of the models of security cameras are now available as cloud versions. The main benefits of choosing to select a cloud-based security camera system is that it is more scalable and can be managed remotely. Software updates are provided automatically via the cloud ensuring users always have the latest capabilities of the system and adding more cameras to it is easier. Additionally, you do not have the cost and maintenance of network video recorders (NVR).
With cloud connectors you can integrate non-cloud IP cameras to your system while then gradually replacing cameras with their cloud counterparts over time. Choosing cloud cameras are paid for through a subscription allowing organisations to spread costs over time rather than having to pay upfront costs for cameras and an NVR. If you do expand your surveillance system businesses need to ensure they can afford higher subscription and that their internet is of sufficient strength.
Being able to manage your CCTV systems from anywhere, and at any time, from any mobile device with an internet connection, means users can manage several sites with ease. If a business has multiple sites this can all be managed remotely. Equally a cloud camera solution would be suitable if you have a small site and limited space for an NVR but still need the most advanced surveillance technology.
How we can help
We are Avigilon partners and can offer their on-premise Avigilon Unity CCTV cameras as well as the cloud native Avigilon Alta and Avigilon Ava cameras. All the latest cameras, which ever video management software system is selected, have in-built analytics. We can take time to assess your premises and advise you on the best camera model to select for your needs, and whether on-premise or a cloud surveillance solution, is the best for you. If you want to know more, please get in touch.
