If you are looking to invest in a CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) system for your business or home, it can be quite daunting when you start to look at all the options. Today’s systems come packed with a vast range of different security features, and it can be difficult to know what is right for you.
Here are some of the most popular types of cameras we install and why they are used.
IP Cameras: Internet Protocol (IP) cameras can transmit their signal data over an IP network or via a CAT 5/6 cable directly into a network video recorder (NVR). Nearly all of the systems installed today will be an IP system, they are much easier to install and offer better resolution and stability.
Turret Style Cameras: These are a newer style of camera and are now the most common type being installed. They come with all the different required lens options and are used in both internal and external settings. These cameras are more commonly used due to their design, as they are very unobtrusive and come in 3 different colours; white, grey & black.
Bullet Style Cameras: These are the more traditional style cameras that are cylindrical (bullet) in shape and more commonly used in external installations. These bullet style cameras are very visible due to their larger size and therefore are often installed to act as a deterrent. ANPR cameras are still only available in bullet style cameras.
Dome Style Cameras: Domed CCTV cameras are easily recognisable for their circular dome encasing. These are vastly popular for both internal and external security. Traditionally smaller and more compact compared to bullet style cameras, these cameras offer a higher level of discretion, greater protection and quicker and easier installation. The unique shape of these cameras makes it difficult for criminals to see which way the camera is facing, and their fore acts as a deterrent for criminals before they strike. These cameras are also widely used for their vandal resistant nature.
PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) Cameras: These cameras utilise an optical lens which can be adjusted up and down by 180° and can also rotate by 360°. They can be easily controlled by an operative both on site and remotely. They can also be programmed to automatically track and follow moving objects/people and then return to a fixed ‘home’ position. PTZ cameras are more often used in installations covering much larger areas.
Hidden or Covert Cameras: Covert cameras are less commonly used nowadays as we feel that preventing and deterring an incident is better than trying to resolve one once it has happened. Convert cameras are designed to be as discreet as possible and are often disguised as everyday objects such as a smoke alarms, clocks and can even be just a ‘pin hole’ camera to be placed in a discreet location.
Standard Camera with I/R: Most standard cameras in use today will display a full colour image during daylight and then will display a black & white image when light levels drop. Once light levels are low a filter will engage in front of the lens that turns the image black & white. An Infra-Red light will then engage to illuminate an area to allow the camera to see in total darkness. It is critical that when specifying any standard camera that the I/R capability is enough to illuminate the viewed area. Separate I/R flood lights can also be used to illuminate a larger area like a car park.
Full Colour Camera: One of the newer types of cameras, they provide a full colour image in both daylight and in total darkness. These cameras achieve this by illuminating a warm LED light next to the camera lens that allows just enough light into the lens to allow it to maintain a full colour image even in total darkness. In comparison to a black & white image, a full colour image in total darkness can also appear much sharper and clearer. Full colour images can also be much more beneficial when trying to secure a prosecution.
One of our consultants will be able to demonstrate these different cameras to you and assist in recommending the best solution for you.
