How to Choose the Best CCTV Camera for Your Home

As technology advances, CCTV is changing and becoming more than just a camera and recorder. Modern CCTV comes with unique features to improve security. These features include face detection, infrared, and high-quality night vision footage. However, when looking for one, you must know there are various options with varying specifications and prices. So, choosing the right CCTV to suit your needs is essential. To help you, here are things you need to consider.

1. Why do you require CCTV?

Advertisement

Before buying a surveillance system, it’s vital to evaluate your needs. Always ask yourself why you need one and what you want to see on the camera. For example, do you need to install an indoor or outdoor camera, and how much does it cost? Also, consider the type of CCTV camera for your home. Finally, remember that each CCTV camera has unique features; some might work well for your business and others for your home.

2. The area you want to cover

Before buying a CCTV for your business, this is the first thing you need to consider. You have to know the area you want it to cover. Some questions you need to ask yourself are

  • What is the area you need to cover?
  • Do you want to survey your entire business or part of it?
  • How many cameras do you need?

If you want to use fewer cameras, identify strategic locations around your business premises. When you do this, ensure you buy the best outdoor security camera system with a higher field of view. These cameras cover big parts of your business and can help protect it using only one device.

3. What type of CCTV camera suits your home/business?

Before you pick the best CCTV cameras system for your home, you need to consider the following:

  • Camera-There are three types of CCTV cameras you can pick. They include analogue, High Definition (HD) or Internet Protocol (IP) cameras. The analogue has low image resolution, but the HD and IP cameras have the highest resolutions. The HD and IP cameras are best for your business premises as they provide high-resolution images.
  • Resolution-A clear high resolution ensures you get clearer, crisp images and footage. It determines how far the camera will see and monitor. In addition, it also retains high image quality even if it’s digitally zoomed in. If you are covering a bigger area, you require a high-resolution camera to prevent the image from being distorted. On the other hand, a static camera is enough for small areas because you don’t need high resolution.
  • Infrared night vision– This feature enables CCTV cameras to see at night. The more red lights, the crisper the footage will be. Surprisingly some pro CCTVs can capture detailed images and footage in darkness. When installing it, ensure you don’t fix it behind a window or glass, as the IR might cause glare.
  • Zoom– Another essential thing about CCTV cameras is they can zoom in and out. There are two kinds: optical and digital zoom. What you should know is this is determined by the type of lens that your CCTV camera has. Digital zoom is possible on live and recorded footage, but optical acts as binoculars.

4. The type of storage

The surveillance systems have various components such as monitors, cables, dedicated storage spaces and many more. Some CCTV camera brands have a dedicated microSD storage system fixed in them. So storage is essential for CCTV cameras as it’s always on record and footage. As you continue recording, the older footage is automatically deleted. You also need to know that the visual quality of the camera also affects how much space the footage takes into your storage device. So, the better the visual quality, the higher the storage space. Before purchasing the best outdoor security camera system, consider the requirements and storage.

5. Do you need audio

Most CCTV cameras lack audio. However, some modern models can pick audio from the environment. In addition, some of these models can also be used to communicate with invaders and warn them from misbehaving. Systems with audio have several benefits and add value to your setup and security.

6. Visual clarity

Surveillance systems act as the human eye to help look out for incidents. For that reason, the visual quality of a CCTV camera is vital. The clarity will also be very low if you buy a poor-quality device. For your business, it’s advisable to get cameras with quality visuals. They will provide real-time footage on your gear, regardless of location.

A CCTV is a one-time investment; therefore, you must get the best. When buying, don’t look at the budget as you will get a cheap one without the right features to offer you the best security. So, whenever you pick a CCTV camera for your business, consider everything above to get the best.