Choosing CCTV Cameras

If you are considering purchasing a security camera system, the choice of CCTV cameras is an important one. They are the basis of your system, and need to match what you intend the system to be able to do. There are a number of factors involved in choosing CCTV cameras. One of the first factors to consider is the location of the camera. If the camera is to be mounted outdoors in an exposed location, then you need a weatherproof model. Also, if you live in an area subject to extreme temperatures (less than -10 degrees F or more than 110 degrees F for color cameras, -10 degrees F to +122 degrees F for black and white cameras), then you will need a camera with a built in fan and/or heater. The fan and/or heater will broaden the temperature range that the camera can operate in. Cameras mounted indoors in a temperature-controlled environment do not require any special temperature considerations.

Another factor to consider when choosing a CCTV camera is whether to use a wired or a wireless model. Wired cameras will produce better images overall, with less interference from outside sources. Wired cameras are also cheaper than wireless models, but they will cost more to install because of the video cable that has to be run. Wireless cameras cost a bit more to begin with, but cost much less to install -- you don't have the expense of the video cable or the labor involved in running it. A wireless camera that operates on the 2.4GHz frequency band can transmit its signal, even through walls, doors and ceilings, a few hundred feet. If you require the cameras to be located further away than this, they will need to be wired cameras.

Another factor to consider is whether to use color or black and white CCTV cameras. Color cameras provide more details about what is recorded, but black and white cameras actually have a higher resolution. What this means is that, while a color camera can tell you the color of a car in a parking lot, a black and white camera might allow you to read the license plate on the car. So you need to consider your typical subject when you choose between color and black and white. In addition, a black and white camera can usually take pictures in less available light than a color camera.

Resolution is another factor to consider when choosing CCTV cameras. Resolution is usually specified as the number of horizontal lines in the image. A typical standard resolution for a color camera is 320 lines, while 380 lines is typical for a black and white camera. For high resolution cameras, a typical color camera resolution would be 460 lines, and for black and white it would be 560 lines. The higher the resolution, the more detail will be shown in the image.

These are just a few of the factors you need to consider when choosing CCTV cameras. For more detailed information on CCTV cameras and where to buy, visit the Total Security Warehouse website.