There are a number of factors that go into choosing the right cameras for a CCTV security system. What kind of camera do you need, where will it go, what kind of coverage do you need? There are answers to all of these, and those answers will vary by business and location. What do you need? Here’s a primer to start thinking about:

Camera Build

Cameras come in sleek, subtle domes to help customers overlook them, or in obvious boxes to make sure that they’re seen. A camera can simply capture an image uncontrolled, or it can be made to pan, tilt, and zoom in when used from the control room. Different businesses and different camera locations will require different styles of camera. The key is making sure you’re fully covered and that your cameras are as subtle and controllable as you need them to be.

Outdoors or Indoors?

You may only need one or the other, or you may need a combination of both. Outdoor cameras are built to withstand daily weather. That includes heat, cold, wind, rain, and snow, among other things. They’re also made to withstand potential vandalism attempts. You don’t necessarily need such tough cameras indoors, where they’ll never face weather. Outdoor cameras may have greater need for low-light capability as well.

Coverage

CCTV cameras using an IP system will often cover a wider shot. This is because of their ability to transfer higher levels of detail and higher quantities of information at a time. If using an IP system (CCTV on a network) instead of an analog system (CCTV that goes to a DVR device), you may need fewer cameras.

Range

Certain CCTV cameras can capture a deeper image in detail than others. Thermal cameras are good for perimeters like fences and walls because they can capture detail at a greater depth than most visual cameras.

Resolution

Higher resolutions can be captured using an IP system than an analog one. Whether cabled or wireless, the cameras that utilize this kind of system are built with greater resolution capabilities. This can give you much more detail to an image, and make it easier to zoom in on the image and select finer details. There’s no more “mushy face” effect – these cameras can capture detail at a distance.

Frame Rate

Most CCTV security system cameras will have you covered here. It’s a good thing to check nonetheless. You need a smooth, consistent frame rate or important images can be dropped and the recording won’t be easy to analyze.