The protection of your property is no easy task, whether it is your home or business that is in focus. Residential and commercial establishments are equally vulnerable to thefts and break-ins, making it all the more important to have reliable security systems at both types of locations. These days, many households and businesses depend on video surveillance to ensure the safety of their property.
Indeed, CCTV cameras have proven to be very effective in this regard. Surveillance technology has come a long way since the 1990s or even the early 2000s, with rapid advancements adding and enhancing its features. You can now choose from a variety of surveillance cameras, each with their distinct merits.
Here’s a list of certain essential features that you need to consider, when installing security cameras.
- Image Clarity
Your security system is only as good as the picture quality of the cameras installed. Be sure to pick cameras that project clear, good quality images. This is especially helpful when determining someone’s identity through CCTV footage, or when using the footage as legal evidence. Unclear images will only add to the confusion and could also make the entire activity futile.
- Pan, Zoom, and Tilt
Inspect the lenses of the cameras that are to be installed at your home or workplace for the zoom feature. This allows you to get clearer images of objects that are farther away from the camera. For larger spaces, use a CCTV bullet camera that can pan and tilt as well, so that it can capture complete images of the entire area.
- Night View
Check for the night vision or low-light visibility feature before installing a camera. This is a vital characteristic, as your home or office may be most at risk during the night. Getting clear images under poor lighting conditions is therefore necessary.
- Motion and Image Sensors
With motion and image sensors, a camera is able to detect mobile objects or individuals in a room. The lens then moves to follow the object and record its movement. This makes it easier for CCTV dome cameras to detect suspicious activities in locations that should not be displaying any signs of activity.
- Ease of Set-Up
Cameras that require extensive wiring are not only inconvenient, but they can also be inadequate in certain situations, as they are easier to disable. Pick cameras that can be set up with minimum inconvenience. Wireless CCTV cameras are ideal if you wish to install them indoors.
- Recording Capability
Be sure to install cameras that not only transmit live images but also allow you to record and save the video footage. In case of break-ins or thefts, the CCTV footage can be used as legal evidence.
- Web Access
It is extremely useful to be able to monitor surveillance images, while away from home, especially if you are a working parent. In such cases, it is better to install an IP camera. Due to the web access in such cameras you can view the footage on your phone, laptop or tablet, from any location. On the other hand, an analog camera is ideal if you wish to monitor from a fixed location.
- Weather Resistance
Cameras placed in outdoor locations, such as at the front door of your house or at the entrance of a commercial building are more exposed to environmental conditions such as rain, sunlight, wind, and so on. So, remember to pick a weather-resistant camera for such locations.
Be sure to look for these 8 vital features, when choosing CCTV cameras, to ensure efficient performance from your video surveillance system and guarantee the safety of your property. For more information on CCTV cameras, visit this page.