Security Camera Systems -How do I choose from all the options?

The reasons why homeowners and business owners install security camera systems can go on and on. You may need home security surveillance because your are curious about what goes on inside or outside your home while you're away or maybe you own a business and want to keep an eye on your employees & customers. Whatever the reason, when you install a camera system it is possible to keep an eye on things without actually being there physically. If you've done any research on security cameras or security camera systems at all, you've probably noticed that there are so many camera, lens, recorder and monitor options it's difficult to decide which to go with.

Here are some questions you'll need to ask yourself that will help guide you:

How many areas need surveillance?
This will give you an idea of how many home security cameras you will need. Some security camera systems come with one or two cameras. If you need more make sure your camera system comes with more or has the ability to add more cameras later.

Are the areas that need surveillance indoors or outdoors?

If you will be using outdoor cameras that will be exposed to extreme weather conditions or if you live in a high crime area the cameras will need weatherproof and vandalproof housing. Several cameras are built to withstand even the harshest environments.

Will the areas that need monitored have a good consistent light source or will it fluctuate at times?
A Steady, reliable light source is important in order to get a clear and concise image from the camera however, if you do not have a good light source there are a few solutions available. First you can check the camera's lux rating. The lux rating tells you how dark a scene can be and still have the picture be acceptable. The lower the camera's lux rating, the less light is required for a clear picture.
Another option for total darkness or very dim lighting is using infrared security cameras. Infrared cameras either pick up the infrared light that already exists in an area or they light up the area with infrared light which cannot be seen with the naked eye. The infrared light allows the security camera to take a quality picture, even in complete darkness.

What angle of view do you need?
A camera's angle of view is the total area that can be seen through a lens. Would you like a camera to see just a narrow focused point like down a narrow hallway or do you need indoor or outdoor security cameras that can see a wide area, such as parking lots? Make sure when you are looking at cameras that you are getting the angle of view that you need.

Are fine details important to you?
If you would like to see details clearly (faces, color of clothes, etc.) it is best to go with color cameras rather than black and white but keep in mind that color can be more expensive. Black and white cameras are fine in some situations and work better with low-light or no light camera options. Some cameras are capable of both color and black & white and can switch back when needed.

Do you need to record what you are viewing?
If there are times when you are not available to watch the activity going on behind your security camera you will need to consider including a recorder with security camera system. Recording devices allow you to capture the activity so that you can view it later.
More information on Recording Systems.

Hardwired vs. Wireless Security Camera Systems: Which one best fits your needs?

Hardwired Security Camera Systems use cameras that are mounted on walls in fixed places. Holes are drilled into walls to mount cameras and to hide wire feeds. They are more reliable than wireless because they do not rely on radio waves to transmit the images which are vulnerable to interference from large objects or electrical devices such as baby monitors or florescent lights.

Wireless Security Camera Systems use wireless cameras that send a radio frequency through the air from the camera's transmitter to a receiver. The receiver picks up the signal and transfers it to a TV or Monitor or Digital Video Recorder. Wireless cameras are much easier to install because they can be mounted anywhere and do not require that holes be drilled into walls for wire feeds. Wireless cameras can be moved around easily so they can be placed in areas that wired security camera systems can not go but, keep in mind that they will need a power source of some sort so they will need to be by a wall plugin or will require batteries.

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