Category Archives: Cameras

CCTV for your business

When it comes to protecting your business, most opt for CCTV cameras, but how do you choose the right one.  Here are two questions to ask yourself when deciding on a system to purchase.

Where will the camera be mounted?
Deciding on the proper housing and mounting for your camera is essential.  If your camera will be in a factory, does it need protection from dust or heat? If it is a cold environment, does it need insulating or require an internal heating system?

How will lighting affect your recording?
You need to consider the camera’s location as glare from windows, metal structures, and even direct sunlight can affect the recording quality or make it impossible to see anything. Many cameras come with an IR filter and artificial illuminators to ensure that images stay crisp and clear.

There are many other questions to consider, but these are two essential ones that should be top of the list to answer.

Considering the Best Spots for Camera Placement

One highly recommended and effective security measure is the use of CCTV. If you are planning on putting up some cameras, it is important to consider the best positions for camera optimisation and safety of the system itself.

Things to Consider for CCTV Placement

Do Your Research
Speak to previous owners or landlords, to ascertain which areas of the property have proven most vulnerable to break-ins in the past, if applicable.

Consider vulnerabilities
Think about out which areas are the least secured or most hidden from public view which potential thieves might consider an easier target.

Protection from weather
Be sure that your security cameras will be sheltered from the elements and not in the most weather vulnerable spots, so as to prolong their life. Also consider if any vegetation could conceal the view of the camera or if a bright glare from the sun will disturb the images.

Additional Features
Some cameras may have the option for night vision or weather proofing which enhances the effectiveness of the camera, so be aware of any additional requirements associated with these features.

Security Cameras and Video Resolution

When using security cameras, it’s important that they capture as much detail of a scene as possible. Security footage works much more effectively if the quality of the video recordings are more detailed. This means for a camera to capture more detail, it has to be able to record bigger video files.

In order to capture detailed imagery, it’s recommended that a security camera supports at least 720p resolution (1,280×720 pixels). Video of this size is enough to capture detail such as faces and types of clothing, which is important to be able to see when playing back security footage.

Because of the size of the video these cameras can record, it might be necessary to upgrade the storage device that holds the video recordings. This is especially true when replacing existing cameras with newer models, as the new camera’s video files will likely be much larger than the previous ones.

Important Tips For Positioning Security Cameras

Security cameras capture images in a similar way to taking a photograph, they need to be angled in a way that captures a scene to it’s fullest. This is why the positioning of a security camera is important, after all a camera is only as good as what it can see.

When positioning a security camera be sure that there are no obstructions that might block its viewing area. This can include things like branches and corners of roofs and walls, also try to take the wind into account as it may blow objects into the cameras view.

It’s crucial that a camera isn’t pointed at direct light. If too much light shines or is reflected into the cameras lens it will cause images to be washed out. Finally make sure that cameras are placed in an area that has access to a reliable WiFi signal, if the cameras aren’t wired directly.

 

Using The Right Camera Casing For The Right Area

Most security cameras are fitted with replaceable casings. These casings are what protect the delicate electronics inside a security camera from outside hazards, so making sure a camera has a casing that is strong enough for the area it’s in is crucial.

A strong casing will improve the durability and longevity of a security camera, but only if it is strong enough. Depending on where a camera is situated, it will be exposed to certain hazards and conditions. For example a camera that is positioned high enough will be vulnerable to heavier wind and rain than a camera that is closer to the ground.

Other hazards that will determine what type of casing to use on a security camera include; proximity to thrown projectiles, near by electrical hazards, radio interference and extreme heat and cold. Standard security cameras are rarely fitted with a casing that will stand up to every possible outdoor hazard. It often requires extra monetary investment to get the right case for the right area.