Selecting the right surveillance camera system for your business can be daunting if you're new to the topic. This guide aims to simplify the process by breaking down key considerations and features you need to look for to make an informed decision.
Let’s start with type of Systems – We offer two options:
Option 1: Internet Protocol (IP) Camera System
IP camera system is the latest technology in the surveillance camera industry. These systems offer high resolution (2K/4K) video feeds that can be accessed remotely from anywhere with an internet connection, using computers, smartphones, or tablets. IP camera systems can be either wired or wireless/Wifi.
What does an IP Camera System include:
IP Cameras: These cameras capture high-resolution (2K/4K) digital video. They come in various shapes & lens specifications - please see the ‘Camera Types’ table below.
Network Video Recorder (NVR): An NVR is the ‘brain’ of the system that receives video footage from IP cameras for playback and storage. Each IP camera or device takes up a channel (video display window) on the NVR. Hard drive disks installed in the NVR store video footage. Refer to our Storage Calculator to determine what size of storage you’ll need for your NVR.
Viewing/Management Software: This is the computer software/mobile app that you use to view live video, playback recordings, and manage camera settings. Video Management Software can be accessed through the NVR, on a desktop app, or on a mobile app.
Ethernet Cable: Wired IP cameras use Ethernet cables (such as Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat6a) to connect to your network. These cables provide both power (using Power over Ethernet, or PoE) and data transmission.
Our Expert Take: Choose the Wired IP Camera System because of its:
Scalability: IP camera systems are highly scalable, allowing users to easily add more cameras as needed without major changes to the infrastructure.
Advanced Analytics: IP camera systems come with built-in analytics capabilities, such as motion detection, facial recognition, license plate recognition, and more.
Flexibility in Installation: With PoE technology, IP camera systems can be installed in various locations without extensive cabling.
Integration (IoT): IP camera systems can often integrate with other security systems, such as access control systems, alarm systems, and video monitoring systems providing a comprehensive security solution.
Reliability: Wired IP camera systems provide a more stable and reliable connection, with consistent video quality and fewer interruptions compared to wireless systems.
Security: Wired IP camera systems are less susceptible to hacking or interference compared to wireless options, providing a more secure surveillance solution.
Option 2: HD-CCTV Camera System
HD-CCTV camera system uses TVI/CVI/AHD technology and can work with existing analog or coaxial cable infrastructure. HD CCTV system video feeds can also be accessed remotely from anywhere with an internet connection, using computers, smartphones, or tablets. These camera systems are wired only systems.
What does an HD-CCTV Camera System include:
HD-CCTV Cameras: These cameras provide high-definition video quality while using traditional coaxial cable infrastructure. They are designed to upgrade existing analog CCTV systems to high definition without the need to replace the entire cabling system. They come in various shapes & lens specifications - please see the ‘Camera Types’ table below.
eXtended Video Recorder (XVR): It is a versatile and advanced type of video recorder. It is a hybrid device that supports both HD-CCTV and IP cameras. This flexibility allows users to integrate different types of cameras into a single recording system. Depending on the model you can connect several HD-CCTV & IP cameras to a single XVR. Hard drive disks installed in the XVR store video footage. Refer to our Storage Calculator to determine what size of storage you’ll need for your XVR.
Viewing/Management Software: This is the computer software/mobile app that you use to view live video, playback recordings, and manage camera settings. Video Management Software can be accessed through the XVR, on a desktop app, or on a mobile app.
Coaxial Cables: These cables transmit the video feed from the HD-CCTV cameras to the recording device.
Power Supply: HD-CCTV cameras require a separate power supply provided through a centralized power distribution box or individual power adapters.
Our Expert Take: IP camera system is a better surveillance solution however choose the HD-CCTV camera system if you are looking for a solution that can be compatible with older infrastructure for retrofitting/upgrading existing systems.
Now let’s look at the Camera Types that are available with both IP and HD-CCTV systems:
Camera Style
Description
Popular Cameras
Our Expert Take
A turret security camera, also known as an eyeball camera, is a surveillance camera with a ball-and-socket design. The camera can pivot and point in any direction inside its socket mount.
2.8mm fixed lens cameras for general indoor and outdoor surveillance.
180 degrees field of view cameras for wall-to-wall monitoring.
Night vision cameras for seeing clearly in low light settings.
We highly recommend turrets for most surveillance needs because of its Installation Flexibility as turrets can be easily mounted on walls, ceilings, or poles. Also, the Pivotable Lens allows for fine-tuning of the field of view.
A bullet security camera is a cylindrical-shaped surveillance camera with limited rotation.
2.8mm fixed lens cameras for general outdoor surveillance.
Zoomable lens cameras that allow for targeted monitoring.
Go for this if you prefer Visible Deterrence as the prominent, noticeable design of bullet cameras acts as a visual deterrent to potential intruders, enhancing security just by being visibly present.
A dome security camera is a surveillance camera encased inside a dome-shaped plexiglass cover.
2.8mm fixed lens cameras for general indoor surveillance.
Fish-Eye (360 degrees) lens cameras that capture panaromic view.
If aesthetics is your thing, go for a dome for its Sleek & Unobtrusive design that allows them to blend seamlessly with various architectural styles and environments.
A PTZ camera is capable of:
Panning horizontally, moving from left to right.
Tilting vertically, adjusting its angle up and down.
Zooming for magnification between 4x – 45x.
Motorized Varifocal lens cameras for large outdoor space surveillance.
PTZ camera should be your top choice if you want Comprehensive Coverage of large areas such as parking lots, stadiums, campuses and/or you require intelligent motion tracking (automatically following moving objects to keep them in the frame).
Our Final Expert Take:
We highly recommend the Wired IP Camera System for businesses as it offers a lot more benefits, mentioned earlier, in comparison to other options. Consider HD-CCTV camera systems ONLY if you must work with old infrastructure. Irrespective of the system you choose, consider the following:
Camera Specs: depending on your use case one of the options from our ‘Camera Type’ table above will meet your requirements.
Storage: this depends on the number of cameras and days of footage you want to store. Use our Storage Calculator to determine your hard drive size.
Number of Cameras: While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, the following coverage guidelines can help with estimating the number of cameras needed for general security monitoring:
Low to Moderate Security Coverage (e.g., offices, retail stores): One camera for every 1,000 to 1,500 square feet.
High Security Coverage (e.g., banks, jewelry stores): One camera for every 500 to 800 square feet.
General Surveillance (e.g., parking lots, open spaces): One camera for every 2,000 to 2,500 square feet.
If you have questions or would like to talk to one of our experts to discuss your special surveillance needs such as License Plate Recognition, please Contact Us and we will be happy to assist you.
Next Steps:
Installation: Planning to hire a professional installer, please review our Pro-Installation guide.
System Configuration: Please review our system configuration video tutorials on our Help Center for Do-It-Yourself (DIY) set up. If you need help please Contact Us and one of our experts will assist you in setting up your system.