The surveillance camera is a
device that allows you to have control in the area where it is located and thus
benefit from optimal security. Its use is no longer the preserve of companies
or employers. You can also place it outside or inside your home, and in many
other places ... The use of this device is therefore justified for many
reasons. As a result, there are various models of surveillance cameras
available on the market. Its shape is no longer limited to that of a dome or a
big gray box full of wires! However, this diversity does not facilitate the
choice of the buyer. Of course, the price will be a significant element in this
choice. That being said, there are multiple criteria to consider when
purchasing this device . This is what we will detail in this article.
THE QUALITY OF VIDEO AND AUDIO
The quality of the video is
undoubtedly the most important element of a surveillance camera. If this video
is of poor quality, it will be difficult for you to exploit it in your favor.
Thanks to the popularization of digital devices, we can now benefit from very
high definition video recording.
VIDEO RESOLUTION
Some surveillance cameras can
deliver videos with a Full HD resolution of 2560 x 2048 pixels. Videos will be
very crisp, allowing you to focus on every detail.
On the other hand, entry-level
models provide a reduced resolution of 640 x 480 pixels. As you can imagine,
the image of the video surveillance will be less clear . That being said, these
models will be more than enough for home use
such as monitoring babies and toddlers for example.
Remember that the higher the resolution,
the larger the video file will be. Which requires a large capacity hard drive
or SD card?
If you want to save space in your
storage system and still have good quality video, 1080P or 720P will be more
than enough. Moreover, on some models of surveillance cameras, it is quite
possible to adjust the resolution of the video .
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FIELD OF VISION
The quality of the video from the
camera will not depend solely on this resolution. It will also take into
account the field of vision. The width of the field of view will depend on the
size of the lens.
Some reduced lens cameras may
have a field of view of up to 360ᵒ . These are the so-called wide angle
cameras. They have very few blind spots. The field of vision is wide to the
detriment of the range which will be very limited . In other words, distant
elements will be less visible.
On the other hand, if the lens is
large, the field of view will be limited, but the device will be able to focus
on elements that are at a long range . To be able to cover a large area with a
camera with an imposing lens, it will therefore be necessary to opt for a
rotating and motorized model often called PTZ.
It is quite possible to adjust
this field of view via a zoom effect. But of course, these models will be more
expensive.
More and more cameras are
equipped with a motion detector system, capable of alerting you in the event of
an intrusion via a video surveillance system or directly on your phone via a
mobile application.
NIGHT VISION CAMERAS
Do not forget to opt for a model
with night vision and infrared detection. It will be able to provide you with
night vision or simply in a low light area. This system allows you to have a
quality video even if there is little or no lighting.
THE SOUND QUALITY
The quality of the video is
essential in choosing a surveillance camera in Chicago. But
we should not also neglect the quality of the sound. Thus, for example, you
will have the possibility of better identifying the voice of a person,
detecting suspicious noises of a burglar ... Therefore, make sure that the
camera of your choice has an ultra-sensitive audio sensor .
WIRED SURVEILLANCE CAMERA, WIRELESS
WIRED SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS
This camera model, also called IP
Camera, is connected to management and display equipment by means of a cable. Being
physically connected to the control and management device, this device will
generally be more reliable. The videos will also be saved locally.
That being said, installing these
wired cameras will take more time and skill . To use and adjust the camera in
real time, you will need to be in the control center to which it is connected.
And don't forget that these wired cameras will be out of service as soon as the
cables are cut.
WIRELESS AND "HYBIRDE" SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS
These wireless models tend to
gradually supplant wired surveillance cameras because of the practicalities
they present. These cameras will be connected to a device connected through a
WIFI Internet connection . They will be easy to install and move according to
the user's needs .
Thanks to this wireless system,
it is quite possible to control and adjust the parameters of the camera,
remotely, via for example a smartphone, anywhere and anytime. To do this, you
will usually have to install and use a mobile application . This will send you
notifications in case of motion detection for example.
Wireless cameras generally
support memory cards ( SD card ) for storing video recordings. Backing up
videos can also be done via the Cloud . The effectiveness of these wireless
surveillance cameras will therefore depend on the quality of your Internet
connection.
Besides the exclusively wired or
wireless models, there are “hybrid” cameras which combine the two
characteristics. They can be connected to a management and display device using
an analog cable or a WIFI connection.
THE POWER MODE OF THE SURVEILLANCE CAMERA
The first models of surveillance
cameras are generally connected directly to a source of electricity . And these
models still exist. These models can run 24 hours a day. You won't have to
worry about managing battery life.
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Then there are the models that
can be powered by rechargeable or disposable battery . These surveillance
cameras will be easier to install or move. The battery life of surveillance
cameras can vary from a few days to several weeks.
If you cannot recharge or replace
your camera battery regularly, in this case, you will have to opt for models
that have low energy consumption and / or that are equipped with a battery with
a long autonomy.
There are also solar cameras with
solar energy sensors that are recharged automatically during the day.
Discreet and dummy surveillance cameras
The designs of surveillance
cameras are very varied. Next to the easily recognizable classic models, there
are devices with an original appearance. These unusual designs allow these
cameras to go unnoticed and not attract attention. There are, for example,
surveillance cameras in the form of a lamp that you can hang on a wall, a pen
and a cup that you can place on a table or even cameras with camouflage color
to blend in with the foliage, and of course. 'Others… They are often called spy
cameras.
There are also dummy surveillance
cameras for people on a budget. Their design perfectly mimics the look of a
real surveillance camera. And as the name suggests, these models don't actually
work. They mainly have a dissuasive role , that said some models benefit from a
light projector when they detect movement.
INDOOR OR OUTDOOR SURVEILLANCE CAMERA
Choosing a surveillance camera
will also depend on where you intend to set it up . If it is intended to be
used indoors, it is not necessarily necessary to take into account the
solidity, resistance, water proofness, etc...
But when it is placed outdoors,
the camera must d '' be resistant to bad weather and possible shocks and
damage, whether intentional or not. In this case, be sure to opt for a camera
with a thick coating, withstanding heat, water, cold, wind, snow, or even dust.
It will also be necessary to opt for a model equipped with a perfect water proofness
.
A REGULATED USE
The surveillance camera is not a
device that you can use everywhere. There are regulations regarding their use,
the aim being to preserve the right to image and privacy of third parties.
The installation of a
surveillance camera will or will not require a declaration and / or a prior
authorization request from the prefecture and / or the National Commission for
Information and Freedoms depending on: the location filmed by the device or
people filmed. And of course, third parties filmed must also be warned of the
presence of cameras, even after declaration and obtaining authorization from
the competent authorities.
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