This article is written for people who are considering security cameras, but have no experience with them. CCTV security cameras take a motion picture and forward it to a central security board on a closed circuit, inaccessible by the public. Most cameras today record the motion picture digitally, and the data is stored in digital form on a hard drive. They’ve been on the market for a few decades now, and the prices have been falling steadily, making them more and more available to small business owners, as well as people, who want to protect their property and family.
Dome cameras. Dome cameras are cameras inside of a small semi-transparent hemisphere. The basic idea is that people can’t see where the camera is pointed. It is more discreet and has a higher retentive efficiency.
Color cameras. Color CCTV security cameras record a color motion picture, which is useful when trying to identify a criminal. Color video takes up more storage space and these cameras are more expensive than black and white cameras.
Fake cameras. Fake CCTV security cameras offer a very cheap alternative to functioning cameras. They are only useful for their retentive effect. Some companies do not recommend them, saying that fake cameras equals fake security. But we say, when it comes to budgets, having a low cost fake camera system is better than nothing at all.
Face shot. Get a good face shot! Use higher quality cameras at entry areas. Doors, gates and other entry areas need good quality, high resolution cameras to record a good ‘face shot.’ This video shot is very valuable since it can be used as evidence in identifying a person in court.
Wide Angle Cameras. Wide angle cameras are usually used for large surveillance areas. Once you get a good face shot, you should use a wider angle camera lens for the general view of the interior of the building. Using color wide angle cameras inside your building is a good idea because you can easily identify the person by the clothes they are wearing. Used in conjunction with the face shot at the entry point, you have an excellent record of all people and activities in your surveillance areas.
Bullet Security Cams and Domes. Bullet cameras and domes are low cost and high performance. They can be uses indoors and outdoors and available in color or black/white. Dome and bullet cameras come in many shapes and sizes. Good quality black/white cameras start at about $80 and good color cameras start at $150. When you’re budgeting, remember, that having a low cost black & white camera is much better than a fake camera!
Contact Pacific Security Systems, Inc. for more information! Located in Walnut Creek, CA, we service the entire San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.
