There comes a time when every business, regardless of their size, must decide which security cameras would be best for their company. Video surveillance cameras have come a long way since the grainy, barely visible moving pictures of days past. Video surveillance continues to evolve, bringing businesses large and small, many benefits beyond security.
Before you commit to a video camera surveillance system, ask yourself these 8 questions first.
Do you need your security cameras to be discreet or to act as a visual deterrent?
Determining where you want to monitor will determine the type of camera you need. Obvious cameras, like the large box cameras, remind people they are being monitored and reduces the chance of theft. Dome cameras are best used for monitoring expansive areas discreetly.
Do you need outdoor security cameras, indoor security cameras, or both?
Most modern surveillance cameras can be used either indoors or outdoors. But it’s important to take into consideration weather conditions when selecting camera features like mounting and housing when outdoors. Indoors, video surveillance cameras can be subjected to harsh environments as well including areas with high levels of vibration, factory sawdust, smoke, and other factors.
How large of an area do you need your cameras to cover?
The area you want to monitor will determine the type of camera and number of cameras you will need. For example, the PTZ camera works great with larger areas because of their range and ability to zoom in or a particular activity. This means fewer CCTV cameras are needed which is be great for your budget.
How much detail and clarity do you require from your video images?
The size of the area you want your cameras to monitor ultimately determines the resolution you will need. Retail spaces need higher resolution cameras to ensure image quality remains intact while zooming.
Are your lighting conditions sufficient or will you need to compensate?
Test cameras to see which models work best for your current lighting conditions. Remember that outdoor security cameras will experience different amounts of sunlight throughout the day. Think about where lighting will be, if the lighting is creating a glare and will there be a reflection on the floor.
Will you need audio surveillance as well?
Will you need to integrate audio into your surveillance system so that your personnel can hear possible perpetrators? Audio integration can be great as an independent detection method, triggering recordings and alarms when audio passes a certain requirement.
Is security system scalability a priority?
If you have a growing business or are planning for growth, a surveillance system that scales with the size of your company can save you lots of money in the long run. You want to choose IP cameras that connect via wireless to allow for easy growth and connection. Anything hardwired will be difficult to scale.
Which parts of your business will benefit from effective monitoring and surveillance?
You may not require security cameras all throughout your business. You may just need cameras for a specific area or areas. Before making your purchase, you should decide which areas would best benefit from surveillance.