How to Buy a Security Camera

Types of Security cameras:

Office security cameras - The security of an office can be enhanced by the use of security cameras. Commercial establishments and organizations are prone to sabotage and breach of security. With the increasing terrorist threats, it has become a necessity to install cameras in offices. Los Angeles security cameras Going through the recorded images of an office camera will help in cracking the case faster and identifying the criminals. Investigations can be prolonged if such important evidences are not available.

Office cameras record every move made by employees, visitors and employers alike. There is constants surveillance on any kind of suspicious or dubious act. Placement at specific points can indeed help in preventing hazardous incidents. Offices should use metal detectors and explosive detectors along with security cameras to make the workplace safe. Certain offices use security cameras as spy cameras to keep an eye on its employees. This stops any immoral or irresponsible act conducted during office hours.

Home security cameras - The number of crimes are constantly increasing. Home, a place that people consider to be the safest place, is not safe anymore. The home has become a target of several harmful activities in the recent past. The use of cameras at home has now become a necessity and not just an option. Home cameras not only help in detecting crime, but also help in preventing them. Surveillance cameras have become the weapon to fight the growing number of terrorist activities.

With the advancement of technology, it is now possible to view the images from a security camera on your home television. No separate monitor is required for outdoor or indoor surveillance. Some parents prefer using home cameras to indoor surveillance. It helps them keep an eye on their children 24x7. Home cameras have helped parents to be aware of incidents of child abuse or child violence by domestic helps and baby-sitters. To make sure that the house is completely safe, the cameras have to be positioned at the right places. People who cannot afford a home camera often use dummy cameras. The dummy security cameras help in alerting the miscreant and prevent crimes like real cameras. However, real cameras provide important evidence at the court when a crime is committed.

School security cameras - Schools witness several incidents that can be identified and prevented by using security cameras. The school cameras are now smoothly replacing security officers. In recent times it has been noted that many schools are opting for security cameras to make sure that the children are safe. This comes as a consequence of schools becoming targets of terrorist activities.

School security cameras are placed in strategic positions. These allow viewing and recording of the images. School security cameras have evidently reduced crimes committed on campus. The fact that they are being watched has prevented students from involving in violent and harmful acts. The school cameras help in alerting the authorities about any potentially dangerous situation. In some cases, the timely intervention of the school authorities has managed to prevent a dangerous incident.

How to buy a Security Camera

There are numerous companies selling different types of cameras in the market. Before you zero in on a particular camera for your home or office, you have to bear certain factors in mind.

It is essential to consider your needs. The duration of surveillance and the area that has to be covered will help you know the kind of camera you will need. There are different kinds of cameras for commercial and domestic use. You have to keep in mind whether the camera will be used for indoor or outdoor surveillance.

Make sure you note the resolution of the camera before you purchase it. It is possible to determine the resolution of the image produced by the camera by checking the number of TV lines in the picture. The greater the number of TV lines, the better is the resolution of the security cameras. The number of TV lines help in improving the image quality. There are usually 350 - 38- TV lines in regular security cameras. If you want a camera with a good resolution, you should go for 400 TV lines. 500 TV lines mean that the camera has the best resolution.

The technology used in the camera is significant. Surveillance cameras use two kinds of technology for producing images, viz. Charge Couple Device (CCD) and CMOS. The quality of the images is affected by the technology used. CMOS produces poor quality images and is used in small and inexpensive cameras. A good camera always uses the CCD chips. The CCD chips can be availed in three sizes - ½ inch, 1/3 inch, and ¼ inch. The larger the size of the chip, the better is the image quality. However, cameras with CCD chips are relatively pricey.

The lens used in cameras plays a vital role in determining the image quality and the angle in which the images are viewed. Two kinds of lens are used in cameras, varifocal and monofocal. The monofocal lens has a fixed focal length. But the varifocal lens can alter the focal length as and when required. Auto iris and manual iris are used for fitting the lens.