Indoor and outdoor surveillance cameras help ensure security in an office building, in an enterprise, or in a private home. Such devices are divided into several varieties depending on the connection method, type of housing and other parameters. When choosing, you need to focus on their functions, purpose, main advantages and disadvantages.
Classification of CCTV cameras
There are various types of CCTV cameras on the market, so before you buy a specific model, you will need to take into account the tasks that the monitoring system will face.
Place of installation and terms of use
Based on the installation location, the tracking devices can be installed inside or outside the room. Internal cameras are small in size, which makes them practically invisible, they are additionally equipped with motion sensors.
All types of outdoor cameras are made of more durable materials that provide protection against moisture, dust, high temperatures and mechanical stress. Most often, outdoor devices are made of anti-vandal metals and supplemented with tempered glass.
Type of shell
Types of video cameras are easier to distinguish by type of housing. The outdoor models are made of vandal proof metal and complemented by a protective cover. The most popular are dome devices in the shape of a small hemisphere. Such cameras can be rotatable; they are equipped with a PTZ mechanism to change the position of the lens. Less often, case-mounted cameras consisting of a separate lens and bracket are installed. Special mini-cameras are made of light and durable materials, which allows you to install them anywhere in the room as unobtrusively as possible.
Type of device connection
Surveillance cameras by connection method can be wired and wireless. In the first case, they are connected to the common system using twisted pair or coaxial cable, in the second via Wi-Fi. Devices connected through a wire are capable of transmitting data at a distance of 100 to 500 meters.
If you can’t install the cables, you need to consider that Wi-Fi, 3G and 4G signals can be drowned out by interference generators.
Device features
The classification of systems for video surveillance by function is considered more simplified. Modern devices are equipped with a large number of options that significantly facilitate their setup, installation and operation, and they will also look almost imperceptible due to their compact dimensions.
- PTZ control. Allows you to remotely change the position of the lens, adjust the focus and zoom of the device directly from the workplace.
- Power PoE. It makes it possible not to install separate sockets and wires for the transmission of electricity, since the power to the cameras goes through the same twisted pair for the video stream.
- Light sensor. It activates IR illumination in the dark, helps to get a good quality image even at night.
- Motion Detector. If there is motor activity in the frame, it displays the image on a separate monitor, writes it to the archive and gives an alarm.
- Microphone. Transmits sound recording, can be built-in or external.
Modern types of video cameras also provide a feedback speaker for organizing two-way communication with the object on which the device is installed. Another indispensable option is P2P, which provides a camera connection with a smartphone.
Criterias of choice
Before buying, you need to determine the requirements for devices of this type. Devices with a black-and-white image are characterized by higher sensitivity compared to color counterparts, but do not allow to clearly determine the color of the object.
It is important to choose a camera depending on the installation location. For mounting in difficult conditions, it is better to choose the types of modern video cameras for video surveillance with protection against moisture, heating and an anti-vandal housing.
If you install wired devices, always take into account the convenience of laying communications and possible problems during installation. For dimly lit places, cameras with IR illumination or spotlights, equipped with the image detail option, are purchased.
Purpose of various types of cameras
The main purpose of all devices for recording and recording actions taking place indoors or outdoors is to convert an optical image into an electrical signal. In the process of choosing the right model, you need to determine which camera options will be prioritized.
On sale are analog and digital options. The former do not differ in a variety of options, but at the same time provide high reliability and stability. Such devices can only transmit a signal and process it to eliminate the interference and distortion. They are suitable for those who need to watch the image online or in recording.
Digital video cameras can work in local networks or on the Internet as standalone devices. With their help, you can organize remote access to viewing on video tapes and manage it, transfer data from several cameras at once on the same line, and also integrate devices with other security systems.
Advantages and disadvantages
All types of cameras, without exception, regardless of their characteristics, have a large number of advantages, so it is almost impossible to do without them in modern conditions:
- crime prevention, reduction of theft in stores and public places;
- setting the chronology and personalities of participants in car accidents and illegal acts, the ability to use ready-made records in court and in the investigation process;
- control and accounting, allowing statistics on the throughput of public places or outlets;
- monitoring the quality of work of staff and employees of various enterprises.
The cameras are not able to cover the observation area by 100%, blind spots can be detected anywhere, where the devices will not work efficiently enough.
The cost of installing tracking devices is quite high and requires a separate cost item.
Faults and repairs
All types of video surveillance systems consist of a standard set of components, which includes the devices themselves, connecting cameras for signal transmission, and data processing equipment. If there are problems in the operation of the devices, it is necessary to determine which part caused the failure in the general system.
Since systems and components are classified as sophisticated equipment, it is not recommended to repair them yourself without the appropriate skills. Specialists most often change individual faulty units or entire cameras. First of all, power supplies fail due to voltage surges, overloads and low-quality parts.Also, the problem may be a faulty matrix with a broken seal or frequent exposure.
Camera Operation Rules
The description of the operating rules for cameras for a home, office or enterprise is similar to the requirements for servicing network devices and low-voltage equipment. In order for the devices to function properly, a number of recommendations must be observed:
- do not allow water or rain to get on them if they do not have additional protection against moisture;
- instantly turn off the equipment in the presence of smoke and odors from it;
- contact specialists in case of malfunctions;
- Do not use abrasives, solvents or water when cleaning devices;
- Do not install cameras in direct sunlight or close to radiators, in places with strong vibration or magnetic fields;
- Protect against thunder for external devices in order to reduce the likelihood of breakage during a thunderstorm
Prevention of tracking systems is recommended at least once every six months to prevent potential damage. In the process, the integrity of the body of the cameras, switch boxes and connecting wires, the presence of cracks and dust on the lenses are checked.
Top CCTV Camera Manufacturers
Among manufacturers of innovative security cameras there are several proven Russian and foreign brands. This list includes a Russian company Altcam, which produces network, analog, rotary and miniature devices, as well as IR projectors and DVRs.
A recognized leader in the field of video surveillance devices is considered Axis, under this brand, camcorders and components are manufactured that are distinguished by a high level of quality. The standard warranty is three years.
Another popular manufacturer is Falcon eye, offering customers devices of the budget and middle segment, including analog and network devices of the external and internal type.
Company Beward manufactures equipment for professional video surveillance systems, presented in several lines. Their list includes not only the devices themselves, but also individual lenses and devices for protection against thunder.
