Choosing the right CCTV camera

A CCTV (Closed Circuit TV) camera is a TV-type camera that does not broadcast over the general airwaves. With the widespread availability of digital video cameras the term CCTV has largely been replaced by the term video camera, with the closed circuit aspect being assumed. Because of these advances in technology, there are a number of factors to consider when choosing a CCTV camera.

One of the first things to consider is whether to choose a color or a black and white CCTV camera. A color camera can provide more information about the subject, such as the color of a car or a person's clothing. On the other hand, a black and white CCTV camera operates on less power, has a higher resolution, and can operate better in low-light situations. Recent advances have lessened these differences, but black and white cameras still generally outperform color cameras.

A typical resolution for a color CCTV camera is 380 horizontal lines, while 420 horizontal lines would be typical for a black and white camera. Low-light operation is usually specified using the LUX value. A typical LUX value for a color camera would be 1 LUX, while a typical value for a black and white model would be .05 LUX. By way of comparison, 1 LUX is about the amount of available light late in the evening, around dusk. .1 LUX is about the amount of light available in a well-lit parking lot at night. And a camera that can "see" down to .05 LUX can actually "see" better than the unaided human eye,

Another factor to consider is whether to choose a wired or wireless CCTV camera. Wired cameras can transmit their signal over a greater distance, while wireless cameras are much easier to install. Wired cameras require a cable to be run between the camera and the display/recording device. Wireless cameras cost more to begin with, but this cost difference can easily be recovered in savings in labor costs for installation, because there are no cables to run.

You will also need to consider where the CCTV camera will be installed. If it is to be installed outdoors in an exposed location, you will need a weatherproof model. Also, if the camera will be exposed to temperature extremes (temperatures less than -10 or greater than +110 degrees F for color cameras, or -10 to +122 degrees F for black and white models), then you will need to choose a model that has a built-in heater and fan.

Other factors to consider when choosing a CCTV camera are that you will need a display or recording device, and receivers for wireless cameras. The display can be a special monitor or a TV, as long as the TV has an available video input. For a recording device, the latest in technology is the DVR (Digital Video Recorder). You can choose from standalone units, units based around a PC, or systems that turn your existing personal computer into a DVR. As for receivers for wireless cameras, if you buy your wireless cameras from totalsecuritywarehouse.com, you get a free receiver with each wireless camera that you purchase.