How to choose a wireless security camera

Wireless security cameras are cameras that do not require a connecting cable to be run between the camera and the recording or viewing device. They use a radio transmitter to transmit the video signal from the camera to a receiver, which is located near the recording (VHS recorder, DVR - Digital Video Recorder) or viewing (TV, monitor) device. The primary advantage of wireless security cameras is their ease of installation. With a traditional wired camera system, running the cables can cost as much or more than the cost of the equipment itself. In addition, wireless security cameras can be installed in locations where it would be difficult, if not impossible to run cabling.

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing among the available models of wireless security cameras offered by totalsecuritywarehouse.com. One of the first things to consider is where the camera is to be mounted. If the camera is to be mounted outdoors, then it is necessary to choose a weatherproof model. Also, you need to consider the temperature range where the camera will be located. Consider a model with a built-in fan and heater if the outdoor temperature in your area reaches extremes (less than -10 degrees F or more than 104 degrees F for color cameras, -10 degrees F to +122 degrees F for black and white cameras). Also, keep in mind that each of the wireless security cameras will require a plug-in for the power supply to the camera.
Another factor to consider when choosing wireless security cameras is whether you need color or black and white. Color cameras provide more detail, such as the color of a car or the color of a person's clothing. But black and white cameras actually provide more resolution and can operate with less available lighting. For example, you might be able to make out a license plate number captured at some distance at night with a black and white camera, whereas with a color camera you would not be able to read it at the same distance. For the best of both worlds, consider choosing one of our dual-mode wireless security cameras. These cameras operate in color during the daytime, and switch to black and white at night when there is less available light.

You also need to consider the distance between the camera (transmitter) and receiver when choosing wireless security cameras. All of our wireless security cameras use a 2.4GHz transmitter/receiver combination, which can transmit a clear signal up to 700 feet with a direct line-of-sight. Line-of-sight means with no obstructions in the path between transmitter and receiver. In a typical home or business application, there should be enough extra signal power to transmit a few hundred feet even through obstructions such as ceilings and walls.

There are a few more factors you should consider when choosing wireless security cameras, such as the type of sensor the camera uses, low-light operation (LUX value) and the resolution provided by the cameras. There are two major types of sensors - CCD or CMOS. CCD sensors use analog technology and typically operate at lower light levels and with a higher resolution than CMOS sensors. However, CMOS sensors use less power, which can be an important factor in batttery-powered cameras.

The LUX value gives an indication of the low-light sensitivity of the camera. The lower the LUX value, the more sensitive the camera is to light. For example, a camera that sees down to 1 LUX would be able to record a usable image in the late afternoon, around dusk. A LUX value of .1 would allow use of the camera in a well-lit parking lot on a dark night. A LUX value of .05 would actually be able to record an image in very dim light, better than the ability of the human eye.

The resolution of wireless security cameras is another factor to be considered. Resolution is usually specified in the number of horizontal lines - this is the number of lines that the camera "paints" on the screen when viewing an image on a monitor. The higher the resolution the better the picture. A typical "standard resolution" would be around 320 lines for a color camera, or 380 for a black and white model. A typcical "high resolution" would be 460 for a color camera or 560 for a black and white model.

As you can see, choosing wireless security cameras can be a complicated process. This is all the more reason to do business with totalsecuritywarehouse.com, and take advantage of our years of experience in this business to help you in choosing the wireless security camera system that is right for you. In addition, our selection of wireless security cameras is among the best in the industry.