Which CCTV camera is best?
This is a question I get asked all the time and it’s a valid question. However, the question should be rephrased to read; Which CCTV camera is best for my application and my environment?
Avoid confusion with Australia’s wide selection of CCTV cameras
The choice of CCTV cameras in Australia is extensive. You literally have thousands of choices that range from a $9.99 camera kit on eBay to specialist cameras that cost tens of thousands of dollars. They all fall into the CCTV camera basket, yet for a whole variety of reasons couldn’t be more different.
What you need to ask yourself before buying
So before you even contemplate buying CCTV cameras, there are a few questions that need to be answered first.
- What is the purpose of the cameras?
- Are they to identify people or just observe?
- When you review footage of an incident, what do you expect to see?
- What is the environment like that they will be installed in?
- Are they for internal or external use?
- Will they be exposed to morning or afternoon sun?
- Which way will they face?
- At what height will they be positioned?
- Do they need to work at night?
- What is the lighting like where they will be installed?
Technology and style are other considerations
Once these and other points have been qualified, you can then start to consider technologies, camera styles and types:
- IP or analogue?
- HD or megapixel?
- Fixed lens or varifocal?
- Dome camera or full body?
- Weather-proof or vandal-proof housings?
The choices and options are endless so the trick is to find the right cameras that will give you the outcome you need.
Plan, research and invest in the best solution
The amount of time spent on camera selection should directly relate to the level of importance placed on their function and the required outcomes. In other words, if CCTV is important to you, invest in it to make sure you get a good result.