What is a security camera?

A security camera is a type of camera that serves to protect your home, business, car or property against burglars, vandals or fraudulent personnel. With the right security camera, you ensure that safety can be guaranteed and suspicious persons in the area can be monitored.

Analog or digital

When purchasing a camera system, it is important to distinguish between the older analog systems and the current standard of digital security cameras. The analog system was developed in the 1940s and is cheaper than its digital counterpart. This is clearly reflected in the lower resolution of the analog cameras, where the digital version shows an increasingly sharp image in HD quality. In the current market, the digital security camera has experienced rapid growth and this in turn has advantages in terms of current prices.

Wireless or wired

The choice of a wireless security camera is one which must be carefully considered. The advantage is of course that there are no visible wires at home or in your company and they cannot be cut by vandals, in addition, the installation is often simple and quick. On the other hand, there are a number of disadvantages that are important in the final choice of a camera surveillance system. These cameras often work on a battery and it is therefore important to regularly check the battery level. Limitations in the quality of the Wi-Fi connection can also cause noise and interference in the recordings. In addition, they can be intercepted by burglars if security is poor.

What type of security camera?

The choice of a suitable security camera depends on the purpose you are going to use it for. The cameras come in all shapes and sizes, with each type making the recordings you want for a different situation. For example, an indoor camera deals differently with the difference between day and night than an outdoor camera. We distinguish between five security cameras:

• Dome camera: A common type of security camera is the sphere-shaped dome. It can be aimed at a fixed point and is easy to assemble. The camera's lens is located behind the sphere and its shape makes it highly resistant to vandalism. The dome surveillance camera is often used outdoors and can therefore switch to infrared night lighting.
• PTZ camera: The pan, tilt and zoom camera is a controllable security camera, often operated via a computer, smartphone or joystick. This camera can be fully programmed and with professional models it is even possible to automatically follow people. Due to the continuous movement it is wise to replace parts regularly.
• Bullet camera: This type of security camera has a long history, but it is still widely used due to its effective operation and low cost. The lens is located In the long and waterproof casing and there is also room for infrared lighting. This offers an advantage when registering night-time activities. This camera can be aimed at a certain point and is adjustable.
• Cube camera: The ideal camera for registering activities indoors. Thanks to its compactness, it can be used in small spaces and also offers numerous possibilities by adding sound recordings and infrared lighting. With this type of camera, the risk of vandalism is present if it is in the field of view.

In addition to these common cameras, there are a few other types that are used less frequently. One example is the robot camera. It is also possible to buy a dummy model, the preventive effect of these fake cameras can deter burglars and vandals. Consider which type of camera is most suitable for each purpose.

A number of security cameras

The number of cameras you need to install depends entirely on the situation and the purpose. In a small house it is sufficient to only provide a camera at the points where the risk of burglary and vandalism is greatest. A single room with valuables can be equipped with security cameras at the entrance and any windows. It is therefore wise to consider a number of matters when choosing the number of cameras.

• What is the surface area of the room or the property?
• Are there angles which are difficult to film?
• How many entrances and exits are there?
• Are there possibilities of entering via a roof?

Installation, positioning and recording

Once you have purchased the security camera(s), it is time for the installation. Often the installation is easy to follow via the supplied booklet and software. The distinction between indoor and outdoor cameras is essential when installing a camera, as not every type can handle weather conditions such as rainfall, heat and frost. Of course, it is important to test the light incidence, angle of rotation, zoom capacities and shooting possibilities when placing the camera. With a security camera, activity must not only be registered but also recorded. For this purpose, it is therefore important to purchase a recorder in addition to the standard storage. Digital images can be captured in HD resolution and stored on a hard disk or in the cloud. Useful when images must be handed over to the police. With the live view option, it is even possible to send images directly to the control room.