INS Surveillance

Types of Cameras

The different types of cameras are plentiful. Surveillance cameras come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. When trying to determine which camera is best for your situation, the following aspects should be considered:

  • Distance from the camera to the desired field of view, or the actual location the camera is viewing/recording.
  • Width of the field of view you’re looking for
  • Lighting changes that occur, or low/high lighting requirements
  • Whether you need color or black and white (B&W works well in low lighting)

Buyers need to consider all of these factors when determining which camera is right for them, because there is simply not a camera that works with every individual circumstance. It is important to evaluate each individual location when deciding to purchase a camera system.

Digital IP vs Analog Cameras

Analog – offers a wide range of the basic security options to meet almost any surveillance need a home or small business.

Digital IP – specialize in megapixel resolution which results in high quality images.

Analog or CCTV w/ DVR Video Surveillance

  • Easy to operate similar to a VCR
  • Poor Image Quality
  • Analog recording resulting in lower quality of images.
  • Analog recording prevents easy searching and tracking.
  • Requires frequent change of cassettes and rewinding. This process is highly inefficient and easily can result in numerous errors.
  • Storage tapes erode over time.
  • Storage is bulky.
  • Impractical to broadcast live images.
  • Only way to add DVR systems is via 16 channel blocks.

IP-Camera Video Surveillance

  • Easy plug and play
  • Higher Image Quality and adjustable frame rate
  • Digital recording does not decrease recording quality over time even with playback
  • Multiple camera operation and addition from one remote location
  • High compression offers easy storage and transfer to numerous forms of media
  • Instantly transmits images to any location in the world through remote or shared viewing via the web
  • Easily encrypt digital images for security. Add updates and extras with simple software upgrades

Other Camera Categories

Fixed – stationary cameras that only move when physically adjusted.

PTZ – stands for “Pan, Tilt, & Zoom,” these cameras that can be moved remotely.

Bullet – obviously visible cameras with a cylindrical shape, often used outdoors.

Dome – discreet cameras enclosed in a dome-shaped transparent casing, often used indoors.

Don’t hesitate to contact one of our security experts at