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.
Need help deciding upon a surveillance camera system?
Don’t hesitate to contact one of our security experts at