Camera Styles: Dome vs Box vs Bullet
Filed under: Beginning CCTV, CCTV Articles, CCTV Camera, General Technology, Security Camera
There are several camera styles to choose from: Dome, Box, Bullet, Vandal-Resistant, and Spy. Each has their own unique advantages and disadvantages. First, I would like to discuss the Dome Camera:
The dome camera is one of the most versatile camera styles. Many CCTV dome cameras offer 3-axis mounting. This mounting option allows you to mount vertical, horizontal and diagonally.
Another advantage is the dome structure itself: it offers a pleasing aesthetic look, blending in with the area of installation, and is usually offered in a variety of colors. The dome structure also offers greater vandal resistance when mounted in close arm’s length. This strength is very importance to consider when mounting for an application that involves lots of people in reach of the camera. Applications such as convenience stores, banks, retail stores, bars and homes should first consider dome cameras.
A disadvantage is if you ever need to change the field of view, it is necessary to pull the dome cover off to adjust the camera. Also, dome cameras are typically limited to a 12mm lens, so if longer distance or tighter shots are needed, this may not be the best choice.
The most commonly used camera, and probably the most versatile for distance viewing, is the box camera. The box security camera is not used often for its looks (I mean it’s a box), but moreso to have a presence of security to ward off potential challenges. A few advantages to consider when selecting box cameras:
- Inexpensive – there are many high resolution options that start under $100
- Audio – Among analog cameras many box cameras offers an audio microphone
- Large range of lenses – can capture both wide and small areas in addition to long distances – 2.8mm to 250mm+ lens available
- Dual power – box cameras can be powered with 12VDC or 24VAC
- Heated camera housing available – for cold weather conditions, a box camera can easily be placed in a heated enclosure
The disadvantages are the usually uninspired looks of the camera, and if mounted low, they could be tampered with. Also make sure you know which power source is run to the camera before hooking it up.
Sleek and aerodynamic are characteristics that come to mind when I think of Bullet Cameras. Not many things are more powerful than a locomotive and faster than a speeding bullet camera.
There are numerous spec choices with bullet cameras. They offer fixed lens, varifocal, long range, and a plethora of features.
Most bullet cams are suited for outdoor applications because of their larger size, which additionally offers a great way to deter theft. The bullet is very versatile because of the mounting bracket’s flexibility to swivel horizontally, and vertical adjustments can also be made with the simple turn of a screw or bolt. A bullet camera is also well-suited for interior warehouse applications.
One area to consider before installing a bullet is how high or low you will mount the camera. If you need to mount the camera less than 10 feet, and are worried about vandalism, then consider a different style camera.
Fixed or Varifocal?
Filed under: Beginning CCTV, CCTV Articles, CCTV Camera, Comparisons, Guides, Quick Overview
So you need a camera security system for your home or business and have varying distances to cover, what can you do? A standard security camera with a 3.6mm lens will basically cover a boxed area. So if you are viewing your CCTV system from 10 feet then you will see 10 by 10. If you view from 50 feet away then your horizontal view will be 47 feet. For longer distances, consider investing in a CCTV system that offers cameras with 4-9mm lenses or 2.8-12mm lenses. The advantages to these cameras are nearly endless, allowing you or the installer to customize and maximize every camera and viewing angle.
What Are We Looking At: Fixed vs Varifocal Lenses
Filed under: Access Control, CCTV Articles, CCTV Camera, CCTV Security Camera Lenses, Comparisons, General Technology
Much confusion exists regarding the viewing angle and resolution you can receive from an analog camera for your CCTV system. A big factor is resolution, measured in TV lines (currently offered up to 700TVL), but another factor that weighs in is lens selection. When you hear the words standard resolution, what does that mean? Basically, it refers to a 3.6mm lens analog camera with 380 to 480 TV lines. This class of camera is ideal for general surveillance, and the following chart gives an excellent idea of what to expect.
With a fixed lens, the field of view can never change, so what you see is what you get. The further the image is away from the camera, the less detail. You are unable to change the lens and thus if you require detail at a distance (but are limited to a specific position or place to mount the camera), then you will need to consider a varifocal lens. For example, stepping up from a 4mm to 9mm lens will allow you to change the focus without moving the camera. The 4-9mm lens option gives flexibility during installation and allows you to customize your viewing area. A varifocal lens is worth the extra few dollars.
Advantages of CCTV Cameras for Business
Filed under: CCTV Articles, CCTV Camera, CCTV Security DVR Cards
Let’s look at some advantages of investing in CCTV security cameras for business owners:
- Crime Deterrent – CCTV cameras constantly monitor when motion is detected. If employees or customers know that they are constantly being watched, they are less likely to steal.
- Protect Employees – Presence of a camera system allows a barrier of protection to keep customers and other employees in check.
- Business Insurance Discount – Check with you insurance agent but a discount on your premium may be applied with a camera system.
- Recording keeping – If a crime or incident occurs in an establishment that has installed CCTV surveillance, investigation will be aided by the video.
- Time Clock – Accurate date and time recordings to monitor employee work ethic
Save time and money with a camera security system
Filed under: CCTV Camera, Security Camera, Security Camera Packages, Security Camera System, Security DVR
If you own a business and need a camera security system that will save you time and money, read this article! Staffing is the number 1 challenge and cost for any business: how many people to hire, when to schedule, when to have additional coverage for busy times? Answer. A GeoVision DVR camera system. Not only will it record all the employee activities and provide accurate event records but with the GeoVision Smart Box, a web report will provide graphs and reports of real-time, hourly, daily, monthly and yearly statistics on people traffic and gender and age distribution. This Geovision option allows accurate forecasting for staffing as well as a look into the demographic that your store is currently marketing too. Using this data could open the doors to business opportunities.
Camera Security Systems from ApexCCTV
Size Matters: IP vs Analog
Do you want to see more with less cameras? If so, than IP is the way to go. IP cameras with megapixels will cover more viewing area than a high-resolution analog camera.
A standard high-resolution Analog camera has a 640×480 field of view so it needs to be moved around to see more, which means more cameras. The diagram below gives you a good idea of how many analog cameras you will need to cover this area.
So a good solution is to get one or two IP cameras that has enough resolution or sees a big enough picture to monitor all of this area. This is precisely what IP megapixel cameras allow you to do.
A quick comparison: You would need 16 analog cameras to cover this area at an estimated cost of $2,400 plus installation. One multi lens IP camera would cost approximately $2,100 plus much less for installation.
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