5 considerations when buying CCTV Cameras

CCTV cameras are a great way to ensure security. When criminals or thieves see that you have a working CCTV installed on your premises, they are more unlikely to carry out a crime. Besides deterring crime, CCTV cameras also act as evidence to record whatever might be happening at the moment to protect yourself from any unjust behaviour. Today, CCTV technology has evolved and there are many different types of security cameras on the market for different functions. Before deciding on which CCTV camera you want for your premise, it is good to do some prior research so that you have some basic knowledge of what to expect. You’ll find lots of versions here, DTS digital CCTV.

What you should consider when buying a CCTV camera

Here are some things you should consider when buying a CCTV camera to help your decision-making process:

1. Storage

These days, different types of CCTV cameras have different storage functions. Some have a built-in SD card slot while others have separate internal storage on the DVR. Choosing a CCTV camera that uses micro SD cards as storage is usually a preferred option due to its convenience. Users can buy SD cards according to the amount of recording they expect to store. SD cards can be 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB. If you are expecting to store larger amounts of data, then you can opt for a separate hard disk with bigger storage on the DVR.

2. Movement

New age CCTV cameras can be rotated both vertically and horizontally so that they cover a larger area. A camera rotating at maximum horizontally is known as Pan, while vertical rotations are known as a tilt. When searching for the right CCTV camera, you ideally want something that pans close to 360 degrees and tilts upwards or downwards to 90 degrees to cover as much surface area as possible so you don’t miss anything in your surroundings.

3. Quality

CCTV cameras on the market these days produce images with 720p and 1080p resolution. The greater the resolution, the better the quality. But it also means that you need a bigger amount of storage to keep all your recordings. So if you are planning to use a high-resolution camera, then you will need a DVR with large internal storage even as large as terabytes. If you use a CCTV camera with in-built SD card storage, they will be filled up very quickly and you’d have to keep changing them to ensure you can record more footage. Some cameras even have the function to overwrite footage which means whatever’s been recorded so far will be erased once the memory is full to continue recording more footage.

To estimate, keep in mind that a standard 720p camera takes up around 38GB of space for a day’s recording. So if you want to get a higher resolution camera, be prepared with the correct storage so that you can keep all your recordings.

4. Sensors

These days, there are also smart security cameras that come with motion sensors. Sensors detect sounds and movements and automatically alert owners by notifying them on their mobile devices. While they offer more security, they are also very pricey which makes them less popular.

5. Installation and set-up

There are many ways to set up CCTV cameras. Wireless cameras are the simplest to set up and install since there are no cables involved. Then, it’s just all about positioning and mounting your camera. Depending on how long you plan to use the camera, magnetic or sticky bases offer a short term solution. Or if you are planning to use it for a long time, then screwing the camera will ensure that it’s mounted properly at all times. Next, it’s good to know how far your camera can pan or tilt so that you can position accurately.

Some cameras might require more work to set up and involve either drilling holes or hammering pins so you can screw on the camera. In these situations, you might require professional help. You can check with your CCTV camera supplier if they offer free installation services. Usually, a good supplier will provide all the tools and parts that you need, and also a technician for free installation.

Installing a CCTV camera on your premise gives you a sense of security and peace of mind. CCTV camera technology today has evolved greatly and the elements above will help you think of exactly what you are looking for when buying your new CCTV camera.