Home Surveillance Systems

Posts Tagged ‘Digital’

ULTIMAX is a series of 3rd generation digital video recorders (see –> DIPOL ULTIMAX offer), with implemented, so far the most efficient, H.264 compression. This type of deep compression is characterized by capability of providing good video quality at substantially lower bitrates than the previous standards. The standard was developed jointly in a partnership of VCEG and MPEG, and is marked as H.264/AVC, AVC/H.264, H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, or MPEG-4/H.264 AVC (AVC – Advanced Video Coding).

Network digital video recorders of ULTIMAX series are excellent digital surveillance products. Equipped with embedded MCU and dedicated real-time operating system (RTOS), they combine the most advanced electronic and computer technologies, such as efficient video and audio encoding/decoding, hard disk recording (support of virtually unlimited disc capacity), and TCP/IP protocols. The firmware is stored in flash memory, and can be easily updated.

Any device from the ULTIMAX series has both the features of a digital video recorder (DVR) and digital video server (DVS). It can work as stand-alone device, or be used to build powerful surveillance networks, widely used in banks, telecommunication companies, transportation, factories, warehouses etc.

The DVRs, being very versatile, support many special functions allowing cooperation with POS terminals, ATM/cash machines etc.

ULTIMAX-716

he basic criterion for actual quality of video monitoring system is ability of identifying people from the recorded video data and possibility of handing over the archives on original storage media for legal proceedings. ULTIMAX 7xx DVRs fulfill state requirements for video coverage of mass events in Poland and majority of other countries.

Due to efficient H.264/AVC compression it is possible to record D1 images (704 x 576) at 25 fps (PAL) from each channel (camera). It means that the ULTIMAX-716 (16 channels) is capable of recording up to 400 fps with D1 resolution.

ULTIMAX 7xx DVRs end the era of frame by frame analysis. The playback of D1 images at 25 fps is similar to watching quality TV transmission or a DVD film rather than the typical jumps from image to image in the previous CCTV systems.

ULTIMAX-716 has huge storage potential – after installing eight HDDs with 2000GB (2TB) capacity each, the total disc space amounts to 16 TB. It allows to create enormous archives. Even in the case of simultaneous and continuous recording of video data from all 16 channels, with D1 resolution and maximum bitrate (8000 Kbps, it is enough for 285 hours, i.e. nearly 12 days and nights. Such archives would deliver DVD quality.

It is possible to test the actual frame rate by analyzing the images frame by frame and using a frame counter. Comparing the displayed time and the counter indications it is easy to prove the 25 fps rate.

Because of network operation, the priority is adequate security level. To protect the system and data against unauthorized access, there is multi-level access control, with passwords and defined privileges for local and network management (e.g. viewing images from cameras, accesses to archives, system setup). There can be defined MAC addresses of the computers capable of getting access to the DVR resources.

Rear panel of the ULTIMAX-716

The DVR enables the administrator/operator to set resolution and frame rate independently for each camera. There is possibility of defining channels that are to be recorded after triggering alarm in a camera path, with long pre- and post-alarm periods.

Network software allows to manage several DVRs and other ULTIMAX and ULITCAM devices (video servers and IP cameras). Easy operation thanks to user-friendly graphic interface, including mouse pointer.

There is possibility of embedding maps (BMP files with deployment of cameras) which enable the operator of a bigger monitoring system to quickly localize the spots and manage the surveillance network.

Due to cooperation with external recorders/devices (CD/DVR, hard disc, USB flash drives) connected via USB port, it is easy to backup, review and playback the recordings.

DVR can get text/number strings through RS-232 or network port. The strings can be sent from devices such as ATM/cash machine, POS machine or others. DVR can paste the strings into the real time image and record. The same strings (entered from numeric keyboard) can be used as keys for searching the recorded files to play them back.

There are available the following ULTIMAX DVRs:

16-channel

* ULTIMAX-716

* ULTIMAX-516

* ULTIMAX-316

8-channel

* ULTIMAX-708

* ULTIMAX-508

* ULTIMAX-308

4-channel

* ULTIMAX-504

* ULTIMAX-304

Do you need more information? Go to DIPOL web site for full features’ list.

DVR or Digital Video Recorder is one of the most popular and preferred kind of monitoring recorders in the video surveillance industry nowadays. DVRs were designed to overcome problems in low quality and high maintenance that other CCTV video recorders have. There are a lot of desirable potentials of a DVR, it does not only transformed the way new CCTV video surveillance systems are made, but it also has improved some features that would make a DVR better than any other previous recording systems.

Once you decide to purchase a Digital Video Camera, what are the most essential features you should look for? Of course there is an endless list DVR features. This article will demonstrate the basic qualities. First; DVRs provide its customers with an extremely better recording quality due to some motion detectors, found in specific models, but customers should take into account that the quality of images depend on the intended use and the user (i.e. some individuals may need the device for dictation purposes, and others may want to use the recorder to capture audio, or record a music). DVR offers standard play mode and high quality recording for such uses.

Recording Time is another DVR feature, and it is based on the amount of needed time, and definitely on the memory of storage capacity. The bigger the hard drive is the longer the time of storage. This relatively affects the Frame Rate, which is increased interactively with the high quality of recording and the real time. For instance; Real Time Recording for 1 camera is 30 Frames per Second (FPS). In order to capture 16 cameras in Real Time, you would need:  30 FPS x 16 Cameras = 480Frames per Second. You can record all your videos and audios on a removable memory with various storage capacities starts from 30hrs of recorded video per 30 GB and sometimes extend to more than 200GBs. Again, the greater the hard drive is more capacity of storage.

From now and on, do not think of how to transform your video material, DVRs now come with USB cable or USB flash memory that allows the users to transfer all the data (video, audio, images) to their PC easily without the need of any other hardware, so cheer up laptop users, no more cables to perform the process, and you can simply carry this USB in your briefcase (see picture 1.1). Later on, you will not face any troubles or obstacles in retrieving your videos; because DVRs provide the customers with the technique of registering the date and time of each data, which, undoubtedly; should facilitate arranging videos in your PC or in any other back up devices according to the recording date.

Some DVRs has the capability of accessing internet from any remote place, to make the necessary changes from recording live scenes, playing back, or even backing up video files. Along with the network access feature, DVR is capable of doing multi tasks simultaneously. Triplex DVR can record live views and play them back without having to break off its other qualities, while you are obliged to stop recording to play back the video with a simplex DVR.

Digital Video Records are available in different models and types; each is specified with its own features, qualities, and prices as well. You will find Analog Recorder, Computer-based DVR system, DVR Standalone, and Mobile DVR.

Dear customer get ready to save time and money on maintenance, and prepare your self to watch more detailed images, hear more clearer audio, and protect your drives from any potential risk or losing data. Digital Video Recorders is the right option for your surveillance system or even the better choice for your personal usage. And regarding the prices of DVRs, you can choose the suitable kind and the proper price which you can afford. Just contact the manufactures or the resellers directly, and certainly they will help you to choose the right DVR from their catalogue collections.

Next to choosing the right camera for your surveillance needs, the selection of an appropriate recording device is the second most important decision you will make. There are a lot of different options to choose from, each with their own pros and cons.

The easiest decision to make is that of the recording media. VCR type recorders that use VHS tapes to make time lapse videos are pretty much a thing of the past. They have all but been replaced with Digital Video Recorders (DVR) that store recorded video in a digital format onto a fixed storage device.

Digital Video Recorders are available as stand alone devices, or can be purchased as a card that is added to an existing PC.

Stand alone DVR devices are about the size of a DVD player and do not require additional hardware to function (other than a monitor). Be aware that some models do not include a hard drive – you must install one inside the unit yourself. If you do not want to be bothered with doing this, purchase a model with a hard drive already installed.

Stand alone DVR’s are very convenient and reliable. You simply plug your cameras into the device and configure your recording preferences and before you know it, your are done! No fuss, no mess. Some models even feature a network port that allows you to access and view your cameras from the Internet. Others have built-in USB ports and DVD burners to export video clips.

Video capture cards are used to add DVR capabilities to an existing PC. They tend to be less expensive than a dedicated DVR, but they require quite a bit of legwork to get up and running. The first issue to deal with is compatibility. Some cards only work with specific video card chipsets and operating systems – therefore it is important to be very diligent when looking over the system requirements before making your purchase. Video capture cards usually include the necessary software to monitor your cameras.

The second issue with video capture cards is the nature of their installations – your computer must stay powered on in order for the software to function, and the installation is highly dependent upon the reliability of the computer operating system. It is for these reasons that I prefer the ?install it and forget about it? nature of stand alone Digital Video Recorders.

Is is also important to take into account how many cameras you need to monitor and record. DVR prices start at about $100 for a basic video capture card and can reach up into the thousands of dollars. The more cameras you need to record, the more the unit will cost. For most residential and small business needs, a 4 or 8 camera DVR will do just fine. Expect to pay about $100 per camera port for a good stand alone DVR.

The next thing you want to verify is the recording resolution and frame rate. It is important that your DVR have the capability of recording at the same or higher resolution than your camera feeds. If you cameras transmit 480 lines of resolution, make sure your DVR can handle it. Digital video recorders now use several different video compression standards to store video. Try to get a unit that supports either H.264 or MPEG4 – they will allow you to store more video on your hard drive at higher resolutions and frame rates.

As far as storage is concerned, the bigger the hard drive, the more footage you can store. Combining motion activated recording with today’s larger hard drives should allow you to store months of footage on a 4 or 8 camera setup.

Finally, you will want to look into features such as the availability of motion based recording, scheduled recording and remote access to both real time feeds and stored video. These features are now pretty standard on newer models. Also make sure that the unit makes it easy to search and export video clips.

• Multi-feature 8 camera remote monitoring & recording
• Record from 8 cameras to video to a hard drive & download to USB port specifically designed for quality USB thumb drives – (optional extra)
• Web ready* & connects to your existing WAN, LAN or network – (* Broadband internet connection recommended)
• Set & forget with programable motion detection
• Easy installation, use with any TV, monitor & security cameras

Product Description
The Swann DVR8-Net-PLUS is the next generation of do-it-yourself security and safety monitoring. Featuring eight standard composite video inputs and 2 video outputs, with networking, web monitoring with USB thumb drive backup facility. It is the ideal CCTV system for small retail stores, homes or as a replacement for old fashioned time lapse recorders. Integrated motion activated recording also makes it ideal for cover observation systems.

Swann 8 Camera Digital Video Recorder for Network & Web Monitoring with USB

• Manufactured to the Highest Quality Available.
• Design is stylish and innovative. Satisfaction Ensured.
• Great Gift Idea.

Product Description
MPG4 network DVRFour recording qualitysettingsPlayback speed fast forward fast backward field by field playback pause and slow motionMulti-languageHDD management status format overwriteFirmware upgrade – USB flashdri

Aposonic A-BR1B4-A250 Digital Video Security System With 4 Infrared Night Vision CCD Cameras

If you’re after the highest standards in DVR equipment to look after assets or family then here it is, an excellent 4 channel DVR with Preview LCD, internal HDD capability and USB connectivity. You’ll be impressed from the get-go after you simply install your own 3.5 inch HDD (up to 200GB), and easily connect your cameras. From here this unit switches into top gear, with dual monitor ouputs, an s-video output (ideal for a TV), sensor inputs and an alarm output. Recording is possible on all channels simultaneously and in a number of different profiles so you can go all out for quality or step the resolution and frame rate down a bit for maximum recording times. All these features packed into a small, actively cooled (50mm fan) rugged steel enclosure. A powerful and but discreet product and an all-time great seller get yours today from Chinavasion at great wholesale prices with no MOQ.

Note: This unit does not come with a hard disk drive you will need to purchase this separately.

Manufacturer Specifications

1.5 Inch TFT LCD Screen Recording Format: MPEG (AVI) Recording Quality: Low, Normal, High Default Frame Rate Settings: PAL: 25 Frames per Second Recording Frame Rates: Frames per Second -25, 15, 10, 7, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Inputs:
- 4 Channel BNC (RCA with Small Adapters) Video Camera Input
- 4 Motion Sensor/Trigger Inputs Outputs:
- 4 Channel Camera Loop Back
- 1 Alarm Output
- 2 BNC (RCA with Small Adapters) Monitor Outputs
- S-Video Output
- USB Output for PC link Power Source: 12 V DC Dimensions: 290mm x 220mm x 52mm (L x W x H) Manufacturer Ref: ZHBW2ME7399I

Product Notes

Local PC monitoring and backup via USB- no need to take out the hard disk Password Protection- video captures will be safe from accidental erasure/ tampering Tough Stackable Casing Internal Alarm When Video Signal Lost Power Failure Protection, Automatic Restart Stand-Alone Operation not effected by PC Viruses etc.

Package Contents

Model CVAJM-913-PAL DVR Manual Power Adapter 3 X RCA cables (2 male connectors at each end) Software CD 1 X IDE to SATA adapter 10 X BNC to RCA (female) Adapters

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Current Reviews:    This product was added to our catalog on Saturday 02 December, 2006.

The problem for consumers when selecting one of today’s DVR CCTV systems is not having the proper information and knowledge. When you’re unfamiliar with the latest equipment and how its features may benefit your particular situation, it’s easy to select the wrong equipment. Sadly, you’ll never know until it’s to late, and that’s not the time to find out.

A digital video recording (DVR) CCTV surveillance system is only as good as the equipment purchased. That may seem like a simple & obvious statement, but unfortunately, a few will try to save money by taking short cuts or purchasing cut-rate equipment. Whereas others simply believe that having visible “dummy” cameras will scare someone away. EyeSpyL.I. does not carry any “fake” or “dummy” cameras. They believe this is like having a safe made out of cardboard, worthless.

As with all security systems, a professional thief can find ways to bypass systems, but knowing a few tricks of the trade can help prevent or at the least, make it harder for them to get away with committing a crime. Let’s get started!

One of the first things a thief will look for when they notice security cameras around a home or business is the digital video recorder and security VCR’s. Each item has a value at a pawnshop, but most importantly, if they take the DVR / VCR there’s no evidence. The good news is there are several things you can do that will help.

Look for a DVR that has an Internet connection with email notification. When someone walks into the cameras frame of view, email notification activates the DVR that in turn sends an email to your cell phone*, or any programmed email address. This feature alerts you via email that something is going on, instead of finding out when you come home or open up your business. ESLI believes it’s better to be alerted while the incident is occurring then just reporting it to the police after the fact.

Most DVR’s have a feature that allows you to connect to your existing alarm system. When the DVR detects motion, the DVR will trigger your alarm system, thus making your DVR part of your overall security system.

A trick used in the CCTV industry to mislead a thief is too purchase an inexpensive VCR, then, hide the DVR and make the VCR as visible as possible. Be sure to keep a tape in the unit so the intruder will believe they have escaped with the evidence.

Hard drives found inside DVR’s are used to store video and audio. Depending on the length of time you want to store information determines your HD size. Fortunately, ESLI has a DVR Storage Calculator, which will help.

Power surges can decrease the cameras life. An excellent way to avoid this is by purchasing a distributed CCTV power supply. Many installers and CCTV suppliers will sell you a power supply for each camera. This costs less, but it can leave the power cords visible and can easily be unplugged if located next to the camera. When using a distributed CCTV power supply, power to the cameras are centrally located. Each camera is individual fused offering a greater reliability factor when compared to individual transformers.

Like the DVR, CCTV cameras are a vital part of your system. Yet, people will spend $49.00 for a camera. Do you know what you get when you spend $49.00 for a CCTV camera? You wind up with a $49.00 camera! That’s all right if you’re using it to watch your baby from one room to another but not to protect your home or business.

There are several features you need to look for when it comes to selecting the proper CCTV camera. A great place to start is here. Also, keep in mind that if the camera doesn’t incorporate Infrared technology, it will be useless in a dimly lit or dark area such as a bar or parking lot.

Finally, never leave camera wires exposed. This provides the thief with an easy and accessible way of disabling your system. This may seem obvious but you would be surprised how many installers cut corners by not doing something as simple as safeguarding the CCTV wires. Just look around at some cameras at your local stores and you’ll see what we are saying.

Remember, cutting corners and saving a few bucks may seem reasonable at the time, yet in the end, it may windup costing you a lot more.

Because each CCTV situation has distinctive requirements, you should contact one of our trained representatives to help with your actual conditions.

By Michael Austin

EyeSpyL.I. Surveillance

http://eyespyli.com

Digital Motion Detector DVR + Spy Button Camera Combo (USA)

The Digital Motion DVR system operates as a powerful spy camera that detects motion and records automatically. This practical system can also be set to manually record to provide maximum flexibility.

Pictures are conveniently stored in the internal memory or SD card for later retrieval and inspection, on either TV (monitor) or computer (requires simple installation of a reader). Video is shot in a 20 second clip in order to maximize storage efficiency. A one button CMOS camera to take covert videos.

This item is straightforward to use and set. It would be perfect for those who want to maintain maximum security over a fixed area or field of vision, e.g. store front at night, for a specific period of time. In particular, it would be a great asset in protecting valuables or a vulnerable physical space from intrusion.

This model is the NTSC color version, for use in the US, Canada, Mexico and other regions that use NTSC.

Product Specifications

Goes automatically into motion detect mode on power on Automatically take photos/record instantly on detection of movement Supplied with 256MB SD card which can store about 4000 pictures or 800 video clips Supports up to 2G SD Card Video memory “First in, First out”, for endless recording and re-recording Settings saved even when powered off Supports both NTSC and PAL input – (output will be same color system as camera) Filenames generated according to date and time; the format of picture is JPEG, and the format of video is AVI Can look for, check and delete images/video throughout the shooting date Has the simple operation, no need to install software Support playback the images on TV/monitor or on computer by SD card reader Supply Voltage: DC 5V Work Current: 350mA Unit Dimensions: 120mm x 110mm x 25mm (L x W x H) Manufacturer Ref: IHBM8HPUXIT3

Package Contents

One DVS One 256MB SD Card One professional button camera One DC 5V plug One shooting control cable One video cable

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Product Description
triplex Digital Video Recorder With Integrated 160gb Hard Drive triplex Technololgy Simultaneous Playback View Or Record real Time Recording On All 4 Channels At 30fps network Interface For Remote Viewing With Support For Lorex Ddns Service usb Interface For Video Back-up Image Transfer Or Firmware Upgrade 4 Color Ccd Weather-proof Day/night Cameras With 40ft. Night Vision includes Four 60 Camera Extension Cables Four Mounting Brackets Ethernet Cable Application Software Remote And Power Supplies

Lorex 15-Inch LCD Observation System with Network Digital Video Recorder and 4 Cameras

Buying a CCTV system is by no means easy. The vast array of products available nowadays could confuse anyone so we have tried our best to put together a guide to help you make an informed decision about what system should fulfill your requirements.

Before we go through how to choose a complete CCTV System, some people may only want to connect a camera to a TV/Monitor to view and record via a video recorder.

This is simple to do, when you have selected the camera you want pick the option with the correct length ‘Plug & Play’ cable. Make a note of the ‘connector’ type, this is usually BNC, then check your TV connections. They will probably be phono or scart. Then you will need to buy a BNC to Phono connector, and if necessary a scart connection. And you’re done; you simply plug these connections into the end of your cable, and into your TV. Place the camera where you want and record images on to your video recorder, keeping in mind that it can only record for as long as there is space on the video tape. Of course you will need to “tune” in a channel on your TV to see your camera.

Below we go into more details about the two main parts of a CCTV security system, the Digital Video Recorder (DVR) and the Camera’s.

Digital Video Recorder Basics…

The Digital Video Recorder is the “brain” of a CCTV system; it takes the images from the cameras and stores them on to a hard disk drive. You can then look at the images recorded on the hard drive, and review what the cameras have been viewing by connecting a monitor (or other form of display unit) to the DVR. You can forward and rewind through the images in much the same way you may have done so with a typical Video recorder. On many you can search for specific dates and times to quickly find the footage you want to view.

Once you have your images recorded on the hard drive, from time to time there may be an incident which you will be required to give to the police as evidence, you will then need to back up the Data they require from the hard drive on to another storage device.

Backing Up Data…

All Digital Video Recorders store information on a hard drive, something you should consider when choosing your Digital Video Recorder is how you will back-up this Data if there is ever an incident that you may be required to provide evidence of to the police.

Common forms of back-up include:

• Connecting to Video recorder: This is mainly only for ‘budget’ Digital Video Recorders and involves connecting the Digital Video Recorder to a video recorder and recording the information on to tape.

• USB to PC link: Quite common, and simple to do, simply connect the Digital Video Recorder to a PC via cable and copy information to PC Hard drive, from there you can write on to disk, pen stick etc.

• USB Pen Stick: Quite common and simple to do, amount of storage depends on USB pen stick used.

• CD Rewriter (built in or external): simple to do, some Digital Video Recorders would also require you to load software on to any device that you wanted to then watch the CD on. You should keep this in mind if giving CDs to police as with this software they would not be able to view the CD. Also bare in mind CDs are limited to 750 Megabytes.

• DVD Rewriter (built in or external): simple to do, some Digital Video Recorders would also require you to load software on to any device that you wanted to then watch the DVD on. You should keep this in mind if giving DVDs to police as with this software they would not be able to view the DVD. 4.7Gigabyte of space available.

• Networked: You can copy data from your Digital Video Recorder on to any PC while viewing it over the internet

Digital Video Recorders are available as Standalone units or PC based units. Choosing which one is a personal preference, but I’ll take this opportunity to point out a couple of things. Although many PC based Digital Video Recorders offer lots of added features and familiar use, standalone Digital Video Recorders are purpose built for the job and are considered more reliable and therefore less likely to fail. With PC based units we would strongly recommend the pc is used as a security device only and not used as a standard pc with surveillance, this should reduce the risk of failures.

Also if you are “PC savvy” and decide to buy a Digital Video Recorder PC Card and install it into your PC yourself, please check that you will not void your PC warranty before you do.

Last but not least, and this goes for all Digital Video Recorders, where possible try to use a purpose built hard drive. By this we mean that some people, to save costs, use a normal PC hard drive in a Digital Video Recorder. Unfortunately this usually ends up with the hard drive failing simply because a pc hard drive is not designed to be constantly “working” twenty four hours a day – seven days a week. Also please check the compatibility of the hard drive with your Digital Video Recorder, as some may require IDE drives, others SATA, and some may work better with Seagate, others Maxtor.

Ok, now hopefully you have a better idea about what a Digital Video Recorder is, and its purpose, now let’s consider the Cameras.

CCTV Camera Basics…

For those who know little or nothing about what a CCTV camera is, or what it does.

CCTV Cameras are the “eyes” of a CCTV system, you place them inside and outside buildings to enable you to see and also record (via a Digital Video Recorder) what the camera is looking at.

Unfortunately that’s where it stops being easy, we cant emphasize enough how you need to educate yourself as much as possible about what CCTV cameras are capable of and then look seriously as to what you want to use a camera for and what you need that camera to do. By this we mean there are literally thousands of cameras available nowadays, but this is because there are so many different situations where a camera is required that there isn’t just one camera for all jobs.

So how do you go about choosing a camera, well you have to start with basics….

First where is the camera going? Indoors or outdoors? If outdoors use the weatherproof guide to choose what kind of an IP rating your camera requires.

Weather Proof Rating…

Weather proof is measured using an IP Rating, if a camera doesn’t state an IP rating you can consider it is for internal use only.

IP Ratings Guide

The IP classification system designates the degree of protection provided by an enclosure against solid objects or water ingress.

There are always two digits in an IP rating, the first digit refers to the protection against solid objects (dust) and the second digit refers to the protection against water.

Dust Protection (first digit):

0 = Non-protected
1 = Protected against a solid object greater than 50mm, such as a hand.
2 = Protected against a solid object greater than 12.5mm, such as a finger.
3 = Protected against a solid object greater than 2.5mm, such as wire or a tool.
4 = Protected against a solid object greater than 1.0mm, such as wire or thin strips.
5 = Dust-protected. Prevents ingress of dust sufficient to cause harm.
6 = Dust tight. No ingress of dust.

Water Protection (second digit):

0 = Non-protected
1 = Protected against dripping water.
2 = Protected against dripping water when tilted up to 15º.
3 = Protected against spraying water at an angle of up to 60º.
4 = Protected against splashing water from any direction.
5 = Protected against jets of water from any direction.
6 = Protected against heavy seas or powerful jets of water. Prevents ingress sufficient to cause harm.
7 = Protected against the effects of temporary immersion in water.
8 = Protected against the effects of continuous immersion in water.

So for using CCTV cameras outdoors, I would recommend a very minimum IP rating of 55, but preferably 65 and above.

Once you know this, go to the area where you want to install the camera and look at what you want the camera to see. How far is the scene you want to capture from the camera? How big is it? Think about this and make sure you know what lens size you need to be able to see the scene you want at the distance it is away. There are many CCTV Lens Calculators on the internet to help you.

Consider, will you need to be able to see in dark conditions? Or only during the day time? If its needs to see in low light conditions, how dark does it get? Is there a street lamp near by? Or is there a security light on the premises? Go back at night time and see how dark it actually is, then use the Lux guide to see what kind of “minimum illumination” your camera requires. Keep in mind during the winter it gets dark very early, no good having a camera that’s only useful during the summer.

Lux Guide:

0.00005 lux = Starlight

0.0001 lux = Moonless overcast night sky

0.001 lux = Moonless clear night sky

0.01 lux = Quarter Moon

0.25 lux = Full Moon on a clear night

1 lux = Moonlight at high altitude at tropical latitudes

3 lux = Dark limit of civil twilight under a clear sky

32000 lux = Sunlight on an average day (min.)

100000 lux = Sunlight on an average day (max.)

Is the camera going to be installed in such a place it may be subject to vandalism? If so make sure you use a vandal resistant camera.

Ok, now hopefully you have a better idea about what a CCTV camera is and what kind best suits your situation. With all the above knowledge, I hope it helps you choose a suitable CCTV system for your needs.

And good luck with your security project…