How To Choose Cameras For Your Dvr Surveillance System

By Author: Ray Shadman
Total Articles: 4762
Comment this article

When you've decided to install a DVR surveillance system for the security of your home or company, you'll find that no two cameras are created equal. There are currently a plethora of different cameras designed to suit a wide variety of surveillance needs. Your first step when choosing a camera for your DVR surveillance system should be to determine your own specific needs and build from there.

Location

Right off the bat, you'll need to know where you will be installing your cameras-inside or outside? Outdoor cameras are constructed with a durable metal casing that protects them from the elements. Typically, weatherproof cameras are impervious to rain, heat, and freezing temperatures. In addition, many cameras intended for outdoor use are available with tamper-proof casing. This protects the camera if it is installed in an exposed area where it is potentially a target for vandals.

While nearly all outdoor cameras can also function indoors, indoor cameras are not typically safe for outdoor use. However, many indoor cameras are capable of providing a wider angle image and better zoom capabilities than their ...
... outdoor counterparts, making them ideal for some surveillance needs. The solution? Installing indoor cameras outdoors using housing designed for outdoor cameras. This, however, can present its own set of problems as well. Indoor infrared cameras cannot be installed in an outdoor housing area, as the additional layer of glass will cause the camera's infrared illuminators to be reflected back on the camera itself. So, if you require outdoor infrared surveillance but also need the wide angle and zoom capabilities found in an indoor camera, your best bet is an outdoor camera with infrared features.

Although the casings of outdoor cameras are designed to protect them from the elements, you'll need to take some additional precautions if you're planning on installing your system in an area with extreme hot or cold conditions. Outdoor housing areas are available equipped with heaters or coolers designed to protect the camera's inner workings from the dangers of overheating or freezing.

Light Requirements

You should know if your target area will primarily be under surveillance during the day, night, or possibly both. Next, learn the typical available light for these areas during your peak surveillance times. Finally, what is the distance between your camera and the intended target area? These can all factor into deciding on the right camera for the job.

The amount of light available to your camera is measured in what is called “Lux." For example, 0 Lux would mean a pitch-black environment with no available light, while 1 Lux covers typical daylight conditions. For 0 Lux conditions, an infrared camera would be required. Many cameras are sold as day/night models, and can automatically switch from color or black and white surveillance to infrared when conditions drop to 0 Lux.

The next aspect of the camera to consider in terms of lighting is the LED number. A higher LED (light emitting diode) number means that the camera is capable of surveying across a greater distance in a lower Lux. For example, a higher LED model might be capable of providing clear footage of up to 100 away, while a similar model with a lower LED might only be able to cover 30 feet. If your needs require the camera to cover a greater area, you"ll need to install a high-powered or long-range infrared camera. Another option is to use larger-sized LED lamps, which are usually 2-4 times the equivalent of smaller LEDs. These cameras run in a higher price range, but can cover a wide expanse in pitch black conditions.

Resolution

Resolution refers to the sharpness of the image provided by the camera. Depending on your surveillance needs, greater resolution can be absolutely crucial when installing your system. Resolution is determined by the number of video lines the camera uses to create the image. You"ll often find this information right in the camera model"s name-with the title followed by a number such as 420, 480, or 540 TV Lines, which indicate the number of a camera"s horizontal lines of resolution. The higher TVL numbers represent a higher number of lines and therefore, a higher resolution and clearer image.

Surveillance cameras also feature a sensor chip, known as a CCD chip, that regulates the amount of a light a camera is capable of picking up. The larger the CCD chip, the higher the image quality the camera can offer. If the clarity of your image is essential to your surveillance needs, you"ll want a camera with a large CCD chip.

If you will need to view details such as distinct facial features, you will need a camera with a high resolution (at least 480 TVL) and a minimum size of 1/3" CCD chip.

Installation

Finally, you'll need to choose between purchasing a pre-assembled package system or constructing your own surveillance system. Many packages are available to suit common needs, and feature a DVR as well as a specific variety of cameras. When it comes to this type of system, the only customization required is to use to the DVR's included software to adjust the system to your needs. However, if you have highly specific surveillance needs, you'll most likely want to piece your system together from all the available components. This method might prove a bit costlier than a pre-packaged deal, but will no doubt be worth it in terms of peace of mind.
About Author:
eDigitalDeals carry a wide array of digital surveillance DVR systems and CCTV cameras. We offer the lowest prices on the Internet for top-quality digital surveillance and 8 channel dvrs. Feel free to compare us to the competition to see for yourself! Our vast knowledge of computer hardware and electronics, coupled with our ability to purchase computer parts and electronics at rock-bottom prices, allows us to sell our goods at or below wholesale price levels.