Security cameras are an excellent way to protect your business’s property and employees against vandalism, theft, burglary, intrusions, floods, fires, and other unexpected events. When choosing security camera installation services and hardware, there are several factors to consider.
Although they can be expensive, the peace of mind they provide makes them worth the investment. However, not all security cameras are created equally; the right system for you will depend on your business’s needs.
Frame Rate
One essential component of security cameras is their frame rate. Those with a higher frame rate will generate smoother video, while a lower frame rate means that stills are taken less frequently and then stitched together to create the video.
This often results in choppy footage. When looking at the frame rate of a security camera, it will be quoted in terms of frames per second; keep in mind that real time is generally considered 30 frames per second.
Indoor and Outdoor Cameras
Businesses will find a range of security cameras suited to different environments. Suppose your security cameras will be used exclusively inside. In that case, an indoor camera will be sufficient and is generally a more affordable option than its outdoor-rated alternatives.
However, for surveillance cameras that will be used outside, it is imperative to choose a weatherproof model, as water and dirt can affect the clarity of video footage or even cause a camera to cease functioning if it has not been designed specifically for outdoor use.
Resolution
One of the most significant considerations for many businesses when choosing security camera installation services is the resolution their cameras provide. A good rule of thumb is to aim for a minimum of 720p high-definition for sharp images.
Suppose you are looking for a camera that will create very clear images that make it easy to identify objects and people. In that case, resolution should be one of your main concerns.
Audio
Audio is another factor to consider when choosing security cameras. Many of the cheaper models will not pick up any audio, which may be sufficient for some types of businesses.
However, if audio is needed, it is important to look for cameras that specify having audio capabilities. You should also consider whether you will need two-way audio, which allows individuals who are monitoring the camera on the other side to communicate with those who appear within the security camera’s field of vision.
Lighting
Pay attention to the type of lighting the camera you are considering is designed for. Many security cameras can shoot in low-light infrared (IR), enabling them to capture clear footage even in dark conditions.
Some cameras boast multiple IR LEDs, providing crisp footage even during the darkest hours of the night. Therefore, this is an important consideration if you intend to capture footage in the dark.
Storage Capacity
While much of the focus when choosing a security camera system is rightfully on the camera’s specifications, do not overlook the importance of finding one with adequate storage capacity.
The amount of storage capacity that a business needs will depend on factors such as the camera resolution, the number of cameras the system will use, how long the business intends to keep the footage it records, and how much archived footage the company needs to store.
When multiple cameras shoot high-resolution footage, storage space can run out surprisingly fast. Many businesses can get around this by setting the video recorder to overwrite older footage once the capacity is reached, but it can be challenging to find the right balance and avoid overwriting archived footage that may still be needed at some point.
Cloud Storage
Storage capacity can be supplemented by turning to the cloud, where recorded video can be stored either as a copy of or in addition to the footage stored on the video recorder itself.
One benefit of using cloud storage is the ability to access it remotely. It is also useful in cases where the cameras are stolen, tampered with, or damaged, as the archived footage can still be retrieved from the cloud even if the camera disappears entirely.
Security technology specialists can advise you on whether it makes more sense to schedule uploads to the cloud on a regular basis as footage is recorded or upload them only outside of your peak business hours to preserve resources at busy times.
Reach Out to Advantage.Tech for Personalized Security Camera Solutions and Customized Advice
Is your business looking to enhance its security with cutting-edge technology? At Advantage.Tech, our state-of-the-art security camera solutions provide unparalleled protection for the ultimate peace of mind.
Don’t wait for a catastrophe to strike; take proactive steps now to protect your assets and secure your premises’ safety. Reach out to Advantage.Tech today for personalized IT solutions.
