Apply Logic When Choosing Cameras

There are so many types of security cameras, how do you know which one is right for you? Do you need a dome, bullet or standard body? Will your camera require Pan-Tilt-Zoom, Low Light, Infrared Low-Light, or License Plate technology? The most important thing you can do when buying a camera is apply logic. Here are a few tips that will help you do that and pick out the right camera to suit your needs.

1. Sketch a Floor Plan. When you sketch a floor plan, you'll want to put in all the camera locations and this will help make some key decisions. How far is your target surveillance area from your camera? Do you need a zoom lens of 4mm, 8mm or 12 mm? Maybe you need something more powerful? Maybe you need to move your camera closer?

2. Consider Field of View. Take a picture of the areas you'd like to have covered by a security camera from the proposed camera location. Do you need a wide angle or fish eye lens to cover your entire field of view?

3. Resolution & Details. How much detail do you need on your surveillance target? Are you hoping to capture the details of a face or a car license plate? The answers to these questions will help you determine, not only where to mount your camera, but the quality of the camera you choose. The more detail you need to see, the higher quality of camera you'll need to purchase.

4. Vandalism. Just like other objects you're working to protect, a security camera can be vandalized. From kids up to no good to criminals attempting to hide the camera's eyes from watching them commit their crime, to even weather and natural conditions, your cameras may need protection. If you feel this could be a problem, you'll want to consider vandal-resistant cameras and even housing to protect the camera.

5. Lighting. What is the lighting like in the area you are looking to keep an eye on? Does the lighting changed due to natural conditions? Do you need to monitor in the dark? Maybe you need infrared or low light cameras, or maybe a Wide Dynamic camera.

6. Budget. This is probably on your mind anytime you go to purchase something, but it's important to keep in mind that with security cameras, you get what you pay for, much like any other technology. But even so, having an inexpensive camera is better than nothing at all.