The Basics
Sensors and lenses
There are many brands and models of security cameras and they are not all the same. The size and quality of the sensor makes a difference, as well as the lens type and quality. Good quality plastic lenses can give you good pictures when they are new but over time when exposed to the sun they tend to degrade or yellow. Glass lenses tend to last longer and give you better image quality in the long term. You will tend to pay more for better your lens or sensor quality is.
Camera field of view
Cameras differ greatly and one of the considerations is the field of view, meaning the view angle. Most standard cameras are around 90 deg + or – that is normally a good starting point. When the area that needs to be covered is wider or narrower there are other options other that just adding a second camera. Something that must be considered is the quality of the image that is needed although a wider field of view will cover more area the image at the same megapixel will not have as much detail at the same distance. When more detail is needed sometimes it is better to use two cameras with a tighter field of view in order to increase image detail at a specified distance.
There are specialty cameras that will cover 360 deg view of an area but, without increasing the resolution of the camera you will lose image detail. Another specialty camera is a PTZ or pan, tilt, zoom camera that allows the user to change the field of view remotely based on current needs. As with most specialty products they come with an increased cost. Something else to consider with PTZ cameras is if it is covering a vital area if the user adjust it to look as something else and does not return it to the vital area things could be missed.
Detections and analytics
An important consideration when purchasing security camera systems is intended use. Most systems are able to give some sort of notifications simply on motion, while other more sophisticated systems will recognize people or vehicles as apposed to things blowing in the wind, birds or animals.
In some cases you need more than just motion, person or vehicle detection. For instance, some systems can count people in or out so that you have a occupancy level at all times. Other situations that might be beneficial is if you want to know if something is blocking an emergency exit or a vehicle is parked in a fire lane.
As expected, the more information that a system is capable of providing, the more it will cost.
Ease of use and interface
Another thing to consider is ease of use and the interface. How often will it be viewed and how technically savvy the user is will make a difference in how you feel about the quality of your system. Most brands and models have a web interface as well as a mobile app that make remote viewing easy. Some brands allow the use of after market apps to view your system, while others only work with their proprietary app.
Updates, improvements, and features
Some of the systems available have little or no future updates. While others are constantly improving their product and interfaces giving more functionality and features as time goes on. This is something to consider if the latest features and functionality are a concern. Ubiquiti’s UniFi Protect product line is constantly being updated and they are introducing new products that may be integrated into the system such as doorbells, lights and locks.
Reliability
Security cameras are useless if they are not functioning properly when something happens. Some systems if connected to the internet will alert you when a camera goes off line or a problem with the system is detected. Ubiquiti’s Unifi Protect line as well as Bosch have this feature although with some brands like Bosch there may be a fee involved.
We have some Basic Pricing available but systems pricing will verry depending on specific needs. Please feel free to Contact Us so that we can help you get the best system for your needs.