So, you’ve decided to buy a security camera.
For example, after something was stolen from your warehouse or your mailbox was broken. In general, be that as it may, you need this thing to increase the level of security of your home or business. But in any case, installing a video surveillance system involves knowing and understanding a number of technical terms that can be a bit difficult for those who were not previously familiar with this industry. Following parameters are required for their selection.
Audio – how sound is recorded in the camera
Many cameras are equipped with a built-in speaker and microphone. In this case, you will not only see what is happening on the other side of the lens, but you will also be able to hear and communicate online. But as a rule, built-in microphones do not have high definition and noise reduction. Therefore, if you need to record with sound, we recommend using external microphones, and in this case, choose IP cameras with audio input.
Performance or form factor of the camera
According to the type of performance or in other words, the form factor of the camera should be divided into the following types:
- High-speed rotary
- Cylindrical
- Dome
- Spherical
- Cube
- Miniature
Compression
H.264 and H.265 codecs are responsible for compression or, in other words, video compression. There are smart versions of these codecs – H.264+ and H.265+, but keep in mind that even the regular H.265+ codec only matters at high resolution. When choosing a hardwired security camera, first of all, take into account the capabilities of the DVR and the codecs it supports. It doesn’t make sense to buy an expensive camera with multiple codecs if the DVR only supports H.264. But, remember that recording using the H.265 codec takes up much less disk space.
Camera broadcast speed
To view live video, you need a broadcast speed of 25 frames per second. The lower the broadcast speed, the faster objects move in the frame when watching a video. Therefore, to shoot objects with constant movement of an average pace, exactly 25 fps is needed, to record a more static image, 15 fps is enough, and on highways at least 50 fps.
Built-in intelligent analytics in cameras
Built-in intelligent analytics is becoming more and more popular every day and is evolving very quickly. The Most Common Intelligent Analytics Functions in IP Cameras
- Face/Number Recognition
- Motion detection
- Virtual Line Crossing Detection
- Detection of abandoned/missing items
- Sabotage detection
- Behavior/sound analysis
- Lens shield detection/image substitution
- Fire/smoke/flood detection
- Zone intrusion/exit detection
- Analysis of objects by classifications
- Queue counting
Other camera functions
This functionality is typical only for IP cameras, but we cannot keep silent about it. The most demanded functions in production and everyday life:
- Local storage to external storage
- Function “Corridor” – allows you to record in vertical orientation
- Power over cable support (PoE support)
- Image stabilization – in demand on objects with a high level of vibration
- Cold start function
How to place cameras correctly
The most important rule: there should be no invisible blind spots along the perimeter of the protected object. For an apartment, for example, you will need cameras that track approaches to all windows and the front door. The quality of the picture (screen resolution) should be sufficient so that the moving object can be seen in detail on the screen. A specialist can make a preliminary assessment of the number of cameras and their design according to the plan of an apartment or plot.
Conclusion
When choosing a camera, be sure to consider the technical parameters of your DVR. Purchase only compatible hardware.
