Let’s Talk Cameras!
There are many different cameras on the market today and for a person with no experience it can be pretty confusing. In my last blog post I laid out what the basics are to get a fully functioning security camera system up and running. This week I want to talk more about one of the critical pieces of that puzzle and break down what to look for based on your needs.
What is a PTZ Camera?
When you are looking for a camera you will run into two terms right away, PTZ and Fixed. All security cameras will fall into one of these two categories. PTZ stands for Pan/Tilt/Zoom. This type of camera will allow you to move the lens and look around almost 360 degrees. These cameras do very well inside shops and homes. They are also great for large areas such as parking lots and large floor plans. Another upside to PTZ cameras is that you can give control of the camera to a potential customer and allow them to experience your business before going in person. We put a camera on the Ocean Beach Hotel in Pacific Beach California that lets you see a live video of the beach that you can control. Check weather conditions, see the sand and surf, all from the comfort of home.
What is a Fixed Camera?
The second category is a “Fixed” camera. This is a camera that sits in one spot and covers one angle of viewing. It doesn’t move. These cameras are excellent for recording doorways and other access points. Most businesses have a camera that captures the image of everyone walking in to their store so that they have a visual record of who is coming and going. Lately, more and more families are adding cameras to their front entrances so that they can monitor who comes to their doors, when packages get dropped off and as a deterrent for burglars. In today’s security systems it is not uncommon to see a house with multiple cameras covering all the entrances and areas hidden from plain sight like side yards and garages.
How many MP's do I need?
After deciding whether you want a PTZ or Fixed camera you are probably running into the whole “megapixel” thing. Just like your digital camera, more megapixels equals a clearer image. I have found that 3 megapixels is a good number to go with. You get a clear picture that allows you to identify people and faces but it isn’t so expensive that you break the bank. However, if you are looking for something very inexpensive, you can go as low as 1 megapixel and still receive a decent image.
You might also see that every camera offers multiple ways of recording. The most common is H.264. All this really means is that the video is compressed (like an mp3) to make it easier to watch and send. You get excellent images and it doesn’t take a lot of data to do it.
So that is a short introduction into cameras. There are always more things to learn but that is a very basic breakdown and a few tips on how to get started looking. Here at Webcamproshop.com we try to make things simple and easy to understand. Our specialists are here to help you figure out the right system for your needs. Drop us a line!
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