How To Choose A Security Camera And CCTV System

Aspect	Single Security Camera	CCTV System
Coverage	Focuses on a specific area or point of interest.	Offers a complete view with multiple cameras covering different angles.
Flexibility	Best for targeted surveillance, like watching a front door.	Ideal for extensive coverage, such as an entire property.
Scalability	Limited to one camera’s view.	Easily expandable to include additional cameras and angles.

Selecting the right CCTV system involves considering several key factors:

Resolution and Image Quality: High-resolution cameras capture finer details, crucial for identifying faces or licence plates.
Night Vision and Low Light Performance: Essential for round-the-clock surveillance, ensuring clear footage even in poor lighting conditions.
Field of View: Determines how much area one camera can cover. A wider field of view means fewer blind spots.
Storage and Recording: Consider the amount of storage needed for your footage, whether it’s cloud-based or local.
Remote Access and Notifications: Systems that allow remote viewing and send alerts to your phone add convenience and enhance security.

To effectively assess your security needs, follow these steps:

Survey Your Property: Identify vulnerable areas and potential blind spots.
Determine Coverage Area: Estimate the number and types of cameras needed.
Evaluate Lighting Conditions: This will influence the choice of cameras, especially for night-time surveillance.
Consider Connectivity: Ensure your system can reliably connect to your network for remote access.
Plan for Expansion: Choose a system that allows for future upgrades or additions.

The choice between indoor and outdoor cameras depends on where and what you need to monitor. Indoor cameras are typically smaller and more discreet. They are ideal for monitoring internal activities, such as in homes or offices. These cameras are often equipped with features like two-way audio.

Conversely, outdoor cameras are built to endure harsh weather conditions. These are perfect for monitoring entrances, parking lots and external perimeters. They usually have stronger night vision and wider fields of view.