Factors to Consider while Choosing a CCTV System for Your Business

CCTV stands for closed-circuit television and is commonly referred to as video surveillance and is one of the most common physical security solutions. CCTV networks are generally used to detect and deter criminal activities and record traffic infractions.
CCTV Systems can give businesses peace of mind and an added sense of safety from intruders, theft of equipment and data, and burglary, but they deliver much more than just security like it allowing you to keep an eye on the movement of materials and employees, safeguard employees and clients, protect data and improve business productivity. The CCTV market size globally was valued at $45.5 billion in 2020, and this figure is expected to increase to $74.6 billion by 2025.

Do you feel like your business requires a CCTV solution? Are you facing difficulties in finding the right CCTV solution for your business? Here’s a list of factors that you could consider while choosing a CCTV system for your business.

Camera Field View

The first factor that you have to consider before choosing a CCTV solution for your business is the size of the area you want to monitor. This will give you a proper idea of the number of cameras you might require and the type of camera’s resolution that is required. When looking at the field view, opt for cameras that provide better horizontal coverage. If the camera captures at a wider angle, then it covers a larger area.

The camera resolution is also important when considering the CCTV system, a camera that has at least 4MP resolution will be good for your business as you would be able to see people and objects clearly while zooming in.

Types of Camera

There are a lot of camera systems available in the market that might make your buying process overwhelming. However, the most common surveillance systems are Dome, Bullet, Thermal, and C-mount cameras.¹

Dome camera is the basic and the most economical type of CCTV camera which is meant for indoor installation. As the name suggests these are in a dome shape and are used for projects with day-only cameras.

Bullet cameras are a type of CCTV camera that is used to capture visuals of a specific area. The name came from its thin, cylindrical shape that looks like the shell of a bullet. Its deterring and long-range capabilities make it perfect for outdoor security.

Thermal cameras let people see what their eyes can’t such as invisible heat radiation emitted or reflected by all objects, regardless of lighting conditions. These are best suited for low-light scenarios as these cameras are immune to visual limitations. Because of the global pandemic, thermal cameras are in high demand as it can also identify body temperature.

C-mount cameras are slightly advanced cameras as they have a detachable camera lens that allows a user to change it according to their needs. For example, a standard security camera covers a distance of 40 feet but with C-mount cameras, one can cover a distance beyond 40 feet by attaching a special lens.

Indoor or Outdoor Use?

CCTV systems can be installed both indoors and outdoors, but it is always advisable to know the exact location before choosing a CCTV camera. For instance, if you are placing the camera outdoors, the camera you select should withstand harsh outdoor conditions and can resist vibrations without impacting the footage quality.

To withstand these harsh conditions, outdoor cameras like Bullet Cameras are typically made of more durable materials like metal and will be housed in a casing some outdoor cameras will even have blowers and heaters to secure a clear image capture during harsh weather conditions.

Dome Cameras can be used both indoors and outdoors but it is commonly used indoors as it is smaller and more lightweight. They are usually less intrusive than bulkier outdoor cameras.

Motion detection and Analytics

Motion detection is one of the most common features in CCTC systems however the higher-end versions of CCTV will also have analytics capabilities. This analytics helps us distinguish by categorizing for example People- Male, Female, and child, Vehicles- trucks, sedans, and SUVs, it can even distinguish particular events like fights, vehicle movement, etc. The higher-end versions will also have a feature to make a related response like calling the police or sending an alert to your phone etc.

Night Vision

Night vision is another preferred feature of CCTV as a business is more vulnerable in off-hours, where not many people are around, and when the visibility is low. CCTV systems can monitor your business after office hours and alert you instantly even in low visibility times.

Storage

As you would be operating the CCTV system 24/7, it is important to have enough storage capacity to store the footage so it is always advisable to invest in a CCTV solution with higher storage capacity so that you can retain months of footage if you want to relook the footage or for deterrence purposes. There are also CCTV systems that offer cloud storage as well. This will help you to access the stored footage from a remote location and view it.

Wireless or Wired?

There are both wired and wireless CCTV systems available today but most businesses opt for wired systems simply because they are fast. People usually prefer wireless cameras mostly for indoor and residential use but some businesses also prefer wireless CCTV systems for aesthetic purposes.

Installation and Pricing

Ease of installation is also a major factor when purchasing a CCTV system for your business. CCTV cameras come in a wide range of price points, and each variant offers various features to the users. So it is advisable to match your requirement and priorities with the available choices before making your pick.

Conclusion

Choosing the right CCTV system can be challenging as there are many options available in the market. However, when you know your business priorities and requirements, you will have a better chance of making the right decision.

While price is a significant factor in selecting a CCTV system for your business, you should also consider other factors such as resolution, digital zoom, storage, installation, etc. You can also get in touch with our experts if you are not sure how to select the right CCTV system for your business. Real Secure has provided CCTV systems and other ELV solutions for Hotels, Corporates, and Residentials purposes.

1. Check our CCTV Solutions here.