Before going into details on the different types of CCTV cameras, we need to first understand what CCTV cameras are used for and why they are important.
CCTV (closed circuit television) is a private televised broadcast system that is developed to monitor a given area for surveillance.
The main aim of installing a CCTV system is primarily for security purposes. Installing a particular type of CCTV determines an area of interest.
Categories of CCTV Cameras
There are two main categories of CCTV which are indoor and outdoor. Indoor CCTV is mainly used within a facility, while outdoor is used outside just as its name implies.
Though any camera can be used at any location based on choice, some are preferred over others in certain instances.
5 Benefits of Installing CCTV
1. Deters Burglars - Installing a CCTV in your facility or home will deter trespasses from getting close to your property. The presence of CCTV discourages such people as they wouldn't want to be identified
2. Remote Monitoring - IP CCTV systems helps you to monitor your property from any location. Through your computer, tablet or mobile phone your can have live remote access view on activities going on around your home or facility from anywhere in the world.
3. Criminal Evidence - CCTV footage helps track events that may have occurred to identify perpetrators. The storage system of the CCTV can be accessed to get clips that can be used as evidence.
4. Audio Recording - Just as we have remote access view, there are also CCTV that are capable of recording live audio conversation remotely. Audio recording CCTV are very useful in getting verifiable information.
5. Improved Employee Productivity - Depending on the kind of business your run, having CCTV installed in your work place has proven to improve productivities of employees. They wouldn't want to be caught acting nonchalantly around the work place knowing they are being monitored.
Knowing the Different Types of CCTV Cameras
IP Cameras: Internet Protocol (IP) cameras, also known as network cameras, use digital technology to transmit data. They can be accessed remotely or anywhere in the world due to the use of the Internet or local intranet
Some of the features of IP cameras include motion detection, cloud storage, two-way audio, and video analytics. Network Video Recorders (NVR) are mostly associated with IP cameras, which use Cat5/6 Ethernet cables with RJ45 plugs to record videos.
Analog Cameras: This type of camera captures and transmits data through coaxial cables. They are the older version of CCTV cameras before the advent of IP cameras. The data captured are transmitted to a recording device known as a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) or a monitoring screen.
Analog cameras lack modern features compared to IP cameras. They are used for video recording.
Solar Powered CCTV Cameras: This type of a camera is powered by the sun during the daytime and recharges the battery which can be used at night. They are mostly outdoor cameras due to the need to access the sun.
Some of the basic features include solar panels attached to the cameras and inbuilt batteries. Most solar-powered CCTV cameras can be accessed remotely which gives them an edge over other cameras.
PTZ camera: We cannot talk about different types of CCTV cameras without mentioning PTZ cameras. They are a unique set of cameras that offer flexibility of use. Aside from the fact that they can be remotely viewed, they can also be remotely controlled.
The camera's field of view can be adjusted to zoom, tilt, or pan. It is highly recommended for manufacturing companies, warehouses, and very large facilities.
Doorbell Camera: These are much more modernized cameras. Doorbell cameras are mostly placed at the front door of homes. Homeowners can communicate with visitors at the door through a two-way audio system.
All these different types of cameras have their unique function and usability. The purpose and aim is to determine the camera you will end up using or purchasing.