Security is a major priority for every business. An efficient video surveillance system for your small business will help discourage theft and vandalism. It can also be useful in documenting crimes and injury claims made by your customers or employees. Besides, most of the newer digital systems allow you to preview your film on your phone even if you are not present. Determining the right video surveillance system for your business is an essential and challenging process. To help you along, here are some things you should consider when buying a video surveillance system.
Price
You must compare each surveillance system’s cost, features, and benefits to your company’s budget. With a smaller price, you may have to sacrifice some features, but not critical ones. Features like camera build quality, wire quality, and storage device quality remain. The size of your company determines the cost, the number of cctv camera systems, and the type of storage you need.
Furthermore, video surveillance systems are now equipped with more intelligent features like advanced video analytics, cloud storage, and much more. Also, ensure that the surveillance systems have at least a one-year warranty. When you buy through Authorised Partners, you may be eligible to get an extended warranty on specific devices.
Also, consider the system’s lifetime cost. Some systems may be less expensive to buy. But, they will have several software/firmware flaws and need more intense servicing and support.
Camera type
Video surveillance systems use two types of cameras: IP and analogue. You can use IP cameras in enterprises where you need a wide field of vision and attention to detail. IP cameras capture higher-resolution images. They also offer automatic warnings, video analytics, and other advanced features. Traditional analogue cameras give way to IP cameras, which have greater features and capabilities. Your demands determine the choice between IP and analogue cameras for business.
Storage type
For your video surveillance system, you have three options for video data storage: NVR (network video recorder), DVR, and hybrid. You can use analogue cameras in DVRs, a “digital video recorder. NVR cameras is a mechanism that works with IP cameras. Finally, you can incorporate Analog and IP cameras in hybrid systems.
Storage capacity
You may be looking for video recorders that will work continuously. They will require high-capacity active storage devices. The first consideration will be the number of CCTV surveillance cameras you intend to instal. Then, their resolution and the length of time you intend to keep the footage on your server. True, you may always configure the security system to replace the oldest footage when no more space is available.
You determine the amount of storage required by your surveillance system by the quality and duration of your videos. If you intend to record and archive high-quality film, your system will require a lot of storage space. You must also decide whether to save the footage locally on the camera’s internal storage disk, on a cloud-based platform, or both. However, you should always invest in the largest capacity storage devices available.
Surveillance system features
Night vision, cloud storage, and motion detection are some features offered for video surveillance systems (PTZ). You want your commercial security cameras to work all of the time. There are cameras in the market that can capture video in low-light circumstances using infrared technology. The camera uses infrared rays to illuminate the dark surroundings.
Unlike humans, it can see the rays and record footage when they strike an object, and wavelengths reflect the camera. Determine your company’s features, and then select your cameras and video surveillance system, respectively. For example, if you require a system primarily to watch your business at night, get night vision cctv cameras and watch over your premises even in the dark.
Target areas and field of view
It is the most important component of the entire process because it will determine the sort of camera you purchase. It is critical to understand where you should put up your surveillance. Assume you need to keep an eye on your back door. Then you’ll probably go with a weatherproof outside camera with motion detection and PTZ capability. The field of view, particularly the horizontal field, is also critical.
The field of view is important since it defines how wide the camera’s coverage is. The larger the area covered by the camera, the broader the angle. Always inquire about the image’s sharpness and the amount of mechanical and optical zoom available. This is because you will need to zoom in and out of the camera to identify persons and objects with greater clarity. Furthermore, increasing pixel density is an important factor.
Conclusion
A decent business security camera should at least have fundamental characteristics. They should have facial recognition and the ability to work in low light and at night. The best security cameras help you safeguard your business from theft, incursion, fire, flood, or burglary, giving you more peace of mind. Depending on your company’s needs, they can be costly, but they are often worthwhile investments.
