Having a CCTV installed in your house/business premise has moved from an item of luxury to an equipment of necessity. The need for monitoring the premise either for prevention of theft or for monitoring the daily work in factory/business premise has led to sharp uptake of CCTV solution. However, it is extremely important to be fully aware of what CCTV solution to employ for one’s needs. We bring to you 10 things to be kept in mind while buying CCTV cameras:

1. Cheap is Expensive

Large number of CCTV solution providers give unbranded CCTV solution starting at very basic prices. While it may be lucrative to go for these cheap solutions, but it is much wiser to invest in a good quality system that allows you to meet your camera objectives in terms of visual/recording at least for the next 3-5 years. Reputable brands like Hikvision, CP Plus, Dahua may be marginally expensive than unbranded cameras but a better option from total life cycle perspective

2. Understand camera type

There are three types of CCTV cameras : Analogue, High Definition (HD) and Internet Protocol (IP) cameras. A basic analogue camera provides low resolution image suitable for detection of people and for monitoring areas. HD camera gives a much higher resolution image suitable for identifying numbers and characters. HD cameras should be sufficient for most business and household purposes. However, at the top end of resolution are IP cameras that are marginally expensive but provide high resolution image using digital technology

3. Moving camera versus static camera

A moving camera gives option to user to constantly move 360 degrees. These cameras are very good for continuous monitoring purpose. The camera cost is however lot higher than static cameras. Also, if the purpose is not to constantly move cameras from one location to other all the while zooming in and out, then one might want to consider multiple static cameras. Static cameras are more helpful in capturing thefts etc. since they are constantly looking in one direction only. It is possible that while the moving camera was looking in other direction, intrusion may have happened.

4. Consider all installation costs while buying

When you purchase a CCTV camera, it comes with requirement of a recording device, cable, storage, power adapters/power supply and installation expenses. Make sure you check all these before finalizing the installation agreement

5. Ask security professional for advice

Seek professional advice before selecting a CCTV surveillance camera for your home or business. Ask them to survey your property, help them understand your surveillance need and then ask for suggestions on a customised solution.

About the author: The author runs a CCTV surveillance company in Udaipur called Unico Management Solutions. His team has installed thousands of cameras across malls, universities, factories and housing locations. He can be contacted at 9001590203 /a.bohra@unicosolutions.com