Surveillance Camera Installation in Calgary

Overview: Thinking of getting a security camera installed? If you are, then you’ll want to know everything about them before you buy. In this blog, we’ll take a look the different types of surveillance cameras, why you should use them, and what the advantages of certain types are.

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Surveillance cameras are a great addition to any home or building but there are many different types available. Which one is best for you? First, let's find out a bit more about surveillance cameras.

What are surveillance cameras and what can they be used for?

Surveillance cameras are a type of equipment that is used to capture video footage and send it to a monitor or recording device. There are many different types of these cameras available and they can be put to a variety of different uses. Some of these uses include:

• increased productivity
• theft reduction
• environmental protection
• deter antisocial behaviour
• monitor a site and its equipment
• both remote and local viewing
• vehicle recognition
• increased profit
• process management
• remote management
• workplace safety

What are the different types of surveillance camera?

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras come in two main types: the first has a camera body, and the second is essentially a fixed lens on a circuit board, also known as a board camera.

CCTV cameras with a fixed body can generally have alternative lenses attached and are therefore quite flexible. Due to this reason, these cameras are one of the most commonly used video surveillance system for commercial applications.

On the other hand, board cameras do not have a body and have the advantage of being able to fit into small housings, allowing relatively discreet surveillance. Retail stores often use these cameras in dome housings as they are subtle enough not to put off customers, but visible enough to deter potential shoplifters.

Other types of surveillance cameras

Pan, Tilt, Zoom (PTZ) cameras are, as you can probably guess, cameras that are able to pan, tilt, and zoom. They used to feature exclusively in high end casinos, government buildings and the headquarters of large corporations, but due to advancements in technology the price of these cameras has dropped significantly and their usage has expanded.

The huge benefit of PTZ cameras comes through their ability to move in virtually any direction and to powerfully zoom in on chosen subjects. This feature is invaluable for situations where live monitoring is necessary, such as at a casino. Even if the camera is not used for live monitoring but rather for recording, its ability to change direction of viewing and zoom level can still be useful if you need to change your point of surveillance often.

IP Cameras vs. Analog Cameras

Not too long ago closed circuit analog cameras were the standard in video surveillance, but with the recent advancements in technology, most notably the internet, this is beginning to change. The successor to the analog camera is most certainly the IP, or Internet Protocol, camera. IP cameras have various advantages over regular analog cameras, such as their ability for two-way audio and very high resolution.

One of the real stand-out features of IP cameras is their ability to stream a live video feed across an internet protocol network. This means that anyone can view the camera's video stream from anywhere, provided they have an internet connection and the necessary permission. Now that's something that analog CCTV cameras certainly can't manage!

Technology is advancing everyday but it looks like the flexibility of IP cameras will soon make old analog cameras obsolete.

Bottom Line: There are many different types of surveillance cameras out there, each with its own different set of benefits. If you need a camera that can move and zoom during real-time monitoring, then something like a Pan, Tilt, Zoom camera could be the system you need. Alternatively, if you want a non-intrusive surveillance camera in your store that doesn't make your customers feel uncomfortable, then a board camera in a dome housing is a great option. The options don't end there – with the range of IP cameras available you no longer have to settle for standard surveillance camera.

For more information on what IP cameras can do for you, or surveillance cameras in general, contact Frontline Security in Calgary today on 403-291-9311.

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