First, answer the following questions: What do I need my surveillance cameras to do? Are they going to monitor employees that I already know and can recognize on footage? or Do I need to monitor multiple faces in a crowded bar or parking lot?

Consider the differences between analog and IP Megapixel cameras.

Picture Quality/Resolution
Megapixel IP cameras have a resolution of up to 11 megapixels compared to analog at 0.3-0.4 megapixels. A higher resolution is imperative to identify faces features, items, and license plates. All of these features are forensic detail for loss prevention. Additionally, you will have the ability to zoom and enlarge an image far better than an analog camera.

Cost Effective and Efficient
A single Megapixel IP camera can replace the surveillance capacity of up to 24 analog cameras. These cameras have wider angles, clarity, and zoom capabilities. Furthermore, fewer cameras will require lower set-up costs and a faster installation. Less equipment will also mean decreasing maintenance costs. These lower costs include less hardware updates and lower costs for cable CAT5.

Technology Advancements
Nowadays, data is sent and received through a computer network. Because of this, users are now able to view surveillance system remotely. Furthermore, IP Cameras have an increased motion detection and sharper image quality even in poor lighting. Additionally, these cameras have progressive scanning capabilities. This feature eliminates the “flicker effect”. This is especially crucial for observing fast movement such as a criminal running.

Want to find more tips? Read our blog Security Cameras are the Best Witness Ever!

The post Analog Cameras vs IP Megapixel appeared first on VinTech Systems.

When you are in the market for a surveillance system, knowing which cameras you need can be quite perplexing. When you talk to dealers, they tend to throw security industry buzz words around like confetti, PTZ this, Megapixel that, bullets, domes, DVR, Wah wah woh wah wah, Varifocal! Why is Charlie Brown’s teacher selling me security cameras? If you are one of the uninitiated, you most likely feel the same way. So in an effort to help you gain some understanding about surveillance cameras, we are starting a series of articles called surveillance cameras for beginners. So let’s get started. Please feel free to comment or ask questions; any experts reading this, please feel free to share your wisdom with us.

We’ll start off with Questions to ask yourself before you start shopping for surveillance cameras.

1) Application

What is the intended purpose of your surveillance system?

*Recording and Storing video, Monitoring one room or multiple rooms, Monitoring Entry doors or all access points

2) Indoor or Outdoor

Will your cameras be used indoors or outdoors?

*If outdoors, cameras need housing and enclosures to protect them from environmental conditions, such heat, cold, humidity, glare, rain, and snow.

3) Fixed Lens or Zoom Lens

Do you need to be able to zoom in and out of a scene?

4) Fixed Mount or PTZ (Point-Tilt-Zoom)

How important is it for you to be able to move the camera up, down, or side to side?

5) Real-time or Later Viewing

Do you want to be able to view video images as they happen or is storing images for later preferable?

6) Resolution

Do you just need an overall view or do you need to see details? This will help determine whether you should go Analog or Megapixel.

7) Local Viewing or Remote Viewing

Do you want to be able to monitor your cameras from anywhere?

Asking yourself these questions before you start shopping around for surveillance cameras will help get you thinking about what you really want and need in a surveillance system. Check back with us for Pt.2 of the Surveillance Cameras for Beginners series.

The post Surveillance Cameras for Beginners Pt.1 appeared first on VinTech Systems.