Which CCTV camera to choose for an apartment or private house

Analog and digital CCTV cameras

According to the method of processing, transformation and signal transmission, all camera models can be divided into two large groups: analog and digital (IP).

• Analog cameras.
  The principle of their work is to transmit an analog signal directly to the device without encoding information. Analog models are inferior in image clarity to digital models, which allow a good look at a person's face or license plate number.
  
  Depending on the technology used, classic analog cameras are of the following types:
  • AHD cameras.
    They are characterized by a sufficiently high picture clarity with a resolution of 780p or 1080p due to the use of a special noise reduction system. And they also allow you to transmit the signal to a distance of up to 500 meters. Cameras working on AHD technology, suitable for installation in private homes, apartments and entrances.
  • HD-CVI cameras.
    Provide signal transmission without delays over long distances without additional equipment, allow you to control the mechanism of rotation, zoom, panning. HD-CVI-cameras are more expensive than AHD-models.
  • HD-TVI-cameras.
    Such a solution is suitable if you need to get the clearest and most contrasting image. The quality of HD-TVI-cameras is almost close to the quality of pictures from more expensive digital models. These devices transmit the signal up to 1200 meters.
• In digital video surveillance cameras, the signal is converted into a binary code. This simplifies data storage and allows images to be transmitted over the Internet. Wireless IP models can operate via Wi-Fi or LTE technology. The latter can be used in places where there is no stable wired Internet. Also among wireless CCTV cameras there are models with built-in battery, and without it (for these need a power source).

Undoubted advantages of digital cameras compared to analog cameras — image quality and speed of response. Also a significant advantage of using IP cameras is the guarantee of safety of data that are transmitted to the server in compressed and encoded form. IP cameras for video surveillance as one of the most technologically advanced types of digital devices make it possible to use cloud services, connect an unlimited number of them to one security system, etc.

If we talk about the main advantages of cloud video surveillance, it is worth noting the absence of the need to monitor the performance of the hard disk, the ability to monitor from anywhere in the world from any network, and the possibility of simultaneous viewing from multiple devices (relevant for apartment buildings).

Today, at a time of rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI), many surveillance cameras are enhanced with intelligent motion detection technology. This innovative device is able to detect a moving object in a given scene. In case of such an event, the owner of the camera receives a message on his phone or e-mail.

The capabilities of modern video recorders and IP cameras allow the use of analytical modules: recognition of license plates, faces, counting, temperature sensor, etc. And also program the video surveillance system for individual needs: for example, to monitor a certain scene for movement within its boundaries of specific objects (people, cars, etc.).

Depending on the place of installation in modern digital cameras can be configured in a variety of modes. For example, IR-mode is most often used for video surveillance in the corners of the yard. And the so-called warm light mode is most suitable for roads and other open areas.

Classification of cameras for surveillance systems by design features

Depending on the type of construction, surveillance cameras are:

• With monofocal and varifocal lenses.
  If your goal is basic surveillance of your apartment or house, look for models with a monofocal (static or fixed) lens. Choosing a camera with a variofocal lens, you can independently adjust the focal length depending on the space you want to monitor.
• Enclosure, dome, cylindrical, compact.

Enclosure models are great for monitoring a small area. But the disadvantage of having a pivoting hinge makes them vulnerable to tampering.

Dome cameras look like hemispheres. Due to this shape of the housing, it is difficult for intruders to determine the "dead" zones of the device, as well as where the lens is directed. Dome models provide a large viewing angle and are mounted on the ceiling or wall without the help of brackets.

Cylindrical models resemble cabinet models, only they are additionally equipped with a visor to protect the lens from sunlight or snow accumulation. Optimal option for installation in the yard of a private house or dacha.

There is also such a type of camera as compact. They operate on battery or battery device and are used in CCTV systems, remaining invisible to the human eye.

Recommendations for selecting cameras for video surveillance

Considering different options of CCTV cameras for purchase, we advise you to pay attention to such main characteristics:

1. Matrix resolution. It is desirable that this indicator was not less than 2 MP when installed indoors and not less than 4 MP when installed in the stairwell.
2. Viewing angle. If detail is needed, this setting is smaller. If you want a wide-area view, set a larger angle.
3. Method of connection — wired or wireless. The signal can be transmitted both by air (if it is impossible to lay a cable to the recorder, router — Wi-Fi, LTE) and by twisted pair cable (PoE power supply). As for the picture quality — there will be no special difference, but the bitrate will be higher when transmitted via cable, and the channel will be more secure.
4. The number of supported cameras, speed and resolution of recording, the number and capacity of hard disks — all this matters when there is a DVR in the system.
5. The presence of useful options. This can be a motion sensor, IR illumination, microphone, memory card slot, feedback speaker, analytics modules and others.
6. The degree of protection of the device from the influence of liquid and solid particles (IP — Ingress Protection). Manufacturers of CCTV cameras indicate this parameter in the format IPXY, where X shows protection against penetration of solid particles inside the body, Y — protection against moisture.

Also matters the place of the device installation. When installing cameras on electric poles, a special mount and mounting boxes with full moisture protection (usually metal) are used. If you are going to install the camera on the stairwell, it is better to make a choice in favor of models with vandal-proof protection.

Take care of your home safety now. And Maxnet specialists will easily help you to solve issues with professional organization of video surveillance system taking into account all your wishes.