How to Choose the Right CCTV System for You

With the rising rates of crime and burglary, a good CCTV system has never been so important for homes and businesses. The right CCTV system can protect your home or business from unwanted intruders, keeping your assets, and most importantly your people safe. CCTV systems are an effective deterrent and if the worst does happen, the CCTV footage will be invaluable in helping you find the person responsible.

Some modern CCTV systems are so advanced that they can give you a heads up if anything odd is caught on camera. Looking at the CCTV you can also decide whether to let a stranger into the house or not. You also get extra time to notify the police in case of any criminal activity.

Buying a good CCTV can be a challenge as there are so brands and manufacturers producing a range of products with different features and technologies. Choosing the right CCTV system for your property needs to take into consideration these differences, as well as your own needs and preferences. Here is a brief guide to choosing the right system for you!

What do you want your CCTV system to do?

You’ll find a number of different types of CCTV systems on the market, so you first need to work why you’re buying a CCTV system. Having a clear picture of this will allow you to choose one that meets your needs. For example, do you want your CCTV system to act as a visual deterrent? In that case, you’re best bet is a CCTV system that is large and obvious, preferably with a box encasing it.

Thieves or intruders will probably walk away when they see a CCTV system on your property. On the other hand, if you want something more discrete and don’t want anyone to know you have a CCTV system, then dome cameras are better. These are small, discreet cameras that will fit the palm of your hand. These cameras are perfect for monitoring people entering your property or working in your business.

Indoors or outdoors

You also need to decide whether you want your CCTV system to be installed indoors or outdoors. Weather is an important factor to consider when choosing a CCTV system for outdoors. For example, in a very cold environment, you need to choose a camera with having inbuilt heater so that it can operate no matter how cold the weather is. You also need to make sure that the CCTV system you choose won’t be damaged by wind or UV rays.

When looking for an outdoor CCTV system, be sure to check the IK and IP protection which indicate the kind of conditions it can withstand. If you are planning to install your CCTV system indoors, this may have its own requirements. For example, if installed CCTV in a restaurant kitchen, you’ll need to make sure that it is protected from grease.

Coverage

It’s also essential to consider how much area you want your CCTV system to cover. Some cameras work well for large areas whereas others only cover smaller areas. Many modern cameras have a feature that allows them to zoom in for a clearer view. You can also get wide-angle views of up to 112 degrees with some cameras.

Lighting

The amount of light will also determine the type of camera you should buy. Modern cameras have light filtering technology such as artificial illuminators or IR filters that can reduce the reflection of light thus making images clearer. If you want a CCTV system for night surveillance, for example, then you should choose a system that is low-light compatible.

Wired vs wireless

Wired cameras will often give you higher quality pictures than wireless ones, and you won’t have to worry about changing the battery. On the other hand, wired cameras are more vulnerable to the weather and criminals can easily mess with them. It’s therefore important to weigh the pros and cons of wired versus wireless CCTV systems against your own requirements.

Budget

As with buying any product, budget is also a consideration. Before fixing your CCTV budget, it is a good idea to read reviews of various CCTV systems online or visit sites like Upcoming Security to get an idea about cost and what you can expect for each price point.

Don’t be too keen to go for the cheapest option – consider this an investment in your security and set your budget accordingly. You will find many cheap CCTV systems in the market, but the maintenance cost can turn out to be very high. Also, you may not get the results you’re looking for.

Once you’ve considered these questions and compared them to the features and functions of the different CCTV systems available to you, you’ll be able to find the perfect solution to protect your home or business!