Installing security cameras can go a long way to protecting you in commercial and residential settings. But have you ever wondered what makes the top surveillance cameras stand out?
With so many different types of cameras available, it’s essential to select the best CCTV system for your home, office building, warehouse, school, or car park.
To help you make your choice, we’ve compiled a list of 14 of the top features you should look for in a security camera or CCTV system.
By the end of this article, you will know exactly what to look for when purchasing a camera that meets your specific needs.
It goes without saying that you want your security camera to capture crisp, clear video footage.
A camera with a high video resolution will make it easier to identify key features, such as faces, licence plates, and other important details. Higher video quality also offers better digital zoom capabilities, allowing you to zoom in on specific areas of the footage without losing image quality.
You should look for a security camera with a minimum 1080p video resolution.
These days, you can get CCTV cameras that are suitable for indoor monitoring, outdoor use, or both.
When shopping for security cameras in Hillside, Wheelers Hill or the surrounds, it’s important to consider how you intend to use your cameras. Make sure the camera you buy is suitable for your purposes.
Outdoor cameras should be weather-resistant and capable of adapting to a greater range of natural light. They should also have a rugged design to ensure they can withstand the elements.
Indoor cameras may have a sleeker, more discreet design to blend into your home’s decor. They may also be specifically optimised for indoor light conditions.
A wide field of view allows your security camera to cover more area, reducing the number of cameras needed. Look for cameras with a field of view of at least 100 degrees, but preferably higher.
Additionally, consider cameras with pan, tilt, and zoom (PTZ) capabilities. PTZ cameras can be remotely controlled to change their viewing angle, providing more flexibility in monitoring your property.
Criminal activity can occur in broad daylight, but this sort of activity is usually associated with the dead of night! For this reason, your security camera must be able to adapt to various light conditions.
Some features to look for include:
As well as operating in various light conditions, your CCTV system should also be equipped with night vision technology. Surveillance cameras typically use either Infrared (IR) or additional lights to record in pitch-black conditions.
Even with exceptional video resolution, fast-moving individuals or objects can be difficult to capture on video. That’s where a quality frame rate comes in.
Lower frame rates can result in choppy or stuttering video clips, as well as motion blur, making it difficult to discern important details. A higher frame rate ensures smooth video playback for moving objects.
Look for security cameras with a frame rate of 20 fps (frames per second) or higher. Cameras with an adjustable frame rate can also be useful if you want to increase or reduce video file sizes.
Local storage allows your security camera to save footage directly to a microSD card, built-in memory, or a local Network Video Recorder (NVR). Local storage can be a valuable feature for those with limited internet connection and bandwidth, or those who want to avoid remote servers and ongoing cloud storage fees. Opt for cameras with a local storage capacity of at least 128 GB to ensure ample space for storing footage.
If you have multiple high-resolution cameras, an NVR with 1 TB of storage allows you to store 30 days of footage or more at a time.
Facial recognition technology can help distinguish between known individuals and potential intruders. This can be useful for sending you alerts when a specific person is on your property or for automatically unlocking doors for recognised family members or friends.
Similarly, it can be useful to install security cameras that don’t constantly alert you to false alarms. For example, some security cameras are pet-friendly, so they will alert you when there’s an unknown person in your yard, but they won’t bother you when it’s just your cat roaming around.
These days, many security cameras look to conserve battery life and storage space by only activating video recording when movement is detected. This is in contrast to analog cameras that offer continuous recording. Advanced motion detection systems can also send you alerts when movement is detected, ensuring you stay informed of any activity on the property.
It’s essential that your camera snaps into action the moment movement is detected, so be sure to look at reviews and tests to see how the motion detection stacks up.
Smart security cameras may offer intelligent functions that help you monitor specific areas or events on your property. This is often known as Intelligent Video Surveillance or IVS.
Some of the most common IVS functions include:
These intelligent functions provide added customisation, more precise security, and added peace of mind for the user.
A mobile app for controlling and monitoring your smart security camera system is essential for convenience and ease of use. Look for cameras that can be controlled using a user-friendly app on your mobile device. Popular features include live streaming, remote access, push notifications, two-factor authentication or multi-factor authentication, and easy setup/configuration.
Two-way audio capabilities can be helpful for communicating with people on your property or scaring off potential intruders. They can also be useful if you’re using an indoor security camera as a baby monitor. If these features are important to you, look for cameras with a built-in microphone and speaker to enable two-way communication.
An IP67 rating signifies that your security camera is dust-tight and can withstand being submerged in water for short periods. This is important for outdoor cameras that may be exposed to various weather conditions.
Another safety feature worth considering is a wide voltage range, which will allow your camera to withstand varying voltage inputs in unstable voltage environments.
Smart security cameras offer abnormality detection, which can alert you to potential issues such as video tampering, unauthorised access, voltage fluctuations, network disconnection, IP conflict issues, and SD card errors such as full SD card or no SD card detected.
When your security camera can automatically detect and diagnose issues, it makes it easier to resolve the problem and get your security back online!
Other Security Camera Questions to Consider
Choosing the best security camera for your needs can be a challenge, but by considering the common features listed above, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision. You might not need a camera with all these features but be sure to prioritise must-haves like high video resolution, a quality frame rate, and a wide field of view. From there, you can pick and choose features based on your property type and specific security needs.
With more than 15 years of experience, Hypower Security can help you select tailored CCTV and home security solutions for your residential or commercial property.
For alarm, intercom, and CCTV installation in Sunshine, Balwyn, and across Melbourne, contact us today.
