High-Technology Surveillance Cameras

Garbage in = Garbage out

The most important decision for a video security system is the camera(s). But if you look at the kits sold by most retailers, they usually include the cheapest cameras available. The good news is that high quality cameras can be purchased without breaking the bank.

There are several categories and sub-categories of surveillance camera. The first classification is indoor or outdoor environment. This of course includes weatherproofing issues, but for a camera, the light environment can be much different for an indoor camera with constant lighting versus an outdoor camera with no artificial lighting.

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Dynamic Iris Lens

The constant light environment can be served adequately with a fixed iris camera, whereas the outdoor environment with no artificial lighting will be better served with a camera with a dynamic iris. If you have ever had your eyes dilated by an optometrist, you know that the iris is crucial to good vision. It is similar for a camera.

Lens Selection Chart

Night-Vision (Infrared) Camera

An important classification of camera is the IR camera. The IR camera uses near infrared light projected from attached IR LEDs that reflect from the target to see in total darkness. When there is adequate light, the camera functions like a normal color camera. If you need to see in total darkness, this technology may be for you. One of the drawbacks is that most of these cameras have a range limited to the power of the LED source.

Day-Night (Low-Light) Camera (0.001 Lux)

An alternative to night-vision technology is a camera with a dynamic iris combined with a sensor with good sensitivity. These cameras will not work with zero light, but there are cameras that can very well under very low light conditions. Camera light sensitivity is measured in Lux. 0.1 Lux is roughly equal to the light from a full-moon on a cloudless night. Cameras with a sensitivity of 0.001 Lux are available. A low-light camera will also perform very well in normal lighting. Wide Dynamic Range Cameras

Dome Camera

The Dome housing camera remains the best selling camera because of its cosmetics. It looks good.

Summary

Most systems will include multiple cameras. You can pick and choose according to the application. The signal interface between host and camera is the same for most cameras.

These are only examples of the thousands of cameras available for security applications. For each type, there are many subtypes, and many different alternatives for accessories.

For more information:

B.V. Technology Video Surveillance Systems