The Tradeoffs of CCTV
We’ve all seen it. The grainy footage on the local nightly news of the burglar/robber/vandal asking us to please contact the authorities if we know anything about the individuals involved. But who could identify anyone from most of the footage they show, right?
Some of the problem is the result of old security systems that needed to be upgraded years ago but are still in use today. If you’re still using a time lapse VCR and a multi-plexor, this means you. But more often the problem would have been avoided if the person buying the security system had just asked a few more questions. The thing is, unless you’re an expert and do a lot of research, it’s hard to know what questions to ask, right?
The thing about buying a security camera system is that much like buying a car, unless you have an unlimited budget, there are a lot of tradeoffs when making a decision about which product will fit your needs best. What features and benefits are important to you and how much are you willing to pay for them? Are you looking for cameras that you will identify people from, or ones that will give you general coverage so you can see what’s going on across the whole parking lot? Are you looking for the best quality image you can possibly get and have less recording time, or do you want to sacrifice some image quality in order to be able to go back 2 weeks into the recordings and see what happened? Are you willing to spend enough money to be able to have all of the above if those factors are equally important to you?
It’s a lot easier with a car because most people at least know what kind of quality to expect with the different brands available. When you’re car shopping, even a person that’s never done it before knows that when you have a Toyota Camry budget, you’re not going to get a Ferrari. But without the same type of basis for comparison on security cameras, it’s much harder on the average person to go through the process of buying a CCTV system and wind up getting good value for your money as well as a system that meets all your needs.
Instead of telling you about it though, let me show you an example of what I’m talking about. The image below was taken from a live feed from a DVR in our Dallas store. I set this shot up particularly to illustrate the point that not all cameras are created equally. If you have a camera in a position where the shot is heavily backlit like it is in this shot, which camera would you rather have? (Note: This is a common scenario for cameras in a lobby entryway, warehouse docking areas, multi-windowed rooms, garages or outdoor shots facing the sun). Camera 3 is our entry level infrared camera for $79.99. Camera #2 is a more advanced infrared camera with varifocal ability for $149.99. Camera #1 is our Wide Dynamic Range camera with a 2.8-12 millimeter lens that would cost you $369 and give you over two times the range as camera #2. The answer to which you’d want is pretty clear if price is no object. However, it can be quite difficult to prioritize what features are the most important to you when you know your budget won’t allow you the best of all worlds.
Are all cameras created equally?
Ultimately the point of a CCTV security system is in your hands. When you’re buying one, you need to ask yourself important questions like what is most important to me? Catching something after the fact? Deterring it from ever happening? To be able to identify someone from the camera recordings? To save yourself from legal issues and limit your liability? These can all be important, but sometimes the tradeoffs I’m talking about will force you to choose which is most important. If you’re not a CCTV expert, don’t worry. We are. Come to us to help us ask the right questions and determine what your needs are, so you can find a system within your budget, but also one that will accomplish your goals.
