So you’re thinking about getting a security camera system for your home or business. Great idea! Video surveillance systems and cameras can help to protect your property, loved ones and employees. They increase security and peace of mind.
But you may be confused on what types of cameras and levels of security are really needed for your situation. To help you decide, we’ve listed some things to consider in determining what system is right for you.
Area Covered by the Security Cameras
How far and wide security cameras can see depends primarily on the lens of the camera. The larger the lens, the farther and wider it will be able to detect activity. Image sensors are also a factor. The most common sizes for sensors are 1/4” and 1/3”; the larger the number, the more light there is to capture the area width of the camera.
Do You Need Infrared Cameras?
Infrared cameras are needed in low light conditions. If you have an outdoor security camera in a location where there’s always a porch light, motion-sensored light, or street light, you may not need the extra infrared technology. But if you want to make sure the cameras capture images in low-light conditions, it’s better to have infrared.
Indoor cameras installed inside businesses that are used mainly to observe and track activity of employees and customers may not need to have the infrared light during the times they are closed. While the business is open, there is probably enough light to capture what’s needed. However, if you want the indoor cameras to capture activity in the dark, they will do better with the extra feature.
Battery Backup
This is a feature that is very important in the event of a power outage. Incidents when the electricity goes out are great opportunities for burglars or vandals to intrude undetected. These criminals sometimes even cut the power lines to facilitate their success in breaking in. The battery backup to your camera and DVR will make sure that your home or business is monitored at all times.
Security Camera Recording and Storage
You can get security cameras that include memory card slots in them to store videos on the device itself. Some people opt for these to save the cost of monthly storage fees. However, if a thief steals the actual camera, your evidence is gone.
To preclude that situation, manufactures offer cloud storage plans. The videos recorded by your cameras are stored on a remote server for a specific time period. These cloud storage plans usually require a monthly subscription with the provider.
Facial Recognition
Cameras equipped with facial recognition features are now available. These are mostly desired by retail or other types of businesses where known thieves, burglars or other criminals repeatedly break in and cause damage or theft. These cameras learn faces though increasing exposure to them.
For example, face images of suspicious people detected on the sales floor can be searched to track information on a timeline, including what time they entered the store and which sales floor they passed. Whether suspicious people have shoplifted, etc. after entering the store can also be immediately searched for and checked by the face recognition system.
Remote Access
Video surveillance systems provide a way to monitor and track activity caught by cameras in place, inside or out, at home or at your business facility. The majority of home systems include a mobile app, making it convenient to keep an eye on your home from almost any location.
Gateway Lock & Security Installs all Types of Video Surveillance Systems
We’ve provided you with some tips on determining the best security camera system for your home or business. If you have additional questions, the professional security specialists at Gateway Lock & Security will be glad to answer them! We will assess your security requirements and advise you on the system that will meet your specifications.
Gateway Lock & Security is conveniently located at 17667 Wild Horse Creek Road, Chesterfield, MO 63005. We serve customers in St. Louis County, St. Charles, St. Peters, O’Fallon, Wentzville and more.
Call us today at 636-778-1135 to schedule an assessment to protect your business, or send us a message and we will get back with you shortly.