How To Buy The Right Security Camera

By Author: Bill behr
Total Articles: 2
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With more and more people purchasing surveillance systems to protect their homes and businesses, many consumers are naturally confused by the vast amount of choices in systems, cameras and recording equipment.

Your surveillance system is only as good as the cameras that record your pictures or videos, so finding the right camera could very well be the most important step in making a smart investment. This article is intended to help consumers who want to cut through the confusion and sales jargon to make sure they purchase the right security camera for their surveillance system.

So, what good is your surveillance system if you don’t have a good camera?

Security cameras produce images and video using CMOS (Complementary metal–oxide–semiconductors)or CCD (charge-coupled device) technology or chips. Without getting too technical, let’s just say, both CMOS and CCD are image sensors that are designed to convert light into electronsand create images that are viewed on a monitor or TV.

Security cameras that use CMOS technology are generally less expensive and consumers that are unaware of ...
... the differences in technology will often opt for the lower priced camera. But as we all know, sometimes lower price does not mean better quality.

Because each pixel on a CMOS sensor has several transistors placed next to it, the light sensitivity of a CMOS chip tends to be lower, sometimes giving you fuzzy or grainy images in low light. In addition, CMOS chips are mass produced and used for a variety of different applications, computers, appliances, etc. and therefore are not made primarily for the purpose of giving you high quality camera images.

CCDs use a more advanced technology to create the ability to transport light across the chip without any distortion. Security cameras that use CCD technology are considered higher quality and will produce vivid images in any condition; day, night, rain, sleet or snow.

The size of the CCD chip is normally larger than the CMOS chips andgenerally, the larger the size, the higher the quality of the image produced. Thus, if you want a quality security camera that can produce high quality images, CCD is the way to go.

How Many TV lines Should My Security Camera Have?

Picture resolution for security cameras is measured in Television Lines or TVL. The number of TV lines in the security camera image is the amount of its picture resolution or sharpness. The greater the number of TV lines, the better the resolution and overall picture quality.

Typical, lower priced camerasusually come with 350-380 lines and are considered to be standard resolution. Security cameras that have 500 or even 600 TV Lines are consideredto beof high quality resolution.

The bottom line is, the more TV lines, the better the picture. You can purchase a high grade quality camera with 600 lines and enjoy clear, crisp video in either day or night conditions.

Finally any security camera installation will need proper wiring. If you are installing cameras that require wiring of long distance runs, we would recommend using RG6 or RG59 coaxial cables for it will ensure the quality of your video. Coaxial cables will prevent video loss up to about 400 feet.

In shorter runs, up to 150 feet, typical plug and play non-coaxial cables will provide suitable results. Plug and play cables are easy enough to install by any do it yourselfer and make it both easier and more economical to install your own surveillance system.

Bill Behr is the owner of The Home Security Outlet, an online store where home owners and business owners can research and securely purchase security systems and self-defense products.