In this day and age, it is almost impossible to be in a place where cameras are not being used to capture all activity. It is common to have security camera systems installed almost everywhere to watch and monitor what people are doing.
From schools, offices, churches to traffic cams, security camera systems are everywhere and have become part of our daily life. But wish so many options and models available, it can be daunting to select the ideal security camera system. Let's take a closer look at some of the essential features to consider while choosing a security camera system for your organization.
1. High-Definition Resolution
Security cameras have been proven to lower the crime rate by at least 50%. This is the primary reason why most organizations prefer to invest in a commercial security camera system. However, not all cameras are designed equal when it comes to the quality of the video. You will find cameras with varying resolutions like 720p, 1080p, 1440p or 4K. The p stands for pixels, and the more pixels a camera has, the more detail will be included in the video and snapshots.
If you want crystal-clear recordings and pictures, then you should be investing in a high-definition (HD) resolution camera. A camera with 4K resolution is a perfect fit to get quality images and footage.
2. Infrared or Low-Light Mode
Most building interiors and exteriors are not fully lit all hours of the day for security cameras to accurately capture footage. By investing in security cameras with infrared or low-light capabilities, lighting will not be as much of an issue. This feature will enable security cameras to record video in every situation, regardless of the natural light or weather.
Therefore, if you really want quality recordings in any light, a low-light mode feature is essential to have in your security camera system.
3. Tamper Detection
Installing security cameras in buildings is utterly pointless if they are easy to circumvent for criminals. The next feature you need to look at in a surveillance camera system, is tamper detection. This will allow your system to immediately notify security teams or staff as soon as someone tries to tamper with the camera.
If a thief tries to block or break the lens, spray paint the camera, or try any other means to vandalize the equipment, your system should have the ability to immediately alert your personnel via a text message or email.
4. Remote Video Monitoring
Remote access to a security camera system allows you to manage your network of camera from any location, no matter where you are in the world. Having this ability, without the need to open up ports in your network is important to keep the cyber-security of your organization. Unfortunately, less modern security camera systems have acted as the gateway for hackers to access organizations computer networks.
The surveillance system you are considering deploying should prevent this by allowing remote access to the system securely, with features like two-factor authentication. Luckily, some of the most modern solutions available have taken cyber security into consideration and allow safely or remote access from any device from wherever you may be in the world.
5. Extreme Weather Rating
Rough weather conditions can dramatically alter the effectiveness and lifespan of your security cameras deployed in the outdoors. Extreme high and low temperatures can take a toll on your cameras and cause damage. Most surveillance camera manufacturers have introduced a rating system to check the resistance of security cameras towards extreme weather conditions.
Security cameras with IP67 ratings are known as weather-resistant. This means that these cameras are protected from dust and can withstand powerful jets of water hitting them from all directions. Were as a camera with a rating of IP68 and IP69, can be used underwater. The higher the rating number, the greater the durability and capability the camera has to withstand the environmental elements.
6. Redundant Storage of Video
Determining what type of storage of video your security camera will have is another essential feature to determine when selecting a security camera system. All of the video footage needs to be saved in somewhere that it can be reliably accessed, even if disaster occurs.
If footage is being stored on servers or NVRs/DVRs, it is important to consider redundant back-up of video are being made. Cloud archiving may be a great option, but make sure that this is not impacting the overall bandwidth of your network.
These were examples of some features that you should definitely consider when you are planning on adding or upgrading a security camera system for your organization.
