Cameras Continued: Important Considerations
In our last blog, we explored the different types of cameras and their application within home security systems. Now that we’ve been through the basic construction types and features of various cameras, there are a few considerations worth taking into account when deciding what to by and ascertaining the unique needs you may have.
Powering cameras is always going to be a requirement, no matter what style you choose, and their power consumption needs will depend on what features they employ. For obvious reasons, HD and pan/tilt/zoom cameras will gobble up the most in terms of power usage, but luckily for the budget-conscious among us, most can be timed to power on and off at set intervals, saving you on overall kilowatt hour usage when it comes to that which is used by the cameras themselves. The styles we just mentioned will probably require a standard 120V power outlet, but for most cameras, battery and even solar power are readily available and cheap to implement – with the former, however, you’ll need to remember to change the batteries when needed!
Lenses
Depending on the breadth of the field of view you need – not to mention the degree of clarity or focus when it comes to zooming in – lens size and type is an important consideration. It’s worth going into some detail with this particular aspect, and the following considerations should be at the forefront of your decision when determining both which lens and camera style to choose:
Focal Length
The focal length is what determines the horizontal field of view at a certain distance. As the focal length gets longer, the field of view narrows. The lens can offer either manual iris control or automatic iris control. With manual iris control, often used with pan/tilt/zoom and IP cameras, the lens is set to an average value to be used in varying light conditions. Lenses with automatic iris control, such as DC auto iris lenses, are preferred for outdoor applications and locations where light can change throughout the day. The lens is therefore able to adjust as the light changes.
Iris
The role of the iris in a camera lens is to adjust and maintain the opening of the lens in order to control the amount of light that passes through, much like the way a human eye works: the iris opens or closes the pupil (which effectively functions as a lens), thereby regulating the amount of light passing through.
F-number
A lens’s f-number determines the amount of light admitted to pass through to the sensor: the smaller the f-number, the more light is admitted to the sensor. Accordingly, low f-numbers allow for better image quality in low-light situations, whereas higher numbers are more ideal for daytime or indoor situations where the light levels remain more or less constant.
Wired vs. IP Cameras
Finally, we need to explore the difference between wired and IP cameras, which is one small part of a larger consideration between construction type vs. features. As we’ve discussed, some features are available in some construction types but not in others, and some types as well as features are more ideal for some overall systems than others. For this reason, checking to make sure that the camera you choose not only has the features you need but is compatible with your desired system as well is absolutely crucial. To illustrate this point, we’ll revisit IP vs. wired systems. As we’ve explained, IP systems are more ideal for features such as pan/tilt/zoom and HD, and their relative simplicity in wiring – via Internet protocol as opposed to hundreds of feet of coaxial cable – allows a more complex setup with less wiring, albeit at a higher price. IP will give you the advantage of greater control and allowing multiple camera units routed through the same server, but again, the trade-off is overall cost. Both systems will allow for just about any camera housing type, but not all features, such as HD or certain lens fittings, will be possible. Therefore, it’s again absolutely crucial that compatibility checks are done prior to making your purchase.
Video surveillance is a complicated aspect of your home security system, but it works extremely well as both a deterrent and a means of gathering evidence and tightens up overall security on your property. It’s well worth taking the time to find the camera and system that best suits your needs, since it’s very easy to waste a good bit of money on inadequate parts or redundant components. Be sure to subscribe to our weekly blog and newsletter for more advice on real estate and homeownership as well as new property listing, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for real-time updates on listings and properties!
– Get It Right Solutions LLC