Types of CCTV Cameras

One of the significant needs that we all share is the need for security wherever we are. In the haste to improve security, we all go through various measures and are eager to embrace means that can guarantee us the security we crave. One such means is the use of the Closed Circuit Television camera, popularly known as CCTV cameras.

The development of the first CCTV camera began in the late 1970s, and since then, several types of surveillance camera have been developed. However, before looking at the types of CCTV cameras, let us look at how the surveillance cameras work.

How CCTV works

CCTV cameras work by transmitting the video or audio images they have captured to a monitor, monitors, or video recorder located in a separate place. To do this, the CCTV camera can either use a wired or wireless transmission. The following are the components which enable the CCTV camera to do the surveillance, spying or monitoring work effectively,

-The camera
-RJ59 or RJ45 cables
-Storage unit
-Monitor

The camera captures the content then the cables transmit the recorded content to the monitor. The cables are also used to connect all these components. The most common storage unit used is the hard disk.

Types of CCTV cameras

During their introduction years, CCTV cameras were not easy to come by, as they were expensive. Hence, they were mainly used in areas which required high security such as banking halls. However, with technological advancement, they became cheaper and several types were later created. They include the following.

-Wireless camera
-Day/Night camera
-Network/IP camera

Wireless camera

A wireless CCTV camera uses wireless technology to operate. Even though the name ‘wireless’ is used, this does not mean that the camera does not use wires at all. You still need wires so that you can plug the CCTV camera into the electrical outlet. The ‘wireless’ here means that the transmission of the captured data from the camera to the monitor is wireless.

Since you need to plug the cable into the power source for the camera to work, you have to consider the distance between the camera and the power source.

One of the major benefits of the wireless CCTV camera is that you can place them anywhere so long as the source of power is near. You also don’t have to worry about a bunch of wires being visible.

Day/Night camera

The day or night CCTV camera can be used both during the day, when there is sufficient light and during the night when the light is relatively low. The camera also works in total darkness. They have a wide dynamic range; hence, they are mostly used for outdoor surveillance. In addition, they work perfectly under direct sunlight, which is why they are mainly placed in the outdoors.

They consist of an extra sensitive chip used for imaging, which enables them to work in the dark. This means that they do not need an infrared illuminator to work in the dark.

The best thing about this type of CCTV camera is, of course, the fact that they work perfectly 24 hours a day, seven days a week. So you do not miss a single thing.

Network/IP camera

The network/Internet Protocol (IP) camera works by capturing the content then uses the internet to transfer the captured data to the recipient via the internet. Due to this, the camera can function with or without a wired connection.

The camera connects to the network the same way other devices like a laptop, printer, or tablet do. And just like these other devices, you can use the wired network through the ethernet, router, broadband modem. You can also connect the camera to the wireless internet through a Wi-Fi router.

The most significant advantage of this camera is that it lets you have the content wherever you are so you can stay knowing what’s happening in your workplace or home without you physically being there. Also, its installation is easier than the installation of the analog cameras.

In summary

Whether you have been a victim of a insecurity or not, you should consider installing CCTV cameras in your home or business, The cameras will help you keep an eye on things whether you are around or not. Other than the CCTV camera types mentioned above, others include the dome, the bullet, the night vision, and the high definition cameras.