Choosing the right security camera for the right place is a difficult decision as the market has expanded a lot and the devices offered are infinite.

However, as technology is constantly evolving and software advances are changing, surveillance cameras can be adapted to give the end user their maximum potential. So, the right choice of closed circuit surveillance can be customized to fully meet the needs of the surveillance site.

Below we have compiled the 9 most popular questions of concern, as well as the obligation of licensed security system companies to properly advise the customer and be aware of the legislation.

1. Should security cameras be discreet or act as a deterrent?

The facility and the subject of surveillance will determine whether perceptive or discreet cameras are required.

Bullet type cameras are clearly larger and more conspicuous, as they are immediately noticeable, reminding people that they are being monitored and reducing the likelihood of theft. Dome cameras are smaller and therefore more suitable if you want there to be a discreetness in the room, due to their spherical shape, and there are also very compact models, so small that they fit in the palm of the hand.

In all cases, the installation company’s sticker is required to remind bystanders that the site is monitored by law.

2. Will the security cameras be used indoors or outdoors?

While most modern cameras can be used both indoors and outdoors, it is important to consider features such as installation and housing. For use in extremely cold environments, choosing a camera with a robust design and built-in heater means it will have the ability to operate regardless of temperature.

In industries for example, it’s also important to choose a robust surveillance solution that can operate reliably in harsh weather conditions, even when subjected to shock or vibration. In industrial environments such as factories, for example, cameras may need to be protected from sawdust and dust. In restaurant kitchens, the camera may need to be protected from grease, while in bars and clubs, factors such as smoke can affect the efficiency of the surveillance system.

So, it’s very important to take into account all the conditions for the area you’ll be covering.

3. How large an area do you want to cover?

The area we want to cover with a surveillance system will determine the suitability of the cameras we use and the type of network we need. It is useful to create a plan of the area to assess the quantity and types of cameras.

PTZ cameras work best for larger areas, given their long range and ability to magnify activity in that area. With such a camera, the lens aperture can reach a range of up to 112 degrees, allowing huge areas to be monitored with a single camera.

This means that surveillance networks can be set up with fewer surveillance cameras, keeping costs down. Even at the widest viewing angles, image quality remains unchanged. Smaller areas are likely to require only static cameras.

4. How much clarity and detail of the image do you need?

The size of the area we want to monitor will determine the resolution needed. For example, large retail spaces require high resolution cameras to ensure that the image quality is not degraded when zoomed in.

Alternatively, smaller areas such as offices or reception areas typically require low-resolution cameras. It is not generally the case that a higher resolution camera is appropriate for every situation. Instead, it is best to evaluate each space individually, spending money efficiently.

5. What are the lighting conditions?

It is important to test the cameras to understand which models work best in the lighting conditions on the premises. The areas inside and outside experience different amounts of sunlight throughout the day.

Thinking about where the light will be is crucial. For example, will there be reflection from the floor? Is there strong backlighting that creates glare? For environments such as nightclubs, lighting may have a different effect on the camera.

Fortunately, there is a huge variety of technologies that ensure high-definition images even in conditions with little or no lighting. Light filtering technology such as IR filters and artificial lighting devices can enhance or reduce the amount of light reaching a sensor, creating clearer images during the day and night.

6. is audio important?

Integrating audio into a surveillance system allows staff to listen and talk to potential offenders. It can be easily integrated into video management systems. From a surveillance perspective, it can also be used as an independent detection method that triggers recordings and alarms when sound crosses a certain threshold. However, in this particular case it is the definition of the law that will determine whether the sound will be integrated into the cameras.

7. Do you want scalability? Will you be able to add more cameras as time goes by?

A flexible and scalable monitoring system is particularly important. The problem with traditional surveillance systems is that they are a closed circuit, which means that everything is wired. However, in shops it is preferable for the recorder to be larger, so there is room to add more cameras.

8. Which parts of your business could benefit from effective monitoring?

Surveillance systems benefit businesses not only by monitoring theft, but by increasing staff safety and confirming incidents. With the knowledge that they are protected, employees are more likely to feel safe. The visualization of events provided by a surveillance system is also equally important in confirming incidents such as theft, workplace violence, damage to property and vandalism. This information is essential when seeking compensation or reporting to law enforcement agencies.

However, having a good surveillance system in place can bring benefits not only in terms of security and monitoring, but also in broader business operations and analysis. In industries such as retail, for example, the ability of surveillance systems to provide data and customer insights is changing the way not only security departments, but also marketing, customer service and IT departments operate, providing valuable insights to significantly improve customer experience and profitability.

For example, understanding how customers move around a store is crucial to how products and cameras are positioned. With the correct installation of cameras we can derive information about the gender and age of shoppers which can then be used to better position products.

These capabilities can allow store owners to better understand the profile of their customers, identify the most popular products of the public and therefore proceed with more targeted advertising.

9. What challenges do you want to overcome by watching videos? Can video analytics help?

An effective Artificial Intelligence (AI) system is essential, since the average time someone can concentrate on a video is only 20 minutes. Built-in analytics can automatically alert for suspicious activity and apply analytics, improving the way the business works.

Built-in motion detection and intelligent algorithms provide useful information such as the total number of people entering a store. Compared to sales, retailers can evaluate the best times of the day for the offers and services they provide.

Our team is ready to work with you in order to offer you customized and complete solutions for a successful system.