Installing a security camera system for your business facility is not as simple as it may appear, but it requires more effort than you think. To ensure that you get the most out of your investment and have the best protection for your premises, several questions need to be asked before you make any decisions on what type of system to install. From technical specifications to evaluating your business needs, these questions will help guide you in making a well-informed decision when setting up a security camera system for your commercial or business property.

Warning!

Beware, before buying: a good security camera is not just about resolution

Many security companies are misleading customers by only highlighting the camera resolution. While it may seem like the higher the megapixel the better, customers need to understand that a good camera with lower resolution will perform better than a bad camera with high resolution. The other factors to be considered are compression and bandwidth,  recording accuracy, lowlight capabilities, lens types, infrared and night vision and digital signal processing. By considering these, customers will be able to choose a camera that offers the best performance for their site.

Risks associated with poorly build security products

Customers who purchase products from security companies are often unaware of the hidden costs and risks posed by such products. Low-cost and poorly built products may boast a high-resolution factor while masking other critical components such as bottlenecks which can significantly slow down your network. Additionally, these low-quality products are prone to missing incidents due to inadequate recording capabilities, delivering inconsistent image quality, and often performing poorly in low-light or bright-light conditions.

To ensure the best possible safety and security system, it is advised to research and compare the features of different products before investing in one. Doing this can help customers from being scammed by security companies and ensure that they receive a high-quality product that meets their needs.

Before You Install a Security Camera System, Be Sure to Ask These Essential Questions

What types of security cameras will be used?

When it comes to choosing a camera, it is important to consider your specific needs. Depending on the area you are trying to secure, different cameras may better suit your security measures. Dome cameras are discreet and can capture images from all angles while bullet cameras provide a more direct field of view. PTZ cameras allow for remote control of the camera and can provide more expansive coverage of a larger area. Multi-sensor cameras combine multiple cameras for wider surveillance and mini cameras are great for discreetly monitoring small areas. No matter which type of camera you choose, it is essential to have the right camera in place as part of your security system to ensure that your property is safe and secure.

What areas will these cameras cover?

When deciding on the type of security camera that best suits your needs, it is important to consider what area or areas you want to cover.  A single security camera may not be able to capture all angles or a large enough area to provide sufficient coverage. Consider installing multiple cameras in strategic locations and positioning them so they can cover any blind spots. Doing so will ensure you have the most comprehensive coverage and that no areas are left unprotected. Be sure to choose different types of cameras for each location, as one type may not be suitable for all locations.  This will help provide a comprehensive security solution tailored to your exact needs.  By choosing the right type of camera for each area, you can ensure that your security system is up to par and that your property is protected.

Will the cameras integrate with your existing systems?

The integration of your new security cameras is essential for ensuring the maximum efficiency of your security system. By taking the time to research compatibility, you can be confident that your new cameras will provide reliable security for your business.

It is essential to ask if the cameras will integrate with your existing systems before purchasing a security camera system. Closed architecture systems are designed to only work with certain hardware and certain cameras, while open architecture cameras can be used with a much broader range of security cameras regardless of the manufacturer or type of camera. Having an understanding of which type of system is required to meet your needs will help you in selecting the right security camera system for your particular requirements.

Moreover, it is always beneficial to speak with a knowledgeable professional who can provide additional advice and guide you.

How well can the camera work in different lighting conditions?

Customers oftentimes overlook the fact that security cameras will perform differently based on lighting levels. Most people are only concerned with how well their camera works in low light, assuming that choosing a night vision or infrared model would result in perfect visibility at all hours of the day and night. However, this is not always the case; it’s essential to find a balance between natural light and artificial light when selecting your device for optimal performance.

Unfortunately, many camera manufacturers are dishonest in their specifications of night vision and infrared range. Just because the device is stated to be able to detect items up to 200 feet away does not mean that you will get clear images or footage – quality matters too! Additionally, cameras can also become blinded if exposed to too much light. Avoid this issue by considering both distance and lighting when determining which kind of camera best suits your needs.

When installing cameras indoors that are pointed at exterior doors, you must be conscious of potential light sources. If the sun or other bright lights overwhelm the camera when a door opens, it could blind your image feed and obscure any person standing in the doorway. It is essential to consider these lighting conditions before placing cameras along whether you need to identify license plates outside, detect potential intruders inside, or require optimal image quality in pitch black settings – outdoor cameras are essential. With modern technology, capturing clear footage and images even at night is possible.

Is the security camera vandal-resistant?

It is important to make sure that the camera selected has the appropriate protection against vandalism. Vandal-resistant cameras are typically more expensive, but they offer an extra level of protection in locations where they may be subject to damage or tampering. If you have an area that could potentially be targeted by vandals, it is best to invest in a vandal-resistant camera system.

This will ensure that your security cameras are not easily damaged and can continue to provide reliable surveillance. Additionally, when purchasing a vandal-resistant camera system, it is important to make sure that the manufacturer has incorporated sufficient measures against tampering or vandalism into the design of the product. This may include features such as tamper-proof screws, reinforced housing, or non-metallic construction.

Are the security cameras weatherproof?

When deciding on a security camera system, it is important to make sure the cameras you choose meet the requirements of their environment. When installing a security camera system, it is important to consider whether the cameras are weatherproof. Depending on their environment, they may need to be equipped with different IP ratings, which show what the camera is protected against. An IP65 enclosure is rated for dust-tight and protection against water projected from a nozzle. IP66 rating is thus tight and protected against powerful jets of water. IP67 enclosures are dust tight and protected against immersion. These ratings ensure that the camera can withstand various weather conditions, ensuring optimal security coverage and protection for your commercial property.   That way, you can be sure that your cameras will continue to provide reliable security coverage even in the harshest of weather conditions.  

How will the security camera system affect my network?

When installing a security camera system, it is important to consider the video Compression and Bandwidth factors. The compressor determines how much information is recorded in the video file, while the bandwidth describes how much data can be sent and received across a network. Higher-resolution cameras generate larger video sizes which can put added strain on your security system’s performance.

If not monitored, this can lead to missing video, inconsistent image quality, and poor network performance. To avoid such issues, it is advisable to select a security camera system with compressors and bandwidths that match your needs. Doing so will help ensure a smooth functioning system with excellent image quality.

How accurate will the system be at detecting motion?

It is important to make sure that the commercial security camera system you choose has an advanced motion detection feature. This will ensure that it detects any movements accurately and records them efficiently, without wasting bandwidth. Ask your vendor-specific questions about their system’s motion detection capabilities to determine if it meets your needs. Additionally, consider whether or not the image quality of the cameras is high enough to capture clear information or evidence. Finally, ask about the storage capacity of the system to make sure it can hold a sufficient number of videos and images that are recorded over time.

How will I be able to access the footage?

You may also want to consider if you will be able to store recorded footage locally or in the cloud. Local storage typically requires a separate computer or network-attached storage device, and the footage is stored directly on that device. Storing footage in the cloud requires an internet connection, but typically offers more flexibility as you can access your data from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection. Furthermore, when considering cloud storage for your security camera system, you should ensure that the company offers a secure connection and encryption of data. This will help ensure that only authorized personnel can access the footage. Finally, depending on your needs, you may want to consider motion detection recording, which will record only when motion is detected in the camera’s field of view, allowing for more efficient use of storage space.

Wrapping up

By taking the time to ask these questions before purchasing a wifi security camera system, you can ensure that your investment will provide reliable protection and evidence in the event of an incident.

For over 20 years, Spotter has been providing customers with dependable business security camera systems that provide the ultimate peace of mind. Reach out to us now and let our team help you find the best security system for your company’s needs. Stop worrying about safety concerns and get back to running your business knowing it is completely secure.

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Written by : Carlo Di Leo

At the age of 24, with no experience in the security industry or any money in the bank, Carlo quit his job and started Spotter Security from his parent's basement. Founded in 2004, Spotter grew from a single man operation into a multi-million dollar security system integrator that caters to businessess and construction sites across Canada.

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