Prospect

Analogue Cameras

There are two common types of CCTV cameras, CMOS and CCD. CMOS based cameras are generally cheaper but do not produce as clear or sharp images as CCD cameras. There is little point installing a CCTV camera if it is incapable of allowing you to easily identify who or what is being captured and recorded. CCD cameras provide pin-point clarity and should be specified wherever possible.

Integrated cameras and lenses often referred to as "bullet cameras" are sealed to prevent ingress of moisture. The sealing is so good that they can be permanently immersed to some considerable depth in water if required. Bullet cameras do not need a heater and their small size makes them highly suitable for fitting to domestic and commercial properties. It is not possible to make adjustment to these cameras because they are permanently sealed.

• TV Lines – the more TV lines the camera has the better quality image it will capture. In colour cameras, a resolution of 480+ is considered high.


• Minimum Illumination – Light is measured in ‘LUX’ and different cameras need different levels of lighting, or LUX, to be able to capture an image...
  

• CCD Image Sensor – Image sensor size varies from ¼ to ½ an inch, with larger chips offering a better picture quality but also coming at a higher price


• Internal or External – if you plan to use the camera outdoors, make sure it is designed for this use i.e. that it is water and weatherproof, to avoid damage.


• Power Consumption – to keep utilities costs down, opt for cameras with a low power consumption


• Lens – double check that the camera you are buying is supplied with a lens, as some require this to be bought separately.