The Security Cameras Buying Guide

Security cameras can be the difference between a good job and a great job, providing much needed protection to both commercial and domestic projects. After all, what’s the point in all that hard work if someone’s just going to break in and ruin it?

There are a few things worth considering before buying CCTV and surveillance systems, and as we work with security staples such as Yale, video and lighting experts QVIS, and modern giants HIVE, we’re in the best place to steer you in the right direction.

What you should know about security camera resolution

Before you choose a security camera, it’s important to understand its resolution. If the only footage you capture is pixelated and impossible to decipher, you may as well have no security cameras at all.

There’s a great range of resolution options available, from black and white, simple footage that records every few seconds, through to HD cameras that will make crime suitable for the big screen.

Before you decide, think about the kind of thing you’ll be securing. Higher value items could make it worth spending a little more on the high-def options, while entrance ways might only need still shots of people coming and going.

Security cameras with night vision

Once you’ve got your resolution in the light sorted, it’s time to think about when it gets dark. Smart CCTV and surveillance systems will switch to night mode automatically when the sun goes down, giving you a clear picture of anything that happens after hours.

Often, night time will be the perfect time for crime to strike. Home owners will be asleep, while commercial properties might be left empty or with skeleton staff. Criminals know this, so you need to make sure your nocturnal security is up to the challenge.

This can also make it worth installing a burglar alarm. When timed to be active during the night, or paired with motion sensors, they can form a formidable opponent against any late night intruders.

What you need to know about security camera storage

The amount of storage a security camera comes with is important. Your client might need a lot of footage saving, or they might only require enough for 24 hours. Whatever it is, you need the right camera for the job.

Most modern security cameras come with footage compression, meaning they only take up half the hard drive space of their older alternatives. On top of that, all our security camera kits include DVR storage, making them simple to set up without the need to pay for any additional tech.

A camera with 1TB of storage could hold up to 500 hours of HD footage, which would be more than enough for most commercial properties.

What you need to know about security cameras and smartphone apps

Security cameras are getting more and more advanced. From door entry systems that can be unlocked with a fingerprint, through to CCTV you control with your phone, smart security is here to stay.

Systems such as HIVE are ideal for domestic jobs. Their smart cameras are motion activated, and will send an alert to the user whenever something sets them off. Other options include Ring, with their smart doorbells letting you answer no matter where you are. Never miss another delivery, or get caught out by a break-in when you’re away.

Secure your clients now

A security system can be one of the most crucial components of a job, and by providing the right kind of equipment you’re securing yourself a reputation as someone who can be trusted.

Not all heroes wear capes - some just buy good CCTV.