Photo From JermJus
Things You Need To Know About DIY Security Cameras:
In the world of DIY Security Cameras and CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) you get what you pay for. There is a big difference between a $50 camera and a $300 camera. But, you don’t always need to spend the big bucks. There are certain features you need to look for when selecting DIY Security Cameras. this article discuses Resolution
Resolution – This isn’t what you promise to do on new years. In the CCTV world resolution describes image quality. It is the measure of noticable detail that you can see in an image. Higher resolution = more definition= better video quality. Be wary of any DIY Security Camera kits that do not list the resolution of the cameras.
Security Cameras have been around for over 40 years so Resolution is expressed in TV Lines (TVL) up to High Definition quality. The higher the TVLs the more detail the camera will capture.
Analog Security Camera Resolution
Analog Security Cameras connect to a DVR (Digital Video Recorder) video inputs as part of a closed loop system. Connection methods are coaxial cable & BNC Connectors or UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) cable & Video Baluns.
480 TVL is the lowest resolution camera I recommend. You will not clearly see faces below 480 TVL in most cases.
540 TVL is considered High Resolution and will provide good detail for overall identification.
640 TVL is VGA quality and provides slightly greater detail than 540TVL.
720p High Definition provides much greater detail and clarity and increases the field of view of the camera.
HDTV Megapixel provides the highest level of detail and quality. If you are expecting to do zooming and filter tricks as seen in CSI then you need to buy Megapixel cameras. They are the most expensive and are exclusively for IP systems. However, one HDTV Megapixel camera could provide the same coverage as 2-3 analog cameras.
480 TVL Resolution Honeywell Security
540 TVL Resolution – Honeywell Security
Digital Security Camera Resolution
Digital Security Cameras are also known as IP (Internet Protocol) cameras. They connect to an NVR (Network Video Recorder) or computer server using CAT5e or CAT6 communications cable. They must be programmed with IP addresses and are part of a computer network.
720p High Definition provides much greater detail and clarity and increases the field of view of the camera.
HDTV Megapixel provides the highest level of detail and quality. If you are expecting to do zooming and filter tricks as seen in CSI then you need to buy Megapixel cameras. They are the most expensive and are exclusively for IP systems. However, one HDTV Megapixel camera could provide the same coverage as 2-3 analog cameras.
720p HD Resolution – Honeywell Security
3 Megapixel Resolution – Honeywell Security
High resolution Security Cameras may capture lots of detail, but may not be needed if you want to view a small area. High resolution security cameras may capture details such as a person’s face or a license tag from a wide area. This could reduce the number of cameras needed to cover an area. The wider the area you wish to view/record, the more resolution the camera needs to see all of the details – or you could install multiple lower resolution cameras.
Also keep in mind that high resolution cameras use a lot of bandwidth and use large file sizes for recording and take up more hard drive space.
So What Resolution Security Camera Should You Buy?
It depends on what you want to see and how far away it is and how you want to view/record your cameras.
In most cases the low tech – mid resolution approach will work for DIY Home Security Cameras. I have installed 520-540 TVL analog cameras in many homes and small businesses. Analog cameras work great for small scale CCTV systems and are cost effective. Analog cameras are tried-and-trued and are offered in many different forms to suit your needs and home ascetics. You will need a DVR for your cameras. Even lower end DVR’s offer an Ethernet port and remote view capabilities. I also recommend analog DIY Security Cameras for anyone not familiar with how to set up a computer network and assign IP addresses. The downside to installing analog security cameras is running cables from each camera back to the DVR.
Digital IP Cameras are a nice hi-tech solution. They can connect to your existing home computer network via CAT5e/CAT6 cable or Wi-Fi. The minimum resolution you should consider with an IP Camera is 720p. Megapixel cameras are still expensive and may be overkill for residential applications. I typical only install Megapixel cameras is commercial and institutional areas were fine detail is needed over very wide areas – such as airports, malls, distribution centers. IP can be viewed and recorded remotely without a DVR but you must be able to program routers and configure IP address. IP cameras also require PoE (Power Over Ethernet) network switches. So you existing switch or hub will not work.
Resolution is just one DIY Security Camera Feature to consider. You also need to think about Field of View, Camera Types, Recording Methods, and Lighting Issues. Look for other articles on SECURE THE NEST on the topics.
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