Guide to purchasing a video camera system

As technology becomes cheaper, video surveillance camera systems are being seen more and more in places where you’d least expect them – like your neighbor’s home or in the small store down the road. This evidence points to an important trend – security camera systems are becoming more popular and more accessible. These days, you don’t have to visit huge chain stores or gated communities to purchase a video camera system; and you don’t need to own a mega business to put one in your premises.

With video cameras becoming so common, you need to know your way around them before you can buy one.

There are four types of security camerasavailable to you:

1. Dummy security cameras: As the name suggests, these are not real cameras. They are inexpensive dummies that look like the real thing and act as deterrents on miscreants who might have a mind to disturb your home or office.

2. Covert video camera systems: Again, as the name suggests, these are covert video recording systems, meaning no one will know they’re there. They might look like wall hangings or even a toy in your child’s room. These are useful when you want to record without anyone knowing it.

3. Wireless video camera systems: They are small and portable, therefore quite flexible too. They are easy to set up and quite discreet because you won’t have any telltale wires hanging from them.

4. Wired security cameras: These are quite prominent and are to be set up in one permanent place. You can then monitor all action from one location. Most systems are complicated and may require the services of a professional to set up.

5. Night vision cameras: No, these are not just for the night. They are ideal for places that have low levels of light. The images captured are in black and white.

6. Home security cameras: These are specifically for homes. You get nifty little bonuses like timers, motion sensors that work well with these security cameras.

With so many choices, selecting the right video camera system might seem difficult.

Here are some tips to help you pick the right video camera system for your home.

Never ever buy fakes: These may act as deterrents but they are not nearly as effective as the real ones, for obvious reasons. Besides, they may even lull you into a false sense of security.

Buy according to your needs: Do you want the security camerafor your home or office? Do you want it to bee seen or not? Many shops make it a point to display their cameras prominently, but cameras are placed discreetly at homes. So, learn to buy and install systems that suit your needs. Will your camera be monitoring long distances or short ones?

To make the best buy, invest in performance and quality. Wired cameras are generally more reliable. Color cameras are useful as they produce more quality images. If you are mounting outside, use weather resistant cameras.

The above tips will help you choose the right video camera system for your home, office, yard or store.