5 Keys to Getting the Most from Megapixel Surveillance
January 18, 2010 by admin
Megapixel cameras are all the rage in the security industry but there are 5 distinct keys to getting the biggest return on your investment when using IP surveillance cameras. This article examines ways that you can efficiently implement an IP camera system using Megapixel cameras. Megapixel cameras are often thought of as too expensive or as a fad, but below you will learn how to get a megapixel camera system that delivers remarkable results within modest costs.
1. Use a Quality Manufacturer
Selecting the right camera manufacturer is arguably the most important decision when deciding to use a Megapixel surveillance solution. With the relative newness of IP camera technology purchasing cameras from a well known and established camera manufacturer is critical. Using a camera manufacturer that can deliver on its promise and will be there to stand behind the products for years to come is important for the total cost of ownership of the system. Selecting a camera based on price or a manufacturer with limited experience may cost much more to replace in just a few short years.
2. Selecting the Right Camera Management Software
The camera management software is where the rubber meets the road. This is the software that you will use to view, live and recorded video. The software needs to be user friendly and allow you to identify and retrieve recorded incidents quickly and easily. Besides the software being easy to use, selecting an established software company or manufacturer is just as important. You will have your camera system for years; make certain the software company or manufacturer will be around to support your system. Replacing a digital or network video recorder can be very costly and significant to the total cost of ownership of the system.
3. Proper Placement of Cameras
Designing the right place to locate cameras takes selecting a security company that has experience in surveillance and security techniques. A network, computer or telecom company may be qualified to install and setup an IP camera system but having a proper experience in security and surveillance is critical. Knowing the right camera to use, the right lens to use and the correct field of view to identify objects and people takes experience and prior security knowledge. Look closely at the camera locations and carefully address your expectations of each camera. (i.e. License Plate Recognition, Facial Recognition, General Surveillance, etc…)
4. Getting the Greatest Return per Megapixel Camera
Megapixel cameras deliver the biggest return when used outside. Although the camera produces the same number of pixels when inside or outside, the field of view appears to the human eye to have greater quality and depth of field when used outside. This is not to say you should not use megapixel cameras inside only to state that megapixel cameras deliver the greatest return when used in outdoor applications.
5. Lighting Conditions
Having good lighting is always important for good video but even more so when utilizing megapixel cameras. Megapixel cameras require a good light source in order to deliver high quality images. If not enough light is available the camera will produce inferior images and moving objects will tend to blur. Using White LED lights is a good way to maintain a high quality megapixel image while conserving power and reducing standard outdoor lighting installation costs.
When the budget is tight utilizing every dollar to the fullest is of utmost importance. Using the above keys will allow you to ensure a successful camera installation that will meet your expectations. Megapixel cameras can deliver some of the best video surveillance on the market today but using the right initial design and a company that is experienced in IP camera installations is a must. Using the above tips will help you get it right the first time and may save you thousands of dollars.
