The Ultimate Video Surveillance System Buying Guide for Your Home and Business

In today’s world, video surveillance is no longer an optional security measure – it is a necessity. Whether you are a business owner looking to protect your assets or a homeowner looking to keep your property safe, video surveillance is a key component of any security system. But with all the options available, it can be difficult to know which system is right for you. That’s why we’ve created the ultimate video surveillance system buying guide for your home and business.

This comprehensive guide will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about the best system for your needs – from choosing the right hardware and software to understanding the different features available. Get ready to arm yourself with the knowledge and tools you need to protect what matters most.

The Difference Between a Video Surveillance System and a Basic CCTV Camera

A surveillance system provides more than just visual security. A surveillance system offers much more than just video.
A surveillance system includes a central hub that allows for multiple cameras to plug into that hub. The cameras transmit images to the hub via their Internet connection. The hub then interprets the images and sends them along to your PC, smartphone, tablet, or whatever you have set up to be viewed.

With fewer cameras, fewer images, and a smaller field of view, a CCTV camera is the most basic type of security camera you can buy. It’s simply a camera that is hooked up to a power source and records images onto a memory card or a hard drive. It’s generally used for monitoring a single area, such as a hallway or an entryway.

Benefits of a Video Surveillance System for Home and Business

A video surveillance system offers many benefits. It can be used to monitor areas of your home or business that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to monitor with a basic CCTV camera.

A video surveillance system can be used to detect intruders, detect fires, deter theft and vandalism, record evidence, provide real-time footage, and much more. It can also be used to monitor employee or customer activity and can be used to monitor customer service.

In addition, a video surveillance system can be used to monitor and control access to areas of your home or business. It can also be used to detect hazardous materials or hazardous conditions and can be used to monitor traffic flow.

Ultimately, a video surveillance system can be used to provide an extra layer of protection, helping to keep your home or business safe and secure.

The Ultimate Video Surveillance System Buying Guide for Your Home and Business

Video surveillance lets you be in complete control of your property, whether you’re on the premises or millions of miles away. Property owners use surveillance technology to protect their most valuable assets and see what’s going on inside their homes and business, even when they’re not there.

CCTV cameras let you monitor the entire property from the comfort of your sofa, at any time of the day. Motion sensors can notify you of suspicious behavior and alert you when motion is detected.

You can even surveil your doors remotely and ensure that it’s closed and locked. Here is a complete guide that you can use to make a good purchase for your video surveillance systems.

Types of CCTV Cameras

Doorbell Cameras

Doorbell cameras let you chat with visitors at your door. You can open the door remotely and speak to them while you’re still halfway across the world.

You can also deter intruders by utilizing doorbell cameras. Burglars are less likely to break into your home if they know they’re being watched.

Indoor Security Cameras

Indoor security camera systems are great for monitoring entrances, gardens,s, and backyards.

They offer a wide-angle view of the property so you can see everything clearly.

Outdoor SECURITY Cameras

Outdoor cameras are weatherproof. They can withstand extreme heat, rain, and snow. They’re designed to last the harsh weather conditions outside your home.

IP Security Cameras

IP security cameras are excellent for medium and large homes. They’re equipped with a wide field of view and can be installed anywhere.

Wired IP security cameras are connected to your wireless router through a cable. They’re usually weatherproof, and some even work in the dark.

A wireless camera sends footage to your wireless router alone. They’re usually not waterproof, and when there’s a poor wifi connection, they may not be viewable.

PTZ Camera

Pan/tilt/zoom security camera systems provide high-quality footage. They’re designed for indoor use and are ideal for multi-room surveillance.

They include a series of lenses and can be controlled remotely. You can pan, tilt and zoom in, and out. PTZ cameras are typically more expensive than other types of security cameras, but they provide the best coverage.

Dome Cameras

Dome security cameras are best for outdoor use. They’re designed with a protective dome cover, which makes them difficult to tamper with.

Dome cameras are usually wired, so they require a cable connection for power and data transmission. They are also more affordable than other types of security cameras.

Decide Whether You Need A Wired or Wireless Video Surveillance Systems

Home security cameras are easy to install, but it’s important to put a lot of research and thought into your decision process. The sheer number of products on the market can be quite overwhelming, and it can be difficult to sort out the various features.

One of the toughest decisions is figuring out which type of camera is right for you. Do you go with wireless security cameras or hard-wired cameras? Do you go with a closed-circuit television or a webcam? Do you go with professional cameras (like Panasonic security cameras) or with home security cameras (like Amazon Cloud Cam)? 

Wired cameras are ideal for outdoor use, as they are durable and can be connected to the home’s power source. They also offer a higher level of image quality than a wireless security camera and can be used in a variety of ways. However, they can be difficult to install and move around and are more versatile. They don’t need to be connected to a power source and can be placed in areas where wired cameras can’t be. Wireless and may need to be professionally installed.

On the other hand, wireless cameras are great for indoor use because they are easier to install and move around. They can be used to monitor a wide area, such as a room, and can be easily connected to your home network. However, they don’t provide the same image quality as wired cameras and may need to be professionally installed.  For the best image quality and reliability, we recommend going with professional cameras like Panasonic security cameras. These cameras are designed to be reliable and provide excellent image quality.

Look for Features

When you’re shopping for a video surveillance security system, it’s easy to get confused with all of the features at your disposal. That’s because surveillance technology is developing rapidly, with new devices and techniques entering the market every week. What’s more, every security company is throwing around terms like:

Resolutions:

“True 1080p“, “4K“, “HD”, “4K Ultra HD“, and “True 960H“. All of these terms refer to resolutions, which refer to the type of video image and video quality you can expect.

When you’re reading this, you should know that you’re going to want the highest resolution available. While 1080p used to be top of the heap (we were surprised too), 4K is now the frontrunner.

But 4K isn’t the only resolution to consider. In this buying guide, we’re covering the pros and cons of all the resolutions offered by security companies. So, if you’re confused about what to trust, use this list as a checklist to figure out whether you’re getting a good deal.

• • True 1080p: This is the newest standard for video surveillance systems. Most of the time, this resolution will be labeled as “Full HD” or “1080p”. This resolution offers excellent clarity and vivid colors, making it an ideal choice for businesses and homes.

• • HD: This resolution is also known as “720p” and is the minimum resolution for most security systems. While it’s not as sharp as 1080p, you can still get a decent picture quality with HD.

• • D1: This resolution is labeled as “Standard Definition ” and is becoming less common. This resolution is still good enough for basic monitoring, but it won’t offer the same quality as the higher resolutions. 4. 2K: This resolution is labeled as “Four Megapixel” or “4K” and offers sharper image quality than HD. This resolution is becoming more popular, but it’s still not as common as 1080p. 5. 4K: This resolution is labeled as “Eight Megapixel ” or “8K” and offers the highest image quality available on the market. This resolution is ideal for businesses that want to capture detailed images of people and objects.

Fields of  View Features

As surveillance technology continues to mature, users now have the opportunity to monitor their property with high-resolution, wide-angle footage.

This type of information is truly valuable, as you’ll be able to see, in detail, every inch of your property. With a 360-degree field of view, you’ll get a full view of your property – not just the front.

Having wide-angle surveillance can also reduce your chances of becoming a victim of crime, as you’ll be able to monitor your property while you’re not at home. With many different surveillance solutions on the market, however, it’s important to research your options first.

To help you make the best purchase decision, here’s what you need to know.

What Are Field of View Features?

Field of view features refers to the degrees to which a surveillance camera can monitor an area. For example, consider a home surveillance system that is only able to monitor 90 degrees. With a 90-degree field of view, users will be able to view the front of their home, but they won’t be able to monitor anything else.

The field of view is measured in degrees, and, in standard terms, the lower the degree number is, the wider the field of view. For example, consider the following:

– 360-degree field of view: the most complete coverage (360 degrees).

– 180-degree field of view: wide-angle coverage (180 degrees).

– 120-degree field of view: medium-angle coverage (120 degrees).

– 90-degree field of view: narrow-angle coverage (90 degrees).

– 55-degree field of view: wide-angle coverage (55 degrees).

– 20-degree field of view: narrow-angle coverage (20 degrees).

Wide-angle coverage (180-degree field of view and up): Each surveillance camera is different, but usually, wide-angle cameras will allow you to monitor your entire property, including the front, back, and even sides.

Narrow-angle coverage (55-degree field of view and down): Narrow-angle cameras are best used for focused surveillance, such as monitoring a specific area or one entrance/exit. These cameras can be useful for capturing detailed images in smaller areas.

Motion Detection and Night Vision, Storage Options, and Other Features

Security cameras give you the ability to monitor your home from the safety of your phone, tablet, or computer. Without a camera, a break-in could be taking place, and it could go on for minutes before someone hears the commotion and calls the police. By that time, the damage has been done, and the cost of rebuilding is often more expensive than the cost of installing cameras.

Because you have so many options when it comes to security cameras, we’ve outlined a few of our favorite options below. All of the cameras listed below are easy to install and connect to WiFi, so setup is a breeze.

• • Night vision: Look for a security camera with night vision capabilities. This can help you see in the dark, which is important for any security system, but especially one keeping an eye on your home when you’re away.

• • Motion detection: This is one of the most important features you should look for in a security camera. Motion detection sends an alert to your phone when the camera can detect motion or movement. You will want this feature on all of the time, whether you’re home or away.

• • Two-way audio: Two-way audio allows you to talk to whoever is on the other end of the camera. This can be helpful if you have a family member or pet at home that you need to communicate with while you’re away.

• • Cloud storage: Most security cameras will allow you to store your footage in the cloud. This allows you to access the footage from any device, even if your camera is stolen or destroyed.

Evaluate the Camera Lens

When evaluating a camera lens before purchasing a video surveillance system, it’s important to consider the focal length, aperture, and angle of view. The focal length of a lens is the distance from the lens to the focus point. A longer focal length means a narrower angle of view and a greater zoom capability.

The aperture of a lens is the size of the opening that allows light to enter the camera. A larger aperture means the lens can capture more light, which is important for low-light situations. The angle of view of a lens is the field of view that the lens can capture. A wider angle of view means that the camera can see a larger area. It’s important to consider all of these factors before purchasing a camera lens, as they can greatly affect the quality of the footage you capture.

Compare the Prices

Throughout your shopping experience for the perfect video surveillance system, one thing that you’ll quickly discover is that prices vary a lot. Depending on whether you want a system that gives you live and recorded video, how many cameras you need, and what features you want, you can spend anywhere from $500 to up.

Our advice is to be realistic about what you can afford. Some companies will try to sell you an expensive, high-end system when all you want is a simple, one-camera system.

While you may be tempted to go with the lowest-priced system that has the features you want, you might end up with a system that doesn’t perform very well or doesn’t have the features or capabilities you require.

Instead of buying a video surveillance system sight unseen, you should read real customer reviews. It doesn’t cost you anything to read what people think about a particular system and what features they like or dislike about it.

If you do decide to buy from a manufacturer’s online storefront, you’re likely to get a great price, but you won’t know for certain who you’re buying from until you’ve made your purchase.

If you don’t want to worry about surprises, you should consider buying a video surveillance system from a company that specializes in video surveillance. They will have the expertise to help you choose the right system for your needs and budget, and they will be able to provide you with support and maintenance.

Check The Warranty

Whether you’re moving into a new home or need to outfit your current one, a warranty is just as important as the devices themselves. Before making a purchase, it is important to make sure that the video surveillance system you are looking at comes with a good warranty.

Many manufacturers offer warranties on their products, and these should be taken into account when making a decision. If the company offers a warranty, it should cover the parts and labor for a certain period of time. This will give you peace of mind and ensure that you are not left with a faulty system.

Check The Reviews

Before you buy any kind of video surveillance system, it’s important to do your research. Check out reviews from other customers and read up on the features and specifications of the system you’re considering. This will help you make an informed decision and ensure you get the best system for your needs.

Consider the Installation and Maintenance

When purchasing any kind of video surveillance system, it’s important to consider the installation and maintenance. Make sure you read up on the installation process, as well as the maintenance and support that the manufacturer offers. If you’re not comfortable with the installation and maintenance process, you may want to consider a professional installation option. 

Benefits of Facial Recognition in Home Security Cameras and How they Can Provide Extra Security for Your Business 

Facial recognition technology is becoming increasingly popular in the home and business security systems. While the technology is still in its infancy, it has already demonstrated drastic improvements in accuracy and speed, making it a matter of time before it becomes the standard in home security systems. 

With a home security camera, facial recognition is great and works just as it sounds. The camera recognizes your face and logs it, comparing it against a database of other faces. If there is a match, the camera notifies you with an alert. This type of recognition is especially useful in scenarios where a security camera is used to see your face, such as when you come home or leave for work. 

The same technology is being applied to people attempting to gain access to your business. Much like in your home, the cameras can recognize multiple faces, alerting you if an unknown individual enters your store. This is particularly useful during moments when a business door is left open, allowing an opportunistic thief to wander inside.  

The technology is also being used to identify potential shoplifters. As cameras track people’s movements, they can detect suspicious behavior and alert store security. This could be a person lingering near shelves or spending too much time in one area. 

What To Look For When Buying A Digital Video Recorder for Your Video Surveillance Systems

There are two major brands of digital video recorders (DVRs), NVRs and IP NVRs, so you must decide what’s right for you.

Digital video recorders record and store video footage, and can be accessed remotely with a mobile app or through the dashboard.

In terms of NVRs, NVR stands for network video recorders, a type of network video recorder. The NVR card is inserted right into the security camera.

Network video recorders (NVRs) are more expensive than network cameras, but are more energy efficient and allow for much more flexibility.

NVRs have a hard drive in which footage is recorded, lasting anywhere from three to twelve months depending on the model.

Some NVRs have USB ports that can be used for external hard drives in case your hard drive fails.

NVRs can support up to five IP security cameras.

Since NVRs are more expensive than network cameras, many manufacturers offer a hybrid, which consists of two network cameras, one NVR, and one hard drive.

Network video recorders (NVR) are better suited for homes and businesses that use more cameras, require more storage, or want more flexibility.

In terms of IP NVR cameras, the typical video resolution is 4K, which is four times the resolution of 1080p HD video.

IP network video recorders (NVR) are better suited for homes and businesses that use fewer cameras, require less storage, or want an easier setup. They also provide better-quality images than standard IP cameras.

NVRs are becoming increasingly popular for their flexibility, scalability, and cost of video and can be more energy efficient than traditional DVRs.

IP NVRs also provide more features than analog cameras, such as motion detection and facial recognition.

In the event of a hard drive failure, an IP NVR can be configured to automatically back up recorded footage to the cloud or an external storage device. This allows for more secure storage and easier retrieval of surveillance footage.

Overall, IP NVRs are a great solution for homes and businesses that require more flexibility and higher-resolution video.

Conclusion

Now that you have read through our Ultimate Video Surveillance System Buying Guide for Your Home and Business, you should have all the information you need to make an informed decision. You should have a better understanding of the types of video surveillance systems available, the features they offer, the installation process, and how to choose a reputable security provider.

Not all video surveillance systems are created equal, and it is important to select one that meets your specific needs and budget. Go Safer Security offers a variety of options and features, including night vision cameras and motion detection, to protect your home or business. We also provide reliable customer service and technical support.

If you are in the market for a video surveillance system, Go Safer Security is your trusted security systems company in Maryland for all your security needs. We strive to provide the best customer service and products, so you can have peace of mind knowing your home or business is safe and secure. So, what are you waiting for? Don’t hesitate to contact us today to get the ultimate video surveillance system for your home or business.