Security Camera Buying Guide

Professional Surveillance System or Cloud Based Security Camera?

You have been researching which product in the vast and complicated surveillance camera market is going to work for you. If you have tried a Nest Cam or other “cloud camera” products, you have realized that video recording with cloud cameras is dependent on your internet speed, and the recurring fees add up quickly. Security cameras that record to the cloud sound excellent but are highly impractical for the budget-conscious customer. It doesn't make sense to buy a camera and then pay monthly fees to record each one.

A professional HD camera system enables the owner of a home or business to select the most suitable security cameras and benefit from resolutions up to UltraHD 4K. Home consumer products like cloud-based cameras fail to offer 4K resolutions with fluid video recording. A Digital Video Recorder (DVR) or Network Video Recorder (NVR), is the central recording unit in a professional security camera system, which stores all the footage from wired cameras without any monthly recurring costs. Professional systems may sound intimidating at first but are more simple once you familiarize yourself with the jargon of the security camera industry. The hardest part of putting together your own surveillance system is the physical installation of the cameras and running the wire. If that is too difficult, then easily outsource that work to a handyman or local IT company familiar with the process and begin enjoying your newfound security.

To choose the best security cameras for yourself it is important to ask yourself why you need cameras and what you intend to watch with them. The security camera industry jargon is best learned in practice when asking yourself these questions, so let's begin.

How far do you want to see?

When searching for cameras, it's crucial to understand what you need them to accomplish. Are you looking to view at night, in the day, or both? During the day, cameras function similarly to the human eye, but a camera’s resolution limits the distance it can see. In darkness, cameras see about 5–10 feet less than they can during the day. For example, if a camera can see a face up to 40 ft away during the day, it will see a face clearly about 30-35 ft at night. Remember, the picture you see at night will usually not be in color but in black and white. The camera's infrared LEDs provide its night vision, enabling it to see in dark conditions. Infrared LEDs surround the camera’s lens to illuminate the area the camera is pointed at with light that only the camera can see. All humans may be able to see is a faint red glow around the camera, as shown on the right.

To understand how far different cameras can see, it is important to understand the following key concepts:

• Resolution
• Lens
• Infrared Night Vision

Resolution: the difference between confusion and conviction

At CCTV Camera World, we have developed the camera matrix below to illustrate the varying degree of clarity provided by different camera resolutions. Unlike inexpensive cameras available on your favorite marketplace (named after a tropical rainforest), which use low-quality sensors to provide interpolated images, our security cameras are manufactured with high-quality sensors that are true to spec. Use the camera matrix as a benchmark for the standard image quality typically offered by reputable manufacturers, as cheaper, low-end cameras do not meet these standards.

As you can see from the camera matrix above, the amount of facial detail you get from a camera depends on the resolution, which is measured in megapixels (MP). Megapixels are a way to quantify the resolution of the camera. The higher the megapixels, the greater the number of pixels captured by the camera. For example, if you compare the video quality of 2MP vs. 4MP, you will find the latter captures twice the detail; that's why you can digitally zoom in and see a face up to 40ft away with a 4MP security camera, while the 2MP camera can only provide facial detail up to 20ft, i.e., half that distance of a 4MP.

So ask yourself, how far away do you want to identify a face with each camera? The matrix serves as a straightforward guide for understanding the importance of resolution in image clarity and how each camera allows for face recognition at various distances, all while maintaining a standard viewing angle of approximately 84 degrees, which is facilitated by either a 3.6mm or 4mm lens.

Be sure to plan your expectations for facial identification before purchasing your security camera system. For example, a 2MP or 3MP camera will suffice in an office environment where you don’t need facial detail more than 20-30ft away from the camera. On the other hand, a warehouse with 20ft ceilings will require a camera that has over 40ft of facial recognition in order to properly identify a perpetrator or when reporting a work-related injury.

Digital Zoom is dependent on camera resolution

Digital zoom allows a user to digitally magnify an image. The picture on the right illustrates the concept of digital zoom to see a face 40ft away with a 4MP security camera. If you digitally zoom in too far, the video image will become fuzzy and distorted due to the picture's resolution, which limits the amount of digital zoom available. A camera's resolution is equal to the size of the picture it produces. It is similar to digitally zooming in on a photo taken with your cell phone camera.

It is important to understand that digital zoom is not limitless. Once you take a picture and zoom in far enough, it becomes pixelated. The better the resolution of the camera on your phone, the more digital zoom capability it has to zoom in before pixelation of the image becomes a problem.

Understanding the environment in which you want to place your cameras will help you select a surveillance camera that records high-quality images at an affordable price. Remember that facial detail will be 5-10ft less during the night.

A camera's lens and the amount of infrared night vision also determine how far it can see.

Camera Lens: optical zoom vs digital zoom

Most security cameras come with a fixed, or stationary, lens, capturing a static view with a viewing angle of approximately 83 degrees. Once aimed, the camera maintains its field of view, only allowing digital magnification. Most of the time, you can use a fixed-lens camera and mount it close to the area that needs surveillance. Make sure the camera has plenty of resolution so you can use digital zoom to see more detail.

As we see in the camera matrix above, even 12MP cameras are limited to 70ft of facial detail at a wide viewing angle. It is important to understand that there is no camera that can see the width of your front lawn and provide enough detail to identify a face 80ft away for prosecution. It is just not possible . . . yet!

For scenarios where you need to identify a face more than 70ft away, a camera with a zoom lens will be needed. The concepts of zoom and lens are dependent on one another. To understand what type of lens your camera needs, you should know the distinction between Digital Zoom and Optical Zoom.

The most important points to take away about Digital Zoom are:

• A camera’s resolution determines the amount and clarity of digital zoom that is possible.
• You can use digital zoom for live or recorded video at any time because it is digital magnification and not optical.
  
• Digital zoom doesn’t involve physically adjusting the lens, unlike cameras equipped with optical zoom lenses.
  
• To capture objects in greater detail than digital zoom allows, purchase a camera with an optical zoom lens.
  

Fixed-lens cameras cannot do optical zoom because the lens is not moveable. We commonly refer to cameras with optical zoom as varifocal cameras. The optical zoom feature has the capability of zooming in on live video feeds by adjusting the lens without sacrificing clarity, exactly like a pair of binoculars lets you see objects at a distance. Optical zoom lenses are either manual varifocal or motorized varifocal. Manual varifocal zoom lenses require an Allen key or another tool in order to zoom in and out. You can control motorized zoom lenses from an NVR, smartphone, or computer to zoom in while viewing live video feeds. Still, optical zoom has its limitations. When you zoom in, your field of view will shrink toward the center of the picture.

Let's use an example to better understand optical zoom. The example to the right shows a comparison of both digital zoom and optical zoom in a real-world application. The license plates on the cars are 50ft away from the camera. The image starts with the digital zoom window to the left, which makes the license plate on the vehicle barely readable. The numbers on the plate are blurry because the 4MP security camera is set to a 3.6mm lens setting to provide an 80-degree angle of view.

While watching the camera in live view, we toggle the camera's zoom lens to full power. At full optical zoom, the license plate is clearly readable, as shown in the digital zoom window. Without the 3.6-12mm optical zoom lens on the camera, it would be impossible for us to see the license plate.

Zooming in reduces the field of view, so we can no longer see as many parking spaces as prior to zooming in.

The most important points to take away from Optical Zoom are:

• Optical zoom is actual magnification, like a pair of binoculars.
• Optical zoom cannot enlarge or enhance recorded video.
• The field of view decreases as you zoom in.
• There are two types of optical zoom lens cameras:
• Manual varifocal cameras — require you to climb a ladder and adjust the lens using a tool.
• Motorized zoom cameras — lenses can be controlled electronically from the recorder, computer software, or phone app.

Infrared Night Vision

The night vision capabilities of a security camera determine how far it can see at night. Manufacturers typically design professional surveillance cameras to see general detail farther than their typical facial recognition distance in darkness. For example, 4MP security cameras with an 80-degree angle of view can see a face up to 35ft in darkness, but they usually come with night vision capable of 100ft to see if there is someone trespassing at a distance. When choosing a security camera, it is important to pick the right amount of infrared night vision for the application and remember that night vision distance doesn't mean facial identification distance.

In addition to choosing the right amount of night vision a camera has, it is important to understand best practices for night vision security cameras.

These days, most cameras use Smart IR to lessen the intensity of infrared (IR) light they emit when focusing on an object up close. Cameras do this to prevent overexposure, which causes the object to appear completely washed out due to excessive IR light. The image below is an example of Smart IR functioning on a camera with 300ft of infrared night vision. While the truck is only 30ft away from the camera, the Smart IR feature reduces IR intensity to prevent “IR glare” on objects close to the camera. Specifically, the fence and bush on the side of the truck facing the camera are the main objects in focus. SmartIR reduces intensity to ensure that those objects do not become overexposed with IR glare. While this is great, the other side of the truck will not get the same amount of night vision.

Understand that you cannot place night vision security cameras behind a window or any type of glass. Otherwise, the IR light from the camera will reflect from the window back into the camera’s sensor, causing IR reflection (see image to right). Despite the daunting task of mounting a surveillance camera on a home's exterior, it is essential for the camera to function as intended.

The following image shows what IR lights and LEDS look like in darkness at night. One of the cameras used in the image offers 130ft of IR and has a faint glow. The other camera is a long range camera with 330ft of IR so the IRs glow much brighter. For comparison sake the top most light is a red LED from an emergency exit sign. However, most modern cameras have a feature called SmartIR that reduces the intesity of the IR light as objects approach them. SmartIR helps to combat IR reflection and washed out images that can becaused by too much IR light.

Which type of security camera technology is right for you?

All of our HD security cameras use a single cable to send video, audio, and power, making installation easy enough for any do-it-yourselfer. To simplify things, we can distinguish between two main types of security camera technologies:

• IP cameras
• HD Security Cameras over Coax

Each camera technology has its pros and cons, as discussed below. Your answers to the following key questions will determine which type of video surveillance technology is best for you.

• Are you looking for resolutions higher than 4K?
• Are you reusing existing cabling to upgrade?
  
• Need any cable runs over 300ft?

To answer these questions, let's delve into more detail and learn about HD over Coax cameras and IP cameras.

HD Security Cameras - over Coax

HD Security Cameras are an updated technology from older CCTV cameras that use coax cabling to send a video signal. CCTV cameras have been in use since the 1970s, and there are plenty of homes and businesses that have existing coax cabling. The surveillance camera industry developed HD over Coax cameras to reduce the cost of upgrading to an HD security system, enabling the transmission of video resolutions up to 4K over existing Coax cabling infrastructure. The image on the right illustrates the various types of coax cabling, allowing you to make comparisons if your existing cabling appears similar. It is important to note that good-quality coaxial wire is required, as discussed later in this guide.

At CCTV Camera World, we carry two types of HD security cameras:

• HDCVI Cameras — available in resolutions up to 4K—and send video/audio/PTZ controls over the coax cable using HDCVI signal technology that is compatible with all of our DVRs.
• 4-in-1 Security Cameras — output four signal types: HDCVI, HDTVI, AHD, and Analog (CVBS). You can switch 4-in-1 cameras to the desired signal type for compatibility with other systems on the market. HDTVI and AHD are signal types used in some low-cost camera kits sold at big box stores.

  4-in-1 security cameras are available in resolutions up to 4K, and transmit video/PTZ controls over coax when in HDCVI, HDTVI, or AHD mode. As discussed in our review of 4-in-1 security cameras, you can also use them in CVBS mode with older equipment or TVs that only accept analog-resolution video signals to provide a non-HD picture. However, there are varying limitations when mixing and matching 4-in-1 cameras with DVRs from different brands.

Like older CCTV cameras, HD over Coax Cameras use Siamese security camera cables to send video and power. With good-quality solid copper coax from a roll, HDCVI cameras can transmit video up to 1600ft. The picture below shows how the RG59U siamese security camera wire from a roll is terminated to connect to a camera.

The BNC twist connector at both ends tips the video coax wire, and a male power terminal near the camera terminates the two power wires. A power box supplies power to the cameras through the 2-wire portion, while the RG59 video coax transmits video to the DVR. To learn how to tip coax cabling and connect to a power box, we suggest you watch the following video guides:

• How to use BNC twist connectors
• How to use a security camera power box

Once the cabling is in place, setting up a security camera system consisting of coax cameras is fairly easy, as demonstrated in the video below.

IP Cameras

IP cameras are network-based security cameras that communicate over a computer network to send a data signal back to the recorder. The data signal may consist of video, audio, PTZ controls, and video analytic metadata depending on the model of the cameras. They use network cabling such as CAT5e or CAT6 to transmit data and power using Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology, which simplifies the wiring infrastructure since network cabling is now common. Since there is a lot of bandwidth available over network cabling, IP cameras can support resolutions even higher than 4K, surpassing HD security cameras.

While IP cameras do have the benefits of PoE technology simplifying cabling and power to the cameras and support for almost limitless resolutions in the future, they do have one limitation to consider.

That limitation is that the longest network cable run distance for all IP cameras is 100 meters, or 328 feet. For wire runs longer than 100 meters, a PoE extender is required to extend the data signal by using some of the amperage from the PoE signal. New technologies, like extended PoE technology, in some of our network cameras allow for wire lengths up to 300 meters, or nearly 1000 feet; however, this technology is limited to low-wattage cameras like fixed-lens cameras that require less than 12W.

Extending power and data eats up some of the power available for the camera. This means PoE cannot be used in wire runs exceeding 100 meters for cameras with high wattage requirements (greater than 12 watts) due to the power degradation caused by the PoE extender.

As long as you understand the wiring limitation, an IP camera system is not complicated to set up, whether you decide to use an existing computer network or a self-contained system with a PoE NVR. While an over-the-network setup can be a daunting task if you're unfamiliar with computer networking concepts, IP camera systems with plug-and-play cameras and PoE NVR are incredibly simple to set up even for a beginner. Plug-and-play PoE camera systems are also known as NVR camera systems.

The video below demonstrates how quick and easy it is to set up an IP camera system with up to 16 cameras from CCTV Camera World. Our NVRs are able to automatically detect and configure compatible cameras we sell using the NVR's internal network. This means it is a fully plug-and-play PoE IP camera system that almost anyone can set up.

If you have existing CAT5e or CAT6 wire in your building, then IP cameras are a sensible choice. However, if you have existing coax cabling and are debating whether to redo the cabling to support IP cameras, the only reason to take on such an expense would be if you need resolutions higher than 4K on all of your security cameras. Otherwise, we recommend reusing existing coax cabling and using our HD security cameras over coax.

Regardless of which camera signal type you purchase, the rest of this guide discusses the questions you should ask yourself to choose the best security cameras for your home or business.

What is the reason you need cameras? Is it for safety or theft?

In the past, many people frequently complained about security footage that appeared time-lapsed or jumpy. A low framerate, also known as frames per second (fps), caused the video to appear jumpy. DVR processing power limitations and storage space concerns often led to surveillance cameras from 2013 and earlier recording at no more than 7 frames per second (fps). This resulted in footage that failed to capture fast-moving action such as an armed robbery.

Today, cameras usually capture between 15 and 30 fps. People typically use cameras with 30 fps or better to capture license plates or monitor a cash register. One of our motorized zoom security cameras is a wonderful option where there is a fast-paced exchange of currency. For low-traffic areas, we suggest recording at 15 fps to conserve storage space while recording at 1080p or higher resolution. For important areas prone to fast-paced motion, we suggest at least 30 fps video recording.

Where are you mounting security cameras?

A proper vantage point is important for a camera to capture the scene of interest. If you are too far away or using a low-resolution camera, then you will not have the quality security footage needed to identify and prosecute. When thinking of where to place your cameras, it is important to be aware of the following issues in advance:

1. The eaves under a roof are a frequent cause of IR reflection. IR reflection occurs if your camera's lens is close to parallel with the eaves, even if the eaves are not visible.
2. Check to see if other lighting will be around your camera, such as garage lights or street lights. Reflection from those lights can potentially affect the camera’s picture.
3. Do not place your camera behind a window. This will produce a glare when a camera switches to night vision mode; the infrared LEDs will reflect back into the camera.
4. Do not install cameras facing one another. The cameras' IR LEDs will shine into each other, affecting their video in darkness.
5. Do not stick a camera out from under the eaves. This will lead to potential weather damage, such as rain, snow, or ice pouring and accumulating on the camera.
6. To prevent tampering, ensure your camera is out of reach of passersby. If the camera must be within reach of anyone, please consider using our vandal-resistant and impact-resistant cameras.
7. If you are looking at a camera that can see license plates day and night, be mindful that it has strict requirements about placement. The vehicles must pass in a path that is no more than 15 degrees away from the lens in the license plate security camera. Make sure to position it in a location that won't cause collisions.
8. Be aware of insect swarms. Insects tend to swarm around cameras with IR LEDs. Expect to be cleaning your camera once in a while to avoid obstruction by spiders, moths, or flies.
   

Is a bullet, dome, or PTZ security camera best for you?

After you have decided on the location for cameras, you can choose the style. There are multiple surveillance camera styles to choose from. Here are examples and explanations as to which camera is best for the system you are planning.

Bullet Camera

A Bullet Camera is easy to install, and there is no need to open the camera when mounting it. There are also no wires for a vandal to cut since the wires feed through the bracket of the camera and won’t be visible if mounted properly. It is effortless to manually adjust the camera’s direction after installation thanks to the 3-axis bracket on most bullet security cameras. The viewing adaptability makes it ideal for outdoor usage and viewing at long distances. Compared to dome cameras, bullet cameras are available with higher power optical zoom and night vision.

Dome Camera

Dome cameras require more effort when installing but have a discreet design, making them ideal for installation in a restaurant or home. The dome shape makes it difficult to tell which direction the camera is facing. You must open the camera during installation to mount it. Although one may assume that domes are only placed indoors, most of our dome cameras are weather-resistant, and some are also vandal-resistant. With proper mounting and care, you can easily hide the wires during installation. Dome cameras are difficult to remove once mounted. Among fixed-lens cameras, dome security cameras are usually available with wide-angle lenses to provide a greater field of view. If you are looking for a discreet security camera, especially for a home, then a dome camera is your ideal choice. Further, it is a misconception that a bullet or dome camera is better for outdoor use. It all depends on the weather rating of the camera itself.

Turret Camera

Turret cameras, also called eyeball cameras, provide some of the best aspects of dome and bullet cameras. When mounting, the eyeball can be positioned in virtually any angle, like a bullet camera, all while being vandal resistant and small in size, like a dome. Consider purchasing a turret camera if you would like to have an inconspicuous and vandal-resistant camera with the flexibility of angling the camera in any direction, like a bullet camera.

Pan Tilt Zoom Camera (PTZ)

PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras let you adjust the viewing angle and zoom in real time, whether you’re using a joystick controller, an NVR, or even a smartphone. Although they tend to be more expensive than other camera types, they offer broader functionality—for instance, you can set them to “tour mode,” where the camera follows a pre-programmed patrol path. Some PTZ models even include auto-tracking features that follow anything entering a defined intrusion area. A PTZ camera is a smart choice if you need to actively monitor a large space—like a parking lot—and still have the option to zoom in for clear, detailed views.

Next-Generation Security Cameras and Smart Surveillance Trends

Like any other technology, surveillance technology is constantly evolving to meet consumer demands. Speaking of demand, the desire for cameras has expanded beyond traditional big business, military, kooky uncles, and government markets into the small business and home market. This transition into more popular markets has led to a lot of innovations in cameras to cater to homeowners needs. Floodlight, panoramic, and doorbell-style cameras are just a few of the options that are trending. Note that these cameras are only available for use with Ethernet cabling, and while they can be used with an XVR DVR over a computer network, they are best used in an NVR system.

Floodlight Security Cameras

A Floodlight camera has bright, white-light LEDs to illuminate areas at night. The way these LEDs are activated varies by model; many rely on a physical motion detector (passive infrared), digital motion detection, or newer Smart Detection technology. When an object—often a person—is detected, the lights are turned on, providing more detail than standard black-and-white infrared footage. Many camera models offer manual control for turning lights on and off through a mobile app and support scheduling features.

Active Deterrence cameras

Active deterrence cameras take the concept of a standard security camera and crank it up a notch by actively discouraging unwanted activity. Similar to floodlight cameras, they include a built-in white light that activates when motion is detected. However, they also have additional deterrent features such as a speaker to play a siren or pre-recorded voice messages, as well as strobe lights. Some models feature red/blue strobing lights. PoE-based smart deterrence cameras typically have two-way audio, allowing you to address intruders directly, catching them off guard and scaring them away.

Active deterrence cameras use digital motion detection or advanced AI-driven video analytics to pick up movement. As soon as the camera detects movement in the specified zones, it can trigger its strobing lights and audio alerts. This not only simplifies the identification of an intruder but also has the potential to prevent the incident from worsening—at times, merely illuminating the area with a bright light or triggering an alarm can effectively deter most troublemakers.

You can use these cameras individually or as part of a complete home security camera system. For remote access, you can use the mobile app to view video and get alert notifications. You can also trigger the siren and lights manually or speak through the camera in real time.

For small businesses and homeowners who want to do more than just passively record suspicious activity, active deterrence cameras are a solid investment.

 

Panoramic Cameras

Panoramic cameras have made significant strides in affordability and reliability over the past five years. These cameras provide ultra-wide angles of view, typically ranging from 180 to 360 degrees, eliminating the need for multiple traditional cameras to cover the same area.

There are two main types of panoramic cameras:

1. Fisheye Cameras — These use a single ultra-wide-angle lens to capture a "fisheye" image that covers a large area. To make the footage more usable, "dewarping" is required. Fisheye Dewarping is the process of digitally correcting the warped video to create smaller, more detailed views. Some recorders and video management software support dewarping, but not all do.
2. Panoramic Cameras — These cameras have multiple image sensors that each capture a portion of the scene. The camera’s software then stitches these separate video streams together into a nearly seamless, ultra-wide image. Unlike fisheye cameras, multi-sensor cameras do not require dewarping since the images are naturally aligned during processing.

Understanding the difference between fisheye and multi-sensor panoramic cameras will help you choose the best option for your security needs.

Video Doorbells and Intercom Systems

Video doorbells are now all the rage for homeowners and property managers. Installing these cameras at front doors, entrances, and receiving areas provides a quick and convenient way to monitor who is coming and going. They also offer real-time communication with guests through a mobile app, making it easy to greet visitors or verify identities before granting access. However, there are a few major differences between the doorbells offered by major brands like Ring, Wyze, and SimpliSafe compared to the professional ones we carry. Major brands typically offer the cameras at a low cost initially but often require subscription fees for access and recording. Not only that, but because the cameras are low-cost, they likely have low-quality image sensors and audio components. While low-quality video and audio might be acceptable for some, it’s worth investing in a professional doorbell or intercom system to avoid paying more for an inferior product.

What type of wiring to use?

The type of wiring you need depends on whether you already have a security camera system and the kind of cameras you plan to use. Generally, there are two common cable types for security camera installations: RG59U coaxial and Ethernet (CAT5e or CAT6). Analog and HD-over-coax cameras require RG59U coax, while IP cameras rely on network cabling. However, HD-over-coax systems can also utilize network cables with a specialized adapter known as a video balun. Both coaxial and Ethernet cables are available in bulk rolls or as pre-terminated lengths with connectors attached.

HD over Coax vs IP cameras

HD-over-coax cameras, such as HDCVI and 4-in-1 cameras, are cost-effective and can transmit a video signal over a longer distance compared to network surveillance cameras. We recommend HDCVI cameras or 4-in-1 cameras because they allow the user to send a signal up to 1600 feet. HDCVI cameras that we carry can send video, audio, and PTZ data controls over a single coax conductor found in RG59U wiring.

IP cameras of the PoE type can send video, audio, and PTZ controls as a data signal, which allows for transmission up to 300 feet unless a PoE extender is used to repeat the data signal. However, there are exceptions to this, such as a select number of cameras with extended PoE technology that are using proprietary methods to send a PoE signal to a low-power consumption camera up to 980 feet.

Weather Resistance

Siamese cable for HD over Coax cameras is usually weather-resistant. RG59U Siamese coax wire that comes as a spool or roll is weather-resistant, meaning it can withstand UV light and non-pooling water. Home consumers and small businesses commonly use "premade Siamese cable," a second type of cable, because it's easier to install. The weather resistance of pre-made wire varies depending on its quality. The premade Siamese cable we carry is weather-resistant.

Network cable that is used for IP surveillance systems is only indoor-rated and not recommended for outdoor use unless enclosed in a conduit. While weather-resistant CAT5e and CAT6 network cabling is available, it is very expensive. Depending on how much wire will actually be exposed to direct sunlight and moisture, you have to choose whether it is more economical to protect the cable with a conduit or purchase a weather-resistant cable.

Cable Quality

Whether you choose coaxial or network cabling, it’s important to recognize that not all wire is created equal. Inexpensive cables of both types are widely available, but the price discrepancy often comes down to cable composition.

Top-quality cables use a full (solid) copper conductor, which transmits signals over longer distances because copper is an excellent conductor. Lower-grade cables, known as copper-clad aluminum (CCA), have copper only on the outer layer, with an alloy (such as aluminum) at the core. These cost less but are best suited for short runs.

For HD-over-coax setups, RG59U coax cables made from CCA can reliably handle runs of up to 300 feet, while CCA-based CAT5e or CAT6 cables for PoE IP cameras can extend to about 150 feet. If you need longer wiring distances, full copper is crucial. Using RG59U full copper coax, HDCVI cameras can reach up to 1,600 feet, and IP cameras with full copper CAT5e or CAT6 can run up to 328 feet before needing a PoE extender.

Good Connections

If you are installing cables from a roll and terminating the ends yourself, it is a good idea to invest in a cable continuity tester. Although it may seem like it's one more thing to buy, a cable continuity tester can save a lot of time you would otherwise waste troubleshooting why your cameras are not working. 90% of the time, we find poor cable terminations to be the culprit when a newly installed camera is not working properly.

It is mission-critical to properly enclose and protect the cable ends that connect to the camera from the elements. IP cameras often come with weatherproof cable glands to protect the camera's pigtail from corrosion. You can either enclose the BNC camera ends in a junction box or cover them with weatherproof electrical tape. If the pigtail on a camera is left dangling unprotected in the elements, it will eventually corrode due to moisture in the air and may even damage your camera; such damage is not covered by any limited warranty as it falls under improper installation technique.

How are security cameras recorded?

There are a few different ways to record and save video from a security camera, as explained below.

Record to an internal memory card

Only some IP cameras accommodate an internal microSD card. While inexpensive, a microSD card has a limited amount of storage ranging from 64 GB to 512 GB that a camera can support, which would provide a maximum of anywhere between 2 and 5 days of continuous video storage, depending on the model of the camera. If you are looking for motion-activated video recording for a couple of days or still picture recording, then a camera with an internal memory card will suffice. You can find security cameras with SD card recording capabilities here.

Record to a PC

You can record IP security camera footage on a computer using one of the many camera monitoring software solutions available online. Although this might seem like a convenient, cost-saving approach—since you won’t need to buy additional hardware—it comes with potential drawbacks. If the computer freezes unexpectedly or a Windows update interrupts recording, you risk losing critical footage at a crucial time.

Professional software that includes advanced analytics often carries a high licensing fee and demands a robust, dedicated multicore system to function smoothly. After factoring in both software and hardware costs, you’ll likely find that a standalone Linux-based security video recorder is more cost-effective and more reliable for long-term operation.

Record to a Standalone Security Video Recorder

The distribution of labor was the fundamental principle behind the success of the Industrial Revolution. Computing devices use this same principle, with dedicated appliances reliably managing specific tasks. It is time- and cost-effective to use a dedicated recorder for storing important security footage and facilitates quick video playback. The need for processing power to handle high-definition video from HD security cameras over coax and IP cameras led to the creation of dedicated DVRs and NVRs.

DVR vs NVR

There are two types of standalone video recorders for security cameras:

1. DVR - A Digital Video Recorder encodes an analog video signal digitally and stores it on an internal hard drive. DVRs used to be specifically for security cameras that sent a signal over a BNC-terminated cable, such as coax, or network cabling with balun adapters. Since 2013, DVRs have accommodated not only traditional analog resolution CCTV cameras but also HD security cameras that send video over coax. Each year new DVR models have supported higher resolution video over coax than the year before. At this time, DVRs can support up to 4K video over coax.

   In addition, to accommodate the introduction of IP security cameras in the surveillance industry, all new DVR models support a small number of IP cameras over a computer network. Terms such as Tribrid or Pentabrid identify this hybrid support for different signal types, such as analog cameras, HD-over-coax cameras, and IP cameras. We refer to a Pentabrid DVR as an XVR due to its capacity to accommodate the five most common types of video signals:

   1. Analog CCTV
   2. HDCVI
   3. HDTVI
   4. AHD
   5. IP Cameras

   Unlike PoE NVRs that offer integrated PoE ports for a plug-and-play connection with an IP camera, DVR and XVR recorders have only one network port and require a PoE switch connected to the same network to power and communicate with IP security cameras of compatible resolution and protocol.

2. NVR - A Network Video Recorder is for recording video streams over a network, i.e., those sent as data by an IP camera over a network cable. An NVR is only for use with network-based cameras and cannot accept analog or HD security cameras over coax signals. A common misconception is that an NVR camera system requires an internet connection to transmit the signal from the IP camera to the NVR.

   As mentioned above in this guide, an IP camera system of 16 or fewer cameras is easy to set up thanks to PoE NVRs that create a plug-and-play internal network with compatible cameras. For systems requiring more than 16 cameras, all you need is a router and PoE switch to create a local area network (LAN) for a large-scale deployment.

If you are planning on purchasing a system with only IP cameras, then an NVR is your recorder of choice. Otherwise, you will need a DVR to set up a hybrid camera system with a mix of coax and network cameras. Regardless, you can access CCTV Camera World's security camera recorders over the internet from anywhere in the world to watch recorded footage or watch images live as they’re happening in front of the camera’s lens. Even better, security alerts can automatically come to you. You can configure our DVR and NVR recorders to send motion-activated push notifications to your smartphone or receive email alerts, providing you security assurance at all times. You can select recorders with a pre-installed hard drive that keep days, weeks, and even months worth of security footage.

How much storage should you get?

Selecting the best security camera setup isn’t just about resolution—it’s also about ensuring you have enough hard drive space to store your footage. Although high-resolution cameras deliver excellent clarity, they can quickly consume storage. Getting the right hard drive size for your DVR or NVR is critical if you want to retain a sufficient number of days of video recordings.

Use our security system storage calculator to easily determine how much space you’ll need for any of the security cameras we offer. This simple, time-saving tool ensures you’re prepared with the correct hard drive capacity—so you can keep the video evidence you need for your home or business security. Enter in the number of cameras, the desired resolution, and the frame rate, and the calculator will quickly give you an estimate.

Unrealistic Expectations

With all this knowledge, you must feel like you're finally grasping the concept. However, it's easy to overlook the wider picture. Just going over these topics leads us to mention how important having realistic expectations is.

A common expectation we’ve come across is that everyone wants a camera to capture license plates. That is a skill that not many cameras possess. Only specialized license plate capture cameras can capture video with discernible detail from a license plate on a moving vehicle. Surveillance cameras for license plate capture are specifically designed with adjustable infrared strength and a wide range of selectable shutter rates that allow the camera to see a plate without causing infrared reflection from it.

Although security cameras that have high-resolution sensors, such as 8MP or 12MP, can capture the characters on a license plate, they can only do so in the daytime and when the vehicle is parked or moving less than 5 miles per hour. While moving, the license plate will be blurry when captured by a security camera.

Infrared LEDs meant for night vision on a security camera can cause IR glare at night, making a license plate appear completely white. While Smart IR on a camera can auto-adjust for better facial detail, it cannot compensate for reflections from license plates. Likewise, buying a cheaper system through a large retailer, like Amazon or Costco, can leave you with a system that does not meet your needs. The picture will most likely not be what you’re looking for, and you’ll still be paying a monthly fee to store the data over the cloud.

To reinforce our idea of unrealistic expectations, unfortunately there isn't a Swiss Army knife camera available for $100 that can identify a face 150 feet away, is wireless, solar-powered, and has pan-tilt-zoom capability. Although it might seem like it's frivolous to say, we receive inquiries asking for those exact specifications from time to time. An affordable yet extremely powerful camera simply does not exist. That is why using this guide will help even the most novice customer understand not just what a security camera system can do but also what can be expected of it as well.

Pricing and budgeting

We’ve discussed important features of security cameras and the expectations you should have of them but haven’t mentioned anything about price. Proper budgeting is the staple of all purchases that require a certain level of planning. Estimate your expenses before looking to purchase a surveillance camera system. Be sure to research the type of cameras you need with product descriptions and video samples taken from the cameras you like.

As a general rule, the higher the camera resolution and the more advanced the settings are, the pricier a camera becomes. You don’t need a 12MP or 8MP camera with a 32-channel NVR if you are just checking on your dog in the backyard. A 4-channel NVR with a few 2K 4MP IP cameras will do just fine. Capable safety can be cost-effective, especially when purchasing a security camera system.

After reading this article, you should now possess all the necessary knowledge for comparing security cameras. We’ve gone through types of security camera technologies, what questions to ask yourself, and limitations to be aware of. Now, you can assess the requirements for selecting and customizing a security system to meet your unique needs.