There's no point in discussing business security without one of its most recognisable and widely used elements: CCTV, there's hardly a business in the world that doesn't benefit from CCTV.
It's everywhere, yet finding the right one for you isn't as easy as it first seems.
Actually, due to the multitude of manufacturers and the hundreds of different features that come with different CCTV cameras, it's one of the most underestimated areas.
Ultimately, the best CCTV camera is the one that can see incidents as they happen. Getting someone experienced in security to take a look at your premises is the easiest way for you to get the system and cameras that suit you best.
Bearing that in mind, we've put together this short, quick list of business CCTV cameras and why we recommend them.
The Different Types of Business CCTV
As stated above, there's quite a wide variety of camera types. Too many to list even. This list isn't trying to be comprehensive, but it will cover the majority of the CCTV camera types you'll be looking at. Keep in mind that each on the list isn't mutually exclusive and it's possible to have a combination of features, like a HD dome camera.
Bullet CCTV
This is the classic looking CCTV camera, usually seen mounted high on outside walls and placed quite visibly.
Bullet CCTV cameras are typically encased in a water, dust and dirt resistant casing to withstand the elements. That's why we often see them outside.
Dome CCTV
The Dome CCTV Camera is shaped like a.... dome! You'll often see these cameras in settings where multiple angles need to be checked rather than a single point of focus, like supermarkets or any sort of retail establishment. Due to the blacked-out dome of the camera, it's hard to see which way the camera is actually facing, so any area can potentially be protected.
You're almost always going to see these cameras indoors and typically, placed in a central, high up, position.
HD CCTV
HD capabilities tend to push a camera towards the expensive end of the spectrum and can include resolutions between 720p to 4K. Most CCTV cameras like bullets or dome have a HD option.
Places where the risk of a sophisticated break-in is high (think casinos, banks or bookies),.
Day/Night CCTV
These cameras function superbly in both daylight and low-light conditions. They're great for round-the-clock security.
Most modern day/night cameras have what's called "Infrared Cut Removable Filter" or "ICR", this means that daylight is picked up automatically, by the camera, and a filter is introduced to block IR light and clearer daytime images can be captured.
The most common application for these cameras is typically in some sort of outside setting, near an entry point or in a car park.
Wireless CCTV
Having a camera not tethered to a wire grants a lot of freedom in where you can place it. Sometimes, in the cases of historical buildings, it's not just helpful but essential to have some sort of wireless camera, as the wired alternative can be destructive to the structures of the building.
Having an easier and less destructive way to install a CCTV camera makes them a viable option for nearly all business types.
IP/Network CCTV
Similar to Wireless CCTV in that the data is transmitted via wireless means, however they transmit their video footage via the internet so they can be accessed wherever you are. (A popular version of this would be the ring doorbell!)
The best use case for IP/Network CCTV businesses are typically multi-sited businesses or when owners are constantly mobile and away from the office.
PTZ (Pan, Tilt & Zoom)
PTZ Cameras allow an external controller to pan the camera left and right, tilt the camera up and down and even zoom in and out of footage in real time.
These types of cameras are typically used in situations where a security specialist can remotely operate the camera whilst also controlling other security technology.
Knowing what to buy
Simply knowing what the cameras do can only get you so far, for a security system to function to it's fullest potential, it takes an experienced specialist to plan it out, know where to put things and where not to put things.
Certain things like when a camera should be discrete and when it should be out in the open are things that are only obvious to someone seasoned.
But you're in luck!
At BTT, we have a variety of seasoned veterans of the security system industry who'd be happy to offer our advice
So get in touch!