News Release - Checklists

There are a number of questions that need answering when considering current and future cameras. Some will be answered thanks to the expert help of a systems integrator, A&E consultant or product manufacturer.

An Informative white paper establishes a manager's checklist for cameras.

Among the Basics:

• What do you want the cameras to see and what are the distance?
• What types of lenses are needed? Do you need a Wide-angle, normal, or telephoto lens? Can variable focal lenses be used?
• What resolution is needed for each camera?
• Do you need a megapixel, high-resolution or high definition cameras needed? How about thermal?
• Can the video management system accommodate the features of the cameras?
• Are licenses required for the digital cameras?
• How many images per second are needed for each camera?
• What is the total number of cameras required? Fixed or pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ)?
• What types of cameras are needed: A dome/mini-dome camera is great if you want to look sleek and need to conceal the camera a bit? A Bullet camera is small and looks great in various placements? Enclosures are needed depending on the camera and if it is going to be used in severe weather conditions? PTZ cameras are more costly but offer the most flexibility; you can pan tilt and zoom? Wall or ceiling mounts?

 

  A Manager's Checklist for Cameras - part 2 

Lighting

Lightning also can impact the type and placement of security video cameras. No doubt, in the out of doors, day/night cameras have a role to play. Still, there are unique lighting issues related to megapixel cameras. For example, when it comes to obtaining full resolution for higher-rated megapixel cameras, without greater levels of lighting than what is naturally in a scene, the camera will not deliver the optimum resolution.

When it comes to lux lighting levels, they usually refer to the light at the sensor, not the ambient lighting in any given scene.

Frame rate also affects low light performance. The longer the exposure, the better the image a sensor can produce in low light. But there is a tradeoff when it comes to moving images.

Frame rate is also an issue with megapixel cameras. Many of these cameras can only deliver 12-15 frames per second. This may prove insufficient for situations involving small, rapid movements such as dealers dealing cards at a casino... 

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