A Guide to CCTV Cameras for Better Business Security

But did you know that you could even further enhance the effectiveness of your business security system by choosing CCTV cameras with special features? Here we take a look at what’s on offer features-wise in the CCTV arena to help you choose the best business security system for your needs.

CCTV is a deterrent as well as a highly effective way of recording evidence for use in criminal prosecutions. Whether installed alongside sensors to trigger recording in the event of an intrusion, or operated manually or with the assistance of artificial intelligence, there are many CCTV system options and features to choose from. Let’s take a closer look at what’s on offer.

Dome CCTV cameras

Whilst discreet, dome CCTV cameras still act as a deterrent as it’s quite difficult to see in which direction the camera is pointing and what its recording. Dome CCTV cameras are easy to fit and can be used indoors and out. They are vandal resistant and can cover all angles via their 360-degree rotation. Perfect for use in retail environments, dining establishments and leisure facilities.

Bullet CCTV cameras

Bullet CCTV cameras are mostly used outside as their casings are weather resistant. They are highly visible, making the ideal outdoor deterrent, and can provide surveillance over long distances. Capable of recording high quality images, they also send out a clear message to passers-by that the premises are under surveillance.

C-Mount CCTV

C-mount CCTV cameras come with detachable lenses that can be switched around to survey a range of distances. Highly visible, they act as an effective deterrent. But it’s their robust and weatherproof construction that makes them ideal for challenging requirements, including extremes of temperature.

Pan tilt and zoom surveillance cameras

Pan tilt and zoom cameras give users total control over what is recorded. All it takes is the touch of a button, and the camera lens can pan left and right, tilt up and down or zoom in and out. Ideal if you have a live security control unit that’s monitoring your premises in real time.

The optical zoom allows close focus on subjects, whilst the pan and tilt feature provides a 360 degree field of vision. These cameras are particularly useful for protecting individual assets, such as featured exhibits in museums and, because they can cover a wide area, they are capable of doing the same job as several static CCTV cameras.

Day/Night CCTV Cameras

Day/night business security cameras operate effectively regardless of how well-lit the surroundings are. Whether it’s dark or light, courtesy of their extra sensitive imaging chips, these CCTV cameras will record crystal-clear video that is unobscured by varying light conditions. Ideal where low light, glaring sunlight or poor lighting can make outdoor recording difficult.

Infrared and night vison cameras

If night time recording is vital to the security of your business, these cameras with their infrared LEDs will provide clear footage, even in the darkest of environments. The cameras use an infrared cut filter to film full colour daytime footage as well, and they are also capable of capturing images in foggy, dusty or smoky conditions.

IP CCTV cameras

IP CCTV cameras are linked in to your network via an internet connection, which means you can view footage anytime, anyplace, via an internet enabled device. Archive footage is stored on a local network recorder or on secure software for access at a later date. IP cameras make the perfect choice for business owners who are not on site very often and want to stay connected to what’s happening at their premises.

Wireless CCTV monitoring

Easy to install and perfect for environments where wires really aren’t an option, wireless CCTV is a breeze to install. Discreet in appearance, and flexible in use, this is one of the most convenient types of CCTV you’ll find, providing the battery operation doesn’t pose an issue. Choose a WiFi wireless option if you want to monitor footage in real time via a smart device.

High Definition (HD) CCTV Cameras

HD CCTV delivers the highest quality images, ideal for high risk environments where unquestionable evidence is needed for criminal prosecutions. This level of CCTV is available on most models including domes and bullets, although it will inevitably carry additional cost.

Artificial intelligence-powered surveillance cameras

Artificial intelligence (AI) makes it possible for CCTV to learn from situations where suspicious activity has been manually identified. This intelligence can then be used to trigger actions, for example sending notifications to monitoring centres or security teams, setting off alarms, or restricting access. AI-powered CCTV can also use facial recognition to verify the identity of anyone entering a building or a particular zone of a building, all without the need for manual intervention.

Tracker security cameras

Many brands of auto-tracking security cameras are packed with sophisticated features, such as night vision, HD recording, two-way talk and a wide viewing angle with digital zoom. These cameras literally follow moving objects, with the camera automatically zooming and tracking as it detects activity.

CCTV cameras for your individual business security needs

There are many options when it comes to CCTV, and so many features to choose from. It’s therefore important to weigh up the pros and cons of what’s on offer, taking advice from a security expert who will assess your individual risk level and specific business security requirements.

At Barry Bros Security, we have been servicing the business security needs of commercial organisations for 75 years. To learn more about how we can help you choose the right CCTV cameras to suit your specific needs, you are welcome to get in touch. Our experts are ready and waiting to provide you with the bespoke advice you need to secure your commercial premises.