BEST SECURITY CAMERA & SYSTEMS BUYING GUIDE

Here at CCTV Security Pros, we’ve been providing security cameras and systems to Fortune 500 companies, universities, government agencies, and residential homes at more than 70,000 locations across the United States since 2008.

In 2019, we introduced our very own brand of cameras and systems. Our SureVision products are designed to deliver the maximum performance and reliability available in the marketplace. Every SureVision camera includes a robust set of artificial intelligence features allowing customers greater control over how their system operates.

NDAA Compliance - Banned Products

Many CCTV security systems are banned from government use. These banned products include components from Chinese manufacturers listed in the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Our full line-up of SureVision™ (Green-line) professional-grade products are all NDAA compliant and suitable for government use.

If you’re looking for the best selection of high-quality cameras and systems at competitive prices, you’re in the right place.

Security Camera System Video Quality

HD Video is Superior. There’s no contest between HD video and older analog technology. HD video is much higher resolution and displays far better clarity. This is critical to see details like faces and license plates. You can expect our HD CCTV security camera systems to be at least 3-5 times sharper than standard analog cameras.

Analog security cameras are measured by horizontal lines of images. HD cameras are measured in megapixels. Pixels are the individual blocks of color on a digital screen and a megapixel is one million pixels. 1-megapixel cameras can capture video at 720p resolution. 2-megapixel cameras capture video at 1080p, also called high-definition. A 4K Ultra HD CCTV security system requires 8-megapixel cameras.

The higher the resolution and megapixel count, the sharper the image. One great benefit of higher-definition cameras is that you can digitally zoom or ‘blow up’ an HD picture, and the integrity of the image will remain better intact rather than appearing pixelated or blurry like the older analog CCTV security cameras.

DVR vs. NVR Security Camera System Recorders

There are 2 types of HD CCTV security camera technologies; HD-over-Coax systems and internet protocol (IP) systems. A recorder that supports HD over coaxial cable is called a digital video recorder (DVR). IP cameras connect to a network video recorder (NVR) using an Ethernet cable. At CCTV Security Pros, both DVR and NVR units provide the same essential functionality. Either can be used to view live or recorded video and also to view your cameras remotely on a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

One of the main differences between these CCTV security types is the type of cable used to connect the recorder and cameras of the CCTV security systems. Only HD over Coax recorders are backward compatible with older analog cameras. In other words, you can buy HD security cameras or use any existing analog cameras with our HD over Coax digital video recorders.

IP-Based (NVR) Systems

IP camera systems are the new industry standard. Our Network Video Recorders can display images and video up to 4K Ultra HD. IP cameras are connected with CAT5, CAT5e, or CAT6 Ethernet cables. All of our IP cameras are PoE (Power over Ethernet) meaning that both power and video are transmitted over a single cable. Standard IP cameras can be run up to 325ft. Our CCTV security hardware includes repeaters and switches for customers who require further cabling. All of our Surevision systems include “extended” PoE meaning that they can transmit both power and video over 800ft using a pure copper ethernet cable.

Installation with a single PoE Ethernet cable makes IP-based NVR surveillance camera systems exceptionally simple to install. You won’t have to hassle about running a power cable to each individual camera. An Ethernet connection back to the NVR is all it takes to get them up and running.

HD-Over-Coax (DVR) Systems

HD-over-Coax CCTV security cameras are connected using traditional coax cable with BNC video connectors. Our Digital Video Recorders are compatible with new 4K Ultra HD video as well as older analog cameras. The most common type of cable used is RG59 Siamese cable. The term Siamese means there are 2 cables (power and video) running side by side that can be pulled apart. This is important because HD over Coax cameras are not powered from the recorder. Rather, HD over Coax cameras can be powered using an individual power adapter or a multiple output power supply when running multiple cameras.

HD-over-Coax CCTV security systems are extremely beneficial in locations with existing analog infrastructure in place. You can use the same older cable when buying new HD cameras and recorders. Another benefit of HD over Coax is that video can be transmitted well over a 1000ft distance.

Popular Security Cameras & Systems

We carry many different styles of cameras in sets of complete CCTV security systems. A lot of people like bullet-style cameras due to their sleek housing. Other people prefer dome-style cameras for their discreet, low profile, and vandal-resistant design. Dome cameras are optimal when mounting cameras low or within reach since their vandal-proof design makes them difficult to tamper with. Simply detach the lid from the base of the dome to mount the camera and position the lens, and then re-attach the lid to secure. Bullet cameras are best when mounted up high and out of reach since they can be easily mounted by securing 3 screws located at the bottom of the mounting bracket. A large majority of the cameras we offer are fully weatherproof for indoor or outdoor use.

The style of the camera is independent of the technology it’s made with. Qualities and features like the resolution, zoom, and night vision can be just as good whether you prefer bullet-style or dome-style cameras. Some customers are looking to buy security cameras that are discreet, while other customers like cameras that stand out from their environment to maximize their deterrence factor.

Camera Viewing Angles

The size of the camera lens will determine its viewing angle. Our widest lens size is 2.8mm and will produce a 110-degree super wide angle which is good for covering the entire immediate perimeter. A popular 3.6mm lens will display a 90-degree wide angle.

Customers like wide-angle CCTV security cameras because they offer the most “bang for the buck”. However, if you need to focus on an object that is much further away then you will require a more powerful lens such as 8mm, 12mm, or even a 50mm or 100mm lens for a good close-up video of objects that are over 100ft or even 200ft away. Many of these cameras offer a varifocal lens that you can adjust to achieve the perfect angle. Better yet, many of the varifocal cameras have a motorized lens so you can simply adjust the angle directly from your recorder or remote device.

There is always going to be a compromise between the width of the angle and the distance you can see. The perfect solution may sometimes be a combination of wide-angle and varifocal cameras. You can place each at different points on your property to create a comprehensive CCTV security camera system. You can buy security cameras separately, or call us and we will customize a system for you.

Special Application Security Cameras

Most customers prefer fixed wide angle and varifocal lens bullet and dome style cameras to monitor their property. However, we also offer other types of cameras such as pan tilt zoom (PTZ), active deterrence, license plate, fisheye, and active deterrence cameras.  These cameras are sometimes more expensive but can also be beneficial based on the specific application.

Pan-Tilt-Zoom security camera systems have a motorized lens that allows them to rotate horizontally, vertically and zoom in on specific areas or objects. These cameras can be used to cover large areas.

Active Deterrence cameras have the ability to activate a loud siren and strobe lights when motion is triggered to deter any potential threats. They also have a built-in microphone and speaker for 2-way audio functionality.

License plate cameras are specifically designed to read and/or capture license plates. We have some license plate cameras that can be configured to view license plates and others that are able to capture and store license plate information.

Fisheye cameras offer a full 360-degree field of view allowing you to monitor a large area with fewer cameras. Our NVR units offer several options for displaying fisheye images.

Wireless Security Camera Systems

Wireless IP camera systems have also become popular with the release of the many consumer WiFi gadgets available today. These cameras are often limited in terms of selection, clarity, reliability, and function. It is important to understand that the term wireless mainly applies to video transmission. Many of these consumer devices are battery-powered. We do not offer battery-powered cameras because they need to be recharged, making them less reliable. If you operate a business, it’s much better to buy a professional CCTV security system.

Some wireless cameras require separate power although it may be somewhat uncommon for a power outlet to be located in the same location where the camera will be mounted. Another consideration is that wireless cameras can be subject to interference or loss of WiFi signal. We recommend hardwired cameras for applications with further distances or structures that may prohibit an adequate WiFi signal.

Advanced Motion-Detection Recording

Many customers who buy our CCTV security system cameras set them to record only when motion is detected to save hard drive space. For example, a 4-camera HD recorder with a 1TB hard drive can record 24/7 continuous video at 4mp for up to 7 days. If the same recorder is set only to record on motion or on a schedule, the storage time will increase very significantly. Some lesser expensive recorders only have space for a single hard drive. Many of the units we carry have multiple hard drive bays to accommodate more video storage if and when required.

Many of our cameras and systems now include AI features with triggers such as tripwires and human/vehicle detection to eliminate unwanted alerts. These notifications can instantly be sent to your smartphone or tablet so you never miss an important event.

Storing Video Footage

Another consideration when designing a video monitoring solution is storage. Most customers want to store their captured video footage for 7-10 days. All of our video recorders have internal hard drives inside the units where the CCTV security video is stored. We only use surveillance-grade hard drives for the best durability. The higher-resolution cameras will require more storage simply because they consume more data. This is why we offer customers the ability to increase the size of their hard drives to meet their exact storage needs.