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How Do I Choose a Security Camera for My Business: 6 Essential Elements to Consider

Security is imperative for any business, so business security cameras are now widely used regardless of the industry. Whether your company is small, mid-sized, or enterprise-level, security cameras are always necessary for monitoring employee security, preventing theft, and increasing productivity.

Many business owners ask us, "How do I choose a security camera for my business?" A security camera system involves a series of monitors/display units, security cameras, and recorders. As a business owner, what would you consider when buying security cameras for your own business?

Benefits of Business Security Cameras

One of the major benefits, especially for small businesses and retailers, is that having an effective video surveillance system will help prevent and deter shoplifting or theft. With security cameras installed, theft or shoplifters would be less likely to steal if they know they're being watched. Moreover, those business security cameras with detection and alarm functions can prevent more loss by sending messages or emails to the business owners when they detect unwanted intruders or potential burglaries.

Many business owners ask us, "How do I choose a security camera for my business?"

For manufacturing industries, security cameras can enhance employee productivity and improve workplace safety. Security cameras allow business owners to optimize their business' safety, including their inventory, capital, and employees.

Business security cameras are very important for banks and governments as well. They can protect industrial secrets, sensitive data, and other important assets from unnecessary exposure.

Moreover, camera users must have access to real-time footage. A video surveillance system can offer legal evidence to protect their benefits if there are some accidents or criminal incidents.

How Do I Choose A Security Camera For My Business?

Resolution

This is the most important thing you must know when buying security cameras for business. You'll need a camera that can capture pictures at least 1080p high resolution or 4K to identify people or objects more clearly.

Frame Rate

This is another key element of a camera. Frame rate is something that determines the video's smoothness. A lower frame rate will lead to choppier footage. For regular business use, we recommend using a security camera that supports at least a 30 FPS frame rate.

Field of View

The field of view, especially the horizontal field, determines how wide your camera can cover. The wider the viewing angle, the bigger area the camera can cover. Cameras with wide viewing angles of more than 60° and even 180° exist. What kind of viewing angle to choose relies on how wide the area you wish to monitor.

WDR Technology

For company security, WDR or Wide Dynamic Range is always among the must-have features of a security camera. Once a part of an image under the camera is too dark and another part is too bright, you can't see any details with that lighting difference.

Modules

The most seen modules in the market are dome, turret, and bullet cameras. These three types of cameras are unique in many ways, and knowing the differences between bullet, dome, and turret cameras will help you to decide which module matches you best. Turret and dome cameras are made with more discrete looks. Bullet ones often have larger sizes and are relatively easier to install.

Motion Detection

This basic technology is available in the latest security camera systems. Modern high-end security cameras also have video analysis software to classify and detect objects, including people, vehicles, and specific events. Analytics make commercial security cameras smarter. Business owners can be informed by a notification sent on their mobile app once the cameras detect some unusual noises or movements.

What to Consider When Choosing A Security Camera For Your Business

Below are ten considerations to ask yourself before investing in a new CCTV system for your business.

Will The Security Cameras Be In Or Outdoors?

While most cameras are suitable for both inside and out, it is important to consider features such as mounting and housing. If the camera is for use in a cold environment, choosing one durable and incorporating an inbuilt heater means it will be operational despite the temperature.

Do You Want the Cameras To Be Discreet Or Act As A Visual Deterrent?

The location you're considering and what you need to monitor with your CCTV will help determine whether you require obvious or discreet cameras. Larger cameras can be an obvious reminder to people that they're being monitored, reducing the chance of theft. Smaller dome cameras are the best choice for discretion. Pan tilt zoom (PTZ) cameras are the ideal choice to cover a large area and follow subjects.

How Large Is The Area You Want To Monitor?

As mentioned before, PTZ cameras work best for larger areas. They're generally more powerful cameras that can view a wide area and zoom in on particular activity. Using PTZ cameras can also reduce the number of cameras needed to cover such areas, keeping costs down while retaining high-quality images.

On the opposite scale, smaller areas are likely to require static cameras.

Do You Need Audio Integration?

Combining audio into a CCTV system makes it possible for security to hear and speak with possible perpetrators.

Security cameras can help keep your business establishment safe.

It can also be utilized as an independent detection method triggering recordings and alarms once audio passes a certain threshold.

Would VMS Analytics Be Of Benefit?

If you plan to constantly monitor video footage, an effective VMS system is vital, given that the average time someone can focus on video footage is only 20 minutes. VMS or in-built analytics alerts you to suspicious activity and apply analytics, helping to improve how you run your business.

Built-in motion detection and intelligent algorithms provide useful, actionable information, such as the number of people entering a shop. Compared with sales, retailers can assess conversion rates and the best times of day for promotions.

Can Your Company Benefit From Effective Business Surveillance And Monitoring?

Security camera systems benefit businesses by monitoring theft, increasing staff safety, and confirming incidents. Employees can feel safer knowing they are being protected.

Security cameras offer many benefits.

Video footage also confirms theft, workplace violence, property damage, and vandalism. This information is crucial when suing for damages or reporting to law enforcement.

But a great camera system can bring other benefits regarding wider business operations and analytics.

For instance, in the retail industry, CCTV systems can offer data and customer insights, helping to enhance the customer experience and business profitability. Knowing a customer's journey throughout a store, which promotions they notice, and employing facial recognition to determine the gender and age of customers can all offer significant benefits to a business.

If you're considering installing a new CCTV system, are looking to upgrade your current CCTV system, or require a maintenance schedule for your existing camera system, call our industry experts today.