CCTV Security Discussion – Helps Buying CCTV.

Night Vision CCTV Recording Camera System July 7, 2010

->> Hi, I am one of the Chat Operators here at UKCCTV. How can I assist you today?
->>> what camera is best for outdoors?
->>> what type
->>> dome?
->> Depends on your scenario really. Where are you going to mount the camera?
->>> front and back of the house
->>> i want a wide angle
->> OK, how far do you need to see from the camera especially in the dark?
->>> and i dont want the camera to look obvious
->>> 5-10m
->> http://www.ukcctv.co.uk/dcn-h25a-night-vision-outdoor-dome-cctv-camera.aspx
->> The camera above would be a good fit.
->> http://www.ukcctv.co.uk/dcn-u25a-dome-cctv-security-camera.aspx
->> Also, the one above can be hidden under the eaves.
->> Both gives wide angle.
->>> yeh i like the look of the dome ones
->>> so both of these will work at night?
->> Yes they will. The last one being on the higher quality side.
->>> i was reading i should get one which is recording in color during the day and monochrome with IR at night
->>> what do you recommend
->> They both do exactly the same
->> Colour pictures during the day and black and white crisp image in pitch dark conditions.
->>> theyre fixed position ones right?
->>> not like the ones which can be controlled to look around from inside?
->> Fixed positions yes but with a varifocal lens where angle of view can be adjusted.
->> For moving cameras you need PTZ cameras which are relatively more expensive.
->>> the angle of view being adjusted would that need to be done with me physically touching the camera or from a remote joystick?
->> By you manually from the camera.
->>> would you recomend i buy a special screen which allows me to view all the cameras simultaneously?
->>> or is there software for this
->>> so i can use it on any pc in my house
->> Best thing would be to go with a digital video recorder which comes with its own hard drive. You can then link it to your PC as well as remote viewing.
->>> is the digital video recorder neccessary?
->>> can i not just record to my own hard drive
->> No you cannot.
->>> so which recorder do i need?
->> Unless you go with a DVR PCI card which causes too many software issues and make your PC really slow.
->>> a HD one?
->> http://www.ukcctv.co.uk/4channel-digital-video-recorde.xhtm
->> Any of these recorders would do.
->> For PTZ cameras you need the advanced model.
->>> ok
->>> and any of these recorders would handle the data from 4 cctv cameras?
->> yes
->>> and then i could move it as needed
->>> to another hard drive
->> That’s righ.
->>> so the amount of memory on my actual recorder wouldnt be of much significance?
->> It will be as you do not want to be transferring images from your DVR to computer everyday.
->> Or like when you are away on holiday, it should do at least 1-2 weeks.
->> 250 GB is usually fine on 4 cameras.
->>> ah ok understood, i should probably just go for the higher memory ones .. and the cameras have ‘tagging’? ie putting the date and time on the bottom of the recording so i know when it was right?
->> Correct!
->>> ok
->>> assuming i want to put in a 5th camera
->>> would i need another recorder
->>> because most of these say 4 channel?
->> http://www.ukcctv.co.uk/8channel-digital-video-recorde.xhtm
->> You will need to go with an 8 channel then if you intend to do so.
->>> ok
->>> and what about the wires
->>> do you know what connecting wires i would need
->>> im intending to set it up myself
->> http://www.ukcctv.co.uk/pre-made-combo-power-cable-cab-bnc.aspx
->> You would require these cables.
->>> only those?
->> http://www.ukcctv.co.uk/12v-dc-1000ma-uk-power-supply-p-1000.aspx
->> Yes and these power supplies.
->>> ah ok seems simple enough
->>> for the front of my house
->>> i was planning on putting in motion detectors
->>> which trigger some sort of lighting
->>> would i still need these cameras of such high quality
->>> (which are also of a high price)
->>> can i get some which are cheaper but of the same quality during the day and use the light put on from the sensor to work better
->> The DVR has motion detection facility where it will make cameras trigger by movement and only record upon movement. So no need for the motion detectors.
->> You get what you pay for really, if you go with cheaper cameras then you would receive quality accordingly.
->>> can i link the motion sensor from the camera to external lighting
->>> or is this complicated
->> An electrician might be able to.
->> But motion sensors are not in the camera. It is a facility in the DVR.
->>> sorry whats DVR an abreviation for
->> digital video recorder.
->>> ah ok
->>> i cant seem to find the range on the cameras anywhere
->>> can we assume that i use the second camera you linked me to
->>> i put it 6ft above the ground
->>> what should i expect to be able to see?
->> It will give you an angle of 70 degrees and a night vision range up to 25 meters in pitch dark conditions.
->>> i understand its distance is set and how its lens size is.. but what will i be able to see
->>> 70 degrees is that downward from the horizontal at the point the camera touches the wall?
->> You can adjust its lens to adjust the zoom to be able to capture what you require the most.
->>> ok
->>> thanks kevin