Property owners and managers understand the importance of having some type of camera surveillance system in place to monitor their properties, whether they're commercial, industrial or residential. Visible security cameras can deter crime, and a hidden wireless security camera can watch areas that are hard to monitor with conventional methods.

Because there are many types of surveillance cameras, pricing and costs of security camera systems are a big factor when choosing the right equipment to secure your properties. While security camera providers can give you information on their equipment, you will also need to consider how large a system you need. Here are some specs to consider:

1. The number of security cameras you need at each entrance.

2. Whether the whole system needs to be visible, or if it should have hidden elements.

3. If a completely wireless system will be more convenient than conventional security cameras.

Action Steps to Outfit Your Business with Security Cameras
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Install a visible outdoor security camera system for easy monitoring

The least expensive security cameras are outdoor cameras that are easily visible to those looking at the building. These cameras can monitor people as they leave a building, or walk through an outdoor area such as a parking lot. Outdoor security cameras range in price from simple $50 models to high res 8mm cameras that cost more than $9,000.

I recommend: SecurityCamerasandMore.com offers a wide range of models for outdoor security cameras. Many of these are affordable on any budget. You can find outdoor camera models with night vision and other features from EzWatch Pro.

Choose a CCTV camera distributor that offers top CCTV monitors and recorders

The most important parts of your closed circuit television camera system, also known as a CCTV camera system, are the monitor and recorder. Some property owners choose to do a live feed and employ staff to monitor it. Others choose to record. Depending on whether you choose a black and white monitor or color plasma screen, you can expect to pay from $100 to $4500. DVR and NVR technology runs from $250 to $1000 and beyond.

I recommend: CCTV.Net offers a wide selection of DVRs for continuous recording. CCTV also offers basic economy models all the way up to the latest DVR and NVR technology. Christy Industries offers a selection of monitors for CCTV systems from top brand names such as Samsung.

Purchase a complete camera surveillance system

If you need to install a complete security system but don't know what types of components you need to put it all together, it might be best to choose a total package system. These packages include cameras, monitors and recording devices. Smaller systems cost about $1,500, while larger systems can easily reach $8,500 or more.

I recommend: 2M CCTV offers many packages that include anywhere from four to 32 cameras. Sun Security has many surveillance camera packages for home use as well as those that are better suited for commercial properties.

Tips & Tactics for Effective Use of Security Cameras

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you need to purchase a surveillance camera system software program to record and monitor, make sure the software is compatible with your equipment. Whenever possible, purchase the software and the equipment at the same time.

Businesses have increasingly turned to surveillance cameras. Whether it’s part of a big brother society, or just a need to secure premises against would-be thieves or attackers, security cameras can be a real boon inside your location. In fact, as the head of loss prevention for a leading consumer electronics retailer mentioned to me at a recent conference, business owners are finding they can use security cameras not only for security or shoplifting investigation purposes, but also to help sales staff review traffic patterns and count business traffic. Most security cameras are being placed indoors (that’s where the money and the goods are, right?). If you’re looking for a video surveillance system, consider the following types of indoor security cameras:

1. Bullet cameras.
2. Traditional fixed cameras.
3. Dome cameras.
4. PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras.
5. Covert “spy” cameras.
6. Network cameras.
7. Wireless cameras.

As you consider a indoor security camera system , things you want to look at are how many cameras you want, how much you’re willing to spend, what type of cameras will work, and what special features you need, like a CCTV security camera or weather-proofed outdoor security camera.

Action Steps
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Bullet security cameras

The smallest of “normal” security cameras, the bullet security cam is easy to install and popular with users who want surveillance to be somewhat covert, or simply don’t want to disrupt architectural factors. A number of bullet cameras also come with “night vision” infrared LEDs to allow the camera to see in the dark – the light is visible to the camera, but not the human eye.

I recommend: Speco Technologies has a really complete line of bullet security cam models, including black-and-white and color product lines.

Traditional fixed security cameras

Fixed indoor security cam systems are mounted in one location and are set to look at a particular area, such as a cash register, an entry door or a stockroom. Larger than bullet cameras, they tend to offer better image quality because they can allow more room for image processing chips inside. Options include standard resolution, high resolution, black-and-white (a.k.a. monochrome) and color. If used indoors, they often don’t need protective housings, but can be mounted in such units if the situation calls for it.

I recommend: Pelco carries a full line of fixed security cam products. Sony is a big manufacturer here, and also makes the chip (the CCD) that is used in many competitors’ cameras.

Dome security cameras

These cameras are covered by a protective dome that helps limit dust and grime. They can be set up as “fixed” – meaning they point in one location — or they can be integrated with motors to pan, tilt and zoom (see action step below).

I recommend: Bosch Security Systems has a full-line of fixed dome cameras as well as PTZ domes (see links below). Samsung can also show you an impressive line-up in this area.

PTZ (pan, tilt and zoom) security cameras

Mounted in central locations, security operators can use a joystick or keyboard to control where a PTZ indoor security camera looks. When shopping for a PTZ security cam, compare how much they can pan, how much they can tilt, and how fast they can move around the scene. Some are slow; some are lightening fast.

I recommend: Bosch’s BasicDome and AutoDome are two models to check out. Honeywell’s ACUIX PTZ line comes in both indoor and outdoor security camera systems, and the company makes a number of other indoor PTZ domes (including “fixed” domes).

Covert security cameras

Covert “spy” security cameras are so small that they can be hidden in a number of common devices, such as clocks. Covert cameras are typically only added to a camera system when investigation of a particular crime is being pursued.

I recommend: Consumer-grade products like the X10 are small and cheap, but not very covert. Check out sites like Supercircuits and Northern Video for a selection of easily-hidden surveillance cameras.

Network security cameras

Network security cameras come in a variety of forms, including those mentioned above, and are solely distinguished by the fact that they communicate their data across a TCP/IP network connection. These systems integrate easily with remote monitoring from your Internet-connected PC.

I recommend: Axis Communications, Sony, Canon and Panasonic are some of the leaders in this space, which is quickly brimming with more and more manufacturers. Business.com also has a directory page of network security cameras.

Go wireless

Wireless indoor security cameras use common frequencies to transmit video over short distances to a receiver. Most need a designated receiver. These typically are of the DIY variety, and aren’t used as permanent solutions. Beware of interference, but these cameras can be applied in a pinch when running cable isn’t practical. Wireless outdoor security cameras are advancing rapidly, as well.

I recommend: Some of the businesses in this DIY wireless surveillance camera market include Q-See and D-Link.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Cheap packages/kits can be picked up at some retailers, though you may not find the quality you need in these low-end kits, especially with outdoor security cameras.
• •  A professional installer often does alarm systems as well, and can analyze proper indoor security camera placement to get your money’s worth from a system.
• •  Don’t forget the DVR (digital video recorder). There are a number of off-the-shelf solutions that offer video surveillance, but they don’t include a method for recording the video from your surveillance camera. Look for one with options for back-ups, and spend money wisely here, since all the cameras in the world watching a crime at your business does no good if it doesn’t properly record the event.
• •  When it’s time to buy the DVR recording system, spend wisely. Don’t go for an all-inclusive feature-set unless you know you’re going to use it. Keep it simple, and spend that money instead on more storage space so you can archive surveillance camera video longer or save more images per second.

Security cameras are an important component for protecting any number of industrial, commercial, and even residential properties. And because everyone can benefit from extra security, there are many different types of security camera systems on the market.

Choosing the right security camera system for your property depends on a host of details, from the layout of the lot to the type of security you want to provide. Once you choose the type of security system you want, the next decision you will have to make is where to put the cameras. There are many choices for most properties, including:

1. An indoor security camera for point-of-sale areas or resident entrances.

2. An outdoor security camera that can watch entrances and parking lots.

3. Hidden security cameras that can fit into a discreet location.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get the latest security camera news and trends from trade publications

There are many trade publications dedicated to surveillance cameras, CCTV systems, and those in the business of selling and distributing security equipment. These publications not only offer the latest news and trends on security camera systems, but you can also find contacts and resources for your own security needs.

I recommend: Security System News is a great resource for those who want to know what's new in security systems and closed circuit television, or CCTV security. SDM Magazine is a security-focused publication that has a large online presence geared to distributors and users of security systems.

Explore articles that discuss camera surveillance systems and topics

Online articles are a great source of all types of information about CCTV systems, security cameras, and the issue of where to place cameras. These articles can be useful even if you already have a system. You can learn about upgrades and better camera placement for added security.

I recommend: If you want to know more about analog technology and have it explained with less jargon, check out articles from Hubpages. CCTV Blog features informative articles about many of the products they carry.

Choose newsletters and forums to find the right security camera providers

There are many print and online resources that can put you in touch with a CCTV camera distributor or any other type of security camera provider that you need. Many of these distributors advertise on blogs and in e-newsletters to reach a wider base.

I recommend: SecuritySolutions.com is a print magazine that also offers e-newsletters to keep you up to date on the latest industry news. Security Management offers a forum to discuss security camera issues for a variety of industries.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Online reviews of security cameras can also be very helpful when choosing the right system for your property. If you can find comparable products, check out reviews for both and compare the first-person opinions to get a better idea of how effective the each system is.