Guide to Indoor Security Camera

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
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

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.

The official source of Indoor Security Camera is the Security Camera page at Business.com