Security Cameras: Features to Suit the Needs of Just About Anyone

When people first look into buying a security camera, they usually just want basic recording features and something that can be used as a criminal or theft deterrent. However, from the novice user to the professional user, there are a number of features to pay special attention to when choosing a security camera that's optimal for your needs.

• Pictures in Color
Nowadays, almost every camera comes with color pictures and for a reasonable price. Color can be useful in several applications. For instance, if your security camera is placed in a retail outlet to prevent theft, you would want to be able to pinpoint things like hair, skin, and eye color, to better identify the criminal. Black and White however is not obsolete. Choosing a Black and White camera can still be beneficial where lighting conditions may not be optimal or when contrast it a better solution than colors.

• Weather Proof/Vandal Proof
Currently, there are a variety of materials and casings for security cameras in order to prevent them from being destroyed when they are outside. Many times, malls and places with large parking lots have cameras attached high up on lighting poles to better survey the lot. With an expensive piece of equipment, you want to know that it will be safe from general weathering. There are several cameras on the market that are made of heavy duty zinc alloy or steel, to protect the electrical interior. There are also vandal proof cameras that are impact resistant and shatter proof.

• Day/Night Vision
For monitoring outside or inside in the dark, there's an assortment of cameras that come with night vision abilities. Many of these security cameras now come with built in infrared illuminators. Additionally, you can get these cameras with an automatic day/night, so that the camera surveys in color during the day and turns to black and white at night for optimal vision in the dark. Night vision is great for areas such as parking lots, offices, highways (to patrol car accidents), and downtown areas.

Different people and organizations have a wide range of priorities and needs, especially when it comes to their surveillance systems. While these are just the basic features that currently exist in the security camera market, it never hurts to keep them in mind when purchasing the camera that will best suit your needs.

Scott is currently a graduate student at the University of Texas at Austin and is studying criminal law. He obtained his bachelor's degree from the University of Texas as well, and has been a part of several research projects involving criminal intent and security with security cameras and hidden surveillance cameras.