To select proper equipment, it is necessary to determine the minimum lighting level (day or night) that will arrive from the scene to the camera lens.  The “available” light will affect everything from picture clarity to focus.

Color vs. Black & White
Generally, color cameras requires a higher level of lighting than black & white cameras. Color cameras produce a more natural, richer image than black & white and this makes it easier to detect objects. For example, the color of the car that was seen passing your house a few times in a day. While the use of color cameras is growing, black & white cameras continue to offer some distinct advantages.  Black & white cameras are better suited for extremely low light situations. Color cameras generally cost more than its black and white counterpart. A normal color camera such as the Sanyo VCC-3954 color camera cost $152.65 and are only $20 more expensive than the Computar Ganz FCH-62 black and white camera. Normally buyers would think color cameras are better but you should not make the mistake of buying a color camera just because there’s only a slight price increase. The Sanyo VCC-3954 may offer color images but with LUX sensitivity of 0.5, it may not be able to get good image in poorly illuminated areas. If you intent to install a CCTV camera at dark areas, you should opt for the Computar Ganz FCH-62 black and white camera. It has a LUX sensitivity of 0.08. This does not mean that color cameras cannot be used at dark areas. A color camera with low LUX sensitivity value cost more. The Toshiba IK-65WDA color camera with LUX sensitivity of 0.001 can obtain good images in dark areas but cost $449.00.

Shape
Basically, CCTV cameras come in 2 shapes. Dome and bullet shaped cameras. Dome cameras make it virtually impossible for suspects to determine where the camera is pointed.
Burglars planning to break in are unable to detect whether or not the entrance they are planning to use is under active surveillance. It also offers a more attractive aesthetic appearance. The camera, lens and wiring are hidden inside the dome and this detracts the camera from the interior design.

Special cameras for special needs can also be found such as the GV-BCC Waterproof Color CCTV Camera. Other than its normal indoor and outdoor application, it’s also designed for under water application. It is resistant to a lot of environmental elements making it a very good camera for rough environment.

Manufacturers are also tapping into the power of the internet by offering wireless color cameras such as the 73900C1 camera that you can connect to through the internet. This makes remote surveillance possible. You can monitor your home from your office.

A single camera kit for those who wants basic surveillance without the hassle of having to source for the right camera for different area of your home can opt for the XCam2 wireless camera kit. It’s an all-rounder with a price tag of only $79.99 and good for normal surveillance.

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