Common Questions about CCTV Cameras

Closed-circuit televisions are systems in which the circuit is closed and not accessible to pedestrians. However, these cameras are used for monitoring public domains and densely populated areas. For example, these cameras are installed in places like retail outlets, banks and shopping malls. Our aim is to answer frequent questions pertaining to CCTV systems. What are the Types of CCTV Cameras? There are several kinds of CCTV systems that are used widely in a variety of settings. Each is equipped with its own attributes and advantages. For instance, features which determine which one is selected are indoor, outdoor, night vision, tilt and zoom respectively. Motion Detection Cameras with motion detection capability do not record round the clock. This means there is ample storage space. More importantly, these cameras sense movement and only carry out surveillance when an activity is in progress. The users of such CCTV systems are alerted if that happens. Nanny Cameras As the name suggests, a nanny camera is typically operated to monitor nannies and children when the parents are away from home. Surveillance is done but not divulged, since the cameras are placed surreptitiously. Night Vision Like nanny cameras, the name itself is quite self-explanatory. Night vision cameras may be installed either indoors or outdoors and elucidate dimly lit areas in the process of recording footage. In fact, this is a common element of most security cameras and CCTV systems in general. Outdoor Cameras The two prerequisites to qualify as outdoor cameras is that they should be able to withstand water and possess the facility of night vision. In principle, these are used to observe front and back doors, yards, sheds and other areas in proximity. They eliminate the need for occupants to be present in person. Fixed and Tilt/Zoom Cameras The primary difference between fixed cameras and cameras that can tilt, pan and zoom is that the former is only equipped with minimalist features. They do not have features that allow them to zoom into objects, pan, or tilt left and right. On the other hand, tilt/zoom cameras are able to move. They can be positioned and repositioned accordingly, either remotely or by hand also. Wi-Fi Cameras The most frequently used cameras on the market are Wi-Fi enabled ones. They allow remote access and users can monitor proceedings even if they are away. This can be accomplished remotely on a mobile device. Once the app is installed on your smartphone and the CCTV systems are configured, users can see live footage on their cell phones. Can Security Companies Access Household Security Cameras? The short answer to this question is no. Firms that provide CCTV systems cannot see the images and footage that are recorded inside or outside a home. However, if these companies offer video monitoring as an additional facility at the time of joining, then they may be able to see recordings. How is Footage Stored? There are four main ways that surveillance is recorded. These are DVR (Digital Video Recorder), cloud services, memory cards and direct to computer as well. Are Cameras Entirely Wireless? Not all cameras have wireless capability. The vast majority of cameras require an electric source and must be plugged in to function properly. Also, battery operated ones may be wired directly into a DVR or another system so that recorded media can be transferred and viewed.