Choosing a CCTV Camera Kit
Whether it’s for home or business, choosing the right cctv camera kit will require some consideration. You’ll need to pick out your cameras and monitors, purchase a video management system (VMS) and assess what cables you’ll need.
Many of the newer CCTV systems include features that go beyond basic monitoring. Look for two-way audio and temperature monitoring, for example.
Cameras
The cameras in your home security camera kit play a critical role in ensuring your property is protected from intrusions and vandalism. Look for high-quality CCTV cameras that record clear Full HD video in colour during the day and black and white at night. Look for a wide-angle lens that can cover a larger area, and choose an outdoor camera with a sturdy weatherproof and vandal-proof housing.
The camera should also come with a built-in microphone and speaker for two-way audio communication. This feature turns your home security camera into a video intercom that you can use to speak to a delivery driver or check in on your kids after school. Some cameras can even be remotely accessed via voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant.
A battery-powered camera can keep recording when your Wi-Fi goes down and upload the footage to the cloud after it returns. This way, you can monitor your property around-the-clock without any monthly storage or streaming fees.
A wireless security camera is a good option for anyone who doesn’t want to deal with the mess of wires or don’t have a spot on their home where an Ethernet cable can be run. However, the camera will need to connect to a network video recorder (NVR) or digital video recorder using an Ethernet cable. You can also opt for a hybrid security camera system, which uses a DVR and an NVR, or an IP camera that uses Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology to power itself.
Monitors
A CCTV monitor enables arguably the most important function of the system: viewing captured images and cctv camera kit footage. It is therefore crucial to choose a monitor that can meet the needs of a specific application. There are a variety of monitors available for use with surveillance cameras, from standard LCD flat screens to high-definition LED monitors.
CCTV monitors are generally used in conjunction with a DVR or NVR. These devices store video and audio content from multiple cameras, which can then be viewed on the CCTV monitor. The display device is connected via cables, and is often integrated into the camera mount itself. Typically, the cables are BNC connectors, but newer systems can also utilize HDMI and VGA connections. Using a cable that can support these different inputs will help the system be “future proofed” if necessary.
The most common CCTV monitors are LCD or Liquid Crystal Display units. These are much lighter than their CRT predecessors, and use less power. They are capable of displaying high-definition videos, and can provide a crisp image even in direct sunlight. They are available in sizes from 5 inches to 40 inches.
A more advanced type of CCTV monitor is the security control panel, which is able to display on-screen information from multiple cameras at the same time. This can be helpful in monitoring traffic or keeping track of several areas at once. These monitors are usually bigger in size and may be integrated into the camera control room itself.
Power
Power is an important component in any cctv camera kit, and we carry a wide range of options to help installers find the best solution for their needs. From individual cctv camera kit power adapters to multiple power supply boxes, we have everything you need to get your surveillance system up and running. Whether you’re using a coax cable or an Ethernet cable, we have the power supply solution to meet your needs.
Most cameras use a standard AC power supply that plugs into an outlet, which allows them to be installed almost anywhere as long as the cord is long enough. Some cameras also come with battery power, which opens up even more installation possibilities since you can place them in areas without outlets or a convenient electrical circuit.
In addition to traditional DC or AC power, a number of cctv camera kits include power over Ethernet (PoE) options that allow you to provide power to your cameras over the same network cable they use for data transmission. This is possible thanks to a special switch or injector that couples the power and data stream.
Some cctv camera kits also feature Wi-Fi capabilities that let you monitor your cameras via a smartphone app or on the internet. This is particularly useful for temporary or leased spaces, as it eliminates the need to run wires and drill holes, making it much easier to move or replace your cameras later on.
Cables
A CCTV camera kit contains a variety of cables to help you wire your cameras. A coaxial cable has one connection for video and another for power, while an ethernet cable has both a data pair and a power pair. The data pair handles the video signal and the power pair provides 12-volts to each camera. Most kits include a junction box to protect the connections from vandalism and weather, and a bracket for mounting the cameras on a wall or structure.
A common choice for an analog camera system is RG59 siamese cable. It combines separately insulated wires of a coaxial cable and an 18/2 low voltage power cable into one cable run. This gives you a single cable to perform the jobs of two, saving space and reducing your installation time. You can also buy all-in-one siamese cables that are pre-made with a BNC connector for the video and a 12V DC jack for power attached from the factory.
Choosing the right CCTV wires for your site will depend on your camera system type and the specific requirements of the location. For example, if you’re running your cable through an attic, you’ll need to consider the thickness of your soffit, as this will influence how much cable you can run up and down it. You’ll also want to choose whether or not your cable is shielded, since unshielded cables can be more prone to interference from electromagnetic fields.
