Dome Cameras

The use of security cameras are spreading like wildfire all over the world, especially in America. They offer protection like none other. Possibility for crime is said to drop by over 85% when security cameras are installed. That is why more and more manufacturers invest into developing new and better cameras each day. One of the better innovations comes in the form of PTZ Cameras.

The term “PTZ cameras” refer to security cameras with a Pan, Tilt, and Zoom capability. Unlike fixed cameras that need to be positioned manually to monitor one fixed location at a time, PTZ cameras can be mounted on the ceiling and will be able to view different parts of a room. It can twist, turn, and focus on a particular location or angle you want. These are the most flexible and versatile type of cameras out there.

Moreover, a PTZ Dome camera (those cameras that are hidden in domes to protect them from vandalism) can provide a 360 degrees view of the whole location below it. Movement of the camera is controlled remotely using a keyboard. It can also be programmed to move by itself, depending on your preferences.

You can even trigger automatic movement of the camera to focus on a specific area without touching the keyboard. You can set it up together with motion detectors, magnetic doors, or panic buttons. When these devices are triggered, the camera can move and view the predetermined location like where the movement occurred (for motion detectors) or focus on the door (when the magnetic door sensor is triggered).

New and better types of these cameras are being developed daily. For example, one PTZ camera no longer needs to be linked to a motion detector since developers have found a way to integrate the motion detection technology with their camera. Here is how it works: the camera is on a “parked” position. When there is change in the pixels from where the camera is generally looking at, it automatically attempts to center its attention on the area where the pixels fluctuated by moving, zooming and focusing on that area with the pixel fluctuation. The change in pixels signifies that there was movement on that area and the camera auto-tracks the movement. This works great when you want to monitor vaults or highly restricted areas.

The downside to PTZ cameras is when you install them outside and a thunderstorm happens. Problems can occur, which can result in the PTZ camera becoming useless. That’s why some companies disable their outdoor PTZ cameras during a thunderstorm. Companies are trying to find new ways to have a PTZ camera fully functional outdoors despite a thunderstorm.

Despite the pros and cons, a PTZ camera can come in useful in any location or circumstance. They may come a bit pricey, but it’s a price some people are willing to pay for the quality of security a PTZ camera can offer. Make sure to check other features these cameras can also come with. Ultimately, the cost of procuring such cameras will pay for themselves when your property and valuables are protected from crime.

Security cameras are one of the most common measures people invest on for security. The safety security cameras offer is one of a kind. They can provide 24/7 surveillance, deter crime from happening, or help law enforcers apprehend criminals caught on camera. They keep you businesses and home safe from would-be robbers.

One of the best kinds of cameras out there is the dome CCTV camera. These cameras are hidden below a hard dome. The dome protects your delicate camera from the weather or against attempts of vandalism. It can even take a whack from a hammer. More expensive dome CCTV cameras are made from tougher materials too. This ensures that criminals will have a hard time trying to disable your security.

The audio and video feeds from dome CCTV cameras are transmitted through a closed-circuit, towards a specific place. It is unlike television broadcasts where the signals are transmitted publicly for everyone to see. These work great with your security cameras because it protects your feeds from getting tapped by unwanted viewers. Casinos, banks, restaurants, cafes, buildings and some houses use this technology.

Dome CCTV cameras are made with different features. The more features, the more versatile they are. However, they are more expensive. Some dome CCTV cameras include a night-vision or infrared LED technology. These both work great when monitoring badly lit areas such as dark rooms or outdoors at night. Infrared LED works by projecting infrared towards an area being monitored so the camera can create a visible field.

Other dome CCTV cameras also come with a pan, tilt, and zoom (PTZ) capability. This is great since your camera can provide you with a 360-degree field of vision. You can also focus on details, while the camera twists, turns, and zooms. Other PTZ dome cameras come with an integrated technology of auto-tracking. The camera detects motion and immediately tracks and focuses on the movement. This works great when you are monitoring highly restricted areas like bank vaults or personal storage areas.

The cameras transmit the video and audio feeds through point to point, point to multiple points, or wireless links. The best thing about wired cameras is that there won’t be interference with the signal. However, wiring may cause hassle with installation. Wireless cameras are great since you skip all the wiring. The downside is that they are not meant for long-term surveillance since it relies on batteries for power. Interference may also disrupt video and audio feeds.

You need to determine the circumstances and conditions of areas you need to monitor so you can buy the necessary camera with the appropriate features and specifications. The more features there are, the more expensive the equipment will be. Expense won’t be exclusive for the camera purchase. You also need monitors or security DVRs and payment for installation. Despite the expenses, you should remember that there is no price for safety. You may be investing a lot of money now, but in the long run, your security will pay for itself by keeping your valuables safe. By the end of the day, you’ve gained more than other people who do not have them.

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Crime is a common occurrence in any community. Any man, whether rich or poor, may fall victim to damages or theft, either if it is a loss of property or a threat to one’s well-being. That is why we always need to stay vigilant and take measures to keep our valuables safe. Investing resources and effort for such precautions are not considered a waste, but an invaluable factor in your home or business’ security. There is much truth to the saying: “Prevention is better than cure”.

Businesses and homes are now being protected by modern age eyes we call security cameras. They can be installed at strategic locations so we can keep an eye on our surroundings. Technology has evolved enough to allow recording of the feeds so we can have a copy should anything happen.

There are different types of security cameras out there. There are the inexpensive and common cameras known as Bullet Cameras; the customizable and mid-ranged priced C Mount Cameras and the expensive yet versatile Dome Cameras. Let’s talk about the best security cameras for your business or home – the dome camera.

You have probably seen a dome camera somewhere, but maybe you didn’t realize it was one or the fact that it was a camera at all. They are used in restaurants, apartment buildings, houses, and more commonly in casinos and retail stores.

The Dome Camera got its name from its appearance, because the camera is encased in a dome. The dome protects the camera from vandalism attempts. Cameras are fragile. Any camera can be taken out by a simple smash from a piece of wood, thus disabling your surveillance. A dome camera on the other hand cannot be easily destroyed. The dome absorbs the impact and keeps your camera safe. The dome not only protects your camera from vandalism, but it also protects it from the weather so moisture is not a problem.

There are two types of dome cameras – Fixed Dome Cameras and Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) Dome Cameras. The fixed dome cameras can only hold a single position. They are not as flexible and as versatile as a PTZ dome camera, which can pan, tilt and zoom giving you maximum vision. This also saves you money as you will only need one camera to access a 360 degree view, rather than get multiple cameras for each view.

Dome cameras come with different features. Some dome cameras have a day/night feature. This feature provides colored images during the day and black and white images during the night or low-light conditions. Some dome cameras are made with Armor Domes. Armor domes can make the camera better safe from vandalism since it can take on the whack of a hammer and other attempts to disable it. Just ask your retailer regarding more specific features that can give you greater benefits or better security.

Various Dome Cameras have varied features. Some dome cameras are more durable than others too. The more features, the more expensive they are. Price range may start from $40 to $300. Fixed dome cameras are cheaper while Pan, Tilt and Zoom dome cameras are more expensive.

Let’s compare two different dome cameras from different ends of the price range.

The fixed dome camera has:
1.)A ¼ inches Sharp CCD solid-state imaging sensor
2.)A minimum illumination of 1Lux/F2.0
3.)A signal-to-noise ratio of 48 dB
4.)350 TV lines of horizontal high quality picture
5.)AES (Auto Electronic Shutter)
6.)AGC (Auto Gain Control)
7.)AWB (Auto White Balance)

The PTZ camera on the other hand has:
1.)540 TV line
2.)3.3 – 12mm auto iris lens
3.)Built in joystick for easier navigation
4.)On screen programming
5.)1.3 inches Sony super II HAD CCD
6.)Low power consumption
7.)Ultra-sensitivity to low light
8.)AGC (Auto Gain Control)
9.)BLC (Black Light Compensation)
10.)AWB (Auto White Balance)
11.)Mirror Image control
12.)Sharpness control
13.)Programmable privacy zone and motion detection
14.)Electronic day/night mode with color removal circuit
15.)Auto sensing 24 VAC/12 VDC
16.)100 ft. infrared with intelligent LED Sync
17.)3D gimbal (pivot support) for easy control (360 degree pan and 90 deg tilt)
18.)Weatherproof
19.)Video test outlet cable included

The fixed camera is the cheapest one you can find in the market. Considering its features, it can cost at around $40.00. The PTZ camera, on the other hand, is one of the most expensive ones you can find out there. It can cost to as much as $250.00.

Whichever outdoor security camera you choose, I can say that dome cameras offer security for your property and security for itself. It not only protects you, but it also protects itself with its dome design.