Often time’s a surveillance system for a home or a business requires a security camera that can be concealed outside.  Outside cameras of the highest quality are typically found in professional grade standard body models as these units have plenty of room for all the latest CCTV electronics that allow for low light viewing, wide dynamic range, digital noise reduction, etc. However standard body cameras require a large housing to survive outdoors.  Many times the overt nature of this solution can itself be a deterrent to trouble. However there are times when aesthetic, or the need for a more covert camera, make the standard body camera impractical.

In this scenario a bullet camera can provide a reasonable solution as they can both survive the weather without any additional housing and they are small enough to be easily concealed. Or to put that another way, a bullet camera can be a great fit for the exterior of a property where you need surveillance but don’t want the place to look like Fort Knox.

For example a bullet camera can make concealing a camera at the end of a driveway all the easier. It would go relatively unnoticed in dozens of spots such as on a fence post, under a freestanding lantern, or even hidden in a tree or other landscaping feature. Likewise a bullet camera is a good choice for a front porch, a back door, or even a garage door. As a small black bullet camera mounted on the side of a brick house close to the eves would most likely not be noticed until the subject had already been observed by the camera.

So the next time you are faced with that dilemma of needing an outdoor CCTV security camera while wanting to preserve the overall look of the property then consider a CCTV bullet camera.

When shopping for security cameras, most people run across what are known as vandal resistant security cameras.  Most people do not even know what vandal resistant cameras are.  But, if you are purchasing cameras for you residence, you definitely need them.  Basically, vandal resistant cameras are dome cameras.  Most of them are made out of steel.  So, they can take a real beating.  Also, being that they are dome cameras, the cabling is totally protected and concealed.  Therefore, the cabling cannot be tampered with, making them even more vandal resistant.

Every neighborhood across the country has neighborhood kids that have nothing better to do but vandalize property.  I am positive that if these kids knew that they were being watched by security cameras, they would do their best to take those cameras out.  Non vandal resistant cameras would be easy to take out.  This is especially true if they are not dome cameras. Non dome cameras could easily be knocked out of place, or out of focus.  The cables could also be easily cut or disconnected.  Therefore, if you are installing cameras at your residence, be sure to use vandal resistant dome cameras if at all possible.  You have a higher probability of catching a vandal if you have cameras that are vandal resistant.

When installs cannot be completed because of an overlooked connector, the install can’t be completed. So when ordering equipment, for each camera run, you have to think about power and video.

There are many different BNC connectors and baluns.  The type and brand are not important.  For now just remember to get two (2) per camera run.

POWER LEADS

Power can be a little more complicated.  If the camera has a female power lead on it (which ALL 12v and some dual voltage cameras do) then a male power lead is required for EACH camera.  24 volt and some dual voltage cameras have terminal blocks on them and do not require power leads.

If you are using a plug in power supply at the DVR for the cameras then you will need a female power lead for EACH camera.  If you are using a power supply box with terminals, female power leads will not be necessary.

BALUNS FOR CAT5

For Cat 5 power cable, each side of the run needs a balun for video transmission.  One balun will go into the camera and a second will go into the DVR.  For one camera you need 2, for 4 cameras you need eight, etc.  To supply power, you may need male and or female power leads depending on the power supply and camera.

BNC FOR SIAMESE

For Siamese cable, each side of the run needs a BNC connector for video transmission.  One BNC will go into the camera and a second will go into the DVR. For one camera you need 2, for 4 cameras you need eight, etc.  To supply power, you may need male and or female power leads depending on the power supply and camera.

A word of advice to close, when in doubt buy extra. You need 8 BNC connectors, buy 10.   For power leads, you may ask one of our technicians. If you are unsure whether a camera needs it or not it is better to just get them and if you need 8 get 10.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at 877-523-2288.

Fixed lens cameras have a set field of view and cannot be manipulated to produce a wider or narrower angle. These lenses are generally found as 3.6mm, 4.3mm, 8mm, 12mm, etc. The higher the number of focal length, the more telephoto the image and the narrower the angle of view.  However, this has nothing to do with the actual size of the lens itself. You can obtain a 3.6mm lens which can range in physical size from 1mm (on a micro pinhole type camera) to the size of a soda can (for much larger security type cameras).

Variable focus (or varifocal) lens cameras allow the user to modify the field of view from its widest most panoramic to the narrowest and most telephoto views that it is capable of. Some lenses provide a 3.5-8mm (widest at 3.5mm and most telephoto at 8mm)- whereas others may provide 5-50mm for a super zoom in ability.

Many are set up to interface with a variety of optional lenses. However, there are also cameras with built-in lenses that cannot be removed or replaced. The removable lens cameras are referred to as “C” or “CS” mount because those are the type/ size which are security industry standards. Many lens choices are available and the decision should be based on actual requirements for the application. For instance, if a wide field of view is required, there may be no reason to include a feature which allows a zoom to a tighter shot.

It should also be noted that not all varifocal cameras are not weatherproof and some will require a suitable enclosure for outdoor use. However, we do carry these outdoor housings, including those with built-in heater/ blower. Please check out all our security cameras here.

Very often in the selection of a security system we tend to focus on only the DVR Type, Camera Type, Camera Placement, In-door vs. Out-door, Resolution. But one major point, in deciding what type of cameras would be best for your application, we have to over look the type of power that is needed for the camera to operate properly. This is something that not only can burn out your cameras but burn a hole in your wallet if not fully researched properly.
Most cameras tend to run on 12V/DC but there are a lot of cameras that operate on 24V/AC as well. It’s important that if adding to an existing system or in creation of a new system that you research the power supply and the type of voltage that is need for the cameras. Asking your vendor would be a great way to confirm your findings. Another important factor is the amount of AMPs your camera runs. A camera with IR (Infrared) will at times run higher amps. It’s important you have enough power going to all cameras to support this as well.

So while Resolution and Lens type are important factors to deciding what type of camera fits best for your application make sure that you are covering all aspects of the surveillance system and nothing is more important than knowing what kind of power supply is needed and how much power should be distributed to the cameras.

We would love to help you with your current system or discuss with you a new system. Please call us at 877-523-2288.

A bullet camera is a type of security camera that is generally in the shape of a cylinder. They usually range in size from as large as a pop can to as small as a tube of lipstick. Today bullet cameras are more popular than ever due to the fact that bullet cameras are generally cheaper than other security cameras and also they are very easy to install.

Why are they called bullet cameras?

A bullet camera is just the most common nickname for this type of camera. They are also called helmet cameras, micro video cameras and lipstick cameras. But the name that you see most, and that we prefer, is “Bullet Security Camera”. It received this nickname due to its strong resemblance to a bullets shell casing.

Bullet Cameras have become a mainstream security camera for a number of reasons. Bullet Cameras are one of the most cost effective solutions for CCTV monitoring. They can show images in both black and white and color. Also Bullet Cameras are known to have great image quality, which is essential for any security camera. They are also a very discrete security camera and usually average in size of only 2 to 3 inches long. Bullet Cameras are also able to function in both indoors and outdoors and are able to perform in low light and normal environments.

Bullet Cameras also come in a variety of prices. The cheapest start at just $57, for a very basic low quality camera and the best bullet cameras range around the price range of $250, for a high quality full color camera.

One of the main selling points for a Bullet Camera is they are just so easy to set-up. Almost all Bullet Cameras come with the camera already pre-assembled with the casing, the camera, the lens and the IR emitters already installed and put together. The only thing that you have to worry about is where you want to mount it.

If you would like more information about these cameras please call us at 877-523-2288.