The visual range of a security camera depends on a variety of features. Generally speaking, security cameras have a range of anywhere between 10 and 70ft during the day. Some advanced night-vision security cameras have a range of 100-200ft!
There are many features that can affect and impact your security camera's vision range, such as:
- Focal length
- Resolution
- Location
- Quality
Ultimately, the range of your security camera is important for your property's safety. If you want reliable and unwavering home security, then it is essential to get a security camera system that meets your needs and purposes.
For example, do you need to monitor a general area, or do you need a more refined view of faces, objects and particular spaces? All of these questions will help you determine what type of security camera you need.
Focal Length / Lens Size
In simple terms, the focal length of a security camera refers to the size of the lens. This is an extremely important factor in determining how far your security camera can see!
To remind you how lens size correlates to distance and viewing angle, remember these two tips...
- The smaller the lens, the wider the field of view: this means that the camera will give very clear images at a wide viewing angle, but it can't see clearly at great distances. This would be suitable if you're wanting to monitor a wide area.
- The larger the lens, the narrower the field of view: this means that the camera will provide clear images at a great distance, but the angles will be narrow. This would be suitable if you're wanting to accurately monitor a small area, such as a driveway.
There are two types of lenses that security cameras can have. These include:
- A fixed lens - a fixed lens is usually available in 2.8mm, 3.6mm, 4mm, 6mm, 12mm etc. Once you get a camera with a fixed lens, you will be unable to change it as it is fixed to the rest of the camera.
- A varifocal lens - this lens type is not fixed and can be adjusted to fit your needs. The lens can be adjusted between 2.8mm and 12mm - due to this, they can be more expensive than security cameras with fixed lenses.
Resolution
The higher the resolution, the clearer the image - it's as simple as that! With a higher resolution, your security camera's sensor is able to provide more pixels needed for the picture to generate a clear and clean image.
Nowadays, you don't have to sacrifice price for quality - you can easily get a high-resolution 4-8MP camera for an affordable price.
What does MP mean?
MP stands for Mega Pixels. If you purchase a 4MP security camera, then it means the picture generated will be made using 4 million pixels. With more pixels, the digital zoom will appear smoother and clearer, meaning you can identify objects and people from a distance.
Location
Before you decide which camera to buy, you need to be sure of the distance that you're trying to cover with the camera. Think about the height and where the camera is mounted - are there any blind spots?
If you are purchasing a wireless security camera, be wary of bricks, walls and large trees affecting the signal strength between the monitoring site and the camera.
Read More: Where's the Best Place to Put CCTV Cameras?
Quality
All of these factors contribute to your security camera's overall quality. Not all security cameras are manufactured equally, even thought they may be marketed the same. Look out for suppliers that offer after-sales service and have good reviews - these companies are far more reliable than unknown camera sellers.
If you stumble across a camera that claims the highest resolution at a small price, it's very likely that it's too good to be true. A good camera will have great hardware, quality sensors, and reliable software.
Could you benefit from a CCTV system?
Our CCTV systems include:
- PTZ cameras
- IP cameras and surveillance
- External CCTV Detection Units
- Digital video recording and network video recording
- Hard drive recorders
From conventional CCTV cameras to digital IP cameras, we can assist you in getting the most appropriate CCTV security system for your premises.
If you would like to discuss the best option for your property or business, contact us for a no-obligation quote below. Not sure what would be best for you? No problem - just fill out our security survey and we'll be in touch to recommend the best solution for your requirements.
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