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Color Security Cameras

Color security cameras are fast becoming the number one choice for home security.

Many people thinking about purchasing color cameras for home security also wonder if a black and white camera wouldn't be sufficient. Black and white security cameras are less expensive but there are a few things you should consider regarding their effectiveness when compared to color cameras.

The color security cameras that are integrated in a CCTV system work with the Charge Coupled Device (CCD) technology, which means that they convert the pictures captured by the camera lens into electronic data.

This provides good quality images that are less vulnerable to noise, and the technology used is not very expensive.

Most cameras used for surveillance and home security have a usable image size of between 1/4" and 1". The average image size is of around 1/4" or 1/3" and the CCTV market abounds in this type of camera.

If you wish to have better image quality in areas or times of day when there is very little ambient light, larger formats will perform better. Now let's have a look at the pros and cons of color security cameras and black and white cameras.

Color security cameras vs. black and white cameras.

Once color surveillance cameras were only used by corporations as they used more complicated and expensive technology than their black and white counterparts and few small businesses could afford them.

Color cameras were almost non-existent in home surveillance because of the cost factor. Today however, prices have dropped and the home security market has excellent offers on color cameras that most homeowners can afford.

Any security expert will tell you that a color camera is more effective since you can identify different colors, knowing the color of an intruder's shirt for example could be vital for identification.

On the other hand, black and white cameras are more suitable for poorly lit locations, but when it comes to indoor surveillance CCTV color cameras are perhaps the best choice. You can also find many color cameras that will easily switch from color to black and white when the light situation demands it.

Technical specs of color security cameras.

Whether you are considering high tech wireless color security cameras or the hardwired camera models, there are a few things you should look for.

Signal to noise ratio (S/N) - this is the balance between actual picture information and image noise, or static. A ratio of 40db shows that the signal is 100 times stronger than the noise, which produces an acceptable image quality and is about the average ratio. 60db produces excellent image quality while 30db is quite poor and not really recommended.

The camera itself is not the only element that can insert noise; a low light setting or poor wiring can introduce static into the system.

Resolution - this is one of the vital features of any security camera. The higher the resolution of the surveillance camera, the sharper are the pictures it produces.

Try to look for horizontal TV lines (TVL), with average numbers of around 350 to 400 TVL. High-resolution cameras may have 500 TLV or higher. If you have a camera model that you want to upgrade, you can do so for a reasonably modest cost. But before you purchase a hi-res camera or upgrade, make sure your video supports higher resolutions as well, otherwise you are just wasting your money.

Sensitivity to light - this feature is measured in lux. The lower the lux sensitivity, the better the camera sees in the dark. You can find plenty of color security cameras that have a lux sensitivity of 1 or 0.5 meaning that they perform well in dimly lit situations. With the aid of infrared lighting a camera can work with 0 LUX - in total darkness.

In summary. . .